The non-sheet mask roundup: 10 masks for every skin situation

I’ve professed my love for sheet masks countless times, but there are times when these sheet masks won’t cut it and instead I reach for my jar/tube masks instead.

So today, I’ll be sharing the masks I have in my rotation, what they can be used for, and of course, my thoughts on them, because if you can’t tell by now, I’m pretty opinionated when it comes to beauty products.

Masks for soothing and nourishing the skin

When my skin is feeling really dry or when I’ve over-exfoliated (something I really should get better at…), I reach for these babies:

• I’m From Honey Mask smells and feels like real honey, and that’s because it is made with 38.7% real honey plus soothing ingredients like propolis, snail secretion filtrate, and beta-glucan. I’m on my second jar of this and it’s especially amazing in the winter when my skin is prone to dryness. My skin always feel soft and moisturized after using this.
  Available at Wishtrend for $37.9 (free global shipping & get $3 off with code WISH3AUG), Amazon for $31.58, or YesStyle for $26.32
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is another great masks that contains colloidal oatmeal and bisabolol to soothe irritated skin. It has a calming milk + oatmeal scent and my skin always feels better after using this. I do wish the tube was bigger though, especially since I like to lather this on pretty thick.
  Available at Sephora, Ulta, and Dermstore for $24
• Yves Roche Cool Moisture Mask is super affordable, hydrates well, and smells like grapes! Sadly the grape version has been discontinued but the new version contains chamomile flower water and cranberry extract for an extra antioxidant boost. I like using this in the shower.
  Available at Yves Rocher for $4.99

Masks to (gently) detox and clarify the skin

Deep cleaning clay masks, while effective, are also really drying. Yet I seem to be subconsciously drawn to them, given that most of my wash-off masks are in this category. Anyways, here are a few that masks I found that clean just as well without stripping the skin:

• RE:P Bio Fresh Mask With Real Calming Herb was a beautiful accident. This cleans as well as any other clay masks I’ve tried, but it also includes calendula and chamomile extract to minimize any irritations. I’ve pretty much stopped using my other clay masks now because this one is superior in every way. I might cry if they discontinue this.
  Available at Soko Glam or eBay for $41; Selfridges for $35
• Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask EX is one of the brands more affordable products and definitely fun to use if you enjoyed peeling glue off your hands as a kid (anyone? or am I just weird?). I have a full review on this, but in a nutshell it clarifies without drying your skin while helping with product absorption. Great stuff.
  Available at Nordstrom 
• Skin Actives Pore Refreshing Mask* is probably the strongest mask out of the 4, but even then I wouldn’t call it drying, though your skin might sting if it’s sensitive. Another fun peeling mask with lots of great ingredients for oily and acne-prone skin. Not pictured here because I finished it D:
  Available at Skin Actives for $10
• Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask isn’t like your typical clay mask, it’s actually a gel mask. I tried a sample of this and fell in love – how can a mask deep clean and hydrate at the same time? What is this magic? I just ordered a full-sized tub since Macy’s is having a sale – $33 instead of $58 with 12% cash back from eBates!
  Available at Sephora, Ulta, and Dermstore for $58; Selfridges for $50; Macy’s for $33!!
• Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask is your typical clay mask, though I do like that this contains charcoal which can help detox the skin. I bring the sample size with me when I travel and it does a good job of making my skin feel clean and refreshed. Otherwise there’s really nothing that stands out for me so I won’t be purchasing the full size product.
  Available at Sephora, Ulta, and Selfridges for $27

Masks to revitalize and brighten the skin

It’s hard to really classify these masks as they do a little bit of everything: hydrate, nourish, gently exfoliate, and brighten. Great if you’re too lazy to use a bunch of different masks and just one want that does it all (sort of).

• Oskia Renaissance Mask uses enzymes and fruit acids to gently exfoliate your skins and clear your pores, giving your brighter smoother skin with continuous use. It feels oh-so-luxurious going on, and there’s a slight warming sensation as the mask works on your skin, but no stinging or tingling. A gentle alternative to glycolic or salicylic acids.
  Available at CultBeauty, Beauty Bay, and Selfridges for $54; Look Fantastic for $67.50
• Naruko Raw Job’s Tear Brightening Night Gelly* has a name that’s too long for it’s own good, but I can’t deny that it’s a nice hydrating and brightening mask thanks to ingredients like niacinamide and job’s tears. I actually prefer using it as a wash-off mask as I don’t find it occlusive enough as a sleeping pack.
  Available at Naruko Boutique for $24.99; Amazon for $18.99 (with Prime shipping); Naruko Canada for $17.52

What about sheet masks?

In my opinion, sheet masks are what you use when you want to add hydration to your skin, and they’re damn good at it. Of course there are also sheet masks for brightening, anti-aging, clarifying, etc, but you get the same variety with wash off masks and at that point it comes down which brands and format you prefer, since not all sheet masks are made equal.

Hope you enjoyed this post, and let me know what your favorite wash-off masks are, or if you’re interested in full reviews for any of these! Have a great week everyone!