19 best face masks for *every* skin concern, tried and tested
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The best face masks not only give your skin a little zhuzh when cleansing and moisturising alone aren't cutting the mustard – but they make for a wonderful pamper moment, too. From the days of yore with banana-scented sludge at sleepovers, to the bubbling, frothy textures of today's popularised K-Beauty formulas, face masks are taking over self care routines with formulas that are high-quality and hard-working. And we're here for it.
Not just for serving glow or clarity, there are face masks on the market for every skin concern RN. Whether dullness is your bugbear, blemishes are too often popping-up for a vi-zit, or it seems that your skin is perpetually dry, there's a face mask designed to suit your skincare need. There's also a formula for everyone, too, from overnight masks to one-and-done sheet masks. We know: we've tried them.
What are the key ingredients you should look for? Clay is a notable one. Deriving from Ancient Egypt (Cleopatra used a mixture of clay and donkey milk to keep her skin free from blemishes), clay face masks deliver a boost of luminosity and hydration. And although you won't see donkey milk in any formulas today, clay is still a great clarifying ingredient due to its ability to draw out daily impurities and remove excess oil.
Elsewhere, according to Emma Coleman, dermatology practitioner and founder of Emma Coleman Skin, other key ingredients to look for include the antioxidants vitamin E and niacinamide. “These are good all-rounders for any skin type, as they protect the skin from environmental stress and promote rejuvenation,” she says. “Look for retinol if you're concerned with the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles or dark spots, and find formulas with squalane if you have dry, dehydrated skin.” And as for those dealing with sensitivity or irritation, Emma recommends formulas with vitamin E and aloe vera.
With so much choice available, it can be difficult to figure out which face mask is right for you. To help you make that choice, we've put together a full edit of all the best face masks out there, including options that take all preferences, budgets and skin types into consideration. Baskets at the ready…
SKIP TO: Our full reviews | Which face mask should I use for my skin type? | What face mask is best for dry skin? | What’s a hydrating face mask? | What's a clarifying face mask? | When do I apply a face mask? | How often do I apply a face mask? | Does using a face mask have long term benefits?
Meet the experts
- Dr Paris Acharya, aesthetics and skincare expert and co-founder of The Ardour Clinic.
- Dr Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist.
- Emma Coleman RGN, dermatology practitioner and founder of Emma Coleman Skin.
How we test face masks
Team GLAMOUR could not be more dedicated to providing readers with the most honest, trustworthy and unbiased reviews. We've scoured the world wide web to discover the best face masks on the market today, reading through INCI lists and pages of customer reviews, considering all skin types, skin concerns and price points in the process. You are our greatest priority – and nothing is more important to us than discovering the best products for your personal needs.
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After something a little different? Read about the best LED face masks, including an honest Magnitone Get Lit LED Face Mask review, The Light Salon Boost LED Mask review, Shark LED CryoGlow Light Therapy Face Mask review, CurrentBody LED face mask review and Dr Dennis Gross LED face mask review.
- Type: Clay mask.
- Best for: Purifying and decongesting.
- Key ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay, vitamin E, cranberry extract.
Why we love it: We turn to Medik8 time and time again for efficient, results-driven skincare, and the brand's Natural Clay Mask is no different. If oily, blemish-prone skin sounds all too familiar, grab yourself one of these professional-strength treatments in a tube.
Starring two types of clay to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities, it also features vitamin E to keep your complexion nourished and comfortable. The cherry on top (or should that be cranberry?) is cranberry extract, which is a potent antioxidant, helping to protect skin from environmental stressors.
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Mask
- Type: Cream mask.
- Best for: Hydrating, plumping, reducing redness, even-ing skin tone.
- Key ingredients: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, bilberry seed oil, Canadian willowherb.
Why we love it: “I’ve been using the Murad Cellular Hydration range since it launched at the start of the year – the cleanser, facial serum and, more recently, the Repair Cream. But the addition I’ve re-purchased the most is the Barrier Repair Mask. An overnight mask which works while you snooze, it’s formulated with fatty acids omegas three and six, bilberry seed oil for plumper-looking skin, and Canadian willowherb to protect against redness. For a mask so hydrating, you’d be forgiven for assuming it might be greasy or slow-to-absorb – but neither are the case. It feels so silky, and absorbs so quickly that you can pretty much drop your head on the pillow the second you’ve finished application. After using it two-three times each week for the past 10 months, my skin feels plumper and more hydrated, and my skin tone a lot more even,” says Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
- Type: Clay mask.
- Best for: Reducing redness and irritation.
- Key ingredients: Aloe vera, kaolin clay and chamomile.
Why we love it: “I’m well aware, this face mask is *very* expensive, but rest assured celebrity facialist Dr. Barbara Sturm knows how to formulate a highly effective product. Best used to soothe irritated skin, it features aloe vera and chamomile which reduce redness and calm an angry complexion. It’s great fun to apply using the miniature face brush (though you do have to remember to clean that immediately), and the China Clay leaves your skin silky, soft and supple,” says Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask
- Type: Velvety, whipped texture.
- Best for: Hydrating, firming, softening.
- Key ingredients: Fermented black tea, blackberry leaf, lychee seed.
Why we love it: "I started testing the Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask around eight weeks ago now, and it has become a mainstay in my self-care routine. My go-to post everything-shower – and when my skin is feeling a little dry – it’s formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid and firming polysaccharides. It also contains antioxidants aplenty, which makes it the perfect choice for protecting your skin from harsh weather during the winter. It has a lovely, light whipped texture, smells divine, and feels instantly cooling on application. Such a dream to use," says Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
111SKIN Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask Box
- Type: Sheet mask.
- Best for: Brightening, tightening and plumping.
- Key ingredients: Colloidal gold, peptides, damask rose.
Why we love it: Beloved by celebrities and MUAs alike (think Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hailey Bieber and Victoria Beckham) this is the sheet mask for a glow-giving boost that also brightens, firms, soothes, plumps (well, it literally does a bit of everything). Containing colloidal gold for its hydrating properties, plumping peptides and anti-inflammatory damask rose, this is definitely one for when you want to put your best face forward.
Laneige Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask
- Type: A sorbet-like texture.
- Best for: Plumping, firming, smoothing.
- Key ingredients: Peony & Collagen Complex and Lysate probiotics.
Why we love it: Love the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask? Now you can pair it with the brand's Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask, which stars a Peony & Collagen Complex to deliver, well, a bouncy and firm complexion. With a subtle peony-inspired scent and a light, smooth texture, application of this sorbet-like delight is a sensorial experience that'll have you drifting off in no time.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
- Type: Light cream mask.
- Best for: Clarifying, resurfacing, decongesting.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, salicylic acid, citric acid.
Why we love it: Nobody wants dull skin, and this face mask from Drunk Elephant ensures you never have to go down that one way street to sallow town. It features a 25% AHA and 2% BHA blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric and salicylic acids, which helps to deeply exfoliate and resurface your skin. The best part is that it's suitable for all skin types, since it removes dead skin cells gently and leaves your skin feeling cleaner than ever, without causing any redness or irritation.
Looking to save? Check out these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Beauty Pie Japanfusion Bio-Ceramide Deep Moisture Mask
- Type: Cream mask.
- Best for: Hydrating, plumping, soothing.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, grape extract, ceramides.
Why we love it: Dry skin, with its flaking, peeling and rough texture, can be a challenge to deal with. But Beauty Pie have made that a thing of the past with this moisturising marvel, which is brimming with nourishing ingredients. Think: high quantities of vitamin C sourced from the Jabara fruit, known for its high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, and grape extract, which works to hydrate, boost collagen and protect from free radicals. And ceramides derived from the yuzu fruit join the party to retain moisture and plumpness.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
- Type: Clay and charcoal mask.
- Best for: Reducing the appearance of blackheads, blemishes and clogged pores.
- Key ingredients: Kaolin clay, squalane, glycerin and salicylic acid.
Why we love it: Suitable for oily and blemish-prone skin, this face mask from The Ordinary features salicylic acid exfoliates deep into the skin, leaving behind a much smoother complexion. Perfect to use in the evenings when your skin feels especially congested after a long day of work and errands.
Save big when shopping for face masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Revolution x Sali Hughes - Better in 5 Express Exfoliating Mask
- Type: Gel mask.
- Best for: Exfoliating, clarifying.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, glycerin, glycolic acid, malic acid.
Why we love it: Beauty expert and journalist Sali Hughes knows a thing or two about skincare, and so our hearts (and wallets) jumped for joy when she teamed up with Revolution to launch a series of budget-friendly skincare that truly works. Enter the Better in 5 Express Exfoliating Mask, which packs a punch with lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, gluconolactone (a polyhydroxy acid) and hydrating glycerin. The result? Smooth, radiant skin with even tone and texture, with change from £20.
Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial
- Type: Gel-cream mask.
- Best for: Brightening, even-ing skin tone and texture.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, sea buckthorn oil, ceramides, bisabolol.
Why we love it: Feel like you haven’t seen the sun in a thousand years? Us too. For dull, sallow skin, we suggest adding this sunny yellow face mask to your skincare arsenal for a major glow-up. It’s packed with a whopping 30% vitamin C (so make sure to do a patch test first) which swiftly diminishes dark spots and dullness with sassy aplomb. What’s more, it also features nourishing sea buckthorn oil and soothing bisabolol to keep things balanced. Your friends will need sunglasses the next time they see your glowing, renewed complexion.
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask
- Type: Cream mask.
- Best for: Hydrating, soothing, reducing redness.
- Key ingredients: Arnica extract, white mushroom extract, beta glucan.
Why we love it: If your sensitive skin emits a squeal of anguish at the mere sight of a face mask, look no further than this offering from REN, which is proven to calm and soothe skin in 30 minutes. White mushroom extract works to instantly soothe, while anti-inflammatory arnica and moisturising beta glucan ensure your complexion is left calm and clear, with reduced redness and irritation. In short? This is akin to your skin breathing a sigh of relief.
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- Type: Cream mask.
- Best for: Calming and soothing.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide.
Why we love it: Let’s face it, life can be stressful. Whether you’re battling tube strikes, bumped straight into your ex, or woken up with a planet-sized spot on your chin (on the day of that important meeting), we recommend popping on this skincare saviour (and sipping a cup of tea or glass of wine, depending on the level of stress). Designed to envelop a tired complexion in a wealth of hydration and nourishment, this is your answer to renewed, radiant skin when life is just life-ing.
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
- Type: Clay mask.
- Best for: Refining, purifying, soothing.
- Key ingredients: Amazonian white clay and aloe vera.
Why we love it: Designed to smooth skin texture and diminish the appearance of pores, this marvel mask from Kiehl's uses Amazonian white clay to absorb excess oils and draw out impurities. It's also brimming with minerals and aloe vera to help soothe and detox irritated skin, revealing a soft and supple complexion.
Save big when shopping for face masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Intensive Sleepair Mask
- Type: Gel mask.
- Best for: Soothing, hydrating, reducing redness and irritation.
- Key ingredients: Tiger grass (centella asiatica), peptides, glycerin, niacinamide.
Why we love it: Want to be treated to a spa-like experience before bed time? Apply this cooling gel mask, which is designed specifically for sensitive, easily-irritated skin. Perfect to counteract any effects of dryness caused by dehydration or cold weather, this multitasking mask stars centella asiatica to calm redness and repair a damaged skin barrier, alongside plumping peptides and hydrating glycerin.
Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Peel Off Mask
- Type: Peel off.
- Best for: Clarifying, decongesting, tightening.
- Key ingredients: Tea tree oil and witch hazel.
Why we love it: Don't sleep on budget face masks, like this offering from Boots. It encompasses antibacterial tea tree oil and calming witch hazel to deliver a calm, soothed complexion that's free from daily impurities, with reduced blemishes and blackheads. Yum. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free.
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Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask
- Type: Gel-cream mask.
- Best for: Firms, brightens, smooths, refreshes.
- Key ingredients: Colloidal gold, 24 karat gold, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, caffeine.
Why we love it: A face mask with 24K gold is as good as self-care can get. This pampering product may come with a hefty price tag, but its ability to diminish fine lines and rejuvenate your skin is unlike that of any other product on this list. After all, Peter Thomas Roth is a brand that specialises in high-quality skincare products.
Looking to save? Check out these Cult Beauty discount codes.
- Type: Cream mask.
- Best for: Improving texture and tone, decongesting pores, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
- Key ingredients: Mandelic acid and lactic acid.
Why we love it: Co-founded by former MUA Arabella Preston, Votary is a brand that knows the importance of skincare prep before makeup application. And the Radiance Reveal Mask is your one-stop-shop to a spectacular glow, thanks to our friends mandelic acid and lactic acid, which speed up skin cell turnover for a smooth, luminous look, with fewer dark spots and blemishes to boot.
- Type: Clay mask.
- Best for: Purifies, tightens, removes excess oil.
- Key ingredients: Pink clay, coffee extract, grape and papaya enzymes.
Why we love it: TikTok famous for a reason, Caudalie's Instant Detox Mask should be in bathroom cupboards far and wide. It's perfect if you're of an oily, blemish-prone disposition, drawing out impurities and absorbing excess sebum, while fruit enzymes brighten and refine skin texture. Trust us, once you use this, you won't look back.
Which face mask should I use for my skin type?
“Face masks which contain papaya are great for those with acne-prone skin,” says Dr Paris. “Papain and chymopapain are two enzymes found in papaya which help to reduce inflammation. Papain particularly can be found in many exfoliating products and can help to reduce acne by banishing dead skin cells that can clog pores."
The expert also reveals that papaya is also rich in vitamin A, which helps to speed up healing. "The Revitalizing Mask from PCA Skin is perfect for those who suffer from breakouts,” she says.
“Charcoal is a great ingredient for those with oily skin as it works to absorb oil and impurities,” Dr Paris continues. “Its micro porous structure allows it to be highly efficient at skin detoxification. Look for formulas that combine charcoal with clay to draw out impurities trapped in your pores, which will reveal a smoother, more refined complexion, plus minimise the appearance of enlarged, congested pores.”
As for those with sensitive skin? “The Hydrating Mask from PCA Skin is perfect for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin, as it delivers intense hydration with an advanced yet gentle blend of soothing botanicals and skin-loving ingredients,” says Dr Paris.
What face mask is best for dry skin?
“Rich, cream-based masks containing occlusives like shea butter and barrier boosting ingredients like niacinamide are good for dry skin,” says Dr Emma Wedgeworth. “I use face masks for bonus hydration, particularly during the cold winter months, and I will be looking for these ingredients, as well as ceramides and peptides.”
What’s a hydrating face mask?
“This is a mask infused with ingredients to seal in moisture in the skin and prevent dehydration,” says Emma Coleman. Dr Paris adds to look for ingredients that provide moisture retention, such as the humectants panthenol and glycerin.
What’s a clarifying face mask?
“Clarifying face masks are designed to tackle congestion, oiliness and unblock pores,” says Dr Emma Wedgeworth. “They contain ingredients such as salicylic acid or kaolin.”
When do I apply a face mask?
Dr Paris advises that applying a face mask at the right point in your skincare routine ensures you reap the maximum benefits.
“Applying a face mask after cleansing, but before moisturising allows your skin to fully absorb the powerful ingredients from the mask while your pores are open from cleansing, making it most effective,” she says. “I would recommend using a face mask in the evening as you usually have more time to leave it on for longer." Dr Emma Wedgeworth agrees. “Ideal use is in the evening, so it can be left on for 20-30 minutes to allow optimum penetration of ingredients.”
How often do I apply a face mask?
“I would recommend applying a face mask at least once a week to see maximum benefits,” says Dr Paris. “Overusing them may sometimes irritate the skin, so be sure to read the instructions carefully as each mask will recommend different frequencies.”
Does using a face mask have long term benefits?
Emma reveals that regular face mask application will help to condition the skin in many ways, including controlling excess sebum and hydration levels. “This is because face masks are designed with low molecular weight ingredients, meaning that they're easily absorbed into the skin's deeper layers,” she says. “As a regular part of your skincare routine, you will see longer term and more profound results.”
