Why you should bother with a face mask as part of your skincare regime?
Adding a face mask to your skincare routine is the equivalent of giving your skin a little extra love when it needs it the most! Whether you try one that offers up a quick fix of hydration or for refining your skin texture, a face mask should really be an essential part of your skincare regime.
Got a spare 10 minutes? Why not apply a face mask whilst you are scrolling through Insta’, doing a bit of online shopping or even whilst you are painting your nails. It really is that easy, and a face mask can make one heck of a difference!
They are great, not only for an overall skincare boost, but also for targeting specific skincare concerns—whether that’s dryness, dullness, breakouts, or just the general stress of everyday life showing up on your face.
A good face mask can hydrate, clarify, refine, and brighten your skin, helping to make your everyday routine even more effective. Plus, it’s a nice excuse to slow down and enjoy a moment of self-care. Your skin—and your stress levels—will thank you for it!
What is the best face mask for you?
Finding the best face mask for you really comes down to understanding what your skin is asking for, especially at that moment in time! If your skin is feeling a bit dry and tight, opt for a super-hydrating mask that will give your skin that all-important moisture boost. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rose hip oil which are two incredible ingredients that can take your skin from ‘so-so’ to soft and refreshed.
If stress or hormones are serving up unwanted breakouts or oily areas on your face, then why not pick a clarifying face mask that is clay-based or that has charcoal in it as that helps draw out impurities and clogged pores from the skin whilst also controlling shine.
Long days and even longer nights out can take their toll on your skin, and if your skin’s looking a smidge on the tired side, the best face mask you can use is one with brightening properties.
Think either Vitamin C or a face mask with exfoliating fruit enzymes or the latest skincare hero on the block – niacinamide which can help revive your natural glow and smooth out texture whilst minimising redness.
If your skin is feeling sensitive or stressed out, soothing masks with ingredients like oatmeal, chamomile, or calendula can calm redness and irritation.
The key is to listen to your skin—its needs can change with the weather, stress, or even your diet. So don’t be afraid to switch it up and give your face exactly what it’s craving.
The best part? You don’t have to pick just one. Mixing and matching masks (a.k.a. multi-masking) based on different areas of your face can be a great way to give your skin exactly what it needs. It’s all about tuning in to your skin’s signals and treating it with a little extra care.
How to Choose the Best Face Mask for Your Skin Type?
Choosing the best face mask starts with understanding what your skin needs right now. A clarifying clay mask works well for oily or breakout-prone skin, drawing out excess oil and impurities for a visibly refined finish. Those with dry or tired skin benefit most from deeply hydrating masks packed with hyaluronic acid, rosehip oil, or niacinamide, which restore moisture and revive a dull complexion. Brightening formulas containing Vitamin C or fruit enzymes target uneven texture and dullness effectively. The best face mask is simply the one that responds to your skin’s current condition rather than following a fixed weekly routine.
Skincare Benefits That Make a Face Mask Essential
Beyond treating specific concerns, a face mask adds a mindful pause to your skincare routine that few other steps can replicate. Whether you reach for one mid-week to reset after long nights or use it as a Sunday ritual before the week begins, the results speak for themselves. Consistently incorporating the best face mask for your skin type leads to improved texture, greater radiance, and a stronger skin barrier over time. Even ten minutes once or twice a week is enough to see a meaningful difference, making it one of the most rewarding additions to any beauty routine.
What are the benefits of using a face mask?
Using a face mask is like a mini reset button for your skin—and honestly, who doesn’t need that once in a while?! Whether your face is feeling dry, oily, a little out of control, or even just a little “meh,” there’s a face mask out there ready to swoop in like the proverbial skincare superhero – cape not included!
These little skincare beauties are packed with concentrated ingredients that dive deep to hydrate, detox, brighten, or calm—whatever your skin needs. Think of them as little complexion problem-solvers in a tube or jar. Plus, if you are like us, there’s something oddly satisfying about taking 15 minutes to zone out with a mask on—it’s part skincare, part therapy!
Of course, let’s not forget the joy of peeling one off or rinsing to reveal that “oh wow, my skin feels amazing” moment. So really, using a face mask isn’t just good for your skin—it’s a whole experience, and your glow-up starts here!
How to apply a face mask?
Applying a face mask is super simple—and is a great way to end the day or prepare your skin for that epic night out! First things first, start with a double cleanse to ensure your skin is clean and fresh. Whether you opt for a cleansing balm, face wash or a cleansing oil, prepare your skin and wash off any makeup you have been wearing.
Don’t forget to tone after cleansing, and if you are really going for it, use an exfoliator to really prep your skin for the incoming treat that awaits. Depending on what kind of face mask you are applying will determine how you should apply the face mask itself.
As a rule of thumb, for anything liquid or lotion-based, use clean fingers or a brush (if you’re feeling super fancy) to spread an even layer over your face, avoiding your eyes, lips, and eyebrows.
If you love a sheet mask (and frankly who doesn’t?!) Open the packet (try not to fling serum everywhere), unfold the mask, and line it up with your eyes, nose, and mouth. You’ll look a little ghostly, but that’s part of the charm!
Once you’re masked up, sit back and let it do its thing for the time recommended on the packaging (usually 10–15 minutes or until you feel like a clay statue). Finally, either remove the sheet mask (don’t forget to rub the excess oil on your neck or on the back of your hands), and if you have a clay mask, simply rinse it off with lukewarm water and a soft muslin and follow up with your usual serum or moisturiser to seal in all that goodness. Voilà—fresh, happy skin and a few peaceful minutes of “me time.”
How often should you use a face mask?
As we mentioned before, there’s always a few variables when it comes to using a face mask as it depends on your skin (at the moment in time) and the type of mask you’re using. But don’t worry, here’s the lowdown in a friendly, easy-to-digest way:
For most people, using a face mask one to three times a week is the sweet spot. That gives your skin a nice boost without overdoing it. But not all masks play by the same rules:
Clay or charcoal masks (the oil-absorbing, deep-cleaning types) are best used 1–2 times a week, especially if you’ve got oily or acne-prone skin. Using them too often can dry you out and make your skin a tad irritated.
Hydrating masks (with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, or glycerin) are the chill, low-maintenance friends of the mask world—you can use these a few times a week, or even daily if your skin is thirsty and you’re not layering on a million other actives.
Exfoliating or peel-off masks (with acids or enzymes) should usually be used once a week at the most. They’re great for smoothing and brightening, but too much exfoliation can result in irritated, angry skin.
Sheet masks are basically the skincare equivalent of a smoothie—light, refreshing, and safe to enjoy 2–3 times a week or more often if your skin loves them (just watch for added fragrance if you’re sensitive).
Bottom line: listen to your skin. If it’s looking glowy and happy, you’re on the right track. If it’s red, flaky, or tight, ease up and give it a break.
What are the best face masks to try this spring?
When it comes to picking the right face mask for you, it’s important to determine what skin type you are and to consider any specific skincare concerns.
Here’s our top picks for the best face mask for you to try right now!
Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Masque
Revitalise skin with the Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial radiance-boosting mask. It delivers a supercharged shot of azelaic and salicylic acid deep into skin to clarify and improve an uneven skin tone, fade spots and reduce the look of redness to reveal a brighter, more even complexion.
This skin-soothing formula works hard to correct the appearance of blemishes and discolouration while improving skin’s texture. This clever pack-a-punch face mask also contains a triple antioxidant brightening complex which targets dark spots, hyperpigmentation, visible signs of photo damage and post-acne marks to promote dramatically more radiant skin and is also vegan and cruelty free.
£62
EviDenS de Beauté The Special Mask
The EviDenS sumptuous face mask is one of the hottest products around right now. It’s one of the most talked about luxury anti-ageing products thanks to its luxurious feel and its fantastic results. This decadent face mask lifts, tones, and plumps the skin, refining texture and brightening the complexion for a healthy, radiant look.
Enriched in Triple Collagen, QAI® and lifting and purifying agents, this clever mask livens up dull and tired skin. For those seeking a luxurious face mask that provides immediate visible results, this is the ultimate solution!
£200
LANEIGE Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask
This nourishing overnight sleeping face mask from Laneige hydrates, plumps, and tightens your skin to give you a refreshed glow the next morning. Simply apply to freshly cleansed skin, catch some z’s and wake up to firmer and bouncier skin, free from traces of fatigue! Plus, it has THE prettiest packaging around to boot!
£30.00
Mantle – The Miracle Mask
If you are looking for the ultimate face mask that is the epitome of a ‘facial in a jar’, then look no further than Mantle’s ‘Miracle’ face mask for instantly plumper, smoother, glowing skin.
The Miracle Mask is a resurfacing and plumping face mask that provides an instant glow-up for when you want to look and feel your best. With a transformative blend of gently exfoliating mandelic + lactobionic acid (PHA), soothing marshmallow root extract, and moisturising panthenol.
It is clinically proven to smooth the skin’s surface in 30 minutes, plumping fine lines, and providing deep hydration. Like a facial in a jar, skin is left miraculously smoother and more radiant than ever. What more could you want?!
From £81
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment
Care for your skin whilst you are sleeping with this powerful overnight resurfacing treatment from Glow Recipe which gently exfoliates, hydrates, and brightens your complexion. This super-charged face mask contains a 2.5% pH-balanced AHA complex for smoother, firmer-looking skin and also contains multi-weight hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and watermelon enzymes hydrate, all of which go a long way to brighten and firm your skin.
£19.00
Benefit The Deep Retreat
All I do each night is clay! Time to deep clean! And no, not the kind where you declutter your entire apartment at 2 AM. It’s time to clear out your pores! The POREfessional Deep Retreat gives your skin a super satisfying deep clean by drawing out the excess oil and dirt trapped in your pores—just spot the dots that appear as the mask dries to see it for yourself. Plus, it feels comfortable while you’re wearing it and washes off to reveal visibly refined pores and mattified, refreshed skin.
£28
https://www.benefitcosmetics.com
Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque
Harness the power of nature with this botanical blockbuster of a face mask. Aesop’s Parsley Seed Cleansing face mask has a clay-based formulation that affords the skin a gentle but deep cleanse.
Enhanced with aloe vera and botanical extracts such as purifying clay and antioxidant-rich parsley seed extracts, the Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque is the perfect ‘quick fix’ for your complexion, drawing out impurities while granting long-lasting radiance.
£39
Temple Spa Quench Hydrating Face Mask
This intensely hydrating mask is literally like a long drink of water for the skin. It rejuvenates and replenishes lost moisture, giving it a boost of long-lasting hydration to create a soft, soothed, healthy-looking complexion.
It’s packed full of Mediterranean ingredients such as avocado, olive, grapeseed, and apricot oil which help firm, plump, and smooth your skin. Let a dull, dry, lacklustre complexion be a thing of the past—this face mask will not only transform your skin with a natural rosy glow, it will also give your skin the hug it deserves. Your skin will thank you for it!
£35
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial mask
Get baby soft skin with this fabulous face mask from Drunk Elephant! Radiate youth with smoother, more evenly toned skin with the help of T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial.
This at-home facial works to gently exfoliate the skin with a 25% AHA / 2% BHA blend that combines glycolic, tartaric, citric, lactic, and salicylic acids which work to resurface skin without causing redness or sensitisation.
Drunk Elephant’s next-generation mask works to smooth skin texture and minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. Its unique formula contains pumpkin ferment, chickpea flour, and a soothing antioxidant blend that combines milk thistle, apple, and matcha tea.
Delivering brightening and enzymatic action, the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial mask helps to unveil a more even, radiant complexion that feels baby-soft to the touch.
£72
https://www.spacenk.com/
This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up
A handbag must-have, this face mask is a portable pick-me-up that will even, plump, and brighten skin instantly, ensuring you’re always ready for your close-up. Combining a face mask, moisturiser, and primer all in one handy product provides a long-lasting, perfect finish to your makeup.
Its high-performance formula features a unique mix of antioxidant plant oils to rebuild and protect the skin barrier and its Optical Blurring Powder instantly improves the appearance of skin. Consider it to be pure confidence in a bottle, leaving skin looking and feeling naturally radiant.
£38
BIOEFFECT Imprinting Hydrogel Mask
This deeply soothing hydrogel sheet mask is specifically designed to maximise the efficacy of BIOEFFECT serums. This deeply soothing two-part face mask is rich in hyaluronic acid and glycerin, delivering intense hydration and boosting moisture retention for optimal skin nourishment.
The hydrogel facial mask arrives in two parts, ensuring effortless application suitable for all skin types. Expect your skin to feel more hydrated, refreshed, and visibly plumper!
£15
Bubble Skincare Overnight Face Mask
Bask in the all-night glory of total facial luxury. The OVERNIGHT Hydrating Sleep Mask from Bubble is the ultimate hydration experience. This creamy, all-night mask smooths, soothes, brightens, and hydrates skin while you sleep—all without clogging pores. If you want to sleep beautiful and wake up feeling and looking rejuvenated, this face mask is your new BFF!
Zelens Melatonin B12 Overnight Mask
Get younger-looking skin and restore your skin with the Melatonin B12 Overnight Repair Face Mask from Zelens. Enhanced with vitamin B12 and a powerful blend of restorative ingredients, this sublime face mask delivers intense moisture to help maximise the skin’s nocturnal natural repair and reduce visible signs of skin ageing, fatigue, and stress.
Why not make it part of your evening skincare routine? Just add a soothing cup of sleep tea and awake with skin that appears supple, smoother, and more radiant!
£65
Seabody Hydrogel Mask Cleanser
Calling all marine lovers, this face mask is a marvelous multi tasker! Not only does it effortlessly remove makeup and impurities while reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier, but it also doubles up as a moisturising face mask too when your skin needs extra hydration. Enriched with Seabody’s revolutionary hero ingredient, Maraderm™ – a blend of high purity bioactives that support the key building blocks of healthy and youthful skin.
It removes impurities and helps unblock pores, deeply hydrates, and softens dry skin and gently cleanses and reinforces the skin’s natural barrier giving you healthy looking skin.
£44
https://seabody.com/hydrogel-mask-cleanser
Pai Beauty Resurrection Girl™ Mask
This instantly hydrating face mask brings dry, dehydrated skin back to life (hence the name!), and it literally pours moisture back into dry, lifeless skin. It’s powered by the resurrection plant, which apparently is nature’s best-kept secret for intense hydration, to give your skin – and you – a new lease of life. It definitely makes you feel at one with nature and this rich, silky, ocean-blue gel mask which also contains the powerful blue tansy oil is proven to revive your skin in just ten minutes whilst keeping it calm and silky smooth!
£44
