Nothing beats a face mask when it comes to the most indulgent step in your skin-care routine. From deep-cleansing to brightening, soothing, or ultra-hydrating, these heavenly face masks deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to treat skin type and concern. Here are my favourites, says editor Trudi Brewer.
Image BeautyEQ
Face masks are always in the spotlight for all the right reasons. if you want to transform your complexion, read on to find your mask match.
100 per cent natural
Nude by Nature Hydrating Facial Mask, $35.
This mask brings nature-to-your skin with its 100 per cent natural formula. Ideal for dull, dry and sensitive skin, it’s stacked with that moisture magnet, hyaluronic acid, kangaroo paw flower and sea kelp extracts that strengthen the skin’s barrier to keep nasties out and moisture in. It’s clean skincare that gives your face an enviable glow.
To use: Apply a thick layer to clean skin, avoid the eye area, and leave for 15 minutes. Or, if your skin is extremely dry, you can leave it on overnight and then cleanse in the morning.
Banish Breakouts
Tailor POLISH FACIAL MASK & SCRUB, $35.
Award-winning for all the right reasons. This home-grown facial in a tube will help banish breakouts and unclog pores. Made with New Zealand bentonite clay, coconut and glycerin to clear and cleanse every pore, salicylic acid and pumice powder to gently remove dead skin cells to leave your complexion looking brighter and fresher. This clever mask also doubles as a spot treatment for healing breakout. It’s epic.
To use: For exfoliating, apply to wet skin and gently massage or as a mask, apply weekly to clean skin. As a spot treatment - press into breakouts and leave on overnight.
Smooth & hydrate
Summer Fridays R+R Mask, $92.
The subtle scent of rose oil, with antioxidants including argan, safflower, sesame avocado and grade seed oils, make this mask a rich and creamy skin treat. If your skin is dehydrated and looks dull, this mask will sort that fast.
To use: Apply on dry clean skin to the face, neck and décolletage. Leave for 10 minutes, and remove with a warm damp washcloth.
Overnight moisture surge
Dr. LeWinns ULTRA R4 COLLAGEN SURGE OVERNIGHT SLEEP MASK, $85.
This high-tech overnight mask has a dual-chamber dispenser to isolate a collagen plumping serum and peptide energising gel to preserve the purity and potency of both. It also helps with sleep, thanks to DreamScentz, and Dawnergy acts as a 'cellular alarm clock', helping your skin look radiant when you wake. At the same time, Synchrolife counteracts the harmful effects of digital pollution or blue light, something we are all subjected to from our screens. Antioxidants include passionflower, safflower, jojoba, macadamia, and coffee and vitamins B3 (niacinamide), B5 and C, and a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid, which rounds off what is a phenomenal anti-ageing formula.
To use: Dry, dull skin will adore this mask. Pump in the centre to dispense both serums evenly. Blend onto your fingertips and apply a thin layer to your face and neck. If you love a lazy beauty hack, this is a brilliant ten-minute skin pick-me-up before a big night or overnight to replace your night cream twice a week.
Super soother
Avène SOOTHING RADIANCE MASK, $40.
For anyone who suffers from sensitive skin, you must try Avene skincare. Each product is infused with Avène’s unique thermal spring water that hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier including this mask. Add the antioxidant-rich, formula with natural berry extract and vitamin E, and you have a skin mask that will cocoon your dry, tight-feeling, itchy red skin and help restore it back to normality.
To use: Apply a thick layer on your face, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then remove excess with a cotton pad. Finish with a spritz of Avène Thermal Spring Water.
Brightening & plumping
Sugar Baby IT'S ALL BRIGHT BRIGHTENING & SKIN RECOVERY MASK, $34.
An investment in ageing skin, this is a luxurious, glow-giving mask infused with the best antioxidants. Including Kakadu plum, vitamin C, coconut, green tea, 24 karat colloidal gold and caffeine, a potent blend that calms, brightens and hydrates to leave skin looking dewy and radiant. And like all clean vegan skincare, it’s without the nasties, like alcohol, parabens, and mineral oil, and it’s fragrance-free.
Ideal for Christmas gifting.