Face Mask Favorites

Like many women consider certain items - a little black dress, a classic trench - staples in their wardrobe, I consider face masks the staples of my skincare regimen. They not only supplement my skincare routine, they pretty much form the foundation for it. Masks keep my skin in-check allowing me to have good days, more beautiful makeup application, and carry me from spa facial to spa facial.

I do 1-2 masks weekly --it's actually alright to do multiple masks weekly, so don't be afraid to incorporate them often into your routine. The week's special occasions, the weekend's feasts, my menstrual cycle (sorry for the men reading this - I know there are few of you, but still), the weather, all determine what mask I'll be using. I have intense moisturizing masks for the winter, masks that do the opposite in the summer, facial-in-a-jar masks for really important events, masks for when I'm seeing a breakout coming on (or worse, when it's already happened), and I'm constantly trying new ones for redness, minimizing pores, you name it. I get many questions about my favorite masks and which I recommend for certain conditions, so I wanted to list a few of my favorites and go-tos. These are my tried-and-true and many I'm very well stocked on at the moment while some are favorites from the past - all have given me great results.

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
Good for clearing pores

I don't think I've rambled on enough about this one. I have a thousand selfies on Instagram wearing this and that I've mentioned it 10,000 more in this very young blog. And I currently have not one, but three bottles in stock - I'm always prepared and not taking risks with this one. I use this weekly, usually on Sundays, as a detox for my skin and to clear all the weekend's bad decisions, which always show. This is great for all skin types. It goes on like mud, with a creamy texture and dries hard. I always apply after cleansing with my Clarisonic, so the the product can get way in there. It always tingles a little, but is never irritating. I rinse off with very warm water and then finish with a splash of cold water to close my pores right back up. After using, my skin just feels clean, and like it can actually breathe.



Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask
Good for quenching dry skin

This is a super-charged version of Origins' Drink-Up mask and is perfect for the dry winter months. In Texas, winter lasts just a few short weeks, but already this year I've had to use this twice during a harsh* early-November cold front. This mask is ideal if you have dry skin or live in a cold climate. My skin isn't typically dry, but for those times that I do encounter a need for added moisture, I turn to this. My skin can actually get into the oily category, so I was worried about breaking out when I used this, as I do anytime I use moisture or oil-rich products. This mask is creamy and rich with avocado oil. I was pleasantly surprised to find this mask doesn't make me break out. The mask applies deliciously, and has a very sweet but subtle scent of apricot from the apricot kernel oil. Immediately after applying, it does feel heavy and almost sticky, but after time your skin actually begins to drink the moisture right up. In the morning, your skin will feel like a dream. I also love to use just a bit of this on my hands and elbows.


*Harsh winters in Texas have 30 to 40-degree days.

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay
Good for controlling excess oil

The entire Skin Rescue collection is blemish fighting powerhouse. This mask is not slacking in the oil-control department, and it's my best friend during the summer when my skin is more prone to breakouts. Anytime I see a hint of a breakout or a blemish, I grab this out of my medicine cabinet and nip the problem right in the bud. The mask goes on very sticky, so you really have to work it into your skin and around your face. The color is a bit shocking at first - blood red. Every time I wear it, Andres either screams in terror or gives me a funny new nickname like Oompa Loompa. The mask dries into a film and peels right off, but unlike other masks that peel, the peeling process for this is very gentle and painless. It's very calming, refines pores and makes skin look and feel super smooth. I always get compliments after using this.



Boscia Luminizing Black Mask 
Good for brightening and detoxifying skin

Like the First Aid Beauty Red Clay mask above, the peeling process here is not painless. You've been warned. But it is tolerable. Our bodies were made to birth babies, so you can definitely handle this. This was actually one of my first forays into face mask territory and I have loved it since, despite that one con. It's a mask that does what it says it will do (detoxify, purify and even brighten). This stuff applies similarly to the First Aid Beauty Red Clay mask, except it's even thicker and stickier. It's a jet black color and goes on like paint. You have to layer this well and again, wait for it to dry and peel right off. Be careful near your hairline and eyebrows when using this. It's like pulling a bandaid. But worth the pain because it leaves skin super soft and definitely more radiant.



Glam Glow YouthMud 
Good for just about everything

This is the priciest of my favorites so this mask is definitely reserved for very special occasions. At $70 for 1.7 ounces, this is sadly not a mask I can afford to use weekly. This mask purifies, it clears pores, it makes you glow, glow, glow, it moisturizes, it gently exfoliates with volcanic rock, it tingles and your skin will feel soft for days after you use it. I used it last before my company's holiday party on a Saturday, and the following Wednesday I was still caressing my own cheek. It's meant to function as a facial in a jar, and I can really stand by that claim.



Lush Cosmetics Catastrophe Cosmetics and Brazened Honey//All Lush Masks
Good for whatever your needs may be

I've included these in my favorites because of the variety of recipes, the jar size and the price. These masks are each under $7 for 2.1 ounces, so they're great to buy in multiples to test or for when you're in a bind and need a quick, cost-efficient fix. These masks are all fresh-made and are kept in an in-store refrigerator, which you're also supposed to do when you take them home. I've tried the Catastrophe Cosmetic which comes with blueberries (great antioxidant), and chamomile to calm and cleanse the skin. I've also used the Brazened Honey which is great for tired skin. The honey in it is super moisturizing (leaves your skin oh-so-soft, I know because I just used it) and also a great cleanser. And since you keep them in the fridge, these are cold and extra calming when applied. And as a bonus, if you take 5 empty mask pots back to a Lush store, you'll get one mask free. You have to use these a couple times a week, they have a 3-week shelf life because they're made with fresh ingredients, and the scent is very strong. But if you can get past that, you'll love these.