Pamper your skin with these facial masks and find some useful tips & tricks!

Free days are ideal for pampering and relaxing. Especially if the weather sucks and it is raining all day. This is the ideal time! Why? Because you can not do anything else (except for having boring laundry day or trying to find some new recipes because you have already cooked really everything and you are lost). Stop. You should use this time for yourself (not for your man, kids, pets or whatever). In today's post I will show you some facial masks which  I found interesting (everybody knows that sheet masks rules at this time) and I will also show you some useful tips and tricks how to use them, because if you are do it wrong, it will have zero effects (even though your sheet mask looks like cute unicorn or has cool glitters). So let's go!

Types of facial masks and their effects

It is simple as that - if you want to have a healthy skin, you must have your skin regime including cleansing, toning and moisturising. If you are not a big fan of using masks, maybe now is the best time to give them a second chance. In fact, a mask can be a real game changer because it works to penetrate deeply and purify skin. Here are the most popular types of masks; along with the benefits suited for each skin type!

 Clay masks

This type of mask is an ideal option for those with oily or combination skin. These skin types are more prone to developing acne and blackheads due to excess sebum and clay mask acts like a magnet that lifts dirt, bacteria and oil without irritating ingredients or harsh scrubbing.

The three major types of clay masks are composed of these mineral rich ingredients that vary in colour and texture:

• Kaolin - most gentle, exfoliates, comes in a wide range of colours
• Bentonite - fine texture, detoxifies, increases blood circulation
• Rhassoul - perfect for acne, evens out skin tone, replenishes moisture

Benefits:

• Removes bacteria (it breaks down the bacteria by drying their cells out)
• Detoxifies (it carries a charge that pulls out substances deep within the dermal layers)
• Matifies (it draws out excess sebum and engulfs these oils like a sponge)
• Unclogs pores (shrinkage and visible appearance of pores)
• Restores (skin ph and remove dull skin cells to reveal glowing and healthful skin)

Use:

The best is applying clay on damp skin - the minerals from the clay easily seep into pores to draw out impurities. As the clay hardens, your skin begins to take on a tightening feeling as capillaries are expanded. This stimulation of blood flow jump starts cell activity that leads to reparation of skin fibers.

TIP! The best is to avoid clay mask from fully drying. It is also recommended to remove them with warm water when mask still has a demi- matte texture. Once the mask begins to crack, this is an indication that mask has been left on too long. Leaving on a skin too long causes more force being used to remove product which then leads to moisture being stripped.

L'Oreal Pure-Clay Masks

I am in love with these drugstore clay masks! The collection includes now 5 lovely types (yes, two new colours, yay!) and each made with three mineral clays (Kaolinite, Montmorillonite and Ghassoul). Every clay mask has its own great effects and additional substances: 

• Purity Clay mask with Eucalyptus to purify and matify oily, shiny skin (shop here)
• Glow Clay mask with Red Algae to illuminate dull, uneven skin tone and exfoliate (shop here)
• Detox Clay mask with Charcoal to draw out impurities and clarify normal, congested skin (it is often compared to GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD mask; shop here)
• Blemish Rescue Clay mask with Marine Algae to clear imperfections and unclog blackheads (shop here)
• Brigh Clay mask with Yezu Lemon to even tone and illuminate (shop here)

They are also great for multimasking - one of the hottest skincare trends right now. Just play and relax!

Now you have great opportunity to get free multi-masking kit HERE!

GLAMGLOW masks

I have remembered the first time I used GLAMGLOW POWERMUD mask (the green one) and I fell in love with it. Everytime I apply this mask, I feel very fresh and clean. Its mint odour I like very much, as well. Speaking about GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD (the white one, and the most favourite for lots of people), this one does not suit me very well. My face was burning and even I felt like I had little headache (it was really agressive, even though I had this mask maybe about 5 minutes on my skin). I think it happened because this mask is very strong and I have very sensitive skin (I definitely prefer Detox Clay mask by L'OREAL - it has similar effects, but it is very gentle for my skin and also the price is lower).

There are six types of GLAMGLOW masks (one of them - the purple one has different formula - peel off mask) 

• POWERMUD Dualcleanse Treatment (the green one) - deep cleansing treatment, great solution for dullness and redness (shop here)
• SUPERMUD Activated Chaircoal Treatment (the white one) - ideal for pores, acne and oiliness; but be carefull if you have a sensitive skin - it can be agressive for you (shop here)
• YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment (the black one) - softens and brightens your skin; helps with wrinkles, fine lines and dullness (shop here)
• FLASHMUD Brightening Treatment (the orange one) - ideal for dark spots and uneven skin tone (shop here)
• THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment (the blue one) - delivers extra moisture, great solution for dryness, redness and dullness (shop here)

Try the new multimasking hit with this cool Multimasking Mask Treatment Kit and have fun!

Sheet masks

We have to thank the Korean Beauty community for this skincare revolution. Nowadays, everybody is crazy about this type of mask - but why it is so special (except for the unique opportunity to become a cute panda or creepy Halloween creature)? This mask works well for all types of skin - especially it works best as an anti-aging product. It is composed of a woven texture base like cotton and  submerged with serum (Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinols and essential oils). Its unique delivery method helps potent skin loving ingredients  seep into pores and transform skin from the inside out. Initially the mask may feel a tad sticky when you remove it from the package, but don't fret  these ingredients are often non-comedogenic and will not clog pores. I love the fact masks have time to work and truly be absorbed without factors such as evaporation or you touching your face too much. Keep in mind that these masks are not designed to completely replace your serum regime but rather supplement it.

What is the difference between clay masks and sheet masks?

- While clay masks draw out excess oil, sheet masks work to replenish moisture back into skin.

Another benefits:

• Very convenient

The most convenient feature of this pampering mask is the fact you don't have to worry if you are applying too much or too little of the product because the right amount is of product is soaked into the mask, eliminating the mentioned guesswork.

• Super easy to use

• Great for travelling

Travelling can create extremely dry skin from the thinner air. Try one of these loves during your flight and you will feel super fresh and relaxed.

• They adress so many skin problems so you can be sure there is a mask for everyone

You can choose from masks for oily skin, anti-aging, removing dullness, pores, blackheads and more!

Use:

Ingredients from these single-use masks can better be absorbed into skin without without the protective barrier that moisturizers provide. After leaving onto skin for the duration found on the packaging, remove slowly. Now you may be tempted to leave this mask on longer until it is completely dry - don't do it! Doing this you can cause the reverse effect and in turn cause acne breakouts!

Once removing, you will find there may be excess product left behind that hasn't fully absorbed - this is normal! You can rub the excess product gently with fingertips and leave skin as it is. Do not follow with any other products like moisturizers or cleansers.

TIP! If you are looking to use it at night as part of your night time routine, start with your cleanser and toner per usual; but then skip your moisturizer and serum step.

For an extra cooling and soothing effect, store your sheet mask in the fridge!

TONYMOLY - I'm Real collection

This fun and functional sheet mask collection features different ingredients all targeting different skin concerns. And yes, these packaging is super cute!! I need to have them all, haha. (shop here)

Olive extract will hydrate and condition skin for a radiant, glowing complexion.

Cactus extract will calm, sooth, purify and hydrate the skin, leaving a clear and healthy complexion.

Pumpkin extract will promote skin elasticity for a more youthful complexion.

Dr. Jart+

This collection of rubber masks by Dr. Jart+ looks very interesting and its two-step application (concentrated ampoule serum and rubber mask) I must try right now! You can choose from four different versions:

• Hydration Lover (the blue face) -  hydrates and stimulates the delivery of actives into the skin while cooling for a radiant, healthy-looking skin (shop here )
• Clear skin Lover (the gray face) - contains Algae and fights pores, blemishes and oiliness (shop here)
• Firm Lover (the pink face) - is the best solution for dryness, wrinkles and loss of elasticity (shop here)
• Bright Lover (the yellow face) - helps with dark spots and uneven skintone, dullness and the appearance of scars (shop here)

Garnier Skin Active HYDRA BOMB masks

First time I saw these drugstore sheet masks I knew I must definitely try them. Results? I love the blue one - The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask. Everytime it hydrates my skin perfectly. I also like its smell and very fresh feeling. I have also tried The Super Hydrating Mask Soothing (the pink one) and The Super Hydrating Mask Mattifying but I did not have the feeling it made something with my skin. Maybe I will give them a second chance.

• The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask (with Pomegranate extract) - provides deep moisture and has anti-thirst technology (shop here)
• The Super Hydrating Mask Soothing (with Chamomile) - hydrates and soothes skin; for dry and sensitive skin (shop here)
• The Super Hydrating Mask Mattifying (with Green Tea) - deeply hydrates, balances skin and reduces pores; for normal to combination skin (shop here)
• The Super Hydrating Mask Anti-Fatigue (with Lavender essential oils) - bringes energy back to dull, fatigued skin (shop here)
• The Super Hydrating Mask Glow Boosting (with Sakura flower extract) - gives your skin what it needs - a boost of radiance, hydration and perfect glow (shop here)
• The Super Purifying Charcoal Sheet Mask (with Algae extract and Hyaluronic Acid) - great for the ultimate skin and  pore purification; deep detoxifying clean (shop here)

HOLIKA HOLIKA - AFTER MASK SHEET Collection

I think this collection is an essential part of today's busy life. I love the packaging and also the concept - everybody just needs some energy after hard study, working overtime or after drinking. Such a great idea!

• After Hard Study - a skin clearing mask; contains green tea, calendula and witch hazel (shop here)
• After Working Overtime - a highly protective and moisturizing mask; blueberry extract helps correct skin clarity and control melanin formation (shop here)
• After Drinking - removes toxins from the skin; is formulated with green tea extracts, rose oil and cabbage root extracts to soothe and relieve tired and rough skin (shop here)
• After Working Out - reduces redness and soothes the skin with aloe vera, cane and potatoes extracts; honey extract moisturizes the skin perfectly (shop here)
• After Trip  - a brightening sheet mask; contains tomato, kiwi, coconut and orange (shop here)
• After Sauna - a pore care sheet mask; contains ingredients like applemint, chamomile, cucumber and lime which helps tighten pores (shop here)

Peel Off Masks

The sensation of this mask is simple - you can visually "see" what is being removed. They help remove impurities and revive the texture of the skin. The technique is similar in the way that a chemical peel treatment would work; as it works to remove the first layer of skin. I don't know why, but when I am removing the mask, it fascinates me a lot, haha.

GLAMGLOW x My Little Pony

I know, I know. It would maybe seem too girly or infantile, but to be honest - why don't try something crazy and funny; something different ? Why every mask should look boring and normal? Girls just wanna have fun! It reminds me of my childhood. Except for stunning formula, I hope that these masks will be helpful, as well (but I am not naive so maybe it is only great business - we need to try them and will see!).

You can choose from three sparkly colours : pink, purple and black. They are solutions for pores and loss of firmness and elasticity. (shop here and take a quiz, haha).