Masking Addiction

I go through skincare phases where I change my habits or routines once in a while. There are times when I use scrub religiously, and times when I don't scrub for months. Other times I use only the most basic products (face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen), and then I go through periods of 10 steps to clean-hydrate-pamper my skin. No matter what I choose to do, I always listen to my skin and its needs. All these changes in routine come and stick with me for a while naturally, so no matter how long or short it may be, I don't get tired or bored or lazy. Well, not most times.

Currently I'm in a masking phase, and try to use one every other day. Mostly I use masks 4-5 times a week, but there are times when I mask more frequently. I'm not new to such facial treatment, but quite often in the past I would complain that I see no visible results (instant or long term). Those were the times when I used masks 1-2 times a week at best. I understand that most directions tell to do just that, but I believe in masking more often. However, the key to my method is to use what skin needs at the moment, and not to overuse certain masks (e.g. deep cleansing mask might work for normal/dry skin once a week, but would dry out the skin if used 4 times per week).          

I used to use masks only in the evening or when I knew I'm not leaving the house, but I changed that too. It all depends on the kind of treatment I'm looking for. If I want to detox, deep clean, resurface my skin, I use a mask at night (though there are exceptions to that sometimes), and if I want to hydrate, tighten or make my skin glow, then I mask in the morning. There are so many different kinds of masks that I'll tell about them separately once I talk about the ones I use.

Biobelle Primer sheet mask

I've rediscovered sheet masks only recently as I've never been into them due to poor construction (they wouldn't hold on the face, they fit poorly and wouldn't cover whole face or the piece above the lip would be on the lips, etc). The first mask of this kind was Primer sheet mask from Biobelle* (link), which wraps around the face perfectly due to slits around the perimeter of the mask. The size of the mask and the holes were cut out exactly were my eyes, nose, mouth are, so I haven't experienced problems with properly placing it on the face. The mask was very moist, but the liquid held in it, and there was no extra in the packaging that I could use afterwards as a serum. I really liked how this mask smells, and while it's a 5 minute mask, I loved how it felt on the face and kept it for 10+ minutes. My skin was left plumped and super soft. I have used 3 of these masks, but I haven't noticed any difference in makeup application.

Origins Flower Fusion sheet masks in Orange, Lavender, Raspberry

Since I enjoyed using Biobelle sheet masks, I wanted to try some more and ordered Origins Flower Fusion sheet masks in Orange, Lavender and Raspberry (link to all 6 available). I've only used the Lavender one so far. It's a soothing mask, and because it's lavender, I decided to use it at night as it's a nice way to relax before bedtime. The mask felt cool on the skin, it felt very refreshing and calming. While I didn't notice any major change, my skin felt soft, hydrated, and beautiful, and that's enough for me.

Origins RitualiTea powder masks

Erborian mask brush

The other kind of masks that I rediscovered recently are powder masks. I used to be too lazy/unwilling to spend any time on making my masks, but now I enjoy that ritual. I got these Origins RitualiTea antioxidant rich tea-infused masks (link to full size products) as gift with purchase. I didn't try them all yet, but I enjoyed them so far. The trick to making a perfect consistency is to add water little by little, and mix the mask well before adding additional water. These masks have a mousse-like texture, and feel nice on the skin.

I don't have a good reason for that, but I don't like applying masks with my fingers, so I got a brush. I was looking at a few different ones, but settled down with Erborian Precision Mask Applicator (link). It's the best applicator ever! When looking at the photos online I didn't realize that it's a silicone brush without any "hair", and was skeptical when I received it. It took only one use to understand that it will be my must have tool. It applies product beautifully all over the face, it doesn't absorb any product, and it's super easy to wash and dry.
 

Andalou Fruit Enzyme mask

Andalou Naturals is one of my favorite natural brands, so no wonder you can find their products in my bathroom. I've tried all the masks from this brand when they first came out years ago, and I had good memories, so I bought some again. If I'm not mistaken, the formulas as well as packaging changed since then. I wasn't crazy about Andalou age defying mask (it smelled too strong/too annoying), but I loved BioActive 8 Berry Fruit Enzyme Mask (link). The consistency reminds me of a pudding. This mask smells heavenly and it gives me skin that looks better. It's one of those products that you use and see a difference though you can't name what exactly is the change.

Kiehl's Rare Earth deep cleansing mask

While my skin is mostly normal, I do get clogged pores from some of the products I use or I just feel like I want a deeper cleansing after wearing makeup all day, wearing more products on the face, etc. On such days I use Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask (link). I like this mask, but there are a few things that bother me a little. First, the smell reminds me of those mud baths, and I don't like it. Though it's not strong enough, and doesn't stop me from using the product. Another thing that I have problems with is consistency. If I brush my applicator very gently and take only a thin layer of the mask, I have no problem with it. However, usually I'm impatient and take a bigger chunk of the product to smooth out on the face, and that's when I experience issues. It's not so easy to distribute the mask around the face as it seems not to stick to the skin and either falls of the brush or moves around the face in big pieces. My only advice is to take small amounts at a time, and you'll have no problems with it. The mask doesn't dry out my face, makes it feel nice, but I don't feel any extra softness or radiance.  

Boscia Green Tea Oil-Control mask

It's been a while since I used peel-off masks, so I was looking for one when I came across Boscia Green Tea Oil-Control mask (link). I've used it about a year and a half ago, and quite liked it. I've tried other Boscia peel off masks, but they didn't work for me as I didn't like the scent or they peeled off painfully. I can't remember if it was a black or a white one that felt as if I'm ripping skin off my face. One thing I can tell already - this is not a long lasting mask as I use quite a lot for one application, but since I don't use it everyday, I'm ok with that. I like this mask for evening use as I can apply it, and peel off while watching TV. It doesn't require rushing to the bathroom to wash it off or to apply the rest of the products.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight mask

 Last but not the least is Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight mask (link). This mask has a creamy consistency and is intended to be left on the skin overnight. It applies and absorbs just like a cream, so you don't have to worry about staining your pillowcase. This is a very convenient mask as you can skip serum and moisturizer step and deal with evening skincare quickly. I haven't used this mask many times, but I enjoyed each application. The skin is left plump, soft and glowing in the morning.

* marks PR samples received complimentary