A side profile shot of an older woman relaxing with her head on a pillow as she lets her white clay mask rehydrate her skin. A side profile shot of an older woman relaxing with her head on a pillow as she lets her white clay mask rehydrate her skin.

How to Find the Best Face Mask

Are you ready for your new favorite step in your self-care and beauty routines? Face masks are the perfect way to provide your skin with nutrients, vitamins and goodies to look nourished and feel great. In just 10 or 15 minutes, masks can help leave skin with a glowing appearance. As any skin care junkie knows, hydrated skin is healthy-looking skin, and face masks can help transfer that moisture onto your skin complexion. Face masks can be used for all different kinds of noticeable skin concerns, from dry to dull skin to blemishes and more. Regardless of your skin type or skin concern, we have a feeling there is a face mask out there for you to fall in love with. Aside from all their glowing skin benefits, face masks are also a great way to take time for yourself. With a small self-care addition like a bath, magazine, and a candle, you can turn your mask time into a DIY spa day or simply a moment to breathe. Discover why face masks are essential, how to choose the right one, and how to use it.

White, blonde female applying a light cream to her chees while smirking at the camera.

What Do Face Masks Do?

Face masks intensely hydrate and moisturize skin rapidly. Many can visibly boost skin in just 15 minutes. Whether you choose a sheet or cream mask, the best formulas refresh skin and enhance your complexion. Masks can be a regular step or a special treat for extra skin TLC, brightening both your day and your skin's appearance.

Types of Face Masks

Face masks generally fall into two categories: cream masks, typically jar-based and rinsed off, and sheet masks, popular serum-soaked sheets that conform to your face. Choose your preference or combine both for a complete masking routine.

Face Mask Creams

Cream masks, known for their creamy texture, offer options from clay to antioxidant and hydrating formulas. They allow for targeted application to specific face areas, enabling "multi-masking" – using different masks on different zones simultaneously. (Pro tip: Multi-masking is great for colorful skincare selfies!) Garnier consulting esthetician Shani Darden prefers cream masks for targeting specific concerns. If you enjoy a hands-on skincare approach, cream masks are for you.
Clay masks, a type of cream mask, benefit oily skin by drawing out impurities and minimizing pores, transforming troubled skin into a radiant complexion. Clay masks formulated with charcoal are known to work as a magnet to draw dirt and oil away from the skin. On days when you are in a special rush, some clay masks can even be used as a facial cleanser.

Front shot of man looking in the mirror, smiling as he applies face cream to his cheek.
Front shot of a group of 3 diverse women posing while wearing hydrating sheet face masks.

Sheet Masks

Sheet masks are the second broad category. These paper-like masks fit snugly, delivering intense hydration in just 10-15 minutes. Simply apply, relax, then peel off to reveal glowing skin. Sheet masks are single-use; no need to rinse off excess product – gently massage it into your skin for an extra moisture boost.
Sheet masks are perfect to bring with you on a plane or in your luggage for your next trip. Due to their compact size and deep hydrating properties, sheet masks are ideal for keeping skin plump with moisture while traveling. (They work equally well to upgrade your at-home routine!) Darden uses sheet masks for hydration or ease when traveling. Sheet masks are often formulated for specific skin types, so choose one that meets your skin's needs.

The Best Face Mask for Your Skin Type

Regardless of your skin type – dry, oily, normal, or sensitive – there’s a face mask formulated for your specific concerns. First, understand your skin's needs to tailor your routine. Sheet masks cater to diverse skin concerns and benefit all skin types, ensuring you'll find a favorite.

1. Dry Skin

For dry skin, opt for moisturizing masks with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid (HA), known for its moisture-retaining properties and ability to plump skin. Look for "Hyaluronic Acid" or "Sodium Hyaluronate" on product packaging.
For a burst of skin hydration, look for sheet masks that provide deep moisture, leaving skin feeling softer and looking more radiant.

Front shot of a young woman touching her face as she observes her dry, blemished skin.
Front, close-up shot of woman gently touching her soft face.

2. Normal to Combination Skin

Normal to combination skin might prefer a mattifying option formulated to help balance skin and visibly reduce the appearance of pores.

3. Dry and Sensitive Skin

Dry and sensitive skin should try a face mask developed to soothe skin. For tired skin needing a boost (especially when traveling), look for an anti-fatigue mask.

Front shot of man’s side-profile as he washes his sensitive skin with a foaming white, gentle cleanser.
Front shot of blonde woman facing back as the sun makes her smooth skin glow. She has a clear, soft, glowing face.

4. Oily Skin

For oily skin, consistent cleansing and moisturizing are key to prevent excess oil – this is where hydrating, mattifying sheet masks are beneficial. Drying out oily skin can be counterproductive; a hydrating sheet mask can help maintain balance. Garnier’s consulting dermatologist Dr. Madfes recommends once a week.

As you incorporate cream or sheet masks into your routine, experiment to find what works best. The more masks you try, the better you'll understand your skin's needs, all while enjoying the relaxing benefits of self-care. With this masking guide, you'll be hooked on this nourishing skincare step, ready for glowing skin!
FACE MASKS FAQ
  • Sheet masks are popular for being portable, disposable, and simple to use. Mask while you meditate, get ready for an evening out, or enjoy "me-time" with a book. Since they only take 15 minutes, they’re perfect for multi-tasking. Treat yourself to a sheet mask while catching up on emails or enjoying a movie night. They also make excellent, customizable gifts for friends or travel companions, and are perfect for post-workout glow-ups. Bonus: Sheet masks are fantastic for selfies – share your #HowIMask moments!
  • For normal skin, incorporate a sheet mask once a week. Dry skin types can benefit from more frequent use, trying twice a week. Leaving a sheet mask on for about 15 minutes means just an extra half-hour per week for hydrated skin.
    For oily skin, consistent cleansing and moisturizing are key to prevent excess oil – this is where hydrating, mattifying sheet masks are beneficial. Drying out oily skin can be counterproductive; a hydrating sheet mask can help maintain balance. However, oily skin types don't need to mask as often; Garnier’s consulting dermatologist Dr. Madfes recommends once a week. Regardless of frequency, Dr. Madfes emphasizes that "taking time out of your day and hydrating the skin is a good thing."