It’s day who-can-remember of social distancing. Like many of you, I’ve been using this whole quarantine situation as an excuse to give my skin a serious breather. I haven’t worn makeup in the last two months, except for a little lipstick and liner a few times (and that lifted up my mood for sure!)
Skincare is a different story though! I’ve been using this downtime to ramp up my skincare (more like self-care for me!) routine and have been doing a lot of masking lately, at least 3-4 times every week. There is nothing like the feeling of post-mask skin smoothness for that feel-good-factor! Not only does it help me de-stress but my skin has been in a happier state too because of this extra TLC…now that’s a win-win situation!
Sometimes, I do a double masking session where I first use a face mask to exfoliate/deep cleanse, followed by something smoothing and hydrating. No better time than now to double down on pampering your skin!
So, let’s get to my current favorite face masks that I’ve been reaching for most! Is there any better combo than wine, Netflix and mask? Nope!!
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial ($80)
Drunk Elephant’s Babyfacial is probably my all-time favorite mask. This at-home “facial” contains a whopping 25% AHAs (glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids) and 2% BHA (salicylic acid) blend that resurfaces skin as it exfoliates, smooths skin texture and gets the grime out of your pores!
Even better, this AHA/BHA peel is power-packed with a soothing antioxidant complex, Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid plus chickpea flour for brightening. Basically, it’s a supercharged mask that really does everything. It exfoliates, hydrates and brightens leaving my skin super-soft, supple and glowing in just 20 minutes!
Sure, it’s pretty pricey, but costs way less than a professional peel treatment or facial and comes close to delivering the same results. It’s undoubtedly one of the BEST face masks for dull skin! I love how it makes my skin look so glowy-smooth! You may want to steer clear though if you have really sensitive skin.
Fleur & Bee Prince Charcoal Natural Detox Mask ($18)
Most of the deep-cleansing charcoal masks I’ve tried are too drying or harsh for my naturally dry skin, but not this one! It’s gentle and gets my skin nice and clean without drying it out.
Besides the pretty packaging, this natural detoxifying facial mask touts a long list of stellar ingredients like activated coconut charcoal, detoxifying kaolin clay, lactic and glycolic acid, rosehip and jojoba oil, squalane, organic reishi mushroom plus soothing green tea, aloe vera and licorice extract. Yes, all the good stuff and at an affordable price that’s nice!
It helps draw out impurities, unclogs pores and gets rid of dead skin build-up to leave skin instantly smoother and refreshed. This mask is fantastic when you need a good deep clean! Cruelty free.
Masque Bar Gold Hydrogel Eye Mask ($18.99 for 30-pack)
You know the meme that says, “These bags under my eyes are Chanel”? Funny, but IRL dark circles are no joke! Thankfully, I have these gel under-eye masks that help brighten skin and de-puff tired eyes for an instantly refreshing pick-me-up.
Not only are these eye masks so soothing but they are also very moisturizing. Enriched with ultra-hydrating snail extract, gold, cucumber extract and skin-soothing adenosine, they help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
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Not to mention, they have such a pretty golden hue! I like to leave them on for about half an hour (20 minutes is the min recommendation) Also, I keep these in the refrigerator for a cooling, ultra-refreshing feeling. They are perfect for anybody like me who is struggling with dark circles…I am totally hooked!
Formula 10.0.6 Bright Side Vitamin C Resurfacing Alpha Hydroxy Acid Mask ($14)
This is one of my new favorite drugstore masks! It’s like a mild (and super affordable!) version of DE BabyFacial with 8% alpha hydroxy acid to brighten and smooth skin texture.
It also contains vitamin C, panthenol (vitamin B5), grape seed and chamomile extract plus meadowfoam seed oil for a healthy dose of soothing moisture. Just leave it on for 10 minutes for super smooth skin!
Of course, it doesn’t have as many good-for-your-skin ‘extras’ like potent antioxidants and plant extracts as BabyFacial but for under $15, this one is practically a skincare steal! And since it has a much lower amount of glycolic acid (8%), it would be a better option for those with sensitive skin!
nügg Beauty Aqua Boost Hydrating Gel Mask ($9.99)
Another oldie but a goodie that I love! This is a lightweight yet hydrating gel mask that works its magic in just 10 minutes! Sometimes I like using it as a sleep mask for an overnight moisture boost. In the morning, my skin feels very soft and supple.
It can also be applied in a thin layer as a moisturizer or primer in the morning. I have also been using it on my hands that have become dry from over washing and it really makes a difference!
The formula is infused with a lot of nourishing ingredients like camellia seed oil, rosehip oil, olive oil, grape seed oil and aloe juice. It’s great for all skin types but especially good for dry, distressed skin. It comes in a spout pouch with over 30+ uses per pouch! Also perfect for gym or travel. Cruelty-free.
Good Science Beauty Purifying Face Mask ($55)
My skin is dry yet acne-prone (soooo frustrating!) and this mask is one of my go-to’s when those annoying breakouts start showing up.
I love using this mask because it’s designed to purify and moisturize at the same time. It’s packed with kaolin and bentonite clays to help clear out clogged pores as well as willow bark extract to gently exfoliate and reduce inflammation. Plus, it also contains skin-soothing Niacinamide, amino acids and Oligopeptide-10 (an antimicrobial peptide that helps neutralize harmful toxins)
Seriously, this is the most gentle purifying mask I’ve tried that also manages to hydrate skin! It helps reduce blemishes and excess oil, and clarifies skin without drying it out. It has a creamy texture that’s easy to apply. I just leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and my skin feels smooth, firm and lightly hydrated…not at all dry or tight! This one is also cruelty-free.
DefenAge Skincare 2-Minute Reveal Masque ($55)
This is a gentle, warming exfoliating mask designed to provide both chemical and mechanical resurfacing without irritation. Infused with a blend of papaya, pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes plus ultra-fine sugar crystals, it polishes and refines, removing dead skin cells for smoother skin texture in just 2 minutes.
This creamy masque does not contain any abrasives or polyethylene and polypropylene (microbeads) and uses only ultra-fine sugar crystals (eco-friendly) that dissolve completely when massaged onto skin. When used once or twice a week, this mask helps refresh and brighten dull skin. It’s also fragrance-free and cruelty-free.
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