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For someone with a near-pathological love of beauty products, I’ve never been one to mask. Slathering on an opaque treatment seemed high maintenance, something better suited to a 1950’s Hollywood starlet in an overly bubbled bath. Recently, though, I became a convert. You can mask while washing dishes, reading a book, brushing your teeth — and afterward, you’re left with this satisfying sense of accomplishment, and a noticeably improved complexion. So, without further ado, here are six amazing options for whatever ails you…
1. IF YOUR SKIN IS UPSET…
‘Tis winter, the season of angry skin. Whether you have redness, rosacea or plain old dermatological angst, Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask is the answer. It goes on thick, dries to a hardened finish, and — after lurking around the apartment pretending to be Mystique (who is technically bluer, but whatever, it was fun) — rinses off cleanly. It was soothing and calming, even on my sad, just-getting-over-a-cold nose.
2. IF YOUR PORES ARE SOMETIMES THE ENEMY…
Are you in the market for a facial treatment to scare your significant other or take a really jarring Instagram photo? Look no further. Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask absorbs oil, dirt and impurities, leaving your pores “noticeably refined.” Before this mask, a scary pimple threatened to erupt on my chin, and afterward, IT WAS GONE. What more is there to say?
3. IF YOUR SKIN IS DRY…
Infused with real rose petals, Fresh Rose Face Mask sounds like something out of a fairytale. In truth, it is a gloopy orange gel resembling ancient duck sauce. Shudder. I slathered it on, then spent the next 10 minutes looking like what can only be described as a greasy Oompa Loompa. But you know what? It left my skin feeling super hydrated, a welcome antidote to dry winter air. Duck sauce, I love you.
4. IF YOUR SKIN LOOKS A WEE BIT DULL…
With “superfine walnut grain and orange oil,” Bobbi Brown Radiance Boost Exfoliating Mask sounds like a delicious muffin and smells like one, too. Requiring just 2-5 minutes of your life, this made my face tingle (and then kind of sting), so at least I knew it was doing something. While anyone with sensitive skin should probably stay away (or go for a gentler option, like this), it did provide a wow-my-face-feels-refreshed feeling. Think of it as a reset button in a tube.
5. IF YOU CRAVE THAT DEEP CLEAN FEELING…
If you’ve recently found yourself working out, riding public transit, snuggling with a pet, or just generally being a person, chances are your face is somewhat dirty. It’s okay — Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, with ingredients sourced from the Marajo Island at the mouth of the Amazon River, claims to remove blackheads and “intensively” clean pores. It made my skin feel so clean and smooth that I wanted to pet my own face like a kitten. I didn’t, though, because that would be weird.
6. IF YOU’RE TOTALLY LAZY…
If you’re still thinking this whole mask thing sounds fussy, here is the product for you. Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque goes on like a moisturizer — leaving no trace of itself — then works its magic while you sleep. Infused with a potent blend of botanicals, this tube of wonder promises you’ll awaken to vibrant skin. Yes, that sounds miraculous, but I woke up looking noticeably (almost disturbingly) better. My skin felt smoother, looked plumper, and at no point did I have to resemble Swamp Thing. Win, win.
Do you mask? Any favorites not listed here? We’d love to hear…
P.S. Four face mists and a handy guide to essential oils.
(Photos by Nicki Sebastian for Cup of Jo. This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. Thanks for supporting the brands that help keep Cup of Jo running.)
