As part of our current collective obsession with self-care, masking (no, not that kind) has reached new heights. Everyone and their Instagram-savvy grandmother is doing it. So, which one do you go for? Old school clay, painted on with a brush, or the latest serum, wrapped up in a face-shaped sheet? Well, it depends on how you feel, and even more importantly, on how your skin is feeling at that particular moment. And that’s part of the joy of masking right there: the focus is on immediate results, not the long term. Remember, a mask is a quick boost, not a replacement for a good routine; it’s a jewel-toned satin sandal, not your favourite perfectly cut tee. So just as one always needs a few shoe options, let us present your new curated masking wardrobe, with an option for every mood.
When you want glow, and your skin feels up to the challenge
The brightening capabilities of Oskia’s rose-scented, peach-hued mask, which contains both enzymes and AHAs for serious chemical exfoliation, have to be seen to be believed. It works well enough as intended, but I share with you now a pro-tip for application derived from instead of gently patting it on, instead apply it like you would a cleanser, rubbing it in vigorously. In doing so, the product will transform from peach to opaque white, which, when removed, will reveal a newly soft, high wattage visage.
Once upon a time, SK-II made us all want to use sheet masks any time, anywhere. (Remember back to the distant past when you used to fly, and would give your poor seatmate a heart attack thinking they’d sat next to Michael Myers? Ah, memories…) For a while there, it seemed they were taking over. But do they actually outperform traditional masks? And what about the environmental concerns they raise (most masks, along with the individual sachets they are housed in, are neither readily recyclable nor biodegradable), fit issues (there is truly no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to our faces), and general gripes that they’re too fiddly, too messy, too wet, and don’t really allow for talking or eating (my two favourite past times). I am ultimately a much bigger fan of traditional masks, but will acquiesce that sheet masks do allow a large dose of serum to stay in contact with the skin, where it would otherwise just drip off without the sheet holding it in place. One of the most impressive in the category is which contains plant and fruit extracts high in vitamin C. These ingredients mean it gives great glow, and as part of your prep before a wedding or other major daytime event where you want to be truly luminous, it is an excellent option. However, it may prove too much for those with easily upset skin, so if that sounds like you, read on.
When you want glow, but your skin is sensitive
If your skin is in need of a little boost but is feeling tetchy, is a great option. It’s particularly incredible, if not also a little upsetting, to you use this when your skin is particularly dehydrated: you can actually see your face drink it in, before rather rudely demanding reapplication. The creamy gel texture is fairly unusual in a mask and one I’d like to see more of, as it feels immediately cooling and refreshing, and will suit a wide variety of skin types. Despite the product name and inclusion of various flower extracts, the scent isn’t particularly floral but rather softly sweet; regardless, it fades quickly. You can expect to look brighter and more hydrated immediately after use, which makes this a particularly good choice prior to makeup application. If you’re after a more affordable shot of hydration, is a smart pick: it revitalises the skin while also bringing down redness and evening out skin tone.
