Seasonal changes are always hard on skin, and going from the dry, flaky foreheads of winter to the oily T-zones of summer via the allergy-ravaged spring has its treacherous points. Cleansers, toners and serums are great, but sometimes, you just need a good mask.
Not only are masks functionally sound ways to treat skin problems, but I’ve always found them psychologically soothing–almost meditative. You apply them, and then you really just have to…sit still. Read a book. Watch some TV. You can’t run errands in a mask. They make you sit and be quiet–in many of them, it’s a little hard to move your mouth.
Below, check out five of our favorite masks to get your skin in tip-top shape.
Clinique Acne Solutions Oil Control Cleansing Mask
$22 via Macy’s
If you’re prone to oiliness to begin with, heat and humidity likely sends your skin into overdrive. This relatively reasonably priced mask goes one step beyond your normal cleanser, cleaning and balancing skin to stop acne and leave you feeling fresh.
Estée Laydier Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser and Mask
$25 via Macy’s
If you’re a product minimalist or just don’t want to spend a ton of money on beauty treatments that only do one thing, this immensely popular mask is a great multi-tasker. You can use it every day for normal cleansing, or put it on thick and let it sit for several minutes for a deeper clean.
Perricone MD Chloro Plasma Mask
$75 via Sephora
About halfway through summer, I always feel like I just want to resurface my face and try again. This stuff will do that–it tightens pores, fights rough texture and helps minimize fine lines.
Sephora Bubble Mask Detoxifying and Oxygenating
$19 via Sephora
I’m always a little suspect when it comes to house brands (marketing: it works!), but this mask has reviewers comparing it to beloved products that are far more expensive. It’s a worthy, workhorse mask that’d be a good addition to any beauty cabinet.
Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask
$63 via Macy’s
Two things. First, if you’ve never used a sheet mask, it’s great. You get to walk around your house like Hannibal Lecter with this thing on your face and scare your family members/roommates/pets. Second, this one is retinol-based, which is one of the most potent anti-aging ingredients in modern skincare. This mask has multiple upsides.
