These Are the Best Times to Use a Face Mask

From in-flight facials to at-home spa days, we share the top fourteentimes yo u should reach for a facial mask, below! 

It’s no secret that us skin care-obsessed beauty editors love a good face mask. And with so many different types to choose from—think: sheet masks, clay masks, charcoal masks—there is (quite literally) one to enjoy on every occasion. So, when exactly is the best time to apply a face mask? Our enthusiastic answer is anytime, anywhere! Well, except for a few instances. (Don’t wear a clay mask to work…just don’t.) Ahead, we share the top fourteen times to reach for a face mask!

WHY SHOULD YOU USE FACE MASKS? 

There’s no doubt face masks are gaining serious popularity the beauty sphere. Be it a serum-enhanced mask, an oil-absorbing charcoal mask, or a detoxifying clay mask, there’s truly a mask for everyone to enjoy. For that reason, we like turning to face masks to cater to a wide variety of our skin concerns and needs. And if skin care benefits aren’t enough to reel you in, at least consider them for a relaxing, at-home spa day. Self-care is important to your overall well-being, so what better way to make time for yourself than by kicking your feet up while wearing a skin-loving face mask?

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FACE MASKS

No mask is created equal—and that’s a good thing! Depending on the mask you choose, you can expect a specific benefit. The first step is to pinpoint what exactly you’re looking to address on your skin, whether it’s signs of aging, lack of moisture, dullness, etc. Then, you can go about finding your most compatible mask match. To assist your search, we break down the benefits of popular types of face masks, here:

Clay masks: From bentonite to kaolin, clay masks come in all shapes and sizes and are a classic skin care staple. The popular status is well deserved, considering they’re powerhouses for helping to remove excess oil and purify pores, all while promoting a healthy-looking skin glow. For a list of the best clay masks that won’t dry out your skin, we encourage you to check out our top picks for some of the best clay masks on the market, here.

Charcoal masks: Masks formulated with charcoal have the ability to detoxify the skin’s surface, working like a magnet to attract dirt and other surface impurities. Their all-star formulas will give your skin a more radiant-looking glow, making them a perfect choice for those with naturally oily skin. Check out our list of the best charcoal masks, here.

Sheet masks: Unlike traditional clay or charcoal masks, sheet masks don’t require a rinse after use. They’re typically soaked in skin-benefitting serum to deliver a high concentration of potent ingredients in just one masking session. Want to take one for a spin? Here, we share a list of the best drugstore sheet masks you won’t have to break the bank for. 

Bubble masks: Bubble masks are just what they sound like— masks that foam up into a bubbly lather. But beyond making your skin look like a cloud, they work to help revitalize your skin to remove dirt, oil, and impurities through an oxygenation process. Check out our list of some of our favorite bubble masks, here.

Overnight masks: Overnight masks are just the ticket you need to enhance your beauty sleep. They’re designed to be applied just before sleep and worn throughout the night during your skin’s regeneration process. Typically, they have a lightweight gel-like consistency or cream-based texture, and can result in better-looking skin come morning. Interested in trying one for yourself? Take a peek at our favorite overnight face masks to wear while you snooze, here.

THE TOP 10 TIMES TO REACH FOR A FACE MASK

By now, you surely don’t need an excuse to start using a face mask, but if you’re looking for some inspiration on the best time to apply one, we’ve got you covered below.

#1: DURING AN AT-HOME SPA DAY

This one might seem obvious, but we couldn’t leave it out! The next time you treat yourself to an at-home mani pedi, go all out and have an at-home spa day instead. Apply your favorite face mask, light a candle, sip on some spa water and relax.

#2: WHILE BINGE-WATCHING YOUR NEW FAVORITE SHOW

Hooked on a new show? Multitask with multi-masking! The next time you find yourself spending hours days in front of the TV, carve out some time to apply a hydrating face mask. Because all that drama from that previous season of—insert your current favorite show here—was likely exhausting! We understand.

#3: DURING YOUR MEDITATION PRACTICE

Facial masks are one of our favorite ways to relax our skin so, why not do it while relaxing the mind, too? The next time you meditate, apply an aromatic facial mask that can help you get into the right frame of mind for your practice and provide your complexion with some hydration, radiance, and whatever else it may need.

#4: WHILE SOAKING IN A BUBBLE BATH

Is soaking in a bubble bath your favorite hobby? It’s one of ours too. The next time you soak in a plethora of rose-scented bubbles, apply a deep cleansing clay mask to help draw out impurities and promote gorgeous-looking skin! We share some of our favorites, here. 

#5: WHEN DRINKING A GLASS OF WINE

There’s nothing quite like winding down at the end of the work week with a glass of red and your favorite face mask. Don’t believe us? Try it out for yourself! We share the best wine and face mask pairings, here.

#6: DURING A FLIGHT

Ask any major celebrity for their in-flight skin care tips, and more often than not they’ll advise using face masks. Dry cabin air can cause your skin to dry out, so the next time you fly, pack a hydrating sheet mask—or, less scary, an overnight mask—in your carry-on and apply it to your skin. The hydration can help soothe uncomfortable skin caused by dry, recirculated cabin air and leave your complexion looking fresh and supple upon landing.

Editor’s tip: While you’re at it, pack a facial mist and nourishing face cream and enjoy an in-flight “spa day.” Don’t forget to order yourself a glass of spa-inspired lemon water!

#7: AFTER A FLIGHT

Applying a face mask while in-flight is definitely a good move, but you could also opt to apply one after a flight as well. Like we mentioned, dry air on planes can wreak havoc on your skin, and there’s no harm in upping the hydration ante. Even if you applied a mask in flight, throw on another one once you reach your final destination to make sure your skin looks and feels its best.

#8: AFTER THE SUN

Even if you were extra cautious about exposing your skin to the sun, your skin may still feel taught, dry and uncomfortable after prolonged exposure to UV rays. Moisturizers are a great way to rehydrate your skin but there are plenty of other things you can do for your skin after a day of sun exposure. If you feel like your skin can use a little soothing hydration, reach for a cooling gel face mask. Bonus points if your mask is formulated with soothing aloe vera!

Editor’s tip: Take your post-sun face mask to the next level by storing it in the fridge. You’ll love the cooling sensation!

#9: BEFORE YOU PARTY...

Going out on the town? Apply a facial mask at least an hour before you get ready. Depending on the formula, your skin can appear refreshed, renewed, and ready for makeup application!

#10: … AFTER YOU PARTY

So, you had a drink, or several, and you fell asleep with your makeup on. Give your hungover skin some R&R with a hydrating face mask! Many hydrating face masks can help provide the skin with a boost of moisture and a natural-looking glow. 

#11: WHEN YOU’RE STRESSED

Your brain isn’t the only part of you that feels the pressure when you’re stressed. Your skin, and your complexion, can look as afflicted as you feel. De-stress your complexion with a facial mask. We recommend reaching for a mask that houses an aromatherapy-inspired scent to help you get your mind in a place of relaxation. 

#12: WHILE YOU’RE PAINTING YOUR NAILS

What’s more relaxing than turning on some music, turning off your mind, and painting your nails in your favorite shade, all while letting a mask envelop your skin? We’ll tell you, not much. 

#13 WHILE YOU’RE AT WORK

If you work in an open space, this may not be the right move but if you have your own private office you could allow a face mask to absorb into your skin while you’re answering emails and checking things off your to-do list. In fact, work-masking is a thing, and it can make the day go by much faster, and smoother, as your face reaps the benefits of a hydrating mask while typing away at your desk. 

#14: BEFORE BED

Prep your skin for slumber by applying a face mask right before slipping into the sheets. If you’d like to wear your mask while you sleep, reach for an overnight mask that can stay on till morning. Or, slip on a sheet mask 10-15 minutes before you’d like to head to bed, remove it once times up and rub in any excess liquid.