The Best Skincare Facial Masks

What to Look For

To find the right mask for you, we suggest asking yourself three key questions: Is this facial mask appropriate for my skin type? Does the application method work for me? Is it worth its price? With those questions in mind, we rounded up a varied medley of facial masks for a variety of use cases. For example, our favorite all-arounder was New York Biology’s Dead Sea mud mask. It’s packed with mineral-rich mud, and it’s free of nasty chemicals like parabens and alcohol that could irritate your skin. But it’s not as indulgent as I’M FROM’s marvelous mugwort mask, which is one of the most sophisticated options on the market. We highlighted others like these, as well, so read on to learn more.

New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask

Seaing is believing

There's a reason mud masks have been all the rage, and this one demonstrates why that is.

Best Overall

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Mud masks are among the most favored facial masks out there, and in our opinion, this one from New York Biology is perhaps the best mud mask on the market. The base is supplemented by a rejuvenating blend of high-quality ingredients like aloe vera, calendula oil, and Vitamin E. But what sets this apart from other mud masks is that this one features mineral mud sourced from the Dead Sea. Though it’s not fully understood why this, Dead Sea mud seems to have potent healing properties. We suggest giving it a try to see if you agree.

Pros:

• Aside from the high-quality ingredients present in this formulation, we also appreciate what’s excluded. This mask doesn’t contain any alcohol, parabens, or sulfates.
• You can choose from other varieties of this mud mask, each with different infusions, such as manuka honey, eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender.

Cons:

• This mask doesn’t dry as quickly as other similar ones, so if you’re accustomed to quick-drying masks, you might not find this as satisfying.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Facial Mask

What's old is new again

Clay masks like this one worked for the ancients, and chances are that they'll work for you, too.

Runner Up

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If you’ve been eager to try clay masks for yourself, this ultra-affordable option can serve as the perfect entry point. Unlike some skincare products that are chock-full of unpronounceable ingredients, this one is pure as can be. It contains just one ingredient: natural calcium bentonite clay. And it couldn’t be easier to use. Simply add some apple cider vinegar to the clay to transform the base into a paste, then apply it to your face and leave it for a few minutes. Rinse it off and you’ll see the results in real-time.

Pros:

• Compared to many other masks, the cost value here is pretty spectacular.
• We love that this can be used on other parts of the body as well, not just the face.

Cons:

• Some may be allergic or sensitive to clay, so it’s a good idea to spot-test this formulation before applying it to your entire face.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Overnight Gel

Wake up to a glow-up

This mask couldn't be easier to use — simply apply it before bed, doze off, and rinse in the morning.

Best Overnight Mask

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It may seem an invention of folkloric imagination to wake up in the morning looking magically transformed, but this overnight mask from Laneige makes overnight transformations possible. This gel mask is formulated to be applied before bed, and it couldn’t be easier to use. There’s no mess involved, and when you wake up, all you have to do is rinse your face to clean it off. Once you do, you might see a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Pros:

• Some people like the idea of using facial masks but don’t want to deal with messy clay masks and the like. Mess- and hassle-free, this overnight mask is a great alternative.
• Like the rest of Laneige’s products, this gel is made with top-notch ingredients.

Cons:

• Yes, the ingredients are top-notch, but the price does reflect that. Nonetheless, a little bit of this gel goes a long way.

I’M FROM Mugwort Mask

Treat yourself

Formulated with superior ingredients carefully sourced from all over the world, this mask is one of the best that money can buy.

Best Splurge

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If you want the best results, it makes sense to use the best ingredients. That seems to be the philosophy of the I’M FROM brand, as all of their masks have a reputation for being next-level good. This mask’s main active ingredient, mugwort, is grown on the South Korean island of Ganghwa and ripened in the sea breeze for three years before it’s harvested, a level of care that is reflected in the results this mask provides. Whether you’re trying to treat actively problematic skin or simply nourish yourself with some self-care, we can’t recommend this mask enough.

Pros:

• Suitable for all skin types, this mask is a fantastic option for everyday use.
• Given its premium ingredients and unmatchable quality, this would be a great gift for a loved one.

Cons:

• It is a bit pricy, but in this case, we think you truly get what you pay for.

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

Let loose

This bubble-making carbonated mask isn't just effective — it's also a bunch of fun to use.

Best Bubbly

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This mask takes some of the best ingredients found in the most popular masks and combines them into one bubbling concoction. Formulated with bentonite clay, lavender, charcoal powder, green tea extract, and more, this pick is unique in more ways than one. Aside from its all-star cast of ingredients, it also does something novel: it creates suds and bubbles on the skin as it settles. Once it starts to bubble, you’ll know that it’s working and that you can begin to rinse it off. The intended effect here is to cleanse the pores and reduce blackheads over time.

Pros:

• This mask truly bubbles up to an impressive degree. The bubbles can become so thick that you might not even recognize yourself, making this a really amusing option to use with friends or family members.
• We love that it’s offered in various sizes. The smaller option is very affordable, so it’s a great way to test it out and see if you like it before buying a bigger one.

Cons:

• Though it is fun, the sudsy bubbles and the notoriously messy charcoal can make this a bit tricky to clean up if you’re not careful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which masks are appropriate for my skin type?

Most skin masks are appropriate for all skin types. But some types of masks, such as those made with clay, are better for those with oily skin. That’s because they help absorb some of that sebaceous excess without drying the skin out too much. Those with dry skin might do better with masks that have hydrating ingredients such as vitamin E.

How the heck do facial masks work?

Usually, the idea is that the mask forms a seal on the surface of your skin. The mask’s ingredients then come in direct and unobstructed contact with your skin, rendering those ingredients more potent. After a few minutes, the ingredients should have done their job, at which point the mask can be rinsed off.

About the Author

If style and fashion tips are what you're after, Duddy is your man. He spent his formative years studying the works of artists, designers, stylists, and curators to learn what pleases the eye. But he isn't just interested in aesthetics — he also seeks out products that balance form with function. Thanks to his many years of reviewing products, he has a keen understanding of what makes a great buy.

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Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.