Over the passed 2 years or so, I’ve expanded my collection of makeup and beauty products more than ever before. I was never really crazy about makeup to be honest. I had my favorite mascara, a subtle blush, and my go-to moisturizers, but the was pretty much the extent of it. I never imagined myself purchasing bronzers, illuminators, or palettes, but my beauty regimen has reached far beyond the basics.
I have extremely sensitive skin, and it responds right away to anything that has harsh chemicals or is too thick/clumpy for my face. As I got older, I started to realize that there are way too many beauty products that put looks before health. They fill their products with chemicals and irritants, and the process of creating and testing them is enough to deter any sane person. I used to be so frustrated with how sensitive my skin was, but I started to realize that I wasn’t the problem.
Now when I look for beauty products, I’m very careful about what I choose. I’m not going to waste my money on something that “prevents wrinkles” when the chemicals alone could actually create them. One of my favorite skin related beauty products are face masks. I basically collect them at this point. Every time I’m in Sephora or Ulta, I love to walk through the checkout line and see what I haven’t tried yet. There are tons of different types of masks, from cloth to gel. Here are some of my best finds!
Brand: Live Green
Category: Cloth
Cost: 5 in each pack/$4.99
I’m a big fan of anything honey-related, so I bought this before knowing anything about the brand. I’ve made a few face masks/creams myself, and many of them used honey as a primary ingredient. It’s rejuvenating, and helps to lock in the natural oils that our skins produces, rather than drying them up. There are some benefits to the cloth method versus muds and gels, like the fact that there’s less of a mess. I applied this mask for 20-25 minutes, (I’m surprised I stayed still that long) and then removed it and voila! All done.
These facial masks are extremely gentle, and over time they claim to help to even your skin tone. I haven’t used them long enough to tell, but if I see a difference I’ll certainly post an update! The only down side to these is they’re nearly impossible to find in single packs. Every time I’ve seen them they’re in a pack of 5 or 10, and sometimes I just want 1. But luckily, they’re only $4.99 per 5 pack, which is great considering the quality.
Brand: Freeman
Category: Gel
Cost: $1.29
The only way that I can really describe these is as a “gel” texture. Once you squeeze it out of the bag, apply it evenly across your face and let it dry for about 15-20 minutes. This is one of my personal favorites because once it’s applied, it’s mess free. You don’t have to wash your face or anything unless you want to, and it doesn’t leave a residue.
These are ideal for anyone with dry skin like myself, because they absorb all of the dead skin and leave your face feeling extremely soft. The first time I tried these it felt like I got a face lift honestly. You can find these at almost any drug store, and they come in 6-7 different scents!
Brand: Tonymoly
Category: Cloth
Cost: $2.99
Not only is this sheet-mask made with a small amount of red wine, but it smells like hints of wine. Talk about the ultimate spa day! When I want to relax and unwind on my days off, I grab a glass of real wine, throw on one of these, and let it work some magic. The best part about these masks is that they make your skin appear brighter. If you’ve been wearing makeup nonstop for weeks at a time, chances are your skin needs a break. These are a great way to clean up any leftover makeup, and start fresh.
My biggest concern was that it would tint my skin red, but despite the pinkish color of the sheet, it didn’t leave any residue. I would definitely keep it away from your clothes/hair though, just in case. You can find these at quite a few places now, including Forever 21, Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom.
Brand: Mud Pac
Category: Mud/Paste
Cost: $1.29
These were a bit different than what I’m used to, but I definitely recommend trying them. It’s much thicker than the gel, but it applies with the same process. I use these if I have excess oil on my skin, because they do require a lot of rinsing after use. A lot of face masks claim to moisturize your skin but they actually leave it feeling tight and flaky. These mud masks are excellent at locking in the good oils, and absorbing the extra.
If you have extremely sensitive skin, I would apply small amounts and work slowly just in case. The mask has a cooling sensation that can irritate some skin types, so it’s better to be careful. The only down side to these masks is that they can be difficult to find, and they’re only sold as singles. But just in case you’re new to face masks, it’s better to buy a few different types to see what works best for your skin type.
What are your go-to face masks? Have you tried any of these?
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