10 Masks That Will Change Your Life (Or At Least Your Skin)

If you’re going to add one thing to your skincare routine, it should be a face mask — that is, if you don’t use one already. They come in so many different incarnations and address so many specific issues that it’s next to impossible to choose just one to make a habit of. Whatever your skin worry, there’s a mask out there for you. Admittedly, it can be a bit difficult to decipher the seller jargon, especially with so many new, hyper-effective ingredients available on the market. I’ll take the guesswork out of it — here’s 10 masks that will change your life… or maybe just your skin.

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

Source: YouTube

Let me begin by saying that this is my holy grail of boyfriend-scaring face masks. It goes on black, and I mean really black — it is opaque. It’s made with a super-powerful clay that vacuums out dirt and oil from pores while shrinking them. This makes it mostly suitable for combination to oily skin, but if you’re normal to dry and experience some blackheads or impurities, it can work for you as well as it’s not at all drying. The best part about this mask is that once dry, it peels clean off, taking excess oil and grime with it. You’ll notice your newly radiant skin after the first use. [$34, Sephora]

Fresh Rose Face Mask

Source: Sephora

If you’ve yet to try this classic mask then, well, consider this your initiation ceremony. It’s an absolute must-have for any skin type, but it’s especially helpful for dry, stressed skin. The price may seem steep at first glance, but factor in three things: how much you get for the money (3.4 oz), how much of the product you’ll have to use (very little), and how ah-maaaazing your face will look after you use it (so amazing). This hydrating, toning gel consists of 50% pure rose water and contains pure rose petals. [$55, Sephora]

Alba Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask

Source: Bloglovin

This hypo-allergenic, 100% vegetarian mask is best suited for combination to oily faces, but it’s gentle enough to use on any skin type for a bit of enzymic exfoliating action. If you haven’t experimented with fruit acids yet, now is the time! Chemical exfoliation is more effective and less likely to cause irritation than physical exfoliation, like a scrub with grains. It also imparts a radiant, all-natural glow that can’t be achieved with most other products. [$12.95, drugstore.com]

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

Source: Depop

We’d all love to have a facial at Bliss once a week, but unfortunately it’s more of a pipe dream than a tangible goal. Their bottled oxygen-infused mask is the next best thing. I don’t know how exactly it works, but the thing is, it does. It also includes a super-powered form of vitamin C and antioxidants that release over time, all the ingredients you need for an at-home experience of, well, bliss. [$52, Sephora]

Philosophy Hope Springs Eternal Mask

Source: BB Cream Korean

If winter doldrums have your skin looking worse for the wear (I know mine does), this feature from Philosophy’s oh-so-appropriately named Hope collection is practically your prescription. This one, formulated with over 250 deep sea minerals, will deliver an instant fountain of youth-type glow to all skin types. [$25, Beauty Bar]

Ole Henriksen Blemish Attack Mask

Source: Beautylish

In my opinion, Ole Henriksen makes some of the, if not the, best products available on the market. For acne and blemish-prone skin, there’s nothing better than his anti-inflammatory mask that repairs and heals irritated skin while fighting breakouts, absorbing impurities, and reducing sebum. [$32, Beauty Bar]

Nuxe Masque Frais Hydratant

Source: Le Bonheur d’être une fille

This French skincare brand is a fine choice, given its botanical ingredients and luxurious formulas. This cream mask, suitable for all skin types, moisturizes and soothes while refreshing and revitalizing the contours of the face. [$30, Space NK]

Eminence Eight Greens Phyto Masque

Source: Pinterest

Warning: this mask is not for the faint of heart. Once applied, the formula quickly heats up to stimulate circulation and regenerate the surface of the skin. It’s all-natural, and it will not actually burn you, but it becomes very hot and can gives the face a flushed, red look for up to ten minutes after use. Once that subsides, you’ll be left with completely refreshed, newly healthy skin. This mask delivers. Worth it! [$53.50, Skin Botanica]

Giovanni D:tox Purifying Facial Mask

Source: Qoo10

I’m a big fan of this natural brand’s entire D:tox skincare line, which I purchase at Whole Foods. This mask is best for the oil-prone but is immensely effective for any skin type in need of some purifying (city-dwellers, I’m looking at you). This is one of the least drying masks of its kind that I’ve ever used, but the volcanic ash and activated charcoal in the formula will have your skin looking cleaner and clearer than ever before. [$9.95, Giovanni Cosmetics]

Nude Miracle Mask

Source: The Sunday Girl

Sometimes, you just have to bring out the big guns, and that’s where this self-proclaimed miracle mask comes in. It’s perfect for all skin types, with the exception of the uber-sensitive, who may take offense to the alpha hydroxyl acids in the formula. For everyone else, though, this mask all at once gently exfoliates, moisturizes, lightens dark spots, firms, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, <i>and</i> increases collagen production. With so many benefits, the price is looking almost… reasonable? Not to mention, the simple design sensibilities of the dispenser will look oh-so-mod on your vanity.

Original by: Rachel Krause