6 Face Masks That Work in Under 10 Minutes

Anyone with a busy life knows, sometimes by the end of the day all you can manage is to wipe off your makeup and smooth on a moisturizer—the bare necessities. Any more is asking too much of your tired self. You certainly don’t always have 15+ minutes to use a face mask—and then wait days longer to see results—even if such a spa-like experience sounds pretty nice. That’s why we’ve been on the hunt to find face masks that really work, in a fraction of the time you’re used to. As it turns out, it’s quite possible to work a masking session into a tight schedule, all you need is 10 minutes or less. Of course, not every mask is right for this job but we’ve found six that your skin needs.  

Face Mask #1: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Mask

Take a moment to think back to your childhood. There’s one thing we all likely had in common: flushed cheeks. Unfortunately, that natural rosy tone doesn’t tend to stick around as skin matures. With age, dead skin cells begin to build-up more on skin’s surface and the pink tone becomes hidden. Thankfully, there’s a mask to get your blush back. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Mask is formulated with imperial peony, AHA, and a mineral exfoliant to slough away dull skin cells and recover skin’s rosy glow.

Apply the mask and let it sit for just 5 minutes before massaging it into your skin, then rinse off with water. Immediately you’ll see skin is left with a rosy, radiant look.

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

For those interested in saving more time, let's talk about double duty products. You would surely save yourself a little time (and room on the bathroom counter) if you could combine your cleanser and face mask, right? That’s why we recommend the Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask. Infused with charcoal, the multi-tasking product works both as a cleanser and a mask to purify pores.

First, wet your hands and face and massage the product onto your face to cleanse, then rinse off. Once you’re completely clean, it’s time to mask. Spread a thin layer onto your skin and let it dry for 5 minutes before rinsing off. Follow with night cream, and there’s your nighttime skin care routine in just two products.

Face Mask #3: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Shine Control Clay Mask

Here’s another time-saving tip for you: If you create a strategic skin care routine, you’ll need to use less makeup. For example, if your skin is overly shiny, use a shine-reducing face mask. That way, you can forgo mattifying face powders and even skip touch-ups throughout the day. Formulated with gentle clays, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Shine Control Clay Mask is exactly what oily-skin sufferers are in need of. The mask eliminates excess sebum and invisible impurities (like dust), and of course, controls shine. Not only is skin left soothed and purified with pores unclogged, but it also stays mattified and less oily for longer. No more panicking when you’re caught without blotting sheets.

Once or twice a week, you’ll apply a fine layer to your skin and leave it to act for 5 minutes. Rinse off, and you’re done.

Face Mask #4: Vichy Quenching Mineral Face Mask

If your skin is on the drier side, this is the mask for you. In fact, when moisturizing isn’t enough to keep your skin hydrated, regular masking is a must. If that’s the case for you, turn to the Vichy Quenching Mineral Face Mask. Formulated with vitamin B3 and thermal water, it’s specifically designed to provide a quick relief to dry, sensitive skin.

Apply the mask and give it 5 minutes on your skin, then massage the excess in. That’s right, there’s no need to rinse off, making this the perfect mask to keep right by your bedside. Instantly skin feels refreshed, soothed and relieved of dryness, with a radiant and smooth appearance.

Face Mask #5: Kiehl’s Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Mask

After a long day, you surely want nothing more than to slip between your sheets and catch some shut eye. But don’t get into bed just yet. Consider what your skin comes into contact with throughout the day, and whether or not you want those pollutants ending up on your pillows. The answer should be obvious. Put your sleep on hold for just a few minutes to use the Kiehl’s Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Mask. The protective mask helps to defend and replenish skin, and reduce the visible effects of pollution. Formulated with cilantro and orange extract, it helps skin feel strengthened against environmental aggressors while helping to prevent impurities from adhering to the skin. 

Apply a visible layer of the mask after you’ve cleansed and moisturized and leave on for 5 minutes. Use a tissue to remove the mask, and pat in any excess, leaving a thin protective layer to work overnight. 

Face Mask #6: Lancôme Énergie De Vie Scrub Mask

Exfoliating is essential, especially in the winter. And yes, that holds true even when you’re busy. However, if you insist your schedule can’t be adjusted to include both exfoliation and masking, we have a solution. It’s as simple as combining the two. The Lancôme Énergie De Vie Scrub Mask is both a face mask and a form of mechanical exfoliation, allowing you to cut a step out of your routine. The purifying mask, which contains exfoliating scrubs, reduces the appearance of large pores, helps remove impurities, and reveals a radiant complexion.

Twice a week, use dry fingers to apply the mask to clean skin. Leave on for 3 minutes (officially our fastest face mask find) before rinsing in circular motions to exfoliate.