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?
I use a variety of masks. One day its a sheet mask another day its a detox mask or a DIY
I’m really not big on masks. I don’t seem to have the time. I guess I should probably make time!
i want to trial them all!!!
I would love to try Olay Skinfusion Camellia Nourishing Sheet Mask.
Love one or two of these, the rest I havnt tried
I don’t mind a face mask in general but tend to avoid sheet masks.
I love masks but I haven’t tried any of these. The L’Occitane one sounds fab (but very expensive 🙁 )