Find the perfect mask for your skin.

The minute we step out of our homes, we are literally torturing our skin. The sun darkens it, the wind dries it, the pollution greys it and the stress weakens it. So by the end of the day, it needs rehab. Facemask to the rescue!

1. Deep-cleansing mask.

If you’re skin is greasy, pores are big, you’re prone to acne or the weather is mucky and humid, a deep cleansing clay mask will help suck out all the gunk and deeply clean out your pores, making your skin clearer and brighter.

Just remember, contrary to popular belief, never ever let the mask dry out fully and harden on your skin. You’re doing more harm than good, even though watching the mask crack and flake is so much fun.

There are three stages of a clay mask:

1. The Wet Stage: This is the stage where your skin absorbs all the benefits of the mask.

2. The Semi-Dry Stage: Here, blood flow to skin increases as the mask cools and contracts.

3. The Fully Dry Stage: All the moisture is sucked out from your skin leading to dehydration and chances of fine lines. You want the oil to go, not the moisture. So DON’T reach this stage.

When is it the right time to rinse?
When you start to see it drying (which usually means it gets lighter in color) but it still feels a bit sticky, it’s time to wash it off.

Stuff I swear by: Mask of Magnaminty by Lush is great for a thorough oil drain. It’s also tingly and super refreshing. Read my review to find out more.

2. Sheet mask.

Trust the Koreans to start this awesome skin trend.

Sheet masks are usually made from cotton or fiber and snuggly fit your facial contours. They come with holes for the eyes, nostrils and lips.

Sheet masks are drenched in serum and because they come in such close contact with your skin, they trap all the active ingredients and push them in. This means that all nutrients and and moisture penetrate much deeper within your skin.

If your skin is greasy and clogged, slap on a tea tree oil sheet mask.
If it’s all dry and parched, a hydrating mask is your best plan.
If it looks dull, tired and lifeless, opt for a brightening sheet mask.
Feeling all red and itchy? An aloe sheet mask will calm and soothe your sensitive skin.

After just 20 minutes of slapping on a sheet mask, your skin will look more rested, plumper and brighter.
Use it thrice a week if you want your skin to retain moisture for longer and repair daily damage.

Most sheet masks don’t need to be washed off. Once you take it off, massage the leftover serum from the package on to your neck and décolletage. You can skip your essence/serum (the sheet mask does the trick).

Tip: Use a sheet mask when on a plane as airplane air is terrible for skin. If you’re too shy for the stares, use it once you reach your hotel room. It will save your skin.

Stuff I swear by: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence facemasks are a lifesaver. They soothe, hydrate, brighten and refresh my skin – all in one go. Pure genius! Take a peep at my full review.

3. Overnight mask.

Facemasks are great for your skin, but they are time consuming – with the whole ‘put on-wait-take off’ routine. So what do you do when you want the benefits of a mask, but don’t have the time or patience? Try an overnight facemask, that’s what!

Overnight masks come in either a gel or cream form (depending on your skin’s needs).
They work overnight while you sleep to give your skin a burst of extra hydration, reduce fatigue, calm and soothe your skin – so you wake up with refreshed, dewy, glowing skin.

So how do you use it?
Start by cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing your skin. Then, massage in the overnight mask for a few minutes so that it is absorbed properly. Now all you got to do is sleep!

Tip: Apply an overnight mask at least half an hour before you hit the sack because you don’t want your pillow to soak up all of the mask.

Stuff I swear by: Rose Face Mask by Fresh is my go-to when I’ve had a hard day and want to soothe my skin. It’s also perfect after a day at the beach as its super cooling. Check out my review if you’re a ‘rose junkie’ like me.

How to get the best results from your face-mask.

1. Cleanse and exfoliate your face thoroughly to prep your skin to soak in all the benefits of the mask.

2. Steam your face or press a hot washcloth to your face before beginning a mask. The heat opens your pores so that the mask can penetrate deeper.

3. For professional results, follow up your detoxifying or purifying mask with a second, moisturizing mask. So you not only degunk your skin, you actually put all the nutrients back into your skin.

4. Take your mask all the way down to your décolletage! Your neck is just as important as your face.

5. Masks are also great if you have a special occasion coming up and you want your skin to look its best. Start masking regularly (3 times a week) at least 2 weeks before the big day.

Now all you got to do it slap on your mask, hide behind a door and yell ‘Boo!’ when someone enters.