If cleansing and moisturising are the basics of your skincare routine, face masks are at the other end of the spectrum—they’re far from essential, but they are great to have around for skincare emergencies or when you need to give your skin a quick fix. Indeed, choosing a face mask with the right ingredients to target your specific skin concerns can make an immediate difference to the look and feel of your skin, and one of the great things about face masks is that they can address any and every complexion concern. Stressed over breakouts? A clay-based mask can help to draw out congestion. Experiencing dehydration? A sheet mask will pack the moisture back into your skin. Want to target dullness? Brighten skin with a peel.
Of course, it’s important to manage expectations. Face masks are no one-stop wonders, nor will they have long-term benefits for your skin in the same way a serum or a professional treatment might, but they are one of the best ways to hit ‘reset’ and target concerns in the short term. “Face masks aren’t a necessity, but more of a ‘nice to have’ in your skincare routine,” says dermatologist Anjali Mahto. “But I would recommend that a solid basic skincare routine takes precedence. There’s not much point in using masks (especially expensive ones) if the basics of your skincare routine aren’t in place.”
It’s also important to understand how best to use them to avoid aggravating skin or triggering another issue. “I’d recommend only using an exfoliating mask once a week, whereas a hydrating one can be used two to three times per week if you like,” says Mahto. “If an exfoliating mask is used too often, it can cause disruption to the skin barrier which can then go on to cause even more issues.”
There are tonnes of different formula options to choose from—sheet, clay, gel, peel, cream, mud—but no matter how sore, stressed out, dehydrated, or tired your skin may be, there’s a face mask out there to help. Scroll down to discover the best face masks for every skin type and concern.
When my skin is feeling tight and dry, nothing turns it around so fast as this mask does—especially if applied before bed and left on overnight. It infuses skin with moisture, thanks to hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and avocado.
Clay-based masks are especially effective for oily skin because they absorb the excess oil from pores. While some can be a bit too drying and leave skin feeling tight and stripped, I particularly love this one for leaving skin soft and comfortable. It uses soft clays which are gentle on skin and don’t require excessive scrubbing to remove.
The hero ingredient in this cult face mask is manuka honey, which is renowned for its multitasking abilities to address everything from dryness and sensitivity to congested pores and inflammation. It’s perfect for restoring balance to skin that feels a bit all over the place.
On days when my skin looks dull and depleted, this mask never fails to provide an instant brightening boost.It combines exfoliating acids with an algae-derived form of vitamin C to even out skin tone. I love using this the night before an event or if I know I’m going to have my photo taken—it quite simply makes skin look like a healthier, brighter version of itself.
In my early twenties I experienced extremely stubborn and painful cystic acne—naturally, I tried just about every face mask I could get my hands on with claims to help with spots and breakouts. This was one of the few to make a real noticeable difference, and became my go-to because of how fast it worked. It’s instantly cooling upon application, so really helps to soothe sore skin and reduce inflammation.
Drunk Elephant’s face masks never fail to impress, and their latest launch is no exception. This radiance-boosting mask is packed with azelaic and salicylic acids which help to fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks, and other visible signs of photo damage. In addition, plant oils, ceramides, and niacinamide help to soothe and hydrate skin, so you’ll also see an instant glow.
The next best thing to an airbrush filter, this underrated clay mask has the uncanny ability to reduce the appearance of blackheads and enlarged pores after just one use. In addition, it also helps to smooth, soften, and brighten skin.
When skin not only looks lacklustre, but feels depleted too, this award-winning mask will come to the rescue. It simultaneously works to brighten, hydrate, and depuff, so skin is left radiant and renewed. Top tip: Use it as an eye mask if you wake up with puffiness.
Whether your redness is caused by irritation or breakouts, cica (also known as tiger grass) will help to both calm and soothe. This cooling gel mask works while you sleep to ensure redness is reduced by morning.
Based on the principal that effective hydration requires three steps—humectants, emollients, and occlusives—this two-step mask is the ultimate face mask for dehydrated skin. Humectants draw moisture in, while emollients prevent it from escaping and occlusives create a barrier on top to seal it all in. Rehydration, complete.
I can never quite put my finger on how to describe this mask—it’s somehow like sorbet, but softer and fluffier. It’s one of my favourites to use however, both because of how it feels (cooling and tingly) and the because of the effect it has upon skin. Think: brighter, softer, smoother, and lifted.
The last thing sensitive skin needs is excessive product application and reapplication—especially the scrubbing that can come with face mask removal. This soothing sheet mask is much safer option—it’s packed with ceramides which work to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce sensitivity.
Part scrub and part mask, this exfoliating treatment combines both physical exfoliation and enzyme exfoliation (derived from pineapple and papaya). Combined, they work together to smooth and soften skin. The effect is instant and majorly impressive.
This hardworking mask combines the brightening benefits of vitamin C with decongesting kaolin clay, exfoliating fruit acids, anti-inflammatory green tea, and hydrating glycerin. For skin that needs an all-round boost, it can’t be beaten.
Pollution affects skin in both the short term and the long term—either way, it’s important to ensure that skin is efficiently cleansed in order to prevent the unwanted side effects of living in a city. This soft clay mask does just that, utilising Japanese charcoal to absorb pollutant particles.
Leave it to pro MUA Charlotte Tilbury to create the ultimate skin-prepping face mask. In fact, ask any wedding makeup artist how they prep brides’ skin before the big day, and we can guarantee this sheet mask will be on their list. It hydrates, smoothes, and softens, so makeup applies perfectly.
Sometimes all you want is the kind of face mask you can slap on on a Sunday night, get into the bath, and chill out with. This Aesop clay mask is that mask—it deeply cleanses skin and smells like a spa, so you can see why it’s been a constant staple in my face mask arsenal for years.
