How to Build a Face Mask Wardrobe

Owning a single face mask is nice, but you know what’s even better? Owning many. If your skin care routine contains one mere mask, you’ll be forced to only address a complexion concern or two. But take a little time and effort to expand your collection—in other words, build a face mask wardrobe—and you can tackle nearly every skin issue that comes your way. From a dull appearance to dryness, there’s a mask to handle every concern—you just need to know where to start building. We’re breaking down the different types of masks your face mask wardrobe—and your skin—are in desperate need of, below.

Masking Wardrobe Must-Have #1: Charcoal Mask

Charcoal masks have secured a spot among the top skin care trends for multiple years running now, and it’s with good reason. Now that you know they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, it’s a sign you should add one into your skin care regimen. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask is a prime pick. Formulated with pure-clays and—you guessed it—charcoal, the mask draws out built-up or impurities, dirt and pollution, and leaves skin looking brighter with a healthy glow. If that’s not enough to sell you, with continued use skin feels as if it can breathe better.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask, $12.99 MSRP

Masking Wardrobe Must-Have #2: Hydrating Mask

If you’re asking us, there’s never a bad time to pamper your skin with a face mask. As for one of the best, it would have to be when your skin is feeling very dry. Dehydrated skin that feels tight and looks dull is practically begging for the La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Mask. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and Thermal Spring Water, this mask helps to intensely rehydrate and plump skin with moisture, while leaving your skin soothed and luminosity restored.

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Mask, $19.99 MSRP

Masking Wardrobe Must-Have #3: Exfoliating Mask

Don’t you just love a multi-tasker? It’s hard to beat the pleasure and effectiveness of a face mask, unless it has more than one purpose. That’s why we’re all about an exfoliating mask that purifies and illuminates. There’s no need to scrub down your skin before slathering yourself with a face mask, the Lancôme Énergie de vie Scrub Mask does it all for you.

Lancôme Énergie de vie Scrub Mask, $55 MSRP

Masking Wardrobe Must-Have #4: Illuminating Mask

We know nearly everyone is topping their cheekbones with glistening highlighters, but that isn’t the only way to get your faux glow on. Don’t overlook what your skin care regimen can do for your illumination. The Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask is formulated to brighten dull skin through a double-peel action, using AHA to remove dead cells and volcanic rock to gently exfoliate. The refreshing gel instantly helps skin’s tone looking fresher and more radiant, which is exactly the glow-goal.

Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask, $20 MSRP

Masking Wardrobe Must-Have #5: Sleep Mask

Taking care of your skin isn’t a job solely for your waking hours. Some of the work can be done while you’re asleep. Imagine it, getting your precious shut-eye while tackling your complexion concerns. That’s the dream. When your lids start to feel heavy, smooth the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque over your face. Meant for all skin types, the mask replenishes skin’s water reserves for long-lasting hydration and healthy-looking skin—all while you sleep. In the morning, all you need to do is wash your face as per usual. 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque, $35 MSRP

Masking Wardrobe Must-Have #6: An Array of Sheet Masks

Sometimes you won’t want to deal with dipping your fingers into a face mask jar or rinsing off your face after, and that’s okay. It doesn’t have to exclude you from enjoying a face mask, as long as you have sheet masks on hand. When you want to give your skin a treat, with minimal mess and effort, a sheet mask is the way to go. Pop one onto your face—we’re fans of Garnier’s variety of sheet masks—and kick up your feet for 15 minutes. When time is up, all you have to do is toss it in the trash and massage any lingering product into your skin. No other clean-up is necessary.

Editor’s tip: Your fridge isn’t just for food. Find a spot inside to store your hydrating sheet masks for a cool and refreshing pampering session.

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Masks and Garnier Skinactive Super Purifying Charcoal Facial Mask, $2.99 (MSRP) each