RETURN of the MASK
A new generation of detoxifying facial treatments gives fast, fresh, and radiant results. By Victoria Hall.
Having long since fallen out of fashion, the face mask is making a comeback, and a strong one. There is now a huge choice of masks that work faster and harder, like turbo-charged face creams. They come in a range of textures, from traditional clays and creams to hydrating gels and cloth masks. “With new technology and scientific discoveries in skincare, masks have now become so active that results can be seen straight away,” says the facialist Linda Palcic.
WHAT YOU NEED
Take the clay mask: after years of futile, messy, skin-drying sachets, brands such as Clayspray and GlamGlow are using finer French clays, which are softer on skin, but still draw out impurities and detoxify. Clay masks are now essential to skincare, as “clear pores help nourishing and anti-ageing ingredients to penetrate the skin properly,” explains the facialist Alexandra Soveral. Use one before applying a replenishing cloth mask, and the results are on a par with professional facials. “Cloth masks deliver hyaluronic acids and vitamins deep into the skin and really help to improve its quality, texture, and radiance,” says Palcic. Our current favourites include La Mer the Hydrating Facial Mask, SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask, and Dior Capture Lift Corset Mask.
We are also fans of skin-plumping overnight masks that absorb into the skin, such as the La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask, which effectively reduces puffiness and allows the natural nocturnal renewal process to take place overnight. Use one weekly in place of a night cream for a concentrated hit of hydration, and wake up to incredible softness. Multi-purpose masks are also huge hits – the brand new Sothys Grape-Pear 2-in-1 Mask Exfoliant is an invigorating scrub and mask that comes with an aromatic experience and induces an instant light-up effect for the face.
Although these new masks won’t obviate the need to see a facialist regularly, they are an easy, effective, and accessible way to rejuvenate and refresh your skin.