What is masking? We explain the most Googled beauty term of 2017
In a recent report by Google, the search engine has found that the most searched skincare trend is masking, making it the top beauty trend of 2017 so far. Who doesn't love a chill out night with a face mask on, hey?
Here's Jenna Tatum-Dewan rocking a feline sheet mask...
So, you've got the awesome sheet masks, overnight treatments and the best masks for glowy perfect skin. But what is the future of masking? Well, body masking, that's what!
Masking has become so popular multiple trends have emerged, including the sheet mask selfie (even those taken by celebs like Jenna), the art of multi-masking and Instagrammable treatments. And who can forget the 24k gold face mask the Victoria's Secret angels used before they hit they catwalk last November?
You can even adopt the Korean approach and go for multi-masking, which involves using different forms of face masks on different parts of the skin, at the same time. For example a hydrating mask for your cheeks, a soothing one for under the eyes and a clay mask for your T-zone.
According to Google, the popularity of masking is mainly because of how prominent it is in Japan. And actually in Japan face masks are like SOOOO 2016, because now the Japanese are interested in using masks for legs, cuticles, hands, and heels. The growth of body-related masks in Japan is a sign that we'll soon be searching for similar in the very near future.
One resident GLAMOUR staffer, Beauty boy Greg, loves his mask and has started his #MondayMask ritual.
Here are a few of his faves...
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Now shop some of our best masks...
Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask, £20, Cult Beauty
Margot Robbie and Priyanka Chopra don't just have amazing skin in common, they also share makeup artist Pati Dubroff, who introduced and converted them to the power of 111SKIN face masks. Margot's favourite is the Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask, whereas Priyanka used the Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask to prep her skin for her wedding day.
Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask, £36, Space NK
Slimy, yet satisfying, this is a vitamin-dosed green smoothie for your skin, packed with ripe avocado, primrose oil and honey to bring the moisture and re-energise sapped skin. Yum. Drink up.
Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner Purifying Mask, £34.43, Look Fantastic
A very satisfying solution that helps to hoover up blackheads and the grime clogging your pores.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, £42, Cult Beauty
This blue tube has been all over our Instagram, gaining the tick of approval from Kim Kardashian-West and Jessica Alba. They're onto something. It's a super hydrator – it soothes in seconds and plumps in a minute. It's not often you'll find a skincare product that has instantaneous results, but after 10 minutes we were able to notice an actual difference. Plus, you don't have to wash this off, it's an overnight mask, so you can sleep while your skin soaks up the magic.
Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask, £39.50, Harvey Nichols
The pore shrinking prowess of this pink clay mask saw it go completely viral and out of stock in a matter of minutes. Originally from Australia, it's now widely available in the UK (Cult Beauty, Harvey Nichols, Boots etc) and is well worth a go for a fast working brightening treatment you can actually see.
Avene Soothing Radiance Mask, £13, Escentual
A sensitive skin hero, Avene's products are formulated with minimal, gentle ingredients. It's a no-frills moisture-booster that tops up hydration, without making a fuss.
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay, £22, John Lewis
Perfect for shrinking unsightly pores, this refining mask reveals a bright, smooth, photo-ready face. Use it before a date, wedding, first day, or when you just want to smash the skin game. You won't regret it.
Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask, £2.99, Look Fantastic
Cheap, cheerful and drenched in hyaluronic acid. This will re-quench thirsty skin in just £15 minutes.
GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment, £44, GlamGlow
Watch as this mud dries and your pores shrink before your very eyes. It leaves skin satisfyingly super clean.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask, £110 for 8, Net-a-Porter
This provides a double dose of Estee Lauder's cult Advanced Night Repair serum – hailed for its ability to help smooth fine lines and leave skin feeling plush and hydrated. The clever foil sheet mask helps to keep everything locked in and aids absorption.
Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask, £85, John Lewis
Leave this on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse off for fresher-looking skin. Infused with red clay, Sisley's mask leaves a noticeable glow to the complexion. We love it.
Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque, £33, Cult Beauty
Purifying, yes, but also pleasantly skin-quenching. If you find some clay based masks leave skin uncomfortably tight, this is the one.
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, £22, Look Fantastic
Perfect for a city dweller with skin that needs a refresh. The natural clays deeply cleans and bestows an even-looking complexion.
Skinesis by Sarah Chapman 3D Moisture Infusion Masks, £46 for 4, Feel Unique
Aside from the fact this mask promises to reduce redness and plump skin, it's created by Meghan Markle's facialist. Use it to refresh skin, and possibly bag a Prince.
The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Sheet Mask, £4, The Body Shop
If you're looking to boost brightness and benefit from a little glow, this is offers a cocktail of vitamin C-rich Peruvian camu camu and fair trade aloe vera.
