Clay, Sheet, Or Peel-Off Mask: Which One Is Right For You?

Nothing says treat yourself quite like using a face mask. Taking a few extra minutes to add one to your skin care routine is an instant way to pamper yourself without too much commitment. Of course, when it comes to face masks, there are quite a few different types to choose from. From clay masks to sheet masks to peel-off masks, we’re here to break down which mask is best for you, products to try from the L’Oréal portfolio of brands, and how to use them in your daily regimen.

 

What Is a Clay Mask?

You’ve likely seen clay masks circulating your social media feeds. Not only are clay masks Instagram-worthy, they also boast a variety of skin care benefits. Clay masks are particularly great for those with oily skin, helping to absorb excess oils and purify pores.

Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask

The clay-based formula of this multi-tasking cleanser and mask helps purify pores. Infused with charcoal, the formula draws out impurities like a magnet. You can use this product as both a daily cleanser and a face mask. To use it as a cleanser, wet your hands and face before massaging the cleanser onto your skin. Rinse thoroughly with water. To use it as a detox face mask, wet your hands and face before applying a thin layer onto your skin. Leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing with water.

Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask, $7.99 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive 3 in 1 Face Wash, Scrub and Mask with Charcoal

This face mask is formulated with charcoal and white clay to address the needs of oily and combination skin. Another multi-tasking product, this face wash can be use in three different ways. Use it as a daily cleanser to clean pores and deeply clear skin of dirt, oil and impurities, as a face scrub to improve the skin texture to be softer and smoother, or as face mask to reduce oil. To use it as a face wash, apply a quarter-sized amount into the palm of your hand and add water to work it into a lather. Apply the cleanser to your face before rinsing. To use it as a face scrub, first wet your hands and face. Squeeze the product into your hands, rub them together, then gently massage it onto your skin. Rinse thoroughly. To use it as a face mask, apply it to your face and leave it on for five minutes before rinsing.

Garnier SkinActive 3 in 1 Face Wash, Scrub and Mask with Charcoal, $7.99 MSRP

 

What Is a Sheet Mask?

Sheet masks are easy to use and virtually mess-free. Most sheet masks offer benefits such as hydrating the skin and delivering key nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins. They’re a great option if you’re looking for convenience in your masking routine. Whether it’s in the middle of the work week or the in the midst of vacation, applying a sheet mask is quick and efficient.

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask - Hydrating

This water-based sheet mask contains hyaluronic acid and can flood your skin with intense, weightless hydration. The non-greasy formula also contains pomegranate extract. Your skin will be fresher, softer, and more radiant with long-lasting hydration. To use, apply the mask to clean skin by gently pressing it onto your face with the blue side on top. Peel off the blue film and adjust the mask to mold to the contours of your face. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes before removing. There’s no need to rinse—simply massage any remaining product into your skin.

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask - Hydrating, $2.99 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask-Mattifying

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and green tea extract, this water-based sheet mask provides skin with intense, weightless hydration giving it a fresher, softer, more radiant look. To use, gently press the mask onto clean skin with the blue side on top. Peel off the blue film and adjust the mask to your face before leaving it on for 15 minutes. Remove the mask and massage any remaining product into your skin—no rinsing required.

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask-Mattifying, $2.99 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask - Soothing

Also formulated with hyaluronic acid, this water-based sheet mask contains chamomile extract and provides the skin with a soothing burst of hydration and a fresher, softer, more radiant look. To use, you can follow the same application directions as the above-mentioned sheet masks.

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask - Soothing, $2.99 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask - Anti-Fatigue

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and lavender essential oil, this water-based sheet mask revitalizes skin and reduces signs of fatigue while delivering long-lasting hydration.

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask - Anti-Fatigue, $2.99 MRSP

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask - Glow-Boosting

This sheet mask is formulated with Sakura extract and hyaluronic acid and can hydrate, illuminate and enhance skin's radiance.

Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask - Glow-Boosting, $2.99 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive Super Purifying Charcoal Facial Mask

This non-greasy facial sheet mask is free of parabens and mineral oils. Formulated with charcoal and algae extract, it draws out impurities that can clog pores leaving you with a fresher-looking complexion that has a healthy, radiant glow.

Garnier SkinActive Super Purifying Charcoal Facial Mask, $2.99 MSRP

 

What Is a Peel-off Mask?

Another face mask trend, you may recognize peel-off masks from several viral videos on Instagram. Peel-off masks are another virtually mess-free mask option. Skin benefits include exfoliating dead skin cells, improving your skin’s texture, and unclogging pores.

Garnier SkinActive Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal

This liquid-to-peel-off face mask is formulated with charcoal and can help visibly remove deep pore impurities and reduce the appearance of pore size. You can choose whether to apply it to specific areas of your face—like the t-zone or nose—or all over to reveal a fresh, healthy-looking complexion. To use, apply a thick, opaque layer to freshly cleansed, dry skin. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes or until it has completely dried. Gently peel off mask starting at the outer edges, rinsing off any residue with warm water. You can use this peel off mask 1-2 times per week.

Garnier SkinActive Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal, $7.99 MSRP

Want more face mask product picks? Check out the best overnight face masks for better-looking skin come morning, here