6 Masks You Need to Try

What beauty ritual is more indulgent than the mask? Manicures are great, sure, but they require so much attention to detail. Masks, on the other hand, are totally foolproof, and the results are instantaneous. So to spread the joy around, I thought I’d share a few of the masks I’m loving lately.

Sheet masks are everywhere these days, and while you wouldn’t think a flimsy little thing would pack such a punch, they’re incredibly effective. Positively dripping with active ingredients, they hug every contour of your face, saturating your skin with much-needed moisture. Sephora makes about a dozen versions, but I love Lotus, Honey, and Rose the most. (Rose is not pictured here because I am constantly using up my stash. Whoops.) They may be messy and look ridiculous, but hey, those babies work! And they make for some hilarious Snapchat material.

Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask is a little odd, but fantastic. It has the consistency of strawberry jelly, and you can either apply it to a clean face or layer it on top of this cleanser for added exfoliation (I’ve tried this method and it’s awesome). The mask contains pomegranate enzymes and pink clay, which work together to smooth and decongest your skin, leaving it totally refreshed. It’s pretty gentle, but if you have dry or sensitive skin, I’d suggest leaving it on no longer than 10 minutes.

Now let’s talk sleeping masks, the unsung heroes of my skincare routine. All you do is slather on a layer before bed, and when you wake up, your skin will be perfectly hydrated. You don’t even need to rinse them off! They’re also great for travel, since plane air sucks the moisture right out of your skin. I like to use one nightly when I’m traveling – but if you’re comfortable giving yourself an in-flight facial, that would probably work even better. I love Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial (rich and soothing) and AmorePacific Sleeping Recovery Masque (made with bamboo sap, it’s super light and perfect for summer).

One of my great pleasures in life is scoring free samples of super expensive products, so nabbing this Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask (which retails for a jaw-dropping $162) was a major victory. Because it seemed so fancy, I saved it for months…until last night. And now I almost wish I had never tried it, because it’s incredible, and I really, really want to buy it. This mask is like nothing else I have ever put on my face. It promises “instant youth” and my god, does it deliver. (Except my skin never looked this good even in my youth!) It feels like velvet, and my skin absolutely drank it up. Everything looked smoother, brighter, more even and less shiny after only 15 minutes. I’m not a person who leaves the house without makeup – EVER – but after using this mask once, I feel like maybe that could change. This is major, guys.

Have you tried any of these? What’s your favorite mask?

♥ Mil