Here Are The Best Face Masks That Actually Work

I love taking some time for selfcare and doing a good face mask to give my skin some love. After years and years of testing different brands and all kinds of face masks, I can say with confidence that I know what works and what doesn’t. At least for myself. Below are 9 of my favorite masks that I would recommend to anyone who asks.

Face Mask Basics

First things first, there are several different types of face masks: clay/mud masks, sheet masks, gel/jelly masks. And there are an infinite amount of problems these masks try to target from hydrating to detoxing to exfoliating. The skin on your face is very sensitive so it’s important to do a patch test with masks before blindingly applying them to your face. The Ordinary has this Patch Test Guide to help you learn how to patch test and make sure any product is safe for you.

Face masks are not something you should do every day, like washing your face, but weekly like exfoliating. I aim to do about 2 face masks a week, usually a detoxing one and a hydrating one. The frequency that you do masks will depend on you and the sensitivity of your skin, do what works best for you.

Best Face Masks

• Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay – If I had to chose only one face mask to use for the rest of my life it would be this one. There are 2 ways to make this mask, with water or with apple cider vinegar. I recommend the ACV every time. The difference with this mask is the fact that you can feel it doing the work; you literally feel your face pulsating. Another bonus, you can use this anywhere on your body, even your hair. I talk about it in my TJ Maxx Finds video and mention it in my post: 10 Easy Ways to Avoid and Treat Enemy #1: Maskne.
• LOOPS Hydrogel Masks – I recently started using the LOOPS face masks and I fell in love instantly. These masks are great for on-the-go because they have very little mess and don’t require a sink and washcloth to take off. There are several different options to choose from based on the skin issue you’re having: from detoxing to brightening to moisturizing.
• GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask – The first time I tried this face mask was with sample size I got as a gift with purchase or in a subscription beauty box. I had enough for one face mask and after seeing the results I decided to purchase the full size because it worked that well. Every now and then I put on this mask and I’m immediately reminded why I love it. It gives this kind of cooling effect to the skin when you use it, which I enjoy, and I love how I can really see it dig into the pores around my nose.
• LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask with Squalane – This face mask is one of the best hydrating masks ever. I notice that I reach for it the most in the winter when my skin is dryer. I put on a thin layer before I sleep and leave it on all night. It feels so refreshing and light.
• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque – This is one of two masks I recommend from The Ordinary. I love most of their products and always recommend them because of the quality as well as the affordable price. While I will leave most face masks on for longer than recommended, I never do that with The Ordinary. I will usually set a timer so I don’t forget.
• The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution – It is very easy to go overboard with this mask, I’ve seen plenty TikToks of people with beet red faces using this stuff. The liquid is red but you only need a few drops and your face should look red tinted but not crazy red. I typically take the dropper and put 4-5 drops on my face and rub it in with my fingers. Beware, this one can sting.
• Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask – Since around the time I turned 30, I have started trying to find more products with collagen in them to help my skin gracefully age. I started taking collagen supplements earlier this year as well. I like the fresh smell of this face mask and the gentleness of it even though it’s clay.
• Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask – This is an absolutely fabulous hydrating mask and yes, I do have a mini size for anytime I’m on a plane. It’s a great travel mask because it’s mess free and requires no rinsing. I should try the other masks from this brand because I really love this one.
• Truly Starface Jelly Sleep Mask – I saw an advertisement for this mask that really drew me in: It promised to help with dark spots. I’ve used this mask maybe 5-10 times since I got it a couple months ago. I love that I can put it on and go to sleep while it does the work. The jelly consistency means it’s light and dries quickly so it stays on my face and not on my pillow.

Next Up

Those are the face masks I’m loving right now. I think I need to try Summer Fridays other masks as well as some others from Truly. I didn’t list any sheet masks because I don’t use those too often but I have been trying some lately, looking for a good one. If you have a favorite sheet mask you recommend, let me know what it is in the comments so I can try it out. I’ll share any updates here.