The Store Bought & DIY Face Masks That Have Never Failed Me

We all know the powers of a face mask; they can make you feel like your life has suddenly been pieced back together. Just got broken up with? Face mask. Fired? Face mask. Existential crisis? You know the drill.

I’m here reminding you of all your life problems, yes, but stay with me as I better them by sharing with you my favorite masks, both DIY and store bought. Hopefully they can help those of you whose lives and/or skin need a little putting-back-together. These are the masks of the millions I’ve tried that work the best for my skin type (which is extremely oily, just, all the time.) However, I think the ones I have listed could work for most people, so long as the right steps are taken before and after application.

Always apply face masks to clean skin, preferably with warm, open pores so they can work their magic.

Store-Bought MAsks

GLOSSIER MEGA GREENS GALAXY PACK: for detoxing

This is a great detoxifying mask that I use on a regular basis; one to two times a week to keep my oil levels balanced.

SHEA MOISTURE AFRICAN BLACK SOAP CLARIFYING MUD MASK: for detoxing and treating breakouts

I tend to breakout when I sleep with my makeup on, near the start of my period, or when I skip out on my usual routine. This mask is great for restoring my skin when I haven’t been so nice to it.

AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY: for basically everything

I know everyone knows about this one, reasonably so. My favorite part about this clay mask is that it comes dry, so the wet properties that you add to it are completely up to you, depending on what you want it to do for your skin.

I like to add apple cider vinegar if I want to tone, and water and honey if I want to moisturize.

DIY mask

THE BURNING MASK: for toning, improving acne scars, and minimizing pores

This is one that I discovered a few years ago that sounded sketchy to me when I first read it, but I tried it after some research and now it’s one of my favorites. It consists of:

Apple cider vinegar (1 TSP) -- a natural toner and astringent

Lemon (1 TSP) -- antibacterial and vitamin C for dewrinkling

Cinnamon (1 TSP) -- antibacterial

Honey (1 TSP) -- anti inflammatory and moisturizing

*for sensitive skin, add more honey and less ACV*

Apply the mixture all over your face, leaving a good amount of space around your eyes. The burning/tingling sensation lasts for a few minutes; it will subside. After 20/30 minutes, rinse off with warm water. It is normal to experience some redness immediately after, but that will quickly be soothed away with any moisturizer that is applied afterwards.