Let's talk: Face Masks
Long celebrated as a luxurious act of self care to indulge in, masks are now used regularly in many of our routines as a way to target skincare concerns, going the extra mile to ensure skin is happy and healthy. Masks are a great way to supplement your routine; to work in tandem with your existing skincare products.
There is a mask for every routine, skin-type and lifestyle but It can be overwhelming to find the one that's best for you. We've made a comprehensive list of all of our favourites from the shoppe with helpful application tips to make sure you're maximising your masks full potential.
Eluo - Forma Rosea
Who's it for?
Those with minimal time looking to hydrate dry or dehydrated skin whilst encouraging cell turnover to help with minimizing discoloration. Regular use should reveal a healthy, bright complexion.
How does it work?
mineral-rich colloidal clay gently draws impurities from pores, evens tone and stimulates circulation to promote natural regeneration of skin. Forma Rosea is formulated with nutrient-rich plant powders of coconut, rosehip, chamomile, and a restorative blend of skin-nourishing essential oils.
When and how do I use it?
1. Activate 1- 1/2 tbsp of power with a small amount of water form a soft, rich mousse.
2. Gently smooth over a clean, damp face in an upward motion and relax for 5-10 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water or remove with damp cloth to rehydrate the mask as you cleanse.
Eluo - Forma Viridi
Who's it for?
Similar to the Forma Rosea, this de-congesting balancing treatment is great for those short on time. The difference with this one would be the ingredients are tailored more to those with congested, normal to oily skin looking to balance and hydrate whilst minimizing impurities and clearing out pores.
How does it work?
Mineral-rich French green clay draws impurities from pores, restores balance of excess oil, and deeply cleanses to prevent future breakouts. Forma Viridi is formulated with nutrient-rich plant powders of neem, spirulina, matcha, and an earthy blend of skin-purifying essential oils inspired by ancient beauty rituals from generations before.
When and how do I use it?
1. Activate 1- 1/2 tbsp of power with a small amount of water to form a soft, rich mousse.
2. Gently smooth over a clean, damp face in an upward motion and relax for 5-10 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water or remove with damp cloth to rehydrate the mask as you cleanse.
Activist Manuka Honey Mask
who's it for? This rich, Manuka mask is for those who want a mask that does it all and can be customized to suit an array of skin situations. This mask can be used as a spot treatment, luxurious face wash and mask. For those who wish to hydrate skin, promote regeneration, repair cell damage, calm inflammation and lessens the appearance of scars.
How does it work?
Using the highest grade of Manuka honey, sustainably farmed in New Zealand and independently tested for MGO which represents the active enzymes and health properties within. This mask sits at 850 MGO which is known to be the most potent and therefore most beneficial for skin healing, anti-bacterial properties which helps to heal skin, repair any cell damage, calm inflammation and prevent breakouts.
When and how do I use this?
There's a few different ways to use this Manuka Magic! The first would be as a mask.
1. Dampen the skin, apply a thin layer all over and relax for 20 mins-1hr. (Tip: add cinnamon (for boosting circulation), spirulina (to boost healing for sensitive skin), matcha (to maximize anti-aging benefits) or rose water (to calm and soothe).
2. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
The second way to use this product would be to apply as a spot treatment to pesky pimples. Simply apply on affected area and leave for as long as time permits (probably want to wash of before bed!) to help soothe inflammation.
The third way would be to use this as a luxurious face wash! Apply to damp skin, massage in and rinse off after a couple of minutes.
The options for this mask are endless. Head to Activist's website for inspiration on how to maximize your use.
Lesse Bioactive Masque
Who's it for?
Dehydrated, aging skin. Those suffering from congestion or dealing with dark spots from past breakouts or sun spots. Also great for dehydrated skin that needs some hydration and brightening.
How does it work?
With a base of sustainably-cultivated charcoal and aloe vera, to detox and soothe skin. Dozens of powerful organics converge, centered around bio-active rare flame tree, to create this transformative and healing mask. Developed to eradicate impurities, soothe and deeply cleanse, fortifying against free radicals, and bring vitality and buoyancy back to skin whilst fighting inflammation, redness and breakouts.
When and how do I use this?
For best results, use two or three times per week.
1. Apply a layer onto clean skin, using a brush or clean hands. Mask should appear opaque on skin and should be left on for 15 - 20 minutes.
2. Rinse off with warm water and a face cloth.
Tip: Try storing your Bioactive Face Masque in the fridge and applying cold, for an extra anti-inflammatory effect.
Dr. Loretta Tightening Detox Mask 
Who's it for?
Those concerned with anti-aging and hydration who like to maximize their time efficiently and let products work their magic whilst sleeping, travelling or relaxing.
How does it work?
This cooling gel mask acts as a 20-minute skin refresh, airplane savior, or overnight tightening booster. Take advantage of your skin’s need to repair while you sleep with advanced peptides designed to tighten and uplift your skin’s appearance. Seawater align and yeast extract improve the appearance of fine lines, detoxify pores, and provide that moisture surge. The rose oil finish provides an extra soothing effect and relaxes the sense, don’t forget to take a deep breath.
When and how do I use this?
After cleansing, massage generous amount onto face (including 360 degrees around eyes), neck and chest. Rinse off after 20 minutes or leave on overnight. Can also be left on in-flight. Use as needed.
Wonder Valley Olive Mud Mask 
Who's it for?
All skin types can benefit from this Olive Mud Mask as an antioxidant rich olive pulp base revives the complexion and smoothes skin whilst hydrating. This is an exclusive mask that is limited in quantity as the main ingredient is an often overlooked by-product of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced by Wonder Valley.
How does it work?
Brimming with antioxidants and healing properties. The rare olive pulp is melded with mineral clays to create a detoxifying face mask with the dual benefits of extracting impurities and pollutants while adding hydration. The result: incomparably softer skin and a revived, clear complexion.
When and how do I use this?
1. Apply the olive mud mask in an even layer to dry, clean skin. Relax and allow to dry for 5-10 minutes.
2. Remove with warm water and pat dry with a washcloth.
Rosen Tingling Mud Mask
Who's it for?
Those with oily, blemish prone skin looking to keep breakouts at bay and heal any existing inflammation.
How does it work?
A clay based face mask with a Tea Tree Oil scent. Formulated with Zinc Oxide, Bentonite Clay, and Tea Tree Oil to offer up clinically backed anti-bacterial benefits and sebum regulating properties. Helping to prevent breakouts and clarify stressed skin.
When and how do I use this?
To minimize the risk of bacteria, make sure to wash hands before dipping into the jar and applying to face (good practice for applying all skin care! always wash hands prior). Better still, use a brush.
1. Apply a thin layer onto skin. If you're breakouts/oily areas are limited to a particular part of your face - just apply there! no need to use where it's not needed.
2. Once the mask is completely dry, wash off with warm water and pat dry.
NatureOfThings Overnight Rejuvenating Mask
Who's it for?
Those who are looking to diminish fine lines, improve elasticity and firmness as well as hydrate and brighten skin whilst sleeping.
How does it work?
Powerful antioxidants ubiquinone and alfalfa extract stimulate the production of collagen and elastin while diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Pineapple extract sloughs off dead skin cells, enabling vitamin C-rich kakadu plum and citrus unshiu peel to brighten and firm. Tremella mushroom delivers a rush of lasting hydration.
When and how do I use this?
Cleanse skin and complete regular nighttime routine (skip any acids; Hyaluronic acid is fine) and apply a generous layer to skin just before bed. The fast absorbing formula means no messy pillow! Let the ingredients work their magic as you sleep and wake up with plump, soothed skin.
Use as needed but for best results, once-twice a week.
Clé Cosmetics Biodegradable Collagen Dry Mask
Who's it for? Those concerned with aging, loss of elasticity, fine lines and boosting hydration.
How does it work?
Comprised of 100% medical grade biodegradable cotton gauze and embedded with 3 different types of high-performing collagen ー Acacia Collagen (increases elasticity and evens out texture), Marine Collagen (deeply hydrate and boost collagen), and Nattō Gum Collagen (fights against stressors and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles) that provide a hydrated and nourished complexion.
When and how do I use this?
Use as needed, when skin feels tired and in need of a lift.
1. Spray hydrating facial toner onto the smooth side of the Dry Mask Sheet, then centre the mask on your face.
2. Once the Dry Mask Sheet is secured, spray the mask again with a toner or mist until it’s sufficiently saturated, allowing the collagen to dissolve into the skin.
3. Relax and leave mask on for 15 to 20 minutes while the collagen trio penetrates into the skin’s deepest layers, revealing brighter, firmer, and hydrated skin.
4. Slowly remove the mask after the time has passed.
Masking Tips:
1. It's a simple but often missed step; wash your hands prior to applying a face mask as bacteria travels fast and you don't want to risk adding more fuel to the fire if your skin is already acting up.
2. Apply with a brush! Go the extra mile to ensure you're avoiding the spread of bacteria and applying evenly across all necessary areas. Eluo make a lovely one that we sell at the shoppe and makes for easily application. Simply wash after use and allow to dry in-between applications.
3. Don't be afraid to mix and match. Most of us have our "problem" areas but oftentimes, the skin elsewhere looks and feels balanced. So, why mess with that?
I'd encourage people to have a couple of masks on rotation at any one time (within your budget) and to double up to tackle multiple skin concerns. Perhaps you want a clay mask to clarify the skin but have drier areas that require serious hydration so why not apply the clay mask to the congested areas and a hydrating mask everywhere else to save time and cover all bases!
4. Certain masks can be kept in the fridge and make for an extra cooling, soothing experience with anti-inflammatory benefits. (Lesse Bioactive Masque + Dr. Loretta Tightening Detox Mask).
5. Take a deep breath and enjoy the ritual of masking! As much as it seems like an indulgent step to take, it could be a beneficial one for yourself and the care of your skin.
Happy Masking.
