Whether you have dry, sensitive or lacklustre-looking skin, there's a best face mask out there for you. While often overshadowed, an indulgent overnight treatment or a low-maintenance sheet mask can make a great addition to your routine, providing effective results akin to your favourite serums.
While we rely on the best face moisturisers to hydrate and protect our skin's barrier day-to-day, a mask can double as both a luxurious self-care practice and as a way to supercharge your complexion with hard-working ingredients. As Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD FACS, Founder and Surgical Director of 111 Harley St explains: "Masks are miracle workers as they sit on the surface of the skin, and flood product into the epidermis without interruption or irritation. They are an effective way to deliver an intensive burst of ingredients in one highly concentrated form."
Even the process of applying an indulgent formula and allowing it to marinate on your skin is a major selling point for adding a good-quality mask to your arsenal. And speaking of which, if you're unsure which of the many, many options to try, our beauty team has tested a wide array - each designed to suit different skin types - to scout out the crème de la crème of best face masks.
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The best face masks, as chosen by our beauty team
As mentioned, the best face masks are not only a great way to supercharge your skin with concentrated ingredients and target concerns like dryness and irritation, but also to pamper yourself. "Masks are great for mood-boosting," says Dr AJ Sturnham, dermatology specialist and founder of Decree, adding that: "they can put you in a calm and relaxed state while wearing them."
Thus, to help you find your perfect match, woman&home's beauty team have collectively joined forces to share their top tried, tested and adored face mask picks - with stellar buys for those with dry, oily and sensitive skin types...
Best face masks for dry/dehydrated skin
RRP: £60 Key ingredients: Padina pavonica (a brown algae), argan tree oil, shea butter
Reviewed by: Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith and Naomi Jamieson
If you’re already a fan of the Elemis Pro-Collagen range (who isn’t?), then you will love this intensive mask. It has all the same wrinkle plumping capability as the moisturising cream, but in this slightly richer, mask consistency, it has been teamed with extra hydrating ingredients to give dehydrated skin that much-needed moisture hit.
I love that, as well as instantly plumping and comforting, the brown algae included works to replenish depleted skin long-term by encouraging cell turnover and collagen synthesis. When testing, I noticed that it also smells like a spa and has a beautifully spreadable texture, as with all Elemis products. Though pricey, you will get a truly pampering experience that also delivers on results.
Buy if: A luxurious and decadent mask is at the top of your wish list, and if you're looking for a mask with potent botanical ingredients
Avoid if: You want a more affordable face mask
RRP: £49 Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, moringa seed oil, red algae
Reviewed by: Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith
This creamy and indulgent mask is everything a great skincare product should be. It has a wonderful scent, a gloriously silky, smooth texture, and it made my skin look plump and like it had been doused in hydration, which is exactly what I want from a hydrating mask.
The inclusion of facialist Emma Hardie's signature ingredient, moringa seed oil, deeply nourishes long-term, while in the short term, hyaluronic acid plumps and smoothes. Apply all over the face and either leave for as long as you like, or you can even apply it as part of your skincare night routine and sleep in it.
Buy if: You want gorgeous texture, a rich and nourishing mask with a gorgeous scent
Avoid if: If you don't like using oils
RRP: £58 Key ingredients: Rosewater, hyaluronic acid and microalgae extract
Reviewed by: Sennen Prickett
This mask is one of Fresh's standout products. If you’re in the mood for some self-care, this is the rich, luxurious face mask you need. Equipped with refreshing rosewater, cooling cucumber extract and hydrating microalgae extract (alongside an abundance of hyaluronic acid), I can confirm this gel-like formula achieved all of the above sensations, leaving my skin feeling plump, soft and supple.
But it doesn't stop there, the indulgent mask which arrives in a luxe ceramic tub also works to enhance luminosity, boasting a cocktail blend of teas which proved to brighten and boost radiance within my complexion. All in all, it acts as the perfect candidate for a self-care evening at the end of a long day.
Buy if: You’re looking for a face mask that will revitalise skin after ten minutes
Avoid if: You want a mask with exfoliating actives
Best face masks for oily/combination skin
RRP: £88 Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycerin
Reviewed by: Fiona McKim
This mask was designed by doctor-owned brand Murad to replicate professional microdermabrasion (intense exfoliation, to you or I) and in many ways, it succeeds. It combines a holy trinity of exfoliants - physical, enzymatic and chemical - plus, it's also got brightening vitamin C in its most potent form, ascorbic acid.
And how does it perform? As long as you're not sensitive to acids, brilliantly. When testing, I found that the combination of exfoliants, while intense, left my combo-skin smooth, decongested, and glowing. It's a cinch to use in the morning; I applied pre-shower, left it on while I washed my hair, et al, and it was ready to rinse by the time I finished. There is something addictive about how satisfying this feels and the results it offers. Although it's a pricy product, you only need the tiniest little teaspoonful each time, so one tube will last a while.
Buy if: You're looking for an exfoliating mask that works fast and boosts texture and tone
Avoid if: You have sensitive skin
RRP: £60 Key ingredients: French green clay, salicylic acid
Reviewed by: Aleesha Badkar
If your skin is being problematic or has become too congested, then the Soho Skin detox clay face mask is your best option. It clears pores, minimises their appearance and gently exfoliates the skin, without drying the skin out and keeping it balanced. This would work for all skin types, but it’s particularly great for congested skin because of the way the clay and salicylic power duo clears pores.
I was really impressed with the ingredients list, this is not your typical clay mask. It has added plankton extract, which works at minimising blemishes, while the added probiotic encourages cell renewal. Plus, it doesn’t contain any acne-exacerbating ingredients, formulated without silicones, parabens, or BHAs.
Buy if: You love using a clay mask and want a supercharged one that works harder than your average
Avoid if: You have clear or dry skin, there will be a better-suited mask on this list for you
RRP: £27 Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, green tea, zinc
Reviewed by: Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith
Hormones can play havoc with our skin, and no more so than around that time of the month when even the clearest of complexions can suddenly become oilier and more breakout prone. Step in this clever mask that contains everything your skin needs - Zinc to target breakouts, white willow to minimise pore size, and lavender to help balance oil.
When testing, I loved the calming, cooling feel of this mask, the funky packaging and cute hair clips included to keep strands out of the way, all of which would make this one of the best face masks for gifting. The brand says this mask, "Can’t stop cramps but it can help keep skin clean and clear", and after testing it, I agree! The perfect addition to any self-care session around your period, it will work wonders on angry breakouts and won't be quite as heavy-duty as exfoliating masks.
Buy if: You're looking for a great mask to gift, with rebalancing ingredients
Avoid if: If hormonal skin isn't an issue for you
Best face masks for sensitive skin
RRP: £9 Key Ingredients: Two types of hyaluronic acid
Reviewed by: Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith
Hydration hero hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, while being gentle enough for sensitive complexions, and this sheet mask is packed with the good stuff. It blends two sizes of molecules - the larger ones sit on the outer layers of skin, plumping and smoothing, while the smaller ones penetrate further to tackle deeper lines and wrinkles like crow's feet.
On testing, I found this a treat to use. My skin felt instantly softer, and I also liked that the mask is biodegradable. It also ticks both boxes if you’re trying to make more budget and eco-conscious beauty choices. The downside is that it can only be used once, so keep this in mind if you're after a budget pick that you can buy once and reach for again and again.
Buy if: You want a mess-free mask that's biodegradable and great value
Avoid if: You are looking for something that does more than hydrate sensitive skin
RRP: £40 Key ingredients: Arnica Extract, White Mushroom Extract
Reviewed by: Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith
The REN Evercalm range is a godsend for damaged or irritated skin. All of our testers raved about the Evercalm™ Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask. If you’ve damaged your skin barrier or are going through a period of irritation, then you will love this. It minimises redness, hydrates and soothes irritation, all while keeping the skin's microbiome happy.
The brand claims that this mask is clinically proven to calm irritation and itchiness in only 30 minutes, and when I tried it, it delivered. I was surprised to find that it didn’t feel thick or heavy on the skin and was deeply nourishing without clogging our skin. If you’ve seriously damaged your skin, the Arnica Extract in this should help to calm and protect it.
Buy if: You have irritated, itchy skin and want relief
Avoid if: You have super dry skin, you may want to choose a different product, as this is specifically formulated for irritated skin.
RRP: £20 Key Ingredients: Coconut, oat, chamomile and sea buckthorn
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans and Naomi Jamieson
Amelia: If you're after a mask you can use regularly and will last you a while, this is the one for you. In a huge 300ml pot, this face mask is extremely well priced considering how many treatments you will get out of it, and it's gentle enough to use as regularly as you like. The gel texture is extremely soothing and easy to spread, so you don't need much to cover your face.
When testing, I loved how relaxing this mask felt. It has a fresh, light scent that reminded me of being in a spa, and it worked wonders to calm my red skin after a hot shower. It hydrates, soothes and reduces redness, so it is one to go for if you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated and needs a little TLC. If you like the sound of the Simple sheet mask but want a pot you can use multiple times, this is a great option.
Buy if: You have dehydrated and sensitive skin and want a deeply soothing mask
Avoid if: You want to treat breakouts
Best face masks for glowing skin
RRP: £23 Key Ingredients: Colloidal gold, peptides, amino acids, rose
Reviewed by: Fiona McKim and Naomi Jamieson
Fiona: Bang for your buck treatments don't come much better than this biodegradable mask. The bio-cellulose material is flooded with beneficial ingredients, namely peptides to re-energize sluggish skin cells, hydrating sodium hyaluronate and colloidal gold (tiny particles that help other actives get where they need to be). You'll also get bags of potent botanical extracts, including soothing Rosa Damascena and brightening licorice.
Science aside, one of the best things about this face mask is using it. When testing, I found that it felt very cooling and quenching when applied. Then, when I removed it, my skin had this dewy quality that really helped my makeup to sit nicely, even on dry patches. I also love how the slippery material hugs the skin like no papery sheet mask could ever hope to. This is useful in terms of motivating you to get it out of the drawer and use it in the first place, which is half the battle with masks. You could sit happily wearing this for an hour of Netflix without checking the clock once.
Buy if: You're looking for a mask that offers an instant glow, hydration and long-term benefits
Avoid if: You don't use single-use masks
RRP: £30.50 Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Arctic Cloudberry, Arctic spring water.
Reviewed by: Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith
The Lumene Fresh Glow Brightening Gel Mask contains all of the brand's signature Nordic ingredients, which are a real treat to the skin. Including arctic cloudberry vinegar, which works similarly to an AHA to remove dead skin cells and illuminate skin. Because all the ingredients are natural and 100% vegan, this is a gentle exfoliation, so if you’re dubious about using harsh exfoliants, this is a great option for you.
Infused with antioxidants, the mask keeps skin protected and works to counteract against any damage done by UV rays. It’s suggested that this mask be incorporated into your routine twice a week, but when testing, I found that once a week was enough, and my skin was instantly hydrated and brighter over time.
Buy if: You want a mask to brighten and gently exfoliate skin
Avoid if: You’re looking for a mask that focuses on hydration.
RRP: £75 | Key Ingredients: cherry blossom, glycerin and an omega-9 complex
Reviewed by: Naomi Jamieson
Beauty Pie's cherry blossom-infused Micro-Caviar Overnight Moisture Mask is a true treat for dry skin. It boasts an indulgent and ultra-nourishing blend of glycerin, shea butter, saffron extract and of course, cherry blossom, along with '100,000 Omega-9 bubbles' (which give this mask its 'caviar' look), to deliver intense hydration to your skin.
As someone with dry and often tight-feeling skin, I could not wait to slather my face in this formula. First things first, despite normally steering clear of fragranced products, I found that this delicately floral mask didn't upset my sensitive and temperamental skin at all. On the contrary, I found the scent very comforting, and the mask itself left my complexion feeling quenched and looking noticeably more radiant when I woke up. Its serum-gel-like consistency feels so cooling, and I just love how the teeny tiny bubbles melt against my skin.
Buy if: You want a hydrating, overnight mask that won't clog your pores
Avoid if: You're wary of fragranced products or ones that stay tacky on your skin
How we tested the best face masks for this guide
Every face mask in this guide has been thoroughly tested by our beauty team, with many of them marking our personal favourites that we have used for years. In order to make the cut, each mask had to offer a pleasant user experience and, of course, noticeable results. We also researched ingredients, assessed packaging for its stability and ensured each formula was tested on the skin type it was designed for.
"It’s always good to look out for key ingredients that work with your skin type," agrees Dr Sturnham. Speaking of which, these are the go-to ingredients you should be on the lookout for, according to Dr Sturnham...
- Dry skin: "If you have dry skin look for hyaluronic acid, ceramides, Vitamin E, and amino acids."
- Oily skin: "If you have oily skin then ingredients such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, clay, and zinc all work well."
- Sensitive skin: "You’re going to need hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, and Vitamin E.”
How to choose the best face mask for you
Choosing the perfect face mask for your needs could be the answer to transforming your complexion, so it is worth taking the time to find the best one for you and your skin's needs. Although there are countless face masks on the market, it is actually fairly easy to navigate if you work against the following criteria:
- Assess your skin type
- Consider your budget
- Establish what results you want to achieve
Once you know your skin type, you can keep an eye out for the skincare combinations that are best suited to you. Most face masks will state what skin type they cater to, so it is pretty easy to filter out ones that won't work. As for how much you want to spend, you can filter by price when shopping online to ensure that you are working within your budget - there are brilliant face masks available at both ends of the price spectrum to choose from.
The final (and perhaps the most important) step is establishing what results you hope to see from your face mask. If you have dry skin, but want a more radiant complexion, you will want to seek out masks that are hydrating and also contain Vitamin C. If you have very oily skin that's in need of exfoliation, you will want to opt for formulas equipped with AHAs or BHAs. Face masks also tend to state the results they give on the packaging, so this is another easy thing to establish.
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