I Tried $200 Worth of Face Masks — Here Are My Favorites

Before I became a product-loving beauty editor, I had trouble believing that face masks actually worked. Usually, I’d toss one on at a wine night once a year, or after a long work week on a Friday evening. It was only until I got a bit older—and my skin had more of a need for face masks—that I realized how great they really can be and how silly my disinterest in them had been all this time.

Celebrities, dermatologists, and friends alike consider face masks to be an absolutely indispensable part of their skincare routines, whether it be weekly or daily use. No matter how dehydrated, stressed, dry, or oily your skin may be—there is a face mask that can help target your concerns. Some of my favorite brands in the L’Oreal portfolio sent over complimentary samples of face masks, and I took them all for a spin. In honor of my newfound love for all things masking, I am presenting you with the face masks I’m loving to use in my routine right now.

Lancôme Énergie De Vie Night Mask

When it comes to taking beauty sleep to the next level, an overnight face mask is an essential. For a renewed skin glow by the time the sun comes up, look to this Lancôme overnight mask. After the roughest of weeks, and nights where hours of sleep are sparse, I grab this from my bedside table. It’s formulated with cranberry, lemon balm and ginseng, and provides the skin with antioxidant protection and intense moisture.  

Lančome Énergie De Vie Night Mask, $66 MSRP

Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask

When my skin needs some extra soothing, I reach for this aloe-infused mask. It comes in a lightweight gel formula, and contains hand-picked Calendula flower petals, which sounds as luxurious as it feels. Use this when your skin is irritated because upon application you’ll instantly feel a surge of cooling hydration.

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

L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask

Affordable masks that work as well as their pricier counterparts? Yes, they do exist. This clay mask is formulated with exfoliating clay and red algae extract. It can exfoliate and refine the skin in just 10 minutes while helping remove dead cells on my skin’s surface for a polished look and smooth feel. Did I mention it’s super affordable? 

L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask, $12.99 MSRP

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

You know those mornings when you wake up, and your skin feels rough and congested? It seems to happen at the worst times, but this clarifying clay mask can help. This hydroxy acid blend gently exfoliates while the natural earth clays help to decongest pores and lift impurities. As a result, my skin feels soothed, smooth, and calm.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, $52 MSRP

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa

When my skin is feeling dry before bed, this ultra-velvety sleep mask is one of my go-to picks to apply before shut-eye. It contains hyaluronic acid, and conditioning oils and can help your skin feel nourished and super soft. I like to use this as an overnight treatment ahead of a big event or meeting. When I wake up in the morning my face feels fresher and looks more radiant. All you have to do is let this gel infuse into the skin and get a good night’s sleep.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa, $28 MSRP

Don’t know which type of mask is best for your skin? We’re explaining the difference between clay masks, sheet masks, and peel off masks here!