Pampering the skin and using a face mask come hand in hand. They can be an ideal way to improve the complexion in under 10 minutes, taking skin from dull and dry to glowing and perfectly plump. There is, however, an art to using face masks believe it or not. Do it right, and you’ll be rewarded. Do it wrong, and, well, it won’t do much of anything.
Below are 5 simple steps that shouldn't be overlooked when it comes to face masks that you can put into practice right away.
Face Prep
Although this seems like an obvious one, it may slip your mind especially if you're skin is already makeup-free. However making sure all grime and natural oils are gone is a must for good face mask absorption.
If you are applying an astringent drying mask going for a mild cleanser over an exfoliating or stripping one is probably wise as you don't want to stress the skin. If you are looking to hydrate the skin with your mask of choice, cleansing with a balm or cream cleanser can create an ideal base, however, making sure there is no residue left on the skin with the help or a flannel or muslin cloth is key.
Aiding absorption
For maximum absorption steaming the skin or placing a warm flannel over the face pre face mask can be a worth while step. This will open the pores and hopefully deliver better results on washing the face mask off. Alternatively using a mild exfoliant will help the ingredients in the face mask absorb more effectively.
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| Favourite face masks: The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, L'Oreal Pure Clay Detox Mask, NIOD Flavanone Mud Mask, Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy Boosting Face Mask |
Application
If you are serious about face masks then you need to get yourself a face mask brush. Or just an old foundation brush really! Why? There are a few reasons you may want to ditch using your fingers. Neater application, no risk of adding bacteria in your face mask pot and only using what you need. The latter being an important one as not only will this mean you with go through your favourite face mask slower but an even layer over the face will work more effectively. Plus applying your favourite face mask with a brush will feel that more bit more luxurious and pampering.
Try multi-masking
Ideal for combination skin types, multi-masking shouldn't be overlooked as a gimmick. Pairing up masks that you can apply to various areas of the face can give the best of both worlds. For example, my only T-zone loves The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Face Mask, soaking up excess oil and cleaning pore, however, the wonderful Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy Boosting Face Mask applied over my cheeks leaves my overall complexion glowing and fresh looking and smelling. Working out what different areas of your face needs and picking out appropriate face masks really can leave your skin looking and feeling amazing.
Follow-up skin care
Once you've washed off your face mask of choice you may want to splash the face with cold water to close the pores and then finish off with a few skincare products. Applying a small about of serum and then your moisturiser. This will complete your face mask routine and leave the skin glowing. Skipping this step especially after using a drying clay-based mask can leave the skin dehydrated or stripped which can actually cause an overproduction of oil - not what you want!
If you are using a sheet mask however you will want to rub the excess residue into the skin. Even using the extra from the sachet onto the neck and decolletage area to make use of it.
If you love to pamper the skin with face masks then I hope you have picked up a few pointers here! Also, let me know your own favourite face mask in the comments below.
Fee xo.
