6 Face Masks I Rely On to Manage 6 Common *Emergency* Skin Concerns

I am a huge fan of face masks and think they’re one of the best ways to boost a skincare routine.

Sure, it’s the products we use daily that do most of the heavy lifting. But the right mask can work extra hard when you need help fast.

Think: Nixing breakouts, restoring moisture, calming redness or imparting a dewy glow.

Because masks are more of a treatment product, you can also rotate different formulas in and out of your arsenal depending on your skincare needs – a masking wardrobe, if you will. 

As someone whose complexion throws more mood swings than Mariah, I’m well-versed in the art of matching masks to skin concerns. But, I understand some of you are looking for more of a face masks for beginners piece.

So, I've compiled some of the best face masks for anyone else who might find themselves in a similar boat. 

Keep reading for my masking intel, and the six formulas I consistently reach for.

Different Types of Face Masks.

What do face masks do for your skin? Well, face masks come in a few different forms.

There’s your standard mask creams and gels designed to calm, soothe, nourish, hydrate or exfoliate, depending on the ingredients. You'll usually find these in a tub, pot or tube.

There are also clay masks, which are excellent for decongesting the pores and absorbing oil. 

Side note, you can learn more about all the different types of masks and what they do in our mask YouTube video below.

You've got your sheet masks, made from serum-soaked cloth, biocellulose or some other material. These are single use, and designed to flood the skin with nutrients to leave it glowy and plump. 

And then there are your trendy iterations like sleeping masks, ‘pink clay’, foaming varieties and water masks.

In my opinion, a lot of the time, these mask varieties are more marketing genius than skincare genius. That said, I for one am partial to a great sleeping mask (which is basically a buzzy way of saying it's a mask that comes in a pot that you apply before bed).

Plus, masking can be just as much about the experience as it is results, so you do you.

Best Face Masks For Your Skin Concerns.

On that note, I’ve mapped out some of my go-to face masks for a variety of skin concerns below.

They include everything from glow-giving exfoliating masks to the masks you whack on when your skin is freaking out. No matter your skin concern, this list has you covered.

Bonus: You also get a super chic selfie of me wearing each mask so you can see how they look on.

1. Best Exfoliating Mask.

What: SALT BY HENDRIX Stars Align AHA + BHA Exfoliating Mask 60g

This mask is packed with alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) to clear out pores and sweep away dead surface skin cells. It’s also got a granular texture for anyone who wants to incorporate a little physical exfoliation into the mix. 

Why it’s good:

You know those days when your skin feels dull, flaky and just generally meh?

The SALT BY HENDRIX Stars Align AHA + BHA Exfoliating Mask will fix all of that, leaving you radiant and smug. Just apply with the provided brush and leave it on for one to two minutes (less if you’re sensitive).

Best for: When you need an overhaul, or applied a night or two before a big day/event.

2. Best Mask for Dry Skin.

What: Dermalogica Melting Moisture Masque

Balmy and comforting, this cream-to-oil mask is full of shea butter, vitamin E, jojoba, olive oil, and mango seed butter to restore skin lipid levels and relieve dryness. 

Why it’s good:

The Dermalogica Melting Moisture Masque basically feels like a hug for the skin. I like it after a steamy shower during the winter months. Hot tip: Run the tube under warm water if the cold weather has solidified the oil formula.

You can either remove it with a warm cloth after a few minutes and follow up with moisturiser or oil, or in place of your moisturiser!

Best for: When your skin is flaky and dry AF (like in winter!!).

3. Best Sheet Mask Before Makeup.

What: Minenssey Nutritious Skin Treatment Mask (5 pack)

This serum-soaked sheet mask is full of pre and probiotics, plus finger lime (a natural AHA), niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, kangaroo paw, glycerin and shea butter to calm and brighten the skin. 

Why it’s good:

You heard it here, the Minenssey Nutritious Skin Treatment Mask is magic. See how it instantly gives you that juicy, luminous canvas for makeup?

All you need to do is apply it to clean skin, chill out for 10 minutes and then massage in all the leftover goodness. It very gently exfoliates, while imparting a seriously impressive glow.

Best for: Before a ~fancy~ event or pre-makeup anytime you want your foundation to look flawless. Or for no reason other than you're worth it.

4. Best Mask for Dehydrated Skin.

What: Avène Hydrance Hydrating Sleeping Mask

A gel-creme sleeping mask that’s full of thermal spring water, pumpkin seed oil, squalane and hyaluronic acid to rehydrate the skin. 

Why it’s good:

One too many glasses of prosecco can leave you and your skin dull, dehydrated and generally flat. I like slathering on a thick layer of the Avène Hydrance Hydrating Sleeping Mask in the morning an hour before my regular routine (despite the fact it’s touted as a sleeping mask).

The thermal water soothes, while the other ingredients will re-plump the skin. Keep it in the fridge for a nice (and much-needed) boost. 

Best for: Tired skin, dehydrated skin or hungover humans.

5. Best Mask for Blackheads and Pimples.

What: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Mask

A kaolin clay-based mask to clean out pores and absorb oil, without over-drying out the skin.

Why it’s good:

I think the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Mask is one of the best clay masks I’ve used when it comes to cleaning and refining the pores around my nose, chin and hairline.

I like to hold a hot cloth on my face prior to application to soften pores. Then, apply a thin layer on the t-zone (forehead, nose and chin). I find using it once a week helps with breakouts, too. 

Best for: Treating breakouts, blackheads and congestion.

6. Best Soothing Face Mask.

What: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

A soothing gel mask full of botanical extracts to calm and reduce redness. 

Why it’s good:

I’ve been using the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque for years, and I still think it’s one of the best when it comes to calming the skin, reducing redness, and refining texture.

The gel texture is really refreshing, and it always leaves my face feeling plump and soft.

Best for: Calming, soothing and smoothing irritated skin. Try it after traveling, on really cold/windy days, or to rectify the use of too many active skincare products.

No judgement. We've all been there.

How Often Should You Use a Face Mask?

How regularly you use a mask really depends on the type of mask you're using, what concerns you're targeting and the overall condition of your skin.

We wouldn't recommend using an exfoliating treatment mask everyday, however if you have dry, irritated or dehydrated skin, a hydrating or soothing mask can be used more often.

Reading the label is usually the best way to determine correct usage, but also listen to your skin!

How Many Face Masks Can You Use Per Week?

Feel free to mix and match different face masks throughout the week if you need to, but make sure you're not overwhelming your skin on top of your regular skincare routine.

Remember, face masks are concentrated treatments.

Can You Do Two Face Masks In One Day?

If you're using different types of face masks, it can sometimes be beneficial to use multiple masks in one day to target different concerns.

This is called multi-masking, which can be a great to do the night before an event, or as part of your weekly routine.

How to Apply a Face Mask:

The best way to apply a face mask depends on the type of face mask you're using.

• Apply a sheet mask onto clean skin for the recommended time frame and then massage the excess serum into your skin.

• Before applying a clay mask hold a hot cloth to your face prior to application to soften pores. Then, apply the mask to your t-zone or other problem areas.

• Gel and hydrating cream masks can be slathered all over the skin before removing with a hot cloth.

How Long to Leave a Face Mask On:

While most masks suggest you leave them on for 10-20 minutes, it's always best to read the label so you don't accidentally melt your face off.

Do You Wash Your Face After Sheet Mask?

While it can be helpful to remove a cream, gel or clay mask with a hot cloth, the same rule doesn't apply to sheet masks.

Sheet masks are soaked in serum, which you want to sink into the skin. By washing the goodness of a serum off your skin, you'll lose some of the benefits of applying these masks in the first place.

Want to read more of Emily's product reviews?

• Exactly What I Use to Keep My Oily, Breakout-Prone Skin Hydrated In Winter

• 8 Beauty Products Under $30 I’ll Honestly Never Stop Using

• I Truly Didn’t Believe in Dark Circle Eye Creams, Until I Tried This Product