Behind the Mask

First of all, it’s hot as hell here in NYC. On days like this I tend to go makeup free with the exception of a little mascara and a lip color. When the weather is like this, I pay even closer attention to my skin. Using a mask aids in helping me achieve a radiant glow. Today, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite masks that I use.

Origins Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask. For me this mask is an oldie but goodie. This is like using a pore extractor without having to use a tool. I generally use this a couple of times a week in the morning. I especially like this mask because. It uses active charcoal to cleanse clogged pores – major key for those of us with larger pores.

The Mario Badescu Enzyme Revitalizing Mask is a mask that works for all skin types. With papaya extract it eliminates dead skin cells leaving skin refreshed and smoother. Like with most exfoliation masks, you probably want to use this mask no more than 3 times a week even though it is very gentle, especially if you’re using a resurfacing toner that contains a harsher ingredient like glycolic acid – you don’t want to over exfoliate and overwork your problem areas. This will aid in smoothing the skin and will give you the necessary moisture to keep your skin looking youthful.

Earlier this year I did a post on the Caolin Premium Hot & Cool Pore Pack Duo mask. What’s great about this product is that it comes with two products. There is a steaming mask which opens up your pores bringing debris to the surface of the skin that you can easily wash away. There is also a cooling mask aids in closing your pores to reveal firmer, softer skin. In the near future I will be doing a step by step sharing tips on how to achieve optimal results using this mask. If you would like to read my initial review of this product, click here.

Next is the Fresh Rose Face Mask. For me I find this to be essential during the summer months. I use it as a soothing mask. Although we know that we need to wear sunscreen everyday to protect our skin (you are doing that, right?) I know that I don’t reapply as often as I should. When out in the sun, the skin can still get a little raw (for lack of a better term). At night after my usual cleanse I will apply this mask to calm my skin, prepping it for my night cream/serum/oil.

Alas, I come to my favorite “in a hurry” mask by the Estée Edit. It is White Mud Exfoliating Scrub + Mask. This is one of the newer masks that I have added to my collection. I love it because it’s a double duty mask. It exfoliates and removes impurities from the skin. I particularly like that it contains jojoba beads which exfoliate without causing any damage to your skin’s surface. It is my go to when I’m looking to refresh my skin and I’m running late (basically all the time).

As the weeks progress, I will be writing posts on new (or not so new) ways to incorporate these masks as part of your daily skin care regimen. Please keep in mind that those posts will be what works for my oily/combination skin, so feel free to let me know in the comment section below how you use these masks or if there are any masks that you are crazy about that you want to share. Until next time, always remember to SEE. TOUCH. TASTE.

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