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It has been a minute since we last talked about my favorite face masks (the skincare kind!) so I thought that would be a fun thing to chat about today. It’s funny, these days when you say face masks, people think n95 masks and start asking about adjustable ear loops and if there’s an adjustable nose wire or a filter pocket- lol. Understandable, these are high risk times but no… not that kind, the fun kind!!
I feel like masking has become even more important this year as a) taking care of my skin has become even more important than pre-pandemic as I find it really soothing and relaxing + it gives me something nice to do for myself, and b) maskne is an absolute abomination so I need good skincare (especially around my jawline) even more than I did before. Using a disposable mask has helped with that but still. Ugh! Anti-aging has always been a big priority but now I’m working to combat those pesky chin and jawline breakouts!!!!
My Six Favorite Face Masks Right Now
Today I’m sharing the six face masks I love most, all of which are available at Nordstrom. They each target different skincare concerns but they’re all equally important and great! I personally think these masks will work for pretty much all skin types. If you have very sensitive skin I’d avoid the PTR but otherwise, you’re good to go. From masks that exfoliate and resurface to masks that hydrate and replenish… to a dry sheet mask and my go-to purifying mask (that makes for an incredible spot treatment), there is something for every concern!
Before we dive in there are two non-mask things to mention. The first is this facial steamer. If you are able to invest in one, I can’t recommend a facial steamer enough. Especially before a purifying or clarifying mask. It opens up your pores and makes the mask penetrate even more deeply. The second is this little brush, for applying your masks. It’s a good one, and helps you get a nice even coat (and if you have long nails slash a weird aversion to reaching your fingers into a jar like I do, it helps with that too).
Nordstrom makes shopping for beauty products (and pretty much everything else) so easy. They offer free shipping and returns, curbside pickup, and the ability to buy online and pick up in store. AND there is The Nordy Club which lets you earn rewards for shopping + exclusive perks like sales, offers, and special events. You can sign up here!
We will start with my two favorite resurfacing/clarifying masks.
I would say that the main difference between the Tata and the PTR Pumpkin is that the PTR is more like a super powered scrub (it’s got that more granular texture) and the Tata will tighten up and firm the skin. They both exfoliate the outer layer of the skin really well… it’s the glycolic acid (among other things!).
Both of these masks are great for texture issues and dullness but the PTR only stays on your skin a little while whereas you leave the Tata Harper one on for longer so that it fully dries, tightening and firming your skin. I like the PTR when you only have a few minutes, and prefer the Tata before a big event to help with resurfacing but also glow and firmness.
Peter Thomas Roth’s Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
This is such a powerful resurfacing mask. Pumpkin enzymes are NO JOKE. You only have to leave this on for 3-7 minutes to see a noticeable difference in the skin’s texture. AHA acids resurface, aluminum oxide polishes the skin (it feels a little like a scrub going on… the brand recommends massaging it in like a scrub and then leaving on the skin as a mask), and skin feels radiant and BRIGHT afterward.
Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask
I talk about this mask all the time and have done a standalone review of it here on the blog but if I were forced to choose a favorite face mask, this would absolutely be it. It is the greatest mask ever. This one stays on the skin for longer (up to 30 minutes) until it’s fully dry. It dries to this clear sheen and tightens your skin all over (almost like a more gentle version of the Hanacure mask). When you rinse it off your skin will be smooth, radiant, and super glowy. It also, as I mentioned above, helps (temporarily) with firming the skin… it’s like a mini temporary face lift. This is my go-to before a big night.
Coola Moon Silk Moisture Recharging Mask
This is such a good moisturizing mask! I was first struck by how pretty it is. The formula is iridescent and shiny, very instagram friendly… it’s almost like you have a prism on your face. But THIS is a great mask to use after doing the Tata or PTR one. It’s the golden rule of my personal skincare routine. First you resurface/exfoliate, THEN you replenish and hydrate.
This one is packed with good for you ingredients: snow mushroom, kakadu plum, and hyaluronic acid (my fav!). Leave on for 10-20 minutes and then afterward you can tissue this off (beware, skin will still be iridescent!) or rinse it off and follow with your favorite moisturizer. You can use it as an overnight mask too.
I love to double mask this one with one of the more intense masks. My ideal evening at home would be 25 minutes with the Tata Harper resurfacing mask and then another solid 20 with this. Heaven. I love to double mask when I have the time. The resurfacing mask exfoliates the outer layer, letting the moisture mask really penetrate the skin barrier.
I also wanted to talk about two purifying/detoxifying masks. I have very dry skin but as I mentioned above my skin has been more prone to breakouts thanks to maskne.
Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask
This is my favorite clay mask, and I like that it comes in a small size (in a tube vs a jar YAY) as I only use it as a spot treatment (usually my chin, sometimes my nose if the pores on my nose are bothering me). Fresh’s proprietary umbrian clay is amazing as it is deeply detoxifying and very clarifying but also soothing so even as it deep cleanses the skin it won’t irritate it. This is great for acne prone skin and really helps to absorb any excess oi as well; great for the summer when my skin gets so shiny.
Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask
This mask is another holy grail and also so fun to use! I love that it bubbles up as it works…. you look a little insane but it feels amazing. As a dry skinned person, I also really love that it is not at all drying. As it bubbles up it deeply purifies your pores – lifting out dirt and oil while also locking in moisture. You only need to leave this one on for about five minutes (you’ll know as the mask stops foaming). You can rinse it off OR just tissue it off for maximum hydration.
Last but certainly not least…
Charlotte Tilbury’s Dry Sheet Mask
You might not know this about me but I am actually not a huge fan of sheet masks as they are so messy. I like this one as you can multi-task with it. The dry formula is unlike anything I’ve ever tried before but it WORKS and the results last for 8 hours so it’s great before a big event or meeting. It leaves skin soft, hydrated and glowy and again it is not messy at all. Just slip the ear loops over your ears and fasten, leave on for 15 minutes and remove!
Photography by Allie Provost.
Ahh, I want to try all of these, especially Fresh’s mask just because I love the brand! Thanks for sharing! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
They have such great products!
I’ve loved experimenting with face masks during the pandemic! Another great purifying/detoxing mask is the Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree one (and it also comes in a tube!). I always say it brings the “cleansing energy” of a charcoal or clay mask without giving your skin that tight and dry feeling. The tea tree oil is good for acne and gives a tingly feeling that makes me feel refreshed, but the squalane leaves my skin super soft. I have to credit you for introducing me to Biossance, so thanks!
Oh I love Biossance so will have to try that!
Ahhh!! Thank you for sharing! I just grabbed the Taya Harper after months of waivering along with the Coola and Malen Goetz. I’m all about morning masking and doubling masking, thanks COVID!
Thank you!! Can’t wait to try them all 😉
It’s the bessssst – happy masking!
The Tata Harper mask is seriously amazing! One of your readers had mentioned they put it on breakouts and leave it on over night . . . game changer! This one will be repurchased!
OMG I have to try that!!! Have a few stress breakouts from this week’s moving adventures.
Tata Harper is my absolute favorite. I love everything about the mask, ingredients, texture, smell, jar, design. An amazing product!
it is just the best!!!!
Hi Grace! Thanks for these mask recs! Do you participate in Tata Harper’s refer a friend program? I’d love to purchase that mask but I don’t see her her site listed under your current promo codes!
I don’t, but the Nordstrom link is an affiliate link! xo
I’m not a fan of sheet masks either! The tata harper one I keep hearing raves about so will def be trying this next, thanks Grace!
oh you must, it’s the best!!!
I can’t believe I am saying this but I don’t own a single face mask. I am going to have to invest in some!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
what!? you must change that!!!