Masks have become the cliché of all quarantine clichés, second only to baking banana bread. Remember those early days? Weeks 1 – 4. That sh*t was BANANAS.
From sheet masks to feet masks and bubbling formulas that wouldn’t look out of place in Professor Flitwick’s Charm class, there’s a plethora of magic lotions and potions to choose from out there.
Whether you’re looking to target acne, brighten your complexion or give your hair some extra shine, there’s a mask for each woe known for every guy, gal, and non-binary pal. Hopefully, you’ll find a few new discoveries, faithful favourites and ‘can’t live withouts’. Here’s a look at the team’s top masks!
Lareese
The Origins Drink Up 10-Minute Mask with Apricot and Swiss Glacier Water is possibly the best thing I’ve ever smelt and I’m only being ever so slightly dramatic. I turn 30 next year, so I’m all about skincare that delivers fast and effective results. This cult classic contains skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and targeted Advanced Hydration Technology and it just so happens to smell GREAT, so it ticks all the boxes.
One mask I’ll always make time for in my self-care routine is the Oskia Renaissance mask. It’s such a beautiful and gentle buttery formula designed to boost radiance, alleviate congestion and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Believe the hype – it’s a solid all-rounder.
I couldn’t discuss masks without including this iconic sheet mask in there somewhere. The By Terry Baume de Rose mask is, as the name suggests, infused with rose petals and hydrating rose oil. It’s as dreamy as it sounds. Whenever my skin is feeling particularly grouchy and parched – usually after a few too many wines on my doorstep – I slap this mask on and my skin gradually forgives me. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it – man, it’s like a hug for your face.
Darcey
I recently started shopping more at The Body Shop as I really love the ethics behind the brand and the products are also lovely. I tried out their Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask after my friend recommended it to me and instantly loved it! I’m prone to blackheads on my nose and this mask really helps clear them out, if you like satisfying gross stuff too, you can literally see the oil and sebum that has been pushed out of your pores on the surface of the mask.
Another mask I’m loving from The Body Shop is their Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask, It’s a quick mask which you only have to leave on for 5-10 mins in the shower and you come out with lovely smooth hair. It smells great too, I love that sweet banana smell!
Deviating from The Body Shop, Superdrug’s own brand Coconut Oil for Hair and Skin is also really great. It’s a bit messier as it’s and oil and you can leave it in for a minimum of 1-2 hours, but I usually leave it in over night! Coconut oil is great for your hair though, especially for me who has bleached hair which needs some extra care until we can go back to a salon!
Lastly I love the Garnier Vitamin C Sheet Shot Mask, it’s really brightening and good to use when you feel like your complexion is looking a bit dull.
Danielle
I’ve always been a fan of masks as a form of self-care, I love seeing results and who doesn’t want softer skin, shinier hair, and smooth feet! My most recent mask is the PHAT Glow Facial from Ole Henrikson. You can apply it a couple of times a week and it’s amazing for doing before your makeup before an event. It comes out in a sticky pink formula that you massage on to your face until it turns white. Wash off after 10mins for the most baby soft skin!
Another fave is the Lumene Nordic Hydra Oxygen Recovery 72h Hydra Gel Mask. It’s a thick jelly I whack on whilst I’m in the bath and wash off the residue when I get out. I sometimes apply a thinner layer as a sleep mask. It leaves me with plump healthy skin and a lovely glow.
My top hair mask would have to be The Circle Masks from Davines. You can get different ones depending on what you want to focus on, I usually go for shine which is The Spotlight version. Apply to shampooed, towel-dried hair. Leave for 10-15 mins then comb through and rinse! Great for events when you want to really make the effort or if your locks are feeling a little bit lacklustre!
Maddie
I am a huge fan of masks for one reason only, they actually do make a big difference. I never used to bother that much but when I got engaged a few years ago I knew I needed to up my game to get my hair and skin looking it’s best. So many people in the industry told me I needed to embrace masks to do this and I was told that ideally I should be using them at least twice a week which I’ve been doing so ever since.
If my skin is having a breakout or I’m experiencing redness I’ll use this Origins relief soothing face mask. This stuff is genius and I’ll see a drastic improvement to spots whenever I use it.
I love the idea of things working magic while you sleep so a few of my favourite masks are to use overnight. Summer Fridays Jet Lag and The Body Shop drops of youth are too of the best I’ve tried for when my skin really needs that extra hydration.
My top pick hair mask has to be Olaplex which I was recommended by my hairdresser Sam who uses it in her salon. Whether you leave it on for 10 minutes or overnight this stuff keeps your hair strong between haircuts, I swear by it.
Charlotte
I seem to remember Origins being the first skincare brand that I splurged on as a teen, and their Active Charcoal Mask has been a firm favourite of mine since sixth form. It’s great for anyone with an oily complexion and always leaves my skin feeling so clear and free of dirt and oil from the day.
2020 has been a year of a slight hair disaster for me, as my highlighted hair was left a bit frazzled and over-processed after a visit to the salon in December, so I’d like to think I know a thing or two about recovery hair masks by now. I’ve tried more expensive remedies but this beauty from Bleach London has honestly saved my hair from many a knot disaster. I go through a LOT of this stuff when I wash my hair and make sure to leave it on for around 30 minutes before washing off for the maximum moisture hit. It makes brushing through bleached hair much easier and the affordable price tag means you don’t need to be sparing.
Secondly, and definitely on that pricier side, the Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment. This is a pre shampoo mask to be applied on wet hair and again designed to be left on for as long as possible (they recommend 60 mins!). Although it makes my hair wash day a tiresome process, the moisture this mask gives whilst still leaving my hair feeling light and bouncy is second to none.
Zoe
Eye masks! – I love these by Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches. Especially on those days where you wake up with slightly more puffy eyes!
Sheet Masks – The 111 Skin masks are seriously amazing (although slightly more indulgent) Rose Gold Brightening is my favourite.
Other favourites are the Jet Lag mask by Summer Fridays, anything by Allies of Skin and the Tatcha C-Radiance Mask.
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