We’ll say it: face masks are fun. Some are cheeky colours, some peel off taking blackheads with them, and hell, some even bubble up into fluffy foam on your face – honestly, you really can’t blame us for getting a little haphazard with them – it’s an Insta pic waiting to happen.
But if you’re dealing with a devilish complexion that’s decided to dry out, play up or drown itself in oil just when you need it to be clear and calm, it’s nice to have a tried-and-true formula on standby that you know will help to restore glorious balance in a flash.
It’s all about understanding what you’re trying to do and which types of masks will do it. Don’t worry though, we’ve done the hard work for you – here are the nine face masks we really rate for saving your skin, whatever the situation.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Mask
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Mask is a clay-powered purifying mask that helps to eliminate excess sebum and invisible impurities (think dust and pollution particles), while still remaining gentle enough to avoid irritation.
$29.95 at Adore Beauty
Love La Roche-Posay? Us too, which is why we’re thrilled to share that they’re a sponsor of BODfest, a one-day mini-fest focused on body confidence and self-love and happening on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Get your tickets here!
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque
The SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque has been formulated to cool on contact, to comfort skin sensitivities and restore natural radiance. It’s considered one of the best face masks for post-procedure use, to provide an immediate calming effect and reduce visual redness and discomfort.
$89 at Adore Beauty
Alya Skin Pink Clay Mask
The Pink Clay Mask from Alya Skin is a strengthening, detoxifying and cleansing face mask that will also brighten dull skin. Formulated with kaolin clay, it works to tighten pores, extract pollutants and assist in the removal of acne and pimples.
$42.95 at Chemist Warehouse
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask
Looking for the best face mask to control breakouts and excess oil? We recommend SheaMoisture’s African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask, which leaves the skin fresh, clear and smooth.
For centuries, African black soap has been widely used to treat eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, so you can consider this a tried-and-tested recipe for soothing inflammation.
$21.24 at Ry.com.au
Estée Lauder Clear Difference Purifying Exfoliating Mask
This multi-masking formula works as both an exfoliant and a leave-on treatment to draw out impurities, clarify congested skin and refine uneven textures. Featuring white clay and micro-fine exfoliators, Estée Lauder’s Clear Difference Purifying Exfoliating Mask leaves skin clean, refreshed, and glowing.
$49 at Adore Beauty
L’OCCITANE Immortelle Divine Cream Mask
L’OCCITANE’s Immortelle Divine Cream Mask nourishes the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
In our opinion, it’s the best face mask from the French brand. While you may not have a chance to chill while wearing it (you only leave it on for a few minutes), you can be sure that the wrinkle-reducing shea butter and Immortelle essential oil is hard at work.
$169 at L’OCCITANE
Olay Skinfusion Camellia Nourishing Sheet Mask
Olay’s Skinfusion Camellia Nourishing Sheet Mask infuses your complexion with camellia oil (sourced from the Izu Peninsula in Japan, no less) to replenish and hydrate for up to eight hours. Love sheet masks? Here are five more sheet masks for all skin concerns.
$4.95 at Cosmetic Capital
Ultraceuticals Ultra B² Hydration Mask
The perfect complement to your daily skin program, the Ultraceuticals Ultra B² Hydration Mask helps to restore hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The combination of panthenol, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate provides maximum moisture, leaving dehydrated skin dewy and supple.
$108 at Active Skin
Main image credit: @christinanadin
Have you tried any of these face masks? Do you have any other favourites?
If Chrissy Teigen likes it, it’s probably good enough for me!
I agree! She has amazing skin
I love using face masks, all types from sheet, gel, charcoal, cream and clay. I have not used any of those pictured, would love to try some of them.
Love me a facemask, particularly a hydrating sheet mask! Really want to try some of the GlamGlow mask though!
Same I really enjoy face masks! Nice to take some time out for self care
Glam glow all the way!
My budget is a bit tight lately, so perhaps I’ll try the Olay Sheet Masks. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for specials.
I really love the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask. I’ve run out, need to buy some more. I find that it really does work for me.
sounds good! I am going to have to check that out.
Ooo those Ultraceuticals masks 😍
Love Sukin and Swisse face masks and also sheet masks.
I’m a fan of sukin clay masks as well as sheet masks
I would love to try the L’occitane and Estée Lauder masks.
If I could afford this Face Mask I would definitely try this Ultraceuticals Ultra B² Hydration Mask especially with niacinamide I always use Face Moisturisers that have niacinamide in them.
I haven’t tried any of these before
This weekend rediscovered the ordinary salicylic acid mask, just superb for clearing whiteheads and acne….and then followed with hydrating Minessey mask.
This weekend rediscovered the ordinary salicylic acid mask, just superb for clearing whiteheads and acne….and then followed with hydrating minessey mask.
Didn’t try those listed, but can’t post ones I used just yesterday. Censoring me…
Used yesterday the ordinary salicylic acid mask, just superb for clearing whiteheads and acne….and then followed with hydrating minessey mask.
Used yesterday the ordinary SA 2% masque, just superb for clearing whiteheads and acne….and then followed with hydrating minenssey masque
Used yesterday the Ord. SA 2% masque, just superb for clearing whiteheads and acne….and then followed with hydrating mine…nssey masque
Salicylic 2% from ordinary, clay/acid from Sands and sky, hydrating from minenessey etc
I dont use masks, seem to take a lot of time. I guess they would improve my skin tone?
I agree they do take up a lot of time. Another Beauty gave me a tip whereby you can multi skill whilst wearing one. I watch TV or do my nails.
Yeh I tend to wear one while doing other bits and pieces and the time goes before I know it!
I’d love to try the L’Occitane. It looks lovely.
I love face masks, i woud wear or put one on daily if i had time
Same here! Definitely nice to treat myself
Omg, how could I forget LuLuLun, especially white ones, sooo plumping!! and hydrating
I’ve not tried any of these bit I think we need to use masks more here. Also… Eye masks!!! Eye area seems to be neglected…
Yes eye masks are the best
I need to do eye masks now these days I think too
Minenssey masks are great. I also love Sukin Super Greens.
Yes I also love minenssey masks
Some really good options!
Interested in the Alya Skin one!
Me too… it does look nice doesn’t it
Have to try these
Still loving my Alya clay mask in warmer weather.
Wow some lovely products in this article -would be lovely present too with xmas soon
I haven’t tried any of these. I do like Garnier’s range.
I’d like to give Olay Skinfusion Camellia Nourishing Sheet Mask a go.
I have a slight obsession with face masks, I love clay masks and do them weekly, often followed by a brightening or hydrating mask.
Like the looks of a few of these!!
Nothing beats a sheet mask…
Ooh, grabby hands for all of them! 🙂
The only one of those masks I am even remotely tempted by is Skinceuticals and it is so far out of my budget I should start saving now so I can afford to buy it in November 2025!
Maybe try to get one from the Rewards Room.
I like to do that too Normap
I’m not keen on physical masks but the creams and lotions look good. I like the sound of a clay mask
Love a clay mask!!!
Haven’t tried any of these tbh. Still love my Essano clay mask, but a few months back I bought a $7 moisturising clay mask from Kmart (of all places!) and I’ve been loving it so far. I only use it on my cheeks & neck & (occasionally) my forehead as the rest of my face is oily, but so far I really dig it.
I’ve tried a lot of masks but not the mentioned ones. There’s always room for more masks.
All my favourite and most trusted brand all in one article! I haven’t tried any of them though.
I love masks, can’t say I’ve tried many of these due to budget, but they sound amazing
The SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque, yes please, ouch on the Visa though
love me a face mask
They all sound so good
I need to use a clay mask, it has been a while and it is showing in regards to the condition of my skin!
Love the look of these masks, they all are great
I try to use a clay mask once a week. I use the QV clay mask. Wouldn’t mind trying the Ayla pink clay mask
I’ve bought a new face mask in the RR so I’m excited to try that!
I’ve got a nice pink clay mask at the moment.
I haven’t tried any of these. I have a backlog of masks I really must start using first!