The older I get, the more I realize just how important it is to take care of my skin now so it can serve me well later in life. That means actually washing my makeup off at the end of the day, using toners, serums, and chemical exfoliants, and hitting up moisturizing, glow-inducing masks several times a week. Below are a few of my favorites that I have purchased, used, and really loved.
Papa Recipe Bombee Honey Sheet Mask, 5 Pack – $19.20
I’m a sheet mask addict—I have an entire drawer in my wardrobe full of them—and the Papa Recipe ones are probably my favorite. In addition to the absolutely divine smell (so much honey!), they feel incredible on my skin and leave it with a beautiful glow without being sticky. I have tons of different brands of masks lying around, but these are ones I always make sure I have in stock, so to speak.
Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask – $18
I’ve loved Mario Badescu ever since high school, when I was suffering from some annoying acne that no other brand managed to get rid of. I don’t get too many breakouts these days, thank God, but when my skin does have a minor freakout, this mask calms it down in literally one application.
Herbivore Botanicals Organic Blue Tansy Resurfacing Mask – $48
This one seems a bit of an investment at $48, but it lasts forever and the immediate difference you’ll see in your skin is well worth it, in my opinion. I’ve loved blue tansy as an ingredient ever since I used it in the Sunday Riley Luna Oil (another amazing product) and May Lindstrom’s Blue Cocoon, but it’s just a potent here, giving me supermodel glow on the next level. Cannot recommend this enough (same goes for any of Herbivore’s products, to be honest).
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask – $62
Another pricy one, but one that lasts a long time, smells divine and will leave your skin as soft as a baby’s butt. If your skin is super rough or looks kinda dull from this crappy winter weather, Tata Harper is the one for you. Better yet, it has no artificial fragrances, ingredients, dyes, etc. I love this mask so much. If sinking this much cash in sight unseen is too much for you, look for a kit of minis that lets you try multiple products – all of Tata’s offerings are equally as great.
Illi Camellia Moisturizing Sheet Masks, 10 Pack – $20.94
Along with the Papa Recipe sheet masks, the Illi Camellia Moisturizing masks are another favorite. They’re cream-based, so the moisturizing effect is STRONG. I like to use the extra in the packet on my arms and legs (though I do that with all sheet masks because the essence is so good and I hate wasting). These don’t have much of a smell so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, these are a great option. I don’t know why I love them so much – maybe because they work and they’re inexpensive?
Vichy Mineral Infused Face Mask – $20
Vichy is a French pharmacy brand that I fell in love with in Paris and continue to love from afar. Their products are relatively inexpensive but super effective, and this mask is no exception. It doesn’t claim to have any big bells and whistles besides thermal water, which is supposed to protect against environmental irritants (and if you live in a big city like me, you need as much of that as you can get). All I know is that it feels amazing on and my skin looks bomb when I take it off. Good enough for me!
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask – $61.99
If you want to smell like a walking candy factory, this mask is for you. Obviously that’s not the main selling point, but it doesn’t hurt. I love Glow Recipe as a brand but this product, which has become a cult favorite, is probably the best of their offering. It’s incredibly moisturizing and doesn’t feel sticky or gross when putting it on at night.
Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Treatment Mask – $33.18
If you ever want to feel like a total queen, you need to get a nice warm bath then slather a bit of Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing mask on your face and you’ll be made. Not only does it smell divine – I love that somewhat medicinal ginseng tang that Sulwhasoo offers, but then I’m into hanbang – but it sinks into your skin like a dream and you will wake up looking like a million bucks. A tube of this stuff tends to last me 6-8 months or longer since you need so little of it and you only need to apply it 2-3 times a week, so it’s a bargain as far as I’m concerned.
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask – $32.95
If your skin ever feels rough and dry and like you want to peel off the outer layer like you’re some graceful snake, revealing a gorgeous new layer underneath, you need this mask. I love all of Peter Thomas Roth’s products (the 24k gold cleansing butter is heaven on earth), but the pumpkin enzyme mask has become a blogger favorite because it’s so good at gentle resurfacing.
Etude House 0.2mm Air Mask, 15 Pack – $17.99
I think Etude House was my first foray into Korean skin care and years and many brand trials later, they remain a mainstay in my collection, particularly when it comes to face masks. They’re one of the least expensive options and may not have all the bells and whistles that other masks offer, but they’re great at doing what they claim to do: moisturizing, brightening, etc. At a little more than $1 a mask, these are a must if you’re prone to dry, dull skin at any time of year.
Kypris Natural Glow Philtre Treatment Mask – $105
Admittedly, this one may break the bank, so perhaps it’s one for your birthday or Christmas wishlist or worth it when you’re ready for a splurge. Kyrpis makes some amazing serums (Moonlight Catalyst is vegan, super gentle, and gives amazing results) but I wasn’t disappointed when I tried this mask either. It really does make you glow in all the best ways.
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask – $55
I’ve mentioned Sunday Riley already but I’m including this product for those of you dealing with acne because it’s one of the best masks out there for soothing painful, red breakouts and making them a little more bearable. I have friends who swear by this stuff and given how much I love the brand’s other offerings, I feel comfortable vouching for it.
Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Treatment Mask – $13.99
Cheap and cheerful, you can always count on Burt’s Bees to give you a great product at a good price (especially if you can find it on sale). I love the small size of this bottle – I tend to take it when I’m traveling as it doesn’t take up much room in my carry-on and also protects my face from the gross, dry air in planes. Definitely grab this one.
