photo credit: Isabell Winter
In the quest for the holy grail of serums and moisturisers for flawless skin, we often pay the least attention to choosing the right type of face mask. After all, a mask pretty much does the same thing, right? Wrong. Using the wrong mask for our skin can exacerbate the very concern that we are trying to balance. Just like curating our skin care rituals to suit our skin concerns, so too, should the humble face mask be carefully selected.
Why use a face mask?
If a glowing complexion is on your wish list, a face mask should be at the top of your to-do list. Whether you have a window of 10 minutes to spare, or an evening to lay back and indulge I can’t encourage you enough, to create the space, once a week (consecutively for a month) and you’ll be jumping for joy at the difference you see in your skin.
Masks come in all sorts of different forms – from creams to clays to gels and from powders to honey to mud. There’s a mask to suit just about every skin concern, whether you’re wanting to: do a deep cleanse; remove excess oil; soften, hydrate and smooth fine lines; brighten a dull complexion; or simply improve the appearance and texture of your skin for a gorgeous glow.
How often should I apply a face mask?
Once a week. It’s the perfect opportunity to gift yourself a moment of me-time. Ten minutes is all it takes. Even if you’re ironing at the same time.
Our favourite face masks for different skin concerns
CLAY BASED MASKS
Deeply cleansing, clay masks help to remove excess oil, pull toxins from the skin and body, smooth, tighten and revitalise tired skin, whilst helping to minimise the appearance of pores. Certain clays (such as bentonite) are more suited to help balance oily skin conditions, where as other clays (such as rhassoul) can help to reduce dryness and flakiness, as well as improving skin elasticity and firmness. The golden rule to remember when using a clay mask is to NOT let it dry out completely. NEVER allow the mask to tighten so much that it flakes off. Why? Because that mask is sucking out all the moisture from the surface of your skin leaving it dehydrated, irritated and crying out for moisture. If you do wish to keep that clay mask on for a little longer, then keep an organic face mist (eg. rose water) close by so you can spritz over the mask when you feel it tightening and drying. Another tip: when mixing the powdered clay mask to form a paste, please do NOT use municipal tap water. Use a face mist instead (eg. rose water or neroli water).
EARTH WISE BEAUTY sun god face mask, $60.00
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MOROCCAN NATURAL rhassoul clay, $10.50
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CREAMY, BALM AND HONEY BASED MASKS
Rich in plant oils and botanical extracts, creamy and balm-based masks can be intensely nourishing, hydrating and calming, delivering antioxidants and other skin-loving ingredients to help stimulate cell renewal and collagen production to plump, firm and refresh the skin. Honey, on the other hand, is antibacterial, antimicrobial, moisturising, and balancing. It contains beneficial compounds which absorb free radicals and help minimise the appearance of fine lines.
LA FERVANCE eclat extraordinaire, $295.00
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LIVING LIBATIONS royal rose honey mask, $49.50
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VESTIGE VERDANT organic peat mask, $69.00
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PEARL POWDER BASED MASKS
Highly-revered during ancient times, pearl powder promotes the regeneration of new skin cells, increases collagen levels that help to firm and smooth the skin, promoting radiance and luminosity. Pearl Powder also helps to speed healing with it’s antimicrobial properties renowned for helping to reduce the appearance of blotches, acne scarring, dry patches and rosacea as well as addressing sun damage. For the ultimate skin treat, combine pure pearl powder with a whipped up egg white (organic, cage-free of course) and a drop of fresh organic lemon juice.
LIVING LIBATIONS rosemary reset powder, $49.50
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MOROCCAN NATURAL pure pearl powder, $45.85
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HAVE YOU TRIED ANY OF THESE MASKS? WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE?
Our brand and product selection is based on thorough research, based on 20+ years of industry experience. If we are not certain that an ingredient is safe and effective at bringing about desired results, we won’t stock the product. ‘Natural’ and ‘organic’ products and online shops are becoming more prevalent these days. Whilst this is great, it also is rather confusing, as many ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ brands out there contain toxic ingredients that sound ‘natural’ or ‘naturally-derived’ but are indeed irritating to the skin and internal organs. If you are unsure about any ingredient, product or brand, please don’t hesitate to get in touch in the comment box below.
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