There's a very wide range of face masks on the market, each with their own specific properties - soothing, purifying, firming or hydrating.
Here's our guide to the different types and how to use them...
Application
All masks should be applied in a layer that you leave to act for around 10 minutes. Carefully cleanse your skin first. After 10 minutes, wash the mask off with warm water.
Tip: to optimise the effects of the mask, apply after exfoliation (like at a beauty salon).
Masks for your skin type
Normal skin: All masks are suitable for your skin. Use a mask whenever your skin needs a boost or thorough cleansing.
Mixed/combination or oily skin: You need to eliminate excess sebum from your skin. Use cleansing, purifying masks
.
Dry or sensitive skin: As your skin is fragile, use hydrating masks.
A closer look at face masks
Hydrating masks
These contain very powerful moisturisng active ingredients (shea, wheat germ oil and vitamins) that gently repulp your skin. They're suitable for all skin types, and are particularly effective for dry and dull skin.
Frequency: Use a mask from time to time, and especially in winter when skin suffers from temperature changes, and in late summer to compensate for the effects of the sun.
Purifying masks
Composed essentially of clay and zinc oxide, purifying masks correct excess sebum, eliminate impurities, tighten the pores of the skin and soften it.
After regular use, your skin will become more radiant. Apply in an even layer for about 10 minutes, avoiding the eye contour area and lips.
Firming masks
Composed of active ingredients that smooth out and energise the skin, firming masks have a lifting effect and some products can appear to take off the years, making you look younger instantly.
They smooth the skin out for a few hours, which is perfect just before a party! Apply these types of masks in a thin layer and leave them on for 3 minutes.
Soothing masks
Particularly suitable for sensitive and fragile skin, these are generally composed of essential oils and plants (camomile and rose) and they moisturise deeply.
They reduce that stretched, uncomfortable feeling, unblock pores and leave your skin soft and soothed. Apply liberally in a thick layer, as often as you want.
