From hydrating to healing, shrinking open pores and giving skin that instant pick-me-up, here’s a mask to suit every budget, skin type and age, says Editor Trudi Brewer.
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A face mask is not only the most luxurious way to pamper your skin; it's the fastest way to rejuvenate it. Consider this beauty duty the best 'vehicle' to deliver 'actives' to the skin that hydrate, correct irritations and clear blocked pores, enhancing the overall quality of your complexion. Here is how to find the mask for any skincare concern from Life Pharmacy.
PROBLEM: FINE LINES AND WRINKLES
SOLUTION: AN ANTI-AGEING MASK
Shiseido Vital Perfection Lift Define Radiance Face Mask 6 in the pack, $219.
One of the luxurious masks on the market, this luxe-y flexible, V-shaped sheet mask hugs the face (both upper and lower) to infuse the skin with the very best ingredients from science and nature. From the Jujuba fruit extracts (a Japanese delicacy an apple-like sweet fruit) to Damascena rose, lavender, olive, and safflower oils, as well as Shiseido's ReNeura Technology++. This complex helps strengthen the skins receptors, enhancing their ability to adjust to the climate and daily changes in our skin.
To use: Two or three times a week, on clean skin, before serums and moisturisers. Remove masks after 10 minutes, and press any excess into the skin.
PROBLEM: DRY, DEHYDRATED SKIN
SOLUTION: A MOISTURE-BOOSTING MASK
Dermalogica Melting Moisture Masque, $118.
If you're battling that dry, tight-feeling on the skin, this warming mask is activated by the heat of your skin. With a technology known as 'MeltingPoint Complex,' this rich buttery formula melts into your complexion in minutes. Stacked with micro-algae, seed and nut oils, jojoba esters, linoleic acid, and vitamin E, it delivers intense hydration to soothe the skin for days. To use: Apply to clean skin and leave on for ten minutes, and then tissue excess off. It’s also a mask you can leave on the skin and sleep in it overnight.
PROBLEM: IRRITATED, SENSITIVE SKIN
SOLUTION: A SKIN-STRENGTHENING MASK
Elizabeth Arden Superstart Probiotic Boost Skin Renewal Biocellulose Mask, four per pack, $95.
The probiotic formula in these sheet masks is made from bio-cellulose derived from coconut water. Once steeped in a blend in glycerin, caffeine, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, sodium hyaluronate (the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid), as well as the famous Elizabeth Arden ceramides 1,3 and 6, it soothes and brightens, minimizes the look of open pores, and helps strengthen the skin to outside aggressors.
To use: Lay onto the skin once or twice a week, and leave on for 15-20 minutes.
PROBLEM: OILY, ACNE-PRONE SKIN
SOLUTION: A CLAY MASK
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clay Mask, $30.
This gentle face mask helps regulate oil flow and unclog blocked pores if you suffer from breakouts, or acne-prone, shiny skin. Formulated with gentle kaolin and Argilla clays, corn starch, vitamin B5, magnesium, glycerin and cellulose beads that together gently exfoliate the skin while eliminating excess oil. Not only will it leave your skin feeling ultra-clean, but your complexion is also sporting a flattering matte glow. To use: Apply a light layer over the skin, wait five minutes and rinse off with warm water. Avoid the eye and lip area.
PROBLEM: DULL SKIN
SOLUTION: AN INSTANT PICK-ME-UP
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask, one per pack $42.
If your skin needs a hydrating glow-giving boost, this heat-sensitive hydrogel mesh mask melts into a gel-fluid serum once it hits your skin. Stacked with probiotics, including Bifida ferment and yeast extract, wheat protein, castor oil, and the protein-peptide (line-smoothing) arginine. Together these ingredients brighten and firm the skin.
To use: Lay the mask onto clean skin gel side down, and leave it on for up to 30 minutes. Press the excess gel into the face, neck and decollete.