Well Masked
Take cover and reap the rewards with an overnight recharge, says Janetta Mackay
So many masks, so little time – except overnight – which is one reason we particularly like sleep masks. Stow the sheets, let the clay crack, ignore the exfoliators; instead for ease, opt for something that can just be left on and do its work while you rest. This includes not just specified sleep masks, but any of the moisturising kind that aren’t too gloopy. Overnight masks can be used as often as daily, depending on type. Apply to a cleansed face, over any serums if you use these, and instead of your moisturiser. Or save for a weekly or less frequent treat when your skin is really crying out for some love.
Avoid sleepovers with masks containing a lot of active ingredients, unless you know that your skin can tolerate them. Otherwise, from extended exposure you run the risk of emerging irritated rather than soothed. Skin plumping hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that locks in moisture, so it’s one to seek out.
1. Glow Recipe Watermelon Mask $77 This glow getter is the latest pretty “it” mask making waves online. Watermelon generally is proving such a hit with younger consumers that a US vaping company recently forswore using the flavour after criticism it was targeting Gen Z and millennial buyers. Glow’s mask is a K-beauty favourite and it does indeed contain extracts of the juicy fruit, along with both hyaluronic acid and some AHAs. The soothing shade is so seductive and the gel texture dreamy. Mecca.co.nz
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE GLOW RECIPE PHENOMENON AT VIVA.CO.NZ/GLOW 2. La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask $565 Like caviar, this is for those with expensive tastes, but it’s often cited by women in the know for its glow-making results. Botanical extracts and actives combine to firm and freshen skin. Smithandcaugheys.co.nz 3. Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask $85 Feels velvety and, with frequent use — up to five times a week is okay — this is said to also soften the look of fine lines and enhance the complexion. Suitable for all skin types, this cream mask is best massaged in with upward motions, during which you feel the formula’s instant superficial tightening effect on your face. From Kiehl’s stores and counters, including at Smith and Caughey’s. Smithandcaughey.co.nz 4. Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing Rose Mask $215 Never fear petals, these inclusions dissolve on application. Although it’s not marketed as an overnight mask, who wouldn’t want to go to sleep on a bed of roses. From Lancome’s prestige Absolue range, with its mix of high-tech rose extracts and soothing rose water, this pampering pot nourishes skin so it is supple and soothed. From selected department stores and pharmacies. 5. James Read Overnight Tan Sleep Mask Go Darker $55 I’m way too much of a pasty-faced wimp to try any dark formula and reckon that unless you’re olive-skinned already, best start with the lighter version of this one instead. Those who have, say it builds from a slight glow to a light tan over several nights’ use, without staining or stinking out the sheets. It does also contain decent hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe. Mecca.co.nz 6. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask $60 An innovative “memory-shape” gel-cream, this moulds to skin and leaves it feeling replumped and replenished. It’s designed to help skin bounce back after a rest anointed in organic babassu oil from Brazil and extracts from edelweiss plant stem cells from the Italian Alps and marine extracts from France. Thebodyshop.co.nz
FOR MORE MASKS TO SLEEP ON, GO TO VIVA.CO.NZ/MASKS