Beauty SPOT

 

Saving Face

Your guide to finding the best Facial Mask for you.

At the end of a long and hectic week, your tired limbs aren’t the only things in need some urgent TLC. Dull, blotchy skin is often the sign of a stressful workweek, combined with the drying effect of air con, the damaging effect of pollution and a lack of sleep.

Fortunately, revitalizing sad skin is too easy with a pampering facial mask. If you can make the time once a week to apply, the nourishing and relaxing effect of a facial mask should be immediate - and noticeable

How do facial masks work?

Facial masks are an ultimate nutrient delivery system. Masks are much thicker than a moisturizer or topical treatment, and because of its extended application time and the inner warmth generated, pores easily open and the passage of nutrients into the skin occurs far more quickly and efficiently.

Masks can remove excess oil, environmental debris and pollutants much more gently than astringents, toners or scrubs. These beauty treats can also help replenish necessary skin oils, especially during the harsh winter months.

What type of mask should I use for my skin type?

You'll get the best results if you choose a mask that targets your specific skin type and addresses any problems you have.

Oily Skin? Go for a clay or mud mask to absorb excess oil build-up.
Dry skin?Try a creamy, hydrating mask.
Sensitive skin? Choose a light, gel mask.
Combination skin? You may need more than one mask to spot-treat different problems.  For example, treat blemishes along your t-zone with a deep-cleansing mask and keep your cheeks soft with a more moisturising formula.

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How to maximise the effects:

1. Always test the mask, particularly if you have a sensitive skin. Apply a small amount behind your ear or inside of the elbow, wait for at least 30 minutes, then wash off. If there is no adverse reaction in the next 24 hours, then only apply the mask on your face.
2. Thoroughly rinse the mask off with warm water followed with cold water.
3. Don't apply masks more than twice a week.
4. When applying a face mask, try to avoid area around your eyes and lips. Try an eyemask to refresh the delicate eye contour area.
5. Be regular: Set aside some time once a week to enjoy a mask treatment, such as Sunday night - 20 minutes of treatment is just enough.

Our Top Ten Product Suggestions

Mario Badescu Flower and Tonic Mask
$46 for 60mls

Gentle and creamy formula for sensitive skins

This is the mask you need to ward off the drying effects of winter. The Flower and Tonic mask provides deep moisturisation for chilled and chapped skins, rendering it soft and hydrated. The texture is creamy and easy to smooth over the skin – not at all sticky or gluggy. The mask dries quickly and washes off easily for a no fuss treatment.

Suitable for:   Dry and sensitive skins
Apply: Once a week.
Good at: Cleansing and moisturising
Results: Wonderfully hydrating.
Overall Rating – 8/10 for its calming and soothing properties

Available at kit Cosmetics and Myer.

Ella Baché Masque Soir de Fête Beautifying Mask
$57 for 75mls

A gorgeous glow for the party gal on the go.

One of Ella Bache’s best sellers, Masque Soir de Fête is a glamorous, pick-me-up facial containing chamomile and allantoin, and is an essential ingredient in your preparation for a special occasion. This mask will soothe and brighten your skin giving you an instant luminous glow, making it ideal for use before make-up application. Sensitive skin types love it too, as the calming properties are gentle and soothing. The complexion is left clear, bright and happy.

Suitable for: All skin types
Apply: Once a week.
Good at: Plumping and restoring hydration.
Results: Lives up to it’s promise of instant glow.
Overall Rating – 10/10 for its calming and soothing properties.

Available at all Ella Baché salons and David Jones. For stockists call 1800 789 234 or visit www.ellabache.com.au

Model Co Heat Caps
$26.00 for 6 capsules

Time poor gals will have no excuse for not treating themselves.

Lift skin to a new dimension with ModelCo’s handy one minute mask. The spacey capsules mean you get a perfect portion each time you use. Keep them in the shower and use this self-heating mask for an instant pick me up after work.  The unique clay formula instantly heats up on your face like a hot towel treatment, then finishes with the calming properties of green tea extract

Suitable for: All skin types
Apply: Twice a week.
Good at: Deep cleansing with exfoliation.
Results: Excellent for a quickie.
Overall Rating – 8/10 for convenience and time saving.

Heat Caps are available at David Jones and www.modelcoshop.com.au

Natio Clay and Plant Purifier face mask
$12.95 for 100gms

A quality mask easy on the hip pocket

Essential oils and clay properties make the Natio mask a must have pampering product that won’t break the bank. The Clay and Plant mask works on absorbing impurities and prevents the appearance of blemishes. Suitable for all skin types, the mask helps unclog and tighten pores, rejuvenate skin and improve firmness and texture – perfect for those with oily or blemished skin.

Suitable for: Problem skins
Apply: Once a week.
Good at: Calming and soothing troubled skin.
Results: Cool as a cucumber.
Overall Rating – 8/10 for quality for a budget price.

Available at Myer, David Jones and leading pharmacies.

Ella Baché Hydra! Mask
$79 for 75mls

Instant Hydration for plumped up skin.

As the name implies, this mask is a thirst-quencher. Get an intensive moisture boost and plump up with this luxe cream. The formula instantly saturates the skin, restoring suppleness and elasticity.  Because this one’s lightweight, it’s perfect for a quick pre-party moisture boost. Or leave it on over night for a deeper hydration treatment.

Suitable for: Ideal for dryer skins, or all types in winter.
Apply: 3 times a week.
Good at: Hydrating.
Results: Fabulous – skins is plump and glowing
Overall Rating – 9/10.

Available at all Ella Baché salons and David Jones. For stockists call 1800 789 234 or visit www.ellabache.com.au

Pink Hibiscus Purifying Clay Mask (Combination/Oily Skin)
$22 for 100mL.

Completely refreshing and cleansing.

The Pink Hibiscus Green Clay mask is blended with the essential oils of Organic Tea Tree, Juniperberry, Organic Lavender and Grapefruit, which are great detoxifiers for stressed and tired skin. The mask has a light and refreshingly cool feeling, perfect as a skin reviver. The tea tree gives a fresh, sharp scent. This one you should keep in the fridge to lengthen it’s shelf life.

Suitable for: Softening and deep cleaning.
Apply: 3 times a week.
Good at: Hydrating!
Results: Skin is left soft, supple and clear.
Overall Rating – 9/10 it’s oh so natural.

Available at the Pink Hibiscus Beauty Salon Level 2 (inside Body Shape) 7-9 Merriwa St Gordon NSW 2072, ph 02 9418 4988 or online at www.pinkhibiscus.com.au.

Model Co Face Lift
$46 per pack of 4.

The only face lift with no surgery required.

Use Face Lift as the ultimate pick me up mask & your perfect travel companion, individually packaged in four handy sachets.  You can use Face Lift once or twice a week for softer, radiant, younger looking skin, and it is recommended for all skin types. The intense moisture boost and anti-aging properties should reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Suitable for: All skin types.
Apply: Once or twice a week.
Good at: Incredible at softening.
Results: Amazing! Skin is left feeling ultra silky.
Overall Rating – 11/10

Available at David Jones and www.modelcoshop.com.au

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Mask
$62 for 75mls

Treat your skin to a rich and intensive moisture boost.

Recommended for drier or prematurely aging skin, the conditioning Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin E restores softness, while added ingredients help alleviate fine lines and visible dryness.  The light, velvety mask smoothes on with little effort, and only a small amount is needed to cover skin.  It also does not dry into a hard mask – no uncomfortable cracking if you happen to sneeze.

Suitable for: Very dry or prematurely aging skin.
Apply: Once week or as needed.
Good at: Alleviating fine lines
Results: Radiant and smooth
Overall Rating – 9/10

For a full list of stockists, phone 1800 659 118 or visit www.dermalogica.com.au.

Apivita Aromatherapy Express Firming Face Mask with Grape Seed, $6.20 per pack of two x 10 ml sachets.

Combat those pesky lines and improve elasticity.

This firming face mask works with the natural collagen present in our skin to firm skin tone and smooth out texture. The firming face masks feels and smells delectable, as you glide on the gel like texture easily over your face and neck. The ingredients grape seed and centella improve skin elasticity and reduces the look of wrinkles. This one is ideal for mature skin types.

Suitable for: Mature skin or skin needing firming
Apply: Once or twice a week as needed.
Good at: Hydrating
Results: Smooth and soft skin
Overall Rating – 8/10

Available at www.adorebeauty.com.au .

Clinique Moisture Surge Cloth Mask
$62 for a pack of 6.

A soothing cloth mask for those who love a good facial.

Clinique’s Moisture Surge gets top marks for a seriously indulgent experience. The cloth masks intensely hydrate and strengthen the skin, while soothing and plumping out fine lines. This mask will be your skin saver in winter, after a drying and skin chapping windy day.

Suitable for: Dry skin needing intensive treatment
Apply: Once or twice a week
Good at: Deep hydration and firming
Results: Clear and dewy
Overall Rating – 8/10

Available at David Jones, Myer, selected independents and www.clinique.com.au