A great face mask can cure all your skin needs. Dry and dehydrated? Feeling a bit jaded and dull from lack of vitamin D? Simply in need of five minutes of self-care? Nothing beats a Sunday-evening face mask moment to tackle any of the above. It’s one of the easiest ways to get that post-facial glow at home and the perfect way to unwind.
But which mask to choose? The industry is overflowing with options, so we’ve gone to experts, ever-glowy celebs, and beauty insiders to bring you an edit of masks that people have only ever described as the best. These are the cult classics. From pre–award ceremony sheet masks to pre-wedding concoctions, they have been trusted to bring the glow for some of the most important events, so you know you can’t really go wrong.
Chrissy Teigen has announced her love for GlamGlow’s masks multiple times on her social media, and we don’t think we’ve ever seen a beauty product pop up on as many accounts as Summer Fridays’ tubes have. Victoria Beckham’s favourite Dr. Barbara Sturm mask? Yep, that’s in here. And of course, Charlotte Tilbury’s A-list-approved sheet masks. Keep scrolling to shop the most luxurious DIY facial situations for any budget.
This relatively new brand’s fan base already includes Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashion West and hairstylist to the stars Jen Atkin. Not to mention the countless bathroom shelfies we’ve seen this product featured in on Instagram. Its original Jet Lag Mask was a cult winner for the weary traveller (Lucy Williams loves it), and this second product, a gently exfoliating number, is supposedly even better, leaving you with a dreamy after-glow.
The aforementioned original Summer Fridays product, this particular mask is an absolute hit among beauty editors and celebs (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is a big fan of the brand). Not only does it make for the most glow-giving, plumping, moisturising skin treatment, but it also doubles as an intensive moisturiser for days when skin is feeling a little drier.
This is Chrissy Teigen’s favourite, as seen on her above. Yes it’s silver, and the brand’s packaging can sometimes seem quite garish, but that doesn’t mean it’s a gimmicky product, so don’t overlook this one. Not only does Chrissy’s glowing skin attest to that, but I have always been recommended this by makeup artists as well.
The first sheet mask on our list, and it’s far from your average. Rather than being on the messy side, this celeb favourite is dry and does what it says on the tin: magic. It’s infused with a formula that hydrates, tightens and brightens skin in 15 minutes. Don’t ask us how, but yes, it really works.
This Origins classic is the ultimate charcoal mask. Loved by insiders, active charcoal acts as a magnet to draw out toxins and impurities. If you’re feeling clogged up by the environment or like your skin needs a little bit of life, this is the mask for you.
Charlotte Tilbury herself used this to prep Amal Clooney’s skin pre-wedding. And Sienna Miller’s skin pre-Oscars. So, yes, basically, it’s a good one.
Glossier is obviously a cult favourite of the moment, but it’s not just the packaging and pink we’re obsessed with. This deeply cleansing clay mask washes away those day-to-day impurities that easily build up, and unlike some, this detoxifying max doesn’t leave the skin feeling stripped but adds a hydrated glow.
So many A-listers rave about Dr. Barbara Sturm I’ve lost count. It was Victoria Beckham’s endorsement of this luxurious face mask that tipped it for me, though. (Who wouldn’t want a piece of her age-defying skin routine?) She wrote on her Instagram, “This face mask is incredible and natural! I actually sleep with it on for extra hydration.” Perfect for winter protection.
If you prefer a classic, more obviously hydrating sheet mask, Sarah Chapman’s 3D Moisture Infusion Mask is the ultimate. The list of Chapman’s famous clients is long, to say the least: Meghan Markle, Naomi Watts, Uma Thurman, Gigi Hadid and Jourdan Dunn to name just a few. These masks, which work out to be around £11 each, are a great way to get in on the VIP action.
Another firm celebrity favourite. Though it’s on the pricier end of the scale, the number of times we’ve been recommended this makes us think it must be worth the investment. January Jones, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Amber Heard are all fans.
Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair serum has long been a cult beauty classic. This sheet mask version is perfect for an immediate boost for those times your skin needs extra attention. Monikh has championed these on her Instagram, and we all know how glowy her skin is.
This buttery balm is a favourite in the Who What Wear office, and with the number of products that the team tries out, it means a lot when one stands out. This mask has been described as a spa in a jar, reducing the visibility of fine lines and enhancing cell turnover for renewed and balanced skin. Heavenly.
These sheet masks have a real cult following and rightly so. They seem to always have just the right amount of serum, making for a mess-free, comfortable masking experience. This particular sheet is the perfect way to prep skin and bring out its glow before a big event.
This particular face mask has been on the scene for a while now, but it’s still just as good now as it always was. Popular among skincare buffs far and wide, this potent exfoliating mask leaves skin so smooth and radiant you’ll never look back.
