Best Masks
Alya Skin Clay Mask
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I haven't broken out like this since high school! – I purchased the micellar cleanser, miracle moisture and vitamin c serum. Prior to this my skin wasn't bad, por3s and blackheads as normal but pimples… Read more
were really really rare. I decided to move on from an expensive skin care routine to alya after a recommendation - worst decision ever. I haven't broken out this bad since high school and I'm now 36! These aren't just normal pimples either, they are big, red and sore! I've been using it for a few weeks now thinking that it's just my skin adjusting to the change but no, it's just awful. I also don't care for the feel of the products either, or the smell everyone raves about. Moving back to my old skin care routine in the last week has seen my skin calm down, a bit.
Peppy Co. All-In-One Sleeping Mask
Horrible Mask! Peppy Co are misleading – Peppy co take ages to deliver items as they take your money and order in before they even have the product in stock, ordered a product on 8th feb,… Read more
its now the 24th feb and it still hasn't been dispatched also in the product description says it will be dispatched 3 days max. No blaming covid, don't take peoples money if you don't have the product or don't hold stock!
Boring Without You For Face Sake Multi-Mask
I was so excited for my first order. Website states 2 days packing time . I’m still waiting for it to leave the Melbourne warehouse 5days later , I’m… Read more
30 mins from your warehouse, if I knew it was going to take this long to be sent I would have just gone to Priceline.
La Roche Posay Effaclar
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Really great for break outs and preventing them. Keeps you hydrated with out the oil. Show details
Skin Clarity Range
The best, the only thing that works – Literally the only product that works to keep my acne at bay plus keep my skin supple and smooth. I kid you not. I’m gutted I can’t find this product anywhere anymore. Show details
Aduro Personal LED Light Mask
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I love my Aduro mask <3 – I have had my LED Mask for 4 years now and love it so much i swear by it! I used do a month on and a month off as i found it hard to find 20 minutes… Read more
to relax but with the new eyewear they have i have been doing it consistently. I actually come back as my 15 yr old daughter who has really sensitive skin wanted to start taking care of her skin so i thought LED was the best place to start as it is so gentle for the skin. She loves hers and her redness has calmed down completely. xx
Sukin Purifying Facial Masque
Sukin suxs and is a fake natural product brand hurting teens faces – Used this product to my detriment and as a result my skin feels like it was burning... and I have to persist.. This is an example of how valuable… Read more
feedback is cause AZ authorities in approving this drug did not do their job.... bad irritants in this product keep away at all costs
ALDI Lacura Sleep Care Masks
great product – soaks in well i was worried it would leave my face feeling greasy but it’s lovely. smells nice and not overpowering Show details
L'Oréal Pure Clay Mask
Excellent younger looking skin without paying a large amount of money! – This is an excellent mask. My face looks smoother with less lines and it's soft. It's so cheap too! 5 STARS! I'm 43 and makes my skin younger and smoother Show details
Fanola No Yellow Mask
Great on the surface but will melt your hair if you lighten. DO NOT USE THIS – Initially loved this product for how well it tones the hair. However went to the salon today for a full head of foils and luckily the salon did a… Read more
test strand even though I'm a repeat customer there and they do my hair regularly. She thought something was off with my hair and I said the only change I have made is used fanola no yellow shampoo and conditioner as I had colourblocked blonde in my hair. She did 3 tests of 30 volume, 20 volume and their most gentle lightening product. All 3 strands melted and broke, with no elasticity in the hair. We were both shocked at how bad this was. I have had to do a detoxifying shampoo and now have to wait 2 weeks of just using that to see if the strand test will be better. Essentially the salon thinks the product is speeding up the bleaching process and they have had issues with the fanola no yellow before. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. On the surface it's great and you don't realise the damage it is causing to your hair. I'm so lucky the salon did the test strand otherwise I'd have a whole head of yellow melted noodles or no hair at all
Pricey but worth it – I have been suffering from atopic eczema on top of my left eye lid for past 5 years..Even prescription steroid ointments failed to make any… Read more
difference.. I tried every possible supermarket and high end creams possible but nothing made any difference and over the years it turned into chronic blotchy patch..I eventually gave up until recently, when I started using this product along with the hydration masque from Dermalogica.. What a difference!! The blotchiness almost gone and no redness or inflammation, it is as if it was never there.. I usually don't like or have the patience to write reviews but I had to..So that all the women out there who are suffering from over sensitive inflamed skin conditions can give this a try.. You won't be disappointed :-)
Love it, perfect to soothe skin – I use this after threading and treatments on my face and it immediately calms my skin and reduces the redness and heat on my skin. My face can be… Read more
very sensitive at times and this works well to simply cool it down. I suggest to apply a thin layer on the affected skin, if you apply too much, it can pill, and roll off so little to cover the skin is enough. It is also good to use if your face heats up due to dust allergies. It’s a big tube so it lasts a long time. Also, if some of it gets out and dries around the lid, just peel that off and dispose, the inside is fine and perfect to use. Highly recommend for sensitive skin or any skin that needs to calm down due to any issue.
Wella SP Hydrate Range
Wella needs to bring this back!! – This was my all time favourite shampoo and conditioner for many years. My frizzy hair was always tamed with this duo and was left silky soft and strong to the pull. My scalp was always conditioned aswell with this. Show details
Ego QV Face Purifying Mask
State-of-the-Art Mask! – This Purifying Mask from QV is a gentle and worthwhile addition to the QV Face range. Unlike most facial masks or face packs on the market which… Read more
contain plenty of irritating ingredients like menthol, essential oils, alcohol etc, this mask from QV is indeed purifying but at the same time very gentle and mild. With skin-care there are more don'ts than do's actually. The QV Face Range with its effective no-frills sensitive skin skin-care formulas in mind they fulfill these basic steps like cleansing, toning and moisturising just beautifully. As for the mask itself it comes in convenient tube that comes out fairly easily and can be applied with fingers or a mask brush. Leave on damp skin until it dries and rinse off at the basin or in the shower (warm water only please!). This can also be removed with cellulose cleansing sponges should you so desire. Be careful without how much you appy, whilst this can be applied generously, I personally hate to waste product and prefer to layer a nice thin layer all over and let dry. A thin layer will work just as well as a thick layer. Should you feel the need to leave it on longer than necessary, just occasionally spritz yourself with facial water/toner or spray to re-activate the mask then remove when you please.
The active ingredients include Kaolin (Clay) for drawing out excess oil and impurities. Mineral Oil and Safflower Oil for moisturising, occlusive and nourishing properties and finally antioxidants like Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Vitamin E ( Tocepherol).
I'd like to clearly make the point here that most clay masks leave skin feeling abnormally taught and dry. Yes they are designed to wick away excess oil they should not leave the skin parched and gagging for moisture! Upon removal of this mask you will be left with smooth, bright, supple skin. This has become a daily staple in my routine and recommend it wholeheartedly to all friends and family. Thanks QV!
Christian Dior Capture Totale
Tried and tested for 2 months – My partner bought me the anti age totals capture set for Xmas, i usually use Lancôme visionair cream without spf so this was something new to try,… Read more
first impression I just didn’t think there was enough of the product especially the cream, my skin is quite dry and it just absorbed it so quickly I felt the need to put more on but decided to just add extra moisturiser after this, the lotion bottle needs a propper cap or else it just pours out quickly, it left my skin feeling tacky I wasn’t a fan of the feeling, I used the eye cream, lotion, serum and moisturiser for 2 months, I do notice it now some fine lines have faded, I am 40 so trust me I had visible lines, I wouldn’t say it is obvious but I can see the difference and skin is brighter, I think I may get a few more weeks maybe a month left from the rest, but after that I have decided to refer back to my Lancôme visionair only because it works better for my skin and I notice a difference more and it lasts me over 6 months, I must say though I got a sample of the dream skin with mine and that feels amazing but for the price I just feel there is better out there
Excellent – Amazing product. It shrank a raised mole just below my eyebrow that had been there for over 12 months. I kept putting a small amount on it at night… Read more
and the mole gradually shrank until it was gone and my skin back to normal! That was over 2 years ago. Recently another mole is developing on my jawline in front of my ear. I am off to get more Dr Lewinn's Recovery Masque. Let's hope I get the same result.
best mask ever i,ll always buy these and tell my friends and other sisters aboutthe fantastic result – my sister gave me the miracle rejuvenation mask ..it was the best mask i,ve ever used ,the results were fantastic...soft smooth hydrated skin ,lines… Read more
around eyes and mouth were almost invisible i,ll certainly be ordering more of thesemasks ,...thankyou for creating such a beautiful mask tat delivers results ....Marion
I love it!! it works for me!!! – After tying a lot of products, bought in Poland, UK, Australia, USA finally I found something that works for me. I ordered Rosacea set but for… Read more
example the serum didn't work for me, so I stopped using it. As replacement i bought AVT Cream and SPF 30 Oil Free Moisturizer. With the red mask, face cleanser and spray I have a perfect combination for my very sensitive skin. The redness of my chicks and chin is less noticeable, and when I put a bit of make up on you can't notice it at all. However, it took me a while to get results, and I take SPF 30 moisturizer wherever I go, I apply it to face and neck every day. In winter I apply two moisturizers ATV first and SPF afterwards. I think each person's conditions are different and unfortunately with Rosacea you need to try a product and see if it works for you and if it does't you need to keep searching. I am 37, have had Rosacea since the age of 25. I have been using ZENMED for just over a year. You can see how long it took me to find the product that agrees with my skin. Good luck to all.
It is easy, use anywhere – Ive bought one packet so far and i cant go a week without treating my face to this beauty secret. Its amazing. My face is left so soft and fresh and… Read more
i do get compliments and i have this product to thank and my other dr.lewinns products i use. Its a must to invest in that few extra dollars. Its not messy, and feels comfortable on the face. The price.. i would buy it every month.
Perfect – Leaves my skin feeling soft and radiant. I highly recommend this product to everyone. I use this with their toner and moisturizer and my skin has never been better.
Spa Quality Mask – This is a good quality mask that will suit every skin type. There are richer, more moisturising masks on the market, but the Skinstitut Repair Balm… Read more
can be added to the Hydrating Mask to boost its effectiveness for dryer skin or dryer conditions.
I use the mask overnight at least once/week, plus try to squeeze in a morning mask for an hour or two, once or twice/week.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask
Amazing! – I was lucky enough to get this as a freebie after purchasing a Neutrogena face wash. This is my first ever sheet mask and I love it. It feels… Read more
amazing on the face. It doesn’t feel heavy or slimey it feels very cool and relaxing.
Easy to put on. Not at all messy!
Might have to make this a regular or occasional purchase! :) :)
Foreo UFO
Lovely but hate that I have to use my phone – My FOREO UFO 2 is a lovely 2 minutes of indulgence but I hate that I have to use it with an app on my phone. I’m really careful now not to buy… Read more
products that require an app to use. I don’t want my phone in the bathroom and having to need Bluetooth is also a pain in regional areas
I know it is expensive, BUT – I have been using the L'or De Vie Serum, La Creme and Eye La Creme since May this year (2012) and as I'm soon approaching 50, I can't believe the… Read more
difference in my complexion since using this product. My age/sun spots (I live in the tropics) have almost disappeared and my skin no longer has the patchy appearance it had previously. My fine lines around my eyes have disappeared and I even the darkness under my eyes have reduced. I now have no hesitation in saving up for this product. I would spend more on take away coffee than I do on this product when all things taken into consideration. Huge improvement in my skin appearance, feels light on my skin which is important when you live in the tropics, lasts me around 5mths face La Creme and Serum and 10mths for eye cream Difficult to just buy the refill bottles which are cheaper, not many stores sell this product so have to buy online.
My Go-To Nightly Product for Years! – I've been using this product for years. I use it every night, and it's really great. Since it's not available domestically, I always buy it from eBay, so the shipping costs are a bit high.
Can really feel the difference – This mask is very effective for me. I am 57 so my skin soaks up a lot of moisturiser to keep the wrinkles at bay. I apply at night and the skin is… Read more
noticeably more plump, tighter & hydrated in the morning. My skin is oily combination and highly recommend for my skin type. I have used this product for many months.
This is lovely! – This mask feels like a two for one deal. It has a slight roughness to its texture so I use it as a facial scrub especially on my forehead then I… Read more
leave it on my face for approximately 10mins as instructed then wash off. It leaves my face feeling super smooth and clean. It has a very slight smell to it but definitely not overwhelming at all. Recommend to use 3-4 per week.
Amazing product at a fraction of the price. Definitely worth a try for $17 – I have combination skin, and I found this Australian pink clay mask made my skin feel and look amazing! It has gentle aloe vera and cucumber for… Read more
sensitive skin, and lots of nice fruit and flower extracts and a variety of clay extracts (the scary 'hydroxide' ingredients are all components of different clays).
The texture of the mask is nice and smooth, with a beautiful pink colour and a gentle sweet smell, kind of like cherries. I wet my face and applied with a brush to get an even layer all over my face (not eyes) and let it sit for 10-15 mins (trick is to not let it dry completely or it can stick, and the skin could dry out if you have to scrub the dry mask off). There was a little tingle when I first applied the mask but it was definitely not painful and only lasted less than 30 seconds.
When I washed it off with a warm face-washer, my skin was glowing and looked so cleansed. My skin remained glowing and hydrated after moisturising even until the next day.
When I dried my face, my skin was extremely soft and smooth (even my husband was genuinely surprised at how smooth it was!) and felt very hydrated, not dry, oily, or sticky at all.
I did a bit of reading up about Australian Pink Clay masks before purchasing, and at the end of the day they're all made of the same ingredient as their base - pink clay, so I wasn't going to fork out $70 when I could buy a similar (if not the same) quality product for $17. If you're a beginner of face masks like I am, and want to try the Australian Pink Clay, then I would highly recommend this product to try first!
Freezeframe 48 Hour Wrinkle Freeze
Purchased at Priceline $48.00 great price for the product it is. Every skin is different. I am 62yrs old, with olive, thick skin. I have smoking… Read more
lines around my lips. I gave this a go and it took to my skin type, reduced the lines immensely around my lips and reduced and tightened all the lines around my face instantly. My skin feels smooth, reduces pores, can be used as a primer, foundation glides on evenly. So far its 24hrs and skin looks good still. I am happy with this product. I know this is a surface product so if you want long term just continue use .
Formula 10.0.6 Illuminating Peel Mask
makes my skill feel smooth, and so fun to peel! – the mask smells so nice! i have tried it twice since i got it. you don't need to put a lot on your face, if you put a thick amount on your face it'll… Read more
take longer to dry. A little goes a long way with this product the peeling is so fun! The best i can describe it is it is similar to peeling off glue from your hands as a kid but even better!
How do skincare masks work?
Skincare masks work differently to other types of skincare, such as moisturisers, as they’re generally on your skin for a short period of time. These facial masks penetrate the skin to usually do one or a combination of the following:
- Hydrate the skin
- Absorb excess oil
- Unclog and refine pores
- Reduce acne
- Minimise the appearance of fine lines
- Smoothen out textured skin
- Improve the elasticity of skin
- Brighten your complexion
Applying a mask should follow cleansing (and toning if you use a toner), so that your skin is free of impurities and excess oil for your skin to better absorb the mask.
Do beauty face masks work?
If you use a quality mask that’s intended for your skin type and concern, then yes, masks do work.
Because masks are usually on your face for a short period of time, it’s understandable that there are people who don’t think face masks actually do anything for your skin, but a high-quality mask has a much higher concentration of active ingredients that let a mask have visible effects on your skin.
Can face masks damage your skin?
Face masks can potentially damage your skin, particularly if you don’t use them correctly or if the ingredients in them are too harsh for your skin.
Leaving a face mask on for too long, for example, can cause irritation and dry out your skin - while it may seem that leaving it on longer means you’ll reap more benefits from the mask, doing this is often counterintuitive.
It’s generally recommended not to use face masks everyday because of this, especially if you have sensitive skin. Stick to using a mask once or twice a week.
Should I wash my face after wearing a mask?
Generally speaking, no, you shouldn’t cleanse your face after washing or taking your mask off. Most masks are designed to be applied after you’ve washed your face, and washing again after using a face mask can dry out your skin.
Some masks still continue to nourish your skin after you’ve removed them, such as sheet masks, which still leave some serum on your face after you’ve taken one off. This is where washing your face would prevent you from absorbing all the goodness a mask can give your skin.
Types of face masks
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer choice of face masks and difficult to understand what they can do for your skin, so we’ve outlined the different types of face masks below and what type of skin they’re suited for.
Clay masks
When you see a thick layer of paste on someone’s face, chances are they’re sporting a clay mask. These masks contain clay and other minerals that have healing properties. A popular clay type is pink clay, which is rich in silica and helps make your skin smoother and more supple.
Sheet masks
A staple in South Korean beauty, sheet masks are single-use sheets (usually made from cotton, hydrogel, or biocellulose) that are either drenched in a serum or essence, or infused with active ingredients that nourish the skin.
Peel-off masks
Peel-off masks are usually applied as a cream that when dried, is supposed to be peeled off your face rather than washed off. Along with the mask, you also peel off the top layer of dead skin, making these masks great at exfoliating.
These masks don’t often have many active ingredients, as they’re designed to remove dead skin rather than penetrate the skin.
Cream masks
Cream masks are ones which you wash off your face after a certain period of time (usually somewhere between 10 to 20 minutes).
Overnight masks
If you want a facial while you sleep, you can try an overnight or sleeping mask. These are applied before you hit the hay and work their magic on your skin while you sleep. They’re usually packed with more active ingredients than your standard night cream.
Other types of masks
- Charcoal masks: These are great at targeting specific issues, such as removing dead skin and bacteria or removing excess oil from the skin, making them generally suited for those with oily skin. You can also use them as a spot treatment to target inflammation.
- Bubble masks: Yep, these are the funny masks that foam up while on your face, and are thought to help with skin circulation. They’re harder to find and the benefits of them aren’t proven, but they do make for a great photo.
- Eye masks: Eye masks are often sheet or gel patches that are placed under the eyes to help reduce the appearance of dark circles or fine lines.
- Body masks: Name a body part and there’s probably a mask out there for it, but the most common body masks are those that hydrate the hands and lips.
Common ingredients in face masks
Face masks contain a host of active ingredients that work together to nourish your skin - we’ve listed a few of them below.
- Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin and aid it in retaining moisture.
- Alpha hydroxy (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin, making it more even in tone and texture.
- Salicylic acid can help remove dead skin and unclog pores, making it a popular ingredient for masks designed for acne-prone skin.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent hyperpigmentation, making it great for brightening dark spots. It also boosts the production of collagen, helping tighten sagging skin.
- Azelaic acid also brightens the complexion, as does kojic acid.
- Retinol increases the turnover of skin cells and lowers oil production, making it effective in fighting acne, reducing wrinkles, and giving your skin a healthy glow.
- Shea butter softens and smoothes skin.
- Vitamin E protects skin from pollution and sun damage, making it a great anti-aging ingredient that can help prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Jojoba oil adds moisture to the skin.
There are also plenty of household ingredients that are commonly found in face masks - oatmeal and aloe vera, for example, have soothing properties and so are great for those with easily inflamed skin.
Other things to consider
Ease of use
How easy a mask is to use can often depend on how you like to do your masking. If you’re a multitasker, you may find that sheet masks - which can slide around your face - aren’t particularly convenient for you, while those who like to sit back and relax may love that sheet masks make them lie still.
Masks which require you to wash them off may also be annoying for some people to use, especially if they’ve applied a thicker mask (such as a clay one) that can be more difficult to remove.
You should also consider how long the mask is meant to be kept on your face for - some people find that masks that require a longer time on your face to work don’t really suit their routine.
Skin sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll probably have to do a bit more research before buying a face mask. You can find masks designed for use on sensitive skin - these usually don’t contain strong exfoliants (such as retinoids) or particularly drying ingredients.
If you have skin that’s easily irritated, try to avoid masks containing alcohol, parabens, dyes, essential oils, and artificial fragrances - these are all known irritants.
Price
Sheet masks can cost anywhere from $2 to $190 for a single sheet (yes, you read that right). Other types of masks can cost anywhere from $10 to almost $500 for a tub or tube.
High-end masks that set you back over $100 are often enriched with “luxurious” ingredients (such as gold or even placenta) that are thought to improve the appearance of skin.
The bottom line
Although they can help improve the appearance of your skin, don’t expect a face mask to work miracles. While masks are a short-term solution to glowing skin, having a skin care regime that’s suited to your skin type and concerns and using a face mask a few times a week can help you maintain a healthy complexion.