Some Beauty Pros Think Face Masks Aren't Worth It, But These Ones Genuinely Work

If cleansing and moisturising are the basics of your skincare routine, face masks are at the other end of the spectrum—they’re far from essential, but they are great to have around for skincare emergencies or when you need to give your skin a quick fix. Indeed, choosing a face mask with the right ingredients to target your specific skin concerns can make an immediate difference to the look and feel of your skin, and one of the great things about face masks is that they can address any and every complexion concern. Stressed over breakouts? A clay-based mask can help to draw out congestion. Experiencing dehydration? A sheet mask will pack the moisture back into your skin. Want to target dullness? Brighten skin with a peel.

Of course, it’s important to manage expectations. Face masks are no one-stop wonders, nor will they have long-term benefits for your skin in the same way a serum or a professional treatment might, but they are one of the best ways to hit ‘reset’ and target concerns in the short term. "Face masks aren’t a necessity, but more of a ‘nice to have’ in your skincare routine,” says consultant dermatologist at Self London, Anjali Mahto. "But I would recommend that a solid basic skincare routine takes precedence. There’s not much point in using masks (especially expensive ones) if the basics of your skincare routine aren’t in place.” 

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(Image credit: @JORDANRISA)

It’s also important to understand how best to use them to avoid aggravating skin or triggering another issue. "I’d recommend only using an exfoliating mask once a week, whereas a hydrating one can be used two to three times per week if you like,” says Mahto. "If an exfoliating mask is used too often, it can cause disruption to the skin barrier which can then go on to cause even more issues.”

There are tonnes of different formula options to choose from—sheet, clay, gel, peel, cream, mud—but no matter how sore, stressed out, dehydrated, or tired your skin may be, there’s a face mask out there to help. Scroll down to discover the best face masks for every skin type and concern.

1. The Best Face Mask for Dry Skin

2. The Best Face Mask for Oily Skin

3. The Best Face Mask for Combination Skin

4. The Best Face Mask for Brightening Dull Skin

5. The Best Face Mask for Acne-Prone Skin

6. The Best Face Mask for Hyperpigmentation

7. The Best Face Mask for Targeting Enlarged Pores

8. The Best Face Mask for Tired Skin

9. The Best Face Mask for Reducing Redness

10. The Best Face Mask for Dehydrated Skin

11. The Best Face Mask for Signs of Ageing

12. The Best Face Mask for Sensitive Skin

13. The Best Face Mask for Smoothing Skin Texture

14. The Best Face Multitasking Face Mask

15. The Best Face Mask for City Dwellers

16. The Best Face Mask for Pre-Makeup Prep

17. The Best Face Mask for A Relaxing DIY Facial

Next Up: I’m An Esthetician and These Are My Most-Recommended Skincare Products

Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.

While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.