Face masks have a way of making even the most demanding complexions feel looked after, whether you reach for hydrating, soothing, purifying or glow-giving formulas. Here is our pick of the best of the bunch: masks we would actually make room for when skin needs a reset.
Let's be honest: between the mask that gets forgotten at the back of a drawer and the one you buy three times in a row, the difference is rarely the packaging. So we've picked out a few products and explained what they promise, keeping in mind that a mask is still a cosmetic: for inflammatory acne, rosacea or scarring, see a dermatologist, not a pot sitting on the bathroom shelf.
Dior's mask for all skin types promises to revive tired skin, purify and boost radiance — no small claim. The texture is lovely, as is the scent: a very fresh translucent gel-cream that doesn't dry down. As a result, it doesn't leave skin feeling tight and rinses off easily. Leave it on according to the brand's instructions, massage gently and rinse with warm water for a soft, clean-feeling face and a complexion that looks brighter and more even. Use it as needed, at the frequency the brand advises, whenever you fancy a gentle pampering session. One caveat: if you're after a genuinely treating mask (hydrating or purifying), this may not be the one for you; but if you want a cocooning moment and a bit of pep back in your complexion, you're onto a good thing. Masque Magique Éclat Pureté, Dior.
A small dose of comfort in a harsh world, this thirst-quenching sheet mask stands out for its practical, original packaging, which is genuinely lovely to use. The sheet moulds to the face and is soaked in a non-greasy hydrating formula that plumps and soothes: a pure moment of pleasure and relaxation, and a two-in-one beauty product that promises a pretty complexion and a rested mind. Skin looks more comfortable and smoother, softer and more luminous; the only snag is the price. It's also fragrance-free, which is a plus for skin, and the masks come individually wrapped for optimum freshness and easy travel — because our beauty rituals should be able to follow us to the ends of the earth. Masque Tissu Désaltérant, Clinique.
A rather strange salty scent comes out of this little tube — worth noting if you need a very 'beauty counter' smell (which, generally, comes with a chemical edge; useful to know). The texture is pleasant and should be massaged gently into the face to dissolve the little blue beads in the product. Leave it on for the time advised by the brand; the mask is almost completely absorbed, then rinse with a muslin cloth or a cotton pad soaked in warm water, and admire: skin feels extremely soft, rested and comfortable, and any tightness and tingling seem calmed. An excellent treatment, but, once again, the price tag matches. Masque Éclat Bain des Lagons, Carita.
This one is especially suited to summer: its melting, ultra-fresh texture relaxes and wakes up the skin, and the complexion looks brighter and smoother. Then there's the divine scent — a very pleasant product overall. Formulated with bamboo water, cucumber extract and essential oils, among other things, it hydrates lightly, though that isn't its main strength: it's better for combination skin than dry, and it's a blessing after a day in the sun to soothe and refresh skin. Masque Énergétique, Kenzoki.
Clinique promises an ultra-gentle alternative to microdermabrasion in this little blue pot — a brand claim, so take it as such. On the menu: a radiance boost and a fresh start, thanks to a gentle exfoliating mask. A small amount is enough: leave it on until it dries, then very gently rub the skin so the mask balls up and lifts away with dead skin and impurities. The brand recommends weekly use for a face that's ready for its close-up every day of the year. Worth noting: if you don't want to rub the skin to remove it, especially if you have sensitive skin, you can clean it off with a flannel dampened with warm water. The result: skin looks softer and smoother, and the complexion clearer — perfect before make-up for a night out, for make-up that lasts. Turnaround 15 Minute Facial, Clinique.
Hyped as the wonder of wonders, this By Terry mask costs a pretty penny — as well you might know. This time the promise is a hit of hydration for dry, tired skin, thanks to Kalahari melon oil, raspberry and poppy oils, a precious Mexican cactus, blue lotus and a whole host of other precious substances and extracts that, we assume, explain the price. Application is a pleasure: the rich, fresh texture and pleasant scent go on beautifully, and after the recommended leave-on time, skin looks brand new. The complexion looks impeccable and comfort is noticeable — an SOS treatment for when you don't know what else to try. Worth knowing: it can also be used as an overnight treatment, according to the brand's instructions, on areas of the face that need it most. Masque Hydra-Ressource, By Terry.
Back to Carita for the SOS treatment for sensitive skin. This one is aimed at skin prone to redness, tightness, patches and general discomfort. Formulated for sensitive skin, it can bring a feeling of soothing thanks to its soft texture, packed with calming actives. One to keep close at hand for crisis moments: winter, sun, skin reactions and so on. Smooth on a generous layer, leave it for the time the brand recommends, then remove the excess with a cotton pad — and skin is left soft and ready. Masque de Coton, Carita.
This one is a natural cosmetic: it promises revitalised, refined, brighter and regenerated skin — in short, a treatment mask to leave on for the time the brand specifies. Apply a thin layer and let it sink in, then remove the excess with a cotton pad soaked in warm water or lotion. Redness looks calmed, skin feels soft and no longer tight, and it seems visibly rested and cared for: a very good treatment to adopt. Formulated with wheatgerm oil, jojoba, peanut, apricot kernel, quince seed extracts, volcanic clay and carrot extract, among other ingredients, it promises a proper natural breakfast for tired skin. Worth noting: it can also be used in a thin layer under day cream during a 'crisis' (very dry, tired or reactive skin, for example). Masque Revitalisant, Dr. Hauschka.
Fancy a quick beauty shop? Some of these products were available at beauty retailers such as Sephora, others at department store beauty counters, salons, pharmacies or on the brand's website — ranges have moved on since, so it's worth checking availability before you buy. A mask works as a support treatment: as a rule, apply it after exfoliating, to clean skin, and leave it on for the recommended time. A comfort and relaxation ritual, it gives skin a gentle pause and gives us one too — often overstretched as we are, a mask forces us to take a few minutes for ourselves as part of a beauty ritual. Choose according to your skin type and needs, whether occasional or ongoing.
The routine that matters: cleanse, exfoliate now and then — without scrubbing if skin feels tight — then apply the mask to clean skin. Don't leave it on longer than advised, and rinse sooner if the product starts to dry. If your skin is reactive, redness persists or you're unsure, speak to a dermatologist rather than layering on more masks.
What it costs
As a rough guide, a single mask (sheet or sachet) usually costs between £1.50 and £5, sometimes less when you buy a multipack. At beauty counters and premium skincare brands, expect more like £25 to £60 per jar or tube, and at a salon, a facial with a mask usually sits between £35 and £80. What changes the price? The concentration of actives, the format (sheet, cream, clay), the size, whether refills exist — and where you buy it, with beauty counters often pricier than a pharmacy or the brand's own website.
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