As midterms are (finally) in our rearview mirrors, it’s time to focus on a relaxing spring break, and what better to do that than by unwinding with a face mask? They’re one of my favorite pick-me-ups, and I make sure to squeeze one in about twice a week.
But if I’m being honest, I’ve had way too many encounters with face masks that have done next to nothing to benefit my skin (other than leaving my face smelling nice.) As a college student on a budget, I’ve decided to compose a list of the face masks—from clay masks, peel-offs, sheet masks, and everything in between—that actually work, and won’t burn a hole in your pocket. From the classics to the new K-beauty trends, all of these products are available on Amazon, in beauty stores, or in your local drug store!
1. Aztec Secret—Indian Healing Clay Mask.
The label doesn’t lie when it says “World’s Most Powerful Facial.” This one is my personal favorite, so I had to put it at the top of the list! It is 100% natural calcium bentonite clay powder, which you mix with equal parts of water or apple cider vinegar. By using this mask, I am able to eliminate pimples in a few days! The only downside is that this mask may make your face a little red after use, so I recommend doing it at nighttime.
Get it for $8.95 here.
2. Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask.
The Milky Piggy Bubble Clay Mask has become one of the top Instagram beauty trends recently, and it makes pampering yourself fun! The mask will “grow” bubbles on your face which work as exfoliators to clean out pores, and it's especially good at eliminating blackheads. (Even if your pores don’t need attention—I say do it at least for the Snapchats that look like you’ve been morphed into some kind of monster.)
Get it for $9.85 here.
3. Skinfood Black Sugar Mask/Wash Off Exfoliator.
This mask is perfect for those with dry skin looking to clean out their pores. The Brazilian black sugar granules gently exfoliate your skin, while removing dirt out of your pores. The light and citrus-y scent is gentle on even the most sensitive skin. You can also use this product just as an exfoliating wash, or leave it on for a few extra minutes as a mask to enrich your skin with nutrients and moisture.
Get it for $8.75 here.
4. Freeman Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask.
Freeman’s Facial Peel-Offs are tried-and-true skincare products. The cucumber mask hydrates the skin and leaves your face feeling silky and refreshed. Not only does it hydrate—but it renews your skin by peeling away the impurities that can clog pores and cause breakouts. There are so many varieties targeted towards certain skin conflicts, so try them all! (Dead Sea Minerals and Charcoal are two runner-ups.)
Get it for $4.29 here.
5. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.
My mom has had this product in our bathroom cabinet for as long as I can remember! It was the first face mask I’ve ever used, so my loyalty is undeniable. This mask is best known for it’s ability to dry out pimples and reduce the size of pores quickly, so if you’ve got acne prone skin, this is definitely for you. The mouthwatering spearmint-y scent itself is enough to sell me this product.
Pro Tip: Use this mask as an overnight spot treatment as well! Dab a little on breakouts and wash it off in the morning.
Get it for $4.99 here.
6. Neutrogena Clear Pore Facial Cleanser/Mask.
Neutrogena is the #1 Recommended Dermatologist Acne Brand, so it shouldn’t surprise you that one of their top products has made it onto this list. Their doubling cleanser/mask product is aggressive on acne with its deep cleansing power and featuring benzoyl peroxide (an acne medication) as an active ingredient. It’s also great at eliminating excess oils and controlling shine. If you've got oily/combo skin that is acne prone, this mask is for you.
Get it for $5.97 here.
7. Tony Moly "I'm Real" Sheet Masks.
According to Ulta, “Tony Moly's collection of “I'm Real” Sheet masks are instant skin treatments targeted to hydrate and tighten skin in as little as 20 minutes. Sheet masks are perfect for a quick skin pick-me-up, relieving tired, dehydrated skin.”
There has to be a sheet mask product on this list, but none other than Tony Moly! So far, I’ve tried about half of the collection, which targets specified areas or treatments of the skin. Some of the most popular varieties are the Aloe (moisturizing), Rice (clear skin), and Red Wine (pore care) masks. My favorite: Pearl, which is used for illuminating your skin, leaving it feeling revitalized and radiant.
(Oh and PS. No Parabens! Ever!)
Find the collection at Ulta from $3.75 per mask.
8. Queen Helene Grape Seed Extract Peel-Off Masque.
Queen Helene makes a return to the list because her Grape Seed Extract mask is everything we could want from a peel-off mask! This mask lifts the impurities from the skin once it dries, making your face appear rejuvenated and younger-looking with each and every use.
(Did I mention that you can make a game out of peeling off the entire mask in one piece?)
Get it for $3.49 here.
9. St. Ives Nourished & Smooth Oatmeal Face Scrub and Mask.
To sum up the St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub/Mask in one word: soothing. The oatmeal extract calms down your skin, washing away to reveal a hydrated surface with an even skin tone. We also love that the product contains 100% natural exfoliants such as walnut shell powder instead of synthetic beads!
Get it for $4.29 here.
10. Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask.
Bioré is another leading name in skincare, and it’s no secret that they’ve got some of the best products for pores. This face mask is certainly no exception. The mask is called a “self-heating” mask because once the charcoal-based formula meets water, the mask begins to warm. This helps open up pores to draw out and de-clog impurities like dirt and oil. Once the mask cools, the skin tightens and minimizes the pores. Call it ~magic~ if you will.
Get it for $5.99 here.
