The ultimate guide to face masks

There’s nothing more relaxing than popping on your favourite face mask on a Sunday evening, unwinding with a cup of tea and watching re-runs of Sex & the City. Especially when it means you’ll have soft and revived skin in 15 minutes time.
But with so many different types of face masks out there, it can be hard to pick one that will give your skin the benefits it needs. Whether you’re prone to oiliness or after some intense hydration, read on to find out which masks will have your skin feeling more pampered than ever.
Cream masks
Got dry or irritated skin? Then cream masks are for you! Formulated to moisturise and soothe skin, cream masks have a thick consistency that works to deeply hydrate, replenish and calm the skin. They’re also perfect for plumping the skin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.
bh product picks: AHAVA Time to Hydrate Hydration Cream Mask, L’Occitane Immortelle Cream Mask - Face
Peel-off masks
Although these innovative little beauties begin with a gel texture, once the mask is applied in an even layer on the skin and left to dry, it peels off as though it’s a second skin. The formula is like a detox for your skin as it draws impurities, dirt and oil out of your pores, so you can wave goodbye to blackheads, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
bh product picks: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Peel & Reveal Revitalising Mask, Avon Anew Alpha Peel-Off Facial Mask
Clay masks
If you suffer from acne or an oily complexion, get your mitts on a clay mask ASAP! Clay masks are a dream for absorbing the excess oils, bacteria and toxins that cause acne and the over-production of sebum from deep within the skin. To use, simply apply a thin layer over your entire face and leave it to dry. Once it’s dry, it will usually become lighter in colour, then gently wipe off the mask with a wet washcloth and rinse your face with warm water.
bh product picks: Puretopia Purify & Revive Deep Cleansing Clay Mask, QV Face Purifying Mask
Self-heating masks
Just like warm water or steam opens up your pores leaving them ready for a deep cleanse, self-heating masks work in a similar way. Perfect for congested, oily or blemish-prone skin, once applied, the heating action of the mask allows the formula to cleanse deeper and draw out more dirt, oils and impurities.
bh product picks: Bioré Self-Heating One Minute Mask with Charcoal, Swisspers Self-Heating Cleansing Mask
Cloth masks
Cloth masks are usually made of soft cotton or fibres with holes for your eyes, nose and mouth. Soaked in a serum-like formula, all you need to do is unfold the cloth mask and press it down into the contours of your face. Super soothing and ultra nourishing, pop on a cloth mask before a night out to show off your refreshed and illuminated skin.
bh product picks: Essenzza Health Anti-Ageing Antioxidant, LonVitalite C4 Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask
Do you use face masks? Which types of face masks do you prefer?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
85 Member Comments
I love to use a face mask every week and I love L-Occitane products. I will now have to buy there face mask and give it a whirl.
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I am so hooked by the self-heating masks! So curious about how it'll feel and its effects on my skin
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Thank you for this info. It makes it a lot easier to choose
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I prefer cream and clay. I tried sheet masks and while there is no rinsing necessary, i couldnt talk or eat properly. And they also tend to be less environmental friendly (individual packaging) and more expensive per use.
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steam mask sounds good!
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cloth masks...not sure about those. Cloth soaks up the stuff, so would need to use heaps of the product...do not know, never used one
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love the idea of cream masks. Did clay, it is a bit drying, but good
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Love face masks.
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I love clay masks!! Ages ago, there used to be a Clinique clay mask that was totally amazing, but sadly they discontinued it.
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I love using clay masks as I find them incredibly refreshing and cleansing. I need to use more cream masks though as the cold weather usually wreaks havoc on my skin and changes it from oily to dry!
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Oh I love masks so much
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I do and i love what clay masks do for me!
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I use a variety of facemasks depending on my mood...clay, peel, bubble peel and sheet nice way to relax on a Friday arvo while everyone is out
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I love using any type of face mask especially cream, clay or cloth face masks. I recently chose the Lon Vitale Cloth Maska in beautorium and they are great.
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I love using any type of face mask, I've ordered some Lon Vitale ones on beautorium. I love using the skin vitals range of cloth face masks.
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Interesting article! never tried peel masks before!
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Have been using clay face masks for years. They are amazing! But make sure you let them harden up and fully dry before removing.
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Love face masks - great for clearing the skin
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I love face masks :)
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I like enzyme peels over masks now. Peel off masks do bugger all for stubborn blackheads but the biore patches do help temporarily.
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Cloth masks are my favourite.
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I love masks, it makes you skin feel so fresh and clean, sometimes I am worried if I am using the right one though as my skin is very sun damaged.
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I prefer to use either a cloth or cream facial mask as I find there gentle on my skin, thanks for the bh product picks, can't wait to try them!.
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I like cloth masks because they're very easy to use with almost no mess.
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