How To Apply a Face Mask Like a Top Esthetician

It’s no secret we’re slightly obsessed (okay…very obsessed) with face masks. They’re a great way to relax, and the appeal of face masks is varied and many. Need to relax? A face mask can help. Want to even out the look of your complexion? Ditto for that. But applying a face mask? That’s a whole other story.

There’s a right way and a wrong way to do just about anything when it comes to using specific skin care products. Using face masks are no different. Just slopping on your favorite face masks with your fingers? You could be doing so much better for your face. In fact, you should be doing much better for your face. In order to make sure you’re giving face masks your all, we tapped top esthetician, Vanda Serrador, to help us share the right way to apply different face masks, below. Spoiler alert: the technique is all in the type of mask!

Garnier Glow Boost 2-in-1 Facial Mask & Scrub

What It Is: The Garnier Glow Boost 2-in-1 Facial Mask & Scrub is is made up of 100% naturally-derived* exfoliants (including apricot seed) and can give your skin a radiant-looking glow by removing dead skin cell buildup on the surface. What’s more, the Garnier Glow Boost 2-in-1 Face Mask & Scrub leads a double life as either a face mask or a scrub depending on your skin’s needs. 

The Technique: For skin that looks well-rested (even if it isn’t!) Serrador suggests using a gel-based mask at room temperature. Apply it with your fingers or with a facial mask brush. Want to try it just as a scrub? Apply the formula to your skin with a little bit of water, and massage it in gentle, circular motions before rinsing off.

Garnier Glow Boost 2-in-1 Facial Mask & Scrub, $8.99 MSRP

*Garnier considers an ingredient to be naturally-derived if it is unchanged from its natural state or has undergone processing yet still retains greater than 50% of its molecular structure from its original plant or mineral source. 

LANCÔME ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE HYDROGEL MELTING MASK

What It Is: We’ve got a whole list of sheet masks to choose from, but one of our favorites has to be the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask. This mask gives your skin an instant, youthful-looking radiance in as little as 10 minutes.

The Technique: To use the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask, unfold the mask and remove the transparent film. Then, place it on clean skin with the gel side facing down. You can leave it on anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes. 

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask, $15 MSRP (for one) and $55 MSRP (for four) 

AcneFree Kaolin Clay Mask

What It Is: Clay masks are definitely a favorite, and this formula by AcneFree is no exception. It’s formulated with kaolin clay and charcoal, and can deeply clean pores and refine the skin. Also—surprise! The AcneFree Kaolin Clay Mask boasts double-duty benefits. You can use it either as a detox mask or as a cleanser, depending on your preference.

The Technique: Serrador suggests using a clay-based mask at room temperature to help to leave your skin feeling deeply purified. Again, use with a facial mask brush for the most spa-like precise application. To use it as a cleanser, simply massage the product to dampened skin, avoiding the eye area, and rinse.

AcneFree Kaolin Clay Mask, $10.25 MSRP

KIEHL’S CALENDULA & ALOE SOOTHING HYDRATION MASQUE

What It Is: Kiehl’s boasts no shortage of face masks to choose from. One of our favorites in the portfolio is the Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque. Calendula (or “marigold”) and aloe are formulated in this mask, and it can help soothe the skin and deliver hydration.

The Technique: You can apply this mask directly onto your skin, but why not warm it up a bit first? To warm, scoop some of the mask out with a spatula and warm in your hands, then use a facial brush or your fingers to apply to your skin. 

Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque, $45 MSRP 

L’ORÉAL PARIS PURE CLAY DETOX & BRIGHTEN FACE MASK

What It Is: L’Oréal Paris has quite the entourage available when it comes to clay masks. With them, you’ll have your pick of ingredients—from seaweed to eucalyptus extract—to choose from. One of our favorites which we’d like to recommend is the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask. This face mask contains three pure clays and charcoal. Among its many other benefits, charcoal naturally acts as a magnet which lifts impurities from the pores. Give it a whirl, and have your skin feeling refreshed in no time.

The Technique: Apply an even layer of this charcoal and clay mask to clean dry skin, avoiding the eye and lip area. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then remove with water. For best results use 3 times a week.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask, $12.99 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS CLARIFYING CLAY MASK

What It Is: If you’re looking for a deep clean, the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask is the way to go. This particular clay mask contains a hydroxy acid blend that decongests pores of impurities, oils, and dead skin cells. It’s suitable for all skin types, and a great way to make sure your skin is clean. 

The Technique: Apply a thin layer of the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask to your face, neck, and chest and let it set for about 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it with warm water, pat your skin dry, and repeat once or twice per week.  

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask, $52 MSRP

KIEHL'S RARE EARTH DEEP PORE CLEANSING MASQUE

What It Is: This mask’s formula boasts Amazonian white clay, directly sourced from the Amazon river. This, along with a bunch of other ingredients, comes together in a unique formula that’s rich in minerals to help purify clogged pores and eliminate lingering debris.  

The Technique: Unlike some clay masks, this mask is creamy and goes on smooth. Start by cleansing your skin and applying this mask with your fingertips or with a facial brush. You can apply it all over your face or solely on congested areas.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, $33 MSRP

Now that you know how to apply different kinds of face mask like a pro, learn how to properly remove them here!