The world of facial masks is like that of lipsticks: there is a different one for each day of the week. Find out how they differ and how they are used
We can’t help it, we lose our facial masks. With its aromas, textures and effects so varied, we can hardly do without any of them. Especially since they are marketed in those convenient single-dose containers.
And it is that all cosmetic firms have turned to the development of ingenious facial mask formats that attract the attention of those who want to show off a doll’s face without having to go to the beauty centre. Because who has the time (and money) to go for a facial once a week?
Asian women have a little advantage in this field, but little by little, it seems that we are joining the healthy trend of taking 15 minutes to take care of the face and relax body and mind. Delicious aromas, bubbly formulas, gelatinous textures, refreshing clays… Who can resist! Learn more about face mask
Stick Facial masks
They are a recent novelty in terms of applying facial masks and are intended for home use . The most remarkable thing about this stick format is its easy application on the face, which allows us to dose the amount of product we need, in the specific area and without staining our hands (or any other tool) or wasting. With this “stick” mask format, masks with different functions can be combined at points of the face with different needs.
Olay or Yes to are brands that have masks in stick format.
LED masks
A format that has nothing to do with the rest and that we will find in aesthetic centres, although we will also find domestic versions. They use a technology developed by NASA based on LED light with low-intensity wavelengths, designed to treat marks and scars. It has different types of treatment depending on the light used: acne (blue), purifying and detoxifying (green), anti-redness (yellow), rejuvenating (purple), etc.
Peel off mask
This type of facial mask is widely accepted by those women who want to remove impurities and blackheads from their skin. What makes them special is that, although they have a gel texture, once they are applied, they solidify until giving rise to a thin gelatinous film that is removed at once, dragging impurities from the skin. They are used weekly and are removed by lifting the film from the corners of the face.
A trick: before putting on your peel-off mask, apply a steam bath to your face to open the pores. If you prefer, do it after you shower to take advantage of the steam. This way you will get better results.
Within these masks, black masks have gained special popularity. The original is made from Moroccan “Ghassoul” clay, although the market has been filled with multiple versions that are simply black “peel-off” masks.
Mud mask
They are usually purifying masks that, in addition to deep cleaning the skin, hydrate it. Normally, its star ingredient is clay which, depending on the type, may be more appropriate for oily, combination, normal or dry skin. In general, clay is highly valued for its astringent power, which is especially interesting when cleaning the face of oil and impurities.
These masks are applied to the skin by hand or with a brush and left on for about 15 minutes until they harden. Afterwards, they are removed with warm water or with a soaked towel.
Veil masks
These are the most fashionable face masks in recent years, partly driven by the great demand in the Asian market. They are cellulose masks soaked in a wide variety of active ingredients that are placed on the face for 15-20 minutes and then removed without rinsing. A small message with the fingertips will facilitate the absorption of the product that has remained on the skin.
They can contain all kinds of ingredients: anti-wrinkle, to give luminosity, to hydrate, nourish, relax, clarify the complexion, etc. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen or even gold, are usually the most common in this type of mask.
Bubble masks
They are the latest of the latest. These are carbonated masks that have been popularly called “bubble mask” since once applied to the face, they generate bubbles that promise to clean the pores thoroughly. One of the “hit” beauty this year.
Exfoliating mask
They are masks that include small particles that exfoliate the face, dragging impurities and dead skin. Therefore, once applied to the skin, a gentle massage is performed in circles that will leave the skin very soft and free of dead cells.