To mask or not to mask? That is the question

Continuing on with our Flawless Makeup Application series, I wanted to bring up the next important topic to your skin care routine, that assists with that FLAWLESS skin is facial masks! Here we are going to talk about them as a whole and why you should have them in your skin care routine. 

What is a facial mask? 

A facial mask is compilation of beneficial ingredients to treat and improve your skin. Most facial masks are created to treat a particular skin type or skin condition. 

Why should you use a facial mask? 

For example you have had a rough week, your skin is dry, dehydrated, red, inflamed, oily or just simply lacking a glow. These are all reasons to apply a facial mask to your face. Facial masks help to soothe your skin balance the issues affecting it, also it can be relaxing. 

How does a facial mask help with your flawless makeup application?

As I have stated above, whatever the ailment there is a facial treatment for it. Over time just like with a good daily skin care routine it will correct your skin helping it to be flawless. 


How often should you use the facial mask? 

Depending on your skin type or condition you should typically use a facial mask once or twice a week. I prefer to use mine on Sundays when I do my whole grooming and spa routine! 


Which facial mask should you use? 

It is all on preference. There are a lot of facial masks out there, so it really depends on what you want to accomplish. Do you want clearer skin, cure dryness, reduce redness, reduce acne, a full facial treatment, etc? The two that I personally recommend and love are: 

* Lush's - Mask of Magnaminty - Full facial treatment that tingles as it is working giving your skin a cool feeling while cleansing your skin. It retails for $12.95-24.95 at Lush cosmetics. 
  *Note: This mask is a handmade product so you will need to use it in about four months or until the date of expiration. 

* Glamglow's - Powermud Dual Cleanse Treatment - Full facial mask treatment and leaves your skin with a radiant glow. The small container (0.5oz) retails for $19 and the bigger container (1.7oz) retails for $69 at Sephora. 

How do you incorporate a facial mask into you routine? 

Facial masks take place after cleansing. So after you wash your face and apply your toner, go ahead and apply the facial mask next. Generally keep the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes depending on the instructions.


What are the benefits of facial masks?

Depending on the type of facial mask that to choose and their ingredients, they can do the following:
 

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Hydrate the skin
3. Provide nourishment to the skin
4. Bring out impurities for clearer looking skin
5. Aid in healing blemishes
6. Calm and soothe the skin

Don't want to spend money on a mask? You can make your own mask with ingredients from your home!

Just make sure to use organic items to eliminate exposure to pesticides on the face.

Some of the most common items for a homemade facial mask are:
 

• Cucumbers - Cooling, soothing and healing. The classic at-home eye pad. Or you can peel cucumber and put it in a blender with some other ingredients.
• Avocado - rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E and oil. A good choice for dry and sensitive skin.
• Honey - Has hydrating, toning and tightening effects
• Eggs - Egg whites tighten and tone the skin.
• Yogurt - Contains natural lactic acid, which helps exfoliate the skin. It can be used alone as skin softening face mask and is appropriate for all skin types.
• Potatoes - Use thin slices for oily skin or to reduce under-eye puffiness.
• Herbs - Herbs and teas such as chamomile (soothing) can be used as ingredients for face masks and compresses.
• Essential Oils - Oils such as tea tree, lavender, peppermint oil all offer benefits to a good homemade facial mask

Remember to always take good care of your skin and your skin will take good care of you!



Question: Have you tried a facial mask in you current skin care routine? What do you use as your current go to facial product? 


Any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to comment! Be sure to check back next week for a new Topic!