Face Masks... Do They Work?
So today I will be discussing the wonderful world of face masks! :)
For those of you who have never tried them, they are basically formulas with different ingredients which do different things, such as moisturising, deep cleansing, anti-blemish, nourishing, refreshing etc. As I have stated in previous posts it's all about finding the right one for your skin type and skincare needs. For example, I have a mud mask which is anti-blemish and targets oily spot prone skin (more on that later!). Face masks are usually a weekly skincare solution and should by no means be a substitute for washing your face. Most masks will clearly state that you should cleanse your skin before applying it.
There are so many different varieties of face masks with different formulas and ingredients. I find that the most skin-friendly ones have ingredients derived from natural extracts, as they are gentler on the skin. Too many chemical nasties are damaging and may cause an allergic reaction. Therefore I would always check the ingredients in a face mask before buying and if you don't recognise any of them... avoid, avoid, avoid!
To give you an idea on what face masks are all about, here are a countdown of 5 masks that I have personally trialed and tested, in order of preference...
#5- Antioxidants Pomegranate Facial Sheet Mask (Australia, $3/£1.69)
Ingredients: Pomegranate.
Benefits: Soothing and cleansing with a fragrant aroma.
Verdict: I found that the sheet didn't have holes big enough for my mouth and eyes, causing the essence to get in my eyes. I also didn't feel like it did anything for my skin as it looked and felt exactly the same and wasn't noticeably softer either. The upside is that it smelt lovely!
#4- Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask (The Body Shop, £17)
Ingredients: Japanese matcha tea, dandelion extract and Community Trade aloe vera.
Benefits: Radiant skin, removes pollutants and impurities.
Verdict: I love how natural and organic this product is, however I found it made my skin sting after just a couple of minutes of applying it. I didn't have a bad reaction, it just gave me some initial discomfort. I also didn't like how grainy the formula was as it didn't dry like a normal face mask where your skin feels tight. After washing it off my skin did feel thoroughly cleansed, however it didn't make my skin feel any softer.
#3- Manuka Honey Peel-Off Mask (Superdrug, 99p)
What it does: This mask replenishes and soothes by gently removing dead skin cells and impurities to reveal a radiant and smooth complexion.
Ingredients: Manuka honey, chamomile and jasmine flower.
Benefits: Nourishes and moisturises.
Verdict: I don't normally like honey but I got sent it as a present, so tried it out then bought a couple more. I didn't like the sticky texture however I enjoyed peeling it off! It took alot longer than 10 minutes to dry and by 20 minutes parts of it were still wet so I had to remove the rest of it with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water. On the plus side my skin felt very soft and smooth afterwards.
#2- Tea Tree Deep Cleansing Mud Mask (Superdrug, 99p)
What it does: This mask is enriched with tea tree oil, known for its purifying and anti-bacterial properties, to promote a clearer and more radiant complexion. It also helps to draw out excess dirt and oil, whilst refreshing the skin.
Ingredients: Tea tree oil, peppermint oil and kaolin (natural clay).
Benefits: A gentle and effective solution for oily, spot prone skin.
Verdict: I loved the fresh tingly feeling when I applied it and was very impressed by how quickly it dried, as I've found other masks to take abit longer. My skin felt silky soft when I washed it off and like it had been properly pampered!
#1- Quick Fix Facials Anti-Blemish Mud Mask (Boots, £5.29)
What it does: It cleanses the skin by drawing out impurities and unclogging the pores, whilst replenishing the skin. Ideal for oily, spot prone skin.
Ingredients: Green Clay + kaolin, willow bark and blueberry extract.
Benefits: Purifies and deeply cleanses by removing excess dirt and oil.
Verdict: I love this product soooo much! After washing it off it leaves my skin feeling super soft, deeply cleansed and extremely refreshed. I have nothing bad to say about it and will definitely be repurchasing when it runs out. It says on the tube that there's enough for 10 applications, however I've had mine for about a year and have used it a multitude of times.
In conclusion, I think that face masks are a great way to relax and unwind, as well as making your skin feel rejuvenated and pampered... or whatever it says it does on the packet! Just make sure to check the ingredients, that it matches your skin type and that it meets your skincare needs :) You may have to try a few until you find the right ones, but hopefully this post has taken out abit of the guess work and encouraged you to try them out for yourself!
Who Cares, We Care, Skincare! :)
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