Our five favourite face masks
Hold on to the hibernation habit, says Sarah Caden, with these five favourite masks
We don’t necessarily go gently into the month of January. Much as we want to kick the bad habits of the preceding month, a period of abstinence, staying in and laying low isn’t exactly exciting. And then, slowly but surely, we realise that exciting is over-rated and that hibernation has its charms. Also, it can be most satisfying to feel increasingly virtuous as the month goes by.
What would be a bonus, of course, is if the positive effects of hibernation were written all over your face. With that in mind, we make much of face masks this week, as a skincare effort that chimes with clean-living efforts, and will also make you look like you’ve been on an Austrian detox-spa break. Or, realistically, like there’s value in self-care.
Best Overall
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Night-time Eye Tissue Mask, €3.99, available nationwide Part of what we love about this mask is the process.
It’s a sheet mask, in one piece, which you lay across your closed eyes for 15 minutes before sleep. If you’re someone who can’t usually sit still and relax while using a mask, this might be a nice exercise in enforced relaxation. The -4C cool feel of the ingredients infused in the sheet is also very nice. “By now, I know that it’s the hyaluronic acid in this mask giving the softening effect you see the next morning,” one panellist said..
Best Back to Black
Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque, €50, selected salons nationwide, or see dermalogica.ie Charcoal is a well-regarded purifier, so if your skin needs a January detox, then this is your man. But charcoal isn’t all that’s going on here: sulphur claims to boost radiance, niacinamide is calming, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) will do some noticeable exfoliating for brightness. Also, for those who hate masks that dry hard on the skin, this stays moist and wipes off easily. “This is a do-a-lot mask and ideal for kick-starting January skin,” a panellist said.
Best Head Space
Phyto Phytokeratine Extreme Mask, €31, selected pharmacies nationwide, or see cosmeticsonline.ie When one has overdone it, this often shows up in the quality and condition of the hair. Dull, straw-like and brittle are the tell-tale signs of damaged tresses, and this mask employs keratin, oils and flower extracts to repair and restore. It’s rich and thick, and probably best suited to thick hair. “This basically feels like hair medicine,” a panellist said. “I put it on, and slept in it before washing in the morning. The bounce is back.”
Best Gentle Clay
Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask, €48, Arnotts; Brown Thomas We see the word ‘clay’ in the name or ingredients list of a product and think of deep cleansing. However, not all clays are the same. The white clay in this mask is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and provides a gentle exfoliation, a small bit of oil absorption and an overall refining effect. This mask gives an undeniable glow to the skin, leaving it firmer and a bit less wan. “Love this mask,” said a panellist. “The only problem is that any Charlotte Tilbury products make me think of made-up nights out!”
Best Make Clay
Dr Hauschka Clarifying Clay Mask, €33.25, selected health shops nationwide This mask has Loess clay — which is actually a form of silt — as well as nasturtium and witch hazel. All function as purifying agents and absorb excess sebum, making it suitable for oilier skin types. The Loess clay also performs as an exfoliant, so you can expect clearer and smoother skin after 10 minutes. “This dries on like a good, old-school mask, and I love that,” said a panellist, “As it dries, it feels like it’s doing good, and your skin afterwards is proof of that.”