Divine Skin-Tervention: Why Face Masks Matter Right Now

Wed, 30 May 2012 12:25PM

Friday marks the first day of winter. Officially. Although I have to say, I’ve been feeling it coming for some time. Three weeks ago, the quilt came out. Last week, the heater. Sunday saw the return of my big coat. And last night, when I was cleansing my face before bed, I came to the sharp realisation it was time for some serious skin-tervention. Already, my face is parched, fine lines are more obvious, and my moisturiser isn’t quite cutting it.

Thankfully, this is all relatively easily fixed with a face mask. If you’re a beauty junkie from way back, one (or several) of these treatments is probably a twice-weekly part of your routine. If you’re a little bit lazier, as I must confess I am, you may only turn to masks when things are going downhill a little. Whenever I take the time to be diligent, though, I’m always surprised at the instant, noticeable difference.

So, it was a hydrating pack that I turned to this week to soothe my already-ravaged-by-winter skin, in the form of Clarins HydraQuench Cream Mask, $62, from pharmacies and department stores. Straightaway my face felt more supple. And it got me thinking about how, with an arsenal of masks on hand, you could address pretty much any skincare concern in the privacy of your own bathroom. But if said bathroom is as small as my little nook, you’ll probably want said arsenal to be succinct. I reckon you could cut it down to three options and be covered for pretty much any eventuality. They are:

1. A Brightening Mask

Use it when: you’re tired but you have to go out; you’re hungover but you have to go out; your baby has been screeching all night but you have to go out… you get the picture.

Why: These work to even out your skin tone, address blotchiness and pump up the radiance.

Try: For a brightening boost, I like cloth masks best. They’re fuss-free, perfect for travel and, once done, you can whack on your make-up and go without worrying about greasy residue. If you’re feeling flush, you really can’t go past SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, $28 or $140 for 6. The cult, Pitera-infused cloth cutouts that make you look like Hannibal really do pack a punch, just ask Cate Blanchett (and when you do, marvel at her skin. I’ve seen it up close and, truly, it’s breathtaking). Or, if you’re on a budget, test out Skinvitals C-Brighten with Vitamin C + Ginger, $3.99 each or three for ten bucks. Quick, easy and great for glow.

2. A Blemish Treatment

Use it when: You break out, you’re especially oily or you want to make those blackheads budge

Why: If you struggle with problem skin, a weekly clay-based mask should be top of your list to both calm redness and dislodge congestion. If your mainly clear but get the odd hormonal blemish or oily T-zone, use it as a spot treatment to address trouble areas only.

Try: Dermalogica MediBac Sebum Clearing Masque, $63.50, dermalogica.com.au, is excellent for problem or oily skin thanks to a clever salicylic acid and clay combo infused with natural remedies to fight bacteria and soothe irritation. Or, for a fast fix when you’re short on time, Biore Refine Self Heating Mask, $14.99, from supermarkets, for eight little capsules, offers a deep clay-based clean. And when you wash it off with water, it heats up in a really nifty way. A great shine-stopper, too.

3. A Moisture Pack

Use it when: Your face feels rough, dry, dehydrated, tight, peely, chapped and so on. Especially in winter and especially if you work in an airconditioned environment. Or you’ve just done a long-haul flight.

Why: Like a big drink of water for your complexion, a hydrating treatment will offer an intense boost of goodness that will help get thirsty skin back on track, leaving it plumped up and much more comfortable.

Try: The aforementioned Clarins option I employed this week addresses dehydration nicely and is super soothing without being heavy, so all skin types could use it. You can literally see your face sucking it in, and there’s no need to rinse afterwards if you don’t want to. Or try Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask, $49 – it’s super moisturising, smells totally delicious and is packed with natural, healing remedies for winter-weary skin.

Keep one each of these treatments in your cabinet and you’ll be able to elegantly dodge whatever your complexion throws at you which, lets face it, can be pretty much anything when the seasons change.

Tell me, Primpers, do you rely on a mask or two to whip your face back into shape at a moment’s notice? And if so, what?

Until next week,

Emily x

Posted by: Emily Taylor

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Tags: breakouts clarins, dermalogica, dry skin, face masks, featured, masks, oily skin, problem skin, sk-ii, winter skin