Face Masks The New Problem Solvers

They help brighten, hydrate, tighten and even banish blemishes – meet the new face masks that offer problem-solving skincare solutions.

It’s official: face masks are the new skincare allies. Why? They provide a speedy hit of ingredients that deliver results - fast. “Masks are one of those ‘at home’ products that can be added to your routine to give facial-like effects,” says A-list facialist Sarah Chapman who has worked with Uma Thurman and Naomi Watts. And forget having to wait half an hour for them to dry; today’s offerings are super-quick, some promising results in as little as five minutes. “We live in a fast-paced world that doesn’t always allow for pampering, so companies have worked on masks to make them more user-friendly,” says Sarah.

Reap the Benefits

From smoothing to exfoliating, today’s masks cater for every skin type. “Vitamin C masks can help brighten and help fight free radicals, whilst gel masks can help dehydration and calm sensitivity. Depending on the type of mask, they can also deep-cleanse and exfoliate, helping to clear pores and brighten the skin,” says Sarah.

Choose your mask! 

Your target: Dull Skin
“Dull skin usually has a build up of dead cells on the surface and is often found on a sluggish skin with slow cell turnover,” says Sarah. “Exfoliating masks are usually quite invigorating and act as an instant pick me up for dull skin.”

Our pick of the best:
· Neal's Yard Purifying Palmarosa Facial Mask
· Yes to Carrots Exfoliating Mask
· Caudalie Vino-Perfect Radiance Mask

Your target: Congestion and Blemishes
Ingredients such as clay help lift dirt and grime out of the pores, says Sarah. “Try applying in the bath or shower to allow the heat to activate it and open the pores. Always clean off efficiently.”

Our pick of the best:
· Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores
· The Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask
· Clinique Pore Minimizer Refining Mask

Your target: dryness or dehydration
Masks deliver an instant moisture boost – some can even be left on over-night to drench skin with hydration.

Our pick of the best:
· Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Face Masque
· Clarins HydraQuench Cream Face Mask
· Korres Thyme Honey Moisturising & Revitalising Mask normal-dry skin.

Your target: soreness or sensitivity
Calming masks help deliver soothing, restorative ingredients to reactive, sensitised skin. You can keep in the fridge for extra cooling action.

Our pick of the best:
· Simple Kind to Skin Deep Cleansing Facial Mask
· Origins Dr Weil Mega Mushroom Ultra Calming Face Mask.

Your target: tired, ageing skin
Anti-ageing masks saturate skin with anti-ageing ingredients, often highly moisturising too they may provide a temporary lifted or plumped-looking effect.

Our pick of the best:
· Garnier UltraLift Firming Mask
· Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
· Thalgo Firming Gel Mask