The best face masks you can buy right now, according to rave internet reviews
IMAGE VIA @olehenriksen/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
A mask for every skin type.
There’s something very trustworthy about a person who leaves a product review. They’ve tried it, contemplated the results and gone to the effort of typing out a comprehensive (more or less) summary of their experience.
Granted, sometimes it’s because the reviewer is petty and needs to take their anger out on the internet (the time my Amazon garlic press was simply not pressing) – but for the most part, reviews are left for the greater good of the online shopping community.
We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more.
Regardless, I will never invest in a beauty or skincare product without a thorough scroll through the comment section. It saves me a lot of impulse purchase regrets and most of the time, the people know what they’re talking about. How else am I supposed to distinguish a ‘shimmery finish’ from a ‘greasy smear’?
When it comes to face masks, no two are the same – while some have perfected the art of targeting breakouts, others are better suited for treating dry, dull skin. So in order to find the best face masks for each skin type, I decided to consult the experts. Here are the beauty crowd’s top-rated picks.
Acne and breakouts
GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment
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Star rating: 4.4 of 577 reviews on Mecca
Many of us are familiar with cult classic skincare brand GlamGlow (and with good reason – this clearing treatment has been my personal saving grace too many times to count). “I think I’m into my sixth pot of this amazing mud. I get instant results after the first use,” wrote one reviewer.
Used as a full face mask or spot treatment, it draws upon charcoal, K-17 clay and a blend of six acids to exfoliate, unclog and clear problem skin. “I have been using this product for years now and nothing beats it,” another commented. “It is the absolute best for clearing pores and improving skin texture.”
Get it here.
Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask
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Star rating: 4.4 of 1058 reviews on Sephora
With centuries-old Italian Umbrian clay, this three-in-one face mask removes impurities that clog pores, targets stubborn pimples à la spot treatment, or can be used as a daily deep cleanser. “This product helps when my skin feels like it needs a good ‘clearing’ or when it feels clogged,” one reviewer raved. “For me, it’s a great clay mask that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.”
Get it here.
Dry skin and dehydration
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado and Glacier Water
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Star rating: 4.6 of 285 reviews on Mecca
Struggling with dry winter skin? This creamy overnight hydration mask is designed to restore moisture, leaving you with smooth and nourished skin for up to 72 hours. Apply before going to bed and wake up feeling rejuvenated, with fresh, plump and supple skin. One reviewer even likened its hydrating effect to “a big drink of water for your face!”.
Get it here.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
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Star rating: 4.4 of 738 reviews on Mecca
Not only does this watermelon-based mask smell divine, but it also works wonders. Infused with hand-cut watermelon, AHAs, hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract, this overnight treatment gently exfoliates and refines pores, while hydrating and nourishing skin. “I have purchased four full-size bottles of this product and it’s become a staple in my skincare,” one reviewer gushed. “My skin has never felt so smooth, soft and plump.” Bonus points – it’s also vegan and made without any nasty parabens, sulphates and synthetic dyes.
Get it here.
Dull and uneven skin tones
Fresh Floral Recovery Mask
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Star rating: 4.8 of 1088 reviews on Sephora
Dermatologist tested, this overnight mask will do the heavy lifting while you lay back and get some beauty sleep. Packed full of floral extracts, vitamin C and squalene, it’s designed to address redness, uneven tone and rough texture (without irritating sensitive skin). It also aims to combat uneven skin tone, with many reviewers noting how it has helped “fade” and “heal” their acne scars.
Get it here.
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
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Star rating: 4.4 of 245 reviews on Mecca
I’d wager that even those of us who haven’t tried Drunk Elephant before have at least heard of it. The brand has a reputation for high-quality skincare, and the F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial is no exception. Leaving numerous reviewers impressed with how “hydrated”, “healthy” and “silky” it makes their skin feel, this mask appears to be worth every cent.
Get it here.
Anti-ageing and fine lines
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer
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Star rating: 4.7 of 844 reviews on Sephora
Having spent my weekend tweezing out several grey hairs, I have succumbed and added an anti-ageing face mask to my skincare wishlist. With an impressive 4.7 star rating out of over 800 online reviews, this ‘triple action’ treatment addresses dull, ageing and congested complexions by exfoliating and polishing skin. “I’m 70 years young, sometimes mistaken for [a] 50-something and people compliment me on my glowing skin, thanks PTR,” gushed one reviewer. Sign me up.
Get it here.
Ole Henriksen Phat Glow Facial Mask
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Star rating: 4.5 of 1399 reviews on Sephora
A facial packaged up in a 50ml bottle. This Phat (or ‘Pretty Hot and Tempting’) glow mask is designed to exfoliate, illuminate and brighten skin, leaving you with instant results. Not only will it reduce the appearance of pores and dark spots, but it’s made with PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), a plumper alternative to AHAs that aid in targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
“I use this when my skin is looking tired and I need a hydration boost. It gives that plump skin and smooths out fine lines,” one reviewer commented. “My glow was most definitely phat after using this mask!” raved another.
Get it here.
For the best moisturisers to add to your skincare routine, head here.
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