Favorite Face Masks

by 19.3.15

Does your skincare routine include face mask application? Face masks are an essential step to create beautiful skin and today I’d like to share three of my favorites that purify, brighten and hydrate.


PURIFY

Origins Clear Improvement® Active Charcoal Mask  |  SEPHORA

This is my go-to mask when my skin is misbehaving. I love the Origins product line because they’re free of parabens and harsh chemicals and are also made with natural and certified organic ingredients.

The main ingredient that helps draw out and absorb impurities, such as bacteria and oil, is Activated Charcoal, which has a high-absorption capacity. Once removed, these impurities attach to the charcoal’s surface and are rinsed away.

After this mask is applied, wait for 10 minutes or until it has dried on your face and then gently remove with warm water. You’ll look like a monster initially, but once this product works it’s magic it will reveal beautiful skin that looks and feels more balanced and clear.

I apply this charcoal mask two times per week, but it can be used as needed and works for all skin types; definitely one of the best masks I’ve ever used.



BRIGHTEN

Alba Botanica – Even Advanced™ Deep Sea Facial Mask  |  Alba Botanica

Alba has become another brand favorite of mine because not only are their ingredients 100% vegetarian but cruelty-free as well, which means no animal testing (look for the bunny icon!). When my skin looks dull, this is the mask I use to brighten my complexion and create a more even tone.

Kaolin Clay plus Alba’s Marine Complex promotes uniform tone and equalizes pigment to make skin look more radiant. In five minutes any dulling impurities are removed and it gives my skin a gentle restart. I find this mask especially helpful after I’ve been out all day (or night) and environmental or personal stress begins to show.

This product is so luxurious – whipped texture, clean smell and smooth application – plus, it breathes life back into my skin. To make the experience more luxurious, I apply it slowly with a clean face brush.



HYDRATE

Origins Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Mask  |  SEPHORA

Overnight masks are new territory for me but the current winter weather has made my skin feel dry so I decided to try this product and it’s a miracle worker! This mask uses Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oil to provide powerful hydration and moisture replacement without upsetting skin – perfect for those on the sensitive side.

Because this mask is applied before bed, I didn’t place any other product on my face (except under eye cream) so as not to skew the results. Fortunately, this mask also contains Japanese Seaweed, which helps repair skin and prevent premature aging, so I went to sleep a happy girl.

In the morning, my skin was glowing, baby smooth and rebalanced. I would highly recommend this to anyone experiencing dry skin issues, whether temporary or consistent – the formula is gentle and can be applied generously or sparsely depending on your situation.



FACE MASK TIPS & TRICKS


  • Always apply masks to fresh, clean skin and be sure your face isn't wet.
  • Keep hair tied back so it doesn’t interfere during application. The feeling of hair dried to your face is not pleasant!
  • For best results, make sure your pores are open prior to application – the easiest way is to soak a towel in hot water, wring it out and place over your face for five minutes.
  • If applying mask with your hands, make sure they’re clean – hand hygiene prevents contamination and potential breakouts.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and lips.
  • Keep the mask on as long as directed.
  • Make sure you relax! Face masks are a way to pamper yourself so take this time to unwind and clear your head.
  • Wash away your mask with warm water, then splash cold water on your face to close pores.



In my next post I’ll show how to make these masks at home, DIY-style! If you use the products featured in this post, let me know in the comments below. If not, what’s your favorite face mask and why? Even better, if you have more tips and tricks, share with us!

♡ REBECCA


Rebecca Brayman is a graphic designer and digital consultant with clientele ranging from renowned heavy metal bands (EPICA, Kamelot) to well-known female entrepreneurs and professionals. She is also passionate about skin care and believes that revealing and celebrating one's natural beauty inspires self-confidence and empowerment.

Website  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

You May Also Like

14 comments

  1. Diana Duarte19.3.15

    Hi simone! Thanks for the post. Yes, i have to use mask 2 times a week. My favourite ones is from Biotherm or Clinique. I love both! And I love You, Simone! Congratulations for the great job ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gabriela19.3.15

    Simone i'm so anxious for the next post, loved the tips today ! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Christiana20.3.15

    I love your blog posts Simone! Thanks for sharing these! I don't know if you have the drugstore Superdrug in Germany, but here in the UK they do their own brand affordable face masks which are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have seen its portfolio of graphic designer and I liked their work. I like to meet design professionals and nurture me of them, because I am Argentina advertiser.She'll be grateful that you 've done a little recognition in your blog. A big kiss! Epica has won the hearts of all Argentines with the show on Friday March 13th.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have seen her portfolio of graphic designer and I liked their work. I like to meet design professionals and nurture me of them, because I am Argentina advertiser. She'll be grateful that you 've done a little recognition in your blog. A big kiss! Epica has won the hearts of all Argentines with the show on Friday March 13th.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Alessandra22.3.15

    Hi Simone, hi Rebecca! I love skin mask, and I love to dedicate time each week for relax and care. Because of my oily skin I use masks which contains mint and/or clay, then I use the cotton masks for hydratation (my favourite are from Sephora).
    Before use them I gently scrub my face with honey and sugar, during the scrub I use steam (bowl of hot water) to open the pores :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Claudia InWonderland22.3.15

    "In the morning, my skin was glowing, baby smooth and rebalanced". I have to try it :D I want my skin baby smooth as well.

    I use face masks, but lately not very often. I prepare them at home.
    Looking forward to your post on how prepare home made masks.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Joan Avant23.3.15

    I like the peel off kind. I think they're more fun than helpful :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Massiel23.3.15

    Nice tips!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Eva Sêco25.3.15

    Hello Rebecca, hello Smoon, hello Girls!

    I'm with Joan Avant, the peel off kind are fun! :p

    But do they work the same way? I do happen to have a good facial skin (hell yeah!) so I don't use facial masks much, a bit of bb cream... Our the bb foundation... But what do you people, and/or Rebecca or Smoonches have to say about the peel off masks vs.the creamy masks and even having a nice face skin...do you recommend using a mask every once in a while? *

    ReplyDelete
  11. Viktorija Olimpija Rakūnaitė25.3.15

    Those are amazing! I'm currently loving the Superfruit Exfoliating mask and the Sugar&Spice Self heating mask. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mariele Castán26.3.15

    Please I want to know your favorite fragrances my beloved Smoonsie!!! Please please Please!!! :-3

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jennifer Ospina26.3.15

    hey simone! why you don't do a cooking tutorial? it will be so nice. thinking about it, the most delicious recipes made by you step by step

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like both mask types and don't prefer one over the other. I use cream masks more often, though peel offs add some extra fun! :) As for routine, that's completely up to you, but I personally use a mask at least once per week – it just depends on the condition of your skin and the type of treatment being applied. Since your skin is in good condition, I'd recommend a brightening mask because it's gentle and helps maintain balance.

    ReplyDelete