What’s New With Face Masks? A Whole Lot!

photo credit: Alvaro Goveia

Face masks are having a moment

Like a statement bag or gorgeous hair, great skin is a sign that you take care of yourself and you care about what you look like. That’s why you won’t just do any ol’ face mask. You want the latest and greatest. And that exactly what I’ve rounded up: The most innovative and new face masks RN.

Take cover

Highly Instagrammable, a sheet mask uses a thin material to cover the face with ingredients. Wet versions abound, but dry ones are on the rise. “Dry masks hold the ingredients in a seal that is activated through touch to bring the topical benefits to life,” says Sarah Zilliox, beauty and fragrance merchandiser at Nordstrom Canada. “This technology allows the benefits to continue for several hours because there is no moisture that will evaporate.”

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask, $4 at mass retailers.

Get your beauty sleep, beautys

There is a group of new face masks that are meant to be left on overnight. Not only are they made with juicy, fast-absorbing formulas, they are a dream to use.

“We know that skin cells renew faster at night, so it’s an ideal time to bring something helpful to your skin,” says Julie Cusson, makeup artist for Chanel, who recommends massaging in the product using gentle lifting actions along the jawline, cheeks and forehead. “This gesture is so important. A lot of women think that you just have to put the mask on, but you always want to lift the face.”

Chanel Le Lift Skin-Recovery Sleep Mask, $145 at Chanel beauty counters.

Dig deep!

Charcoal is the latest must-try mask ingredient, joining clay formulas as the ideal way to target impurities and leave all types of skin feeling fresh.

Tata Harper Clarifying Mask, $91, beautymark.ca.

Face Off

Whatever your concern, there’s a mask for that!

“Masks are now popular for all body parts, including your eyes, hands, feet, nails and hair. Each mask has a different benefit, and you should rub in the extra serum afterward,” says Allan Lever, founder and CEO of Look Beauty.

MaskerAide Tell Me ‘Pout It Hydrating Lip Mask, $7 at maskeraide.com.