face mask - ALL skin TYPES
We've divided the winning masks into categories for different skin types –just click back to the SKINCARE menu of the Awards, to find them. However, if your skin's more or less normal or you're simply in need of an all-round complexion boost – and aren’t we all, sometimes/most of the time? – here’s a bunch of truly terrific skin treats that have been put through their paces over several weeks by our diligent testers.
GOLD AWARD and BEST NATURAL OSKIA Renaissance Mask
And it’s another Gold Award for this brightening and resurfacing mask, which is suitable for all skin types. The panel ranged from combination skin type to normal, dry, mature, pigmented and oily. Four of our diligent testers gave it ecstatic full marks and another three gave it 9/10. (A personal favourite of Team BB, too.) Like all OSKIA products, it’s based on beauty-boosting nutrients - the result of founder Georgie Cleeve studying nutrition. Here a fruit salad of naturally exfoliating acids from passion fruit, grape, lemon, grapefruit and pineapple, plus papaya enzymes and antioxidant MSM, prebiotics to nourish the all important skin microbiome and ribose to stimulate cellular energy. OSKIA explains that while the Renaissance Mask works hard to remove tired skin cells, it doesn't aggressively strip the top layers of skin. Massage is involved in the application at two stages, which undoubtedly helps the end result, we’d say. But, they caution, do use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure as skin may become more photosensitive due to the AHAs. While the brand makes no claims regarding being natural or clean, the ingredients here are 99.4% natural or of natural origin, according to Georgie Cleeve.
£70 for 50ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘10/10. Fine lines and wrinkles below eyes seemed to fade, skin felt smoother and younger. I felt I had boosted radiance and skin seemed less dull. Loved the fruity smell. My new mask of choice! ’ • ‘My normal/combination skin was less oil and pores slightly reduced; skin really brighter and plumper’ • ‘After one application my normal to dry U-zone that's prone to dehydration was mega hydrated, super smooth, with a radiant healthy glow – definitely delivered on brightness’ • ‘An absolutely lovely product. I love the natural scent, the texture and results. After applying, the product turns white but then turns to a clear, balm like texture so no need to hide if the doorbell goes whilst it's applied. Rinses off like a dream with no messy or greasy residue and leaves your skin looking and feeling fabulous! I'm a convert!’ • ‘If someone could only buy one mask (perhaps because they couldn't commit to using multiple masks and/or couldn't afford a wardrobe of masks) then this would be a great option because it does offer a multitude of benefits rather than being focused on one particular benefit.’
£70 for 50ml - click to buy
SILVER (JOINT) AWARD ARgENTUM Le Masque Infini Balancing Silver Clay Mask
Argent equals silver which gives you a big clue about the key ingredient behind this range. Founder Joy Isaacs used colloidal silver spray to treat skin problems from scratches and burns to acne, and to prevent infection. Joy later used it for her three boys. Then came her light bulb moment when her surgeon used silver infused wound dressings after she had a major operation. Fast forward and Joy teamed up with Dr Gilbert Mouzin, a pioneer in the field of dermo-cosmetics, to launch a luxury range of products from natural origins, based on ground breaking science laced with magic and beauty. One thing to say about this mask, which is aimed at all skin types and ages: as well as colloidal silver hydrosol the key ingredient is activated charcoal – so it’s nearly black, which was a bit of a surprise for some testers. There’s also argan oil and algae extract to help boost the skin microbiome. It comes with its own mask and testers adored the whole presentation (each jar contains one of 12 archetype cards, which encourage to use your intuition). It also comes with a very hefty price tag.
£128 for 105g - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘Full marks. This is a wonder mask – quite unique. Skin feels amazing after using it. It’s very refreshing to apply, maybe a little bit tingling which was mentioned in the directions. It promised to hydrate sooth and make skin more balanced. I saw more even, hydrated skin, with smaller pores. I loved my skin after using it. Many people said how well my skin looks’ • ‘I absolutely loved this face mask. The packaging is gorgeous, the mask is so luxurious and I loved the application brush that came with it and bamboo pads to remove the product with! It was daunting initially that it was a black mask, but it does not stain your skin, and left it looking hydrated with a beautiful glow! I cannot recommend this enough’ • ‘Using it was a wonderful experience. The mask slid onto skin with the brush; A little product went a long way. It started to gently heat my skin after a couple of minutes and although it hardened/tightened, it didn't get rock hard. Taking it off was easy using the pads and it left my skin feeling smoother than ever. I didn't apply moisturiser for at least an hour to test if my skin started to feel tight but it didn't. What's not to like! • ‘My skin looked hydrated and quite luminous after the first application. It had a cooling effect and reduced redness. My husband said my skin looked radiant’
£128 for 105g - click to buy
SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Evolve Bio Retinol Gold Mask
This really does seem to have benefits for all skin types from normal through dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature and blemish-prone. Every tester expressed surprise at the colour of this certified organic mask – yes, it really is gold from the sustainably source mineral mica; however, all but one tester loved that. (She marked it right down because of smell, jar and colour but really rated the benefits…hmmm.) The bio-retinol, is a natural retinol-like extract from the plant Bidens Pilosa, which they say delivers the same benefits as retinol – eg plumpness, smoothness, brightness – but with no risk of irritation. The formula also offers rosehip oil, more bio-retinol, vitamin A and omega-3 essential fatty acid, and argan oil with vitamin E and fatty acids. Made in small batches by this artisan beauty company, based in Hertfordshire, and it’s vegan, Leaping Bunny cruelty-free and packaging is plastic neutral.
£28 for 60ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘10/10 for this luxurious mask. I ran a hot bath, spread on the gold mask and slid under the bubbles. Absolute bliss and very easy to remove with a washable pad. It looks so funny when you first use it – plus what I interpreted as a smell of bubblegum (?rosehip oil) – but it does improve your skin in five to ten minutes. After the first application my mature, dry, combination skin had a super soft sheen, looked refreshed and smooth and felt hydrated. No dryness, just slight tautness. When I first saw it, I thought BB had gone mad but having used it all now I am absolutely in love with it. The label says "Lovingly handmade by the Evolve artisans". I felt the love in this product and I will be researching the company for their other products’ • ‘My blemish prone/combi skin felt lovely and moisurised and looked less tired, more hydrated, softer and plumper with no redness. People noticed and complimented my skin. Lovely product’ • ‘This face mask is lovely, I adore how sparkly and fun it is, with a fabulous fragrance. I did find it a little messy to use the mask, but once its on it doesn’t move. I was surprised how the mask turned in to milk and was so easy to remove. After using the mask for the first time, my skin looked great, glowing and hydrated. My pores were less noticeable and I was less tired-looking. My husband commented that I looked very fresh faced, one morning after I had used the mask! I am very impressed! ’ • ‘My normal, slightly sensitive skin was hydrated and fresh looking but without making my face look oily, which is exactly what I hope for when using a face mask. I also found I could use less moisturiser after using this product and my foundation went on better, appeared smoother and settled into the skin less. A co-worker asked me what I had changed’ • ‘I like that using a mask encourages me to take a little time for myself, it boosts my appearance and sparks a good amount of joy in my day’ • ‘I would use this on a weekly basis and found this was about right, maybe I could start to see the benefits going by day 4-5. Over the weeks, tmy skin has stopped being oily, I haven’t suffered from a shiny nose when going make-up free and I think my pores have got smaller.’
£28 for 60ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD Rhug Estate Replenishing Mask with Rhug Honey
Targeting dull, dehydrate and congested skin, this ticks our ‘suits all skintypes’ masks boxes. It’s one of several winners from North Wales’s Rhug Estate, in this year’s line-up; the brand is the brainchild of Lord Newborough, the estate’s owner, who’s an organic farming pioneer and sustainability advocate of many years’ standing. The mask is rich in kaolin clay, to draw impurities from skin, but balanced by oils from organic plum seed, hemp, sunflower, jojoba and apricot kernel, together with honey and anti-inflammatory yarrow leaf and heather flower; some of the (less exotic!) ingredients are foraged from Rhug’s own estate.
£75 for 50ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘I've tried lots of different masks: brightening, tightening, gold, gems, diamond... they all make claims which I have long ago given up on. But this mask actually did what it said – amazing!!! Several people commented on my health, saying how well I looked, and my partner also noticed my skin looking brighter’ • ‘This reduced pigmentation and gave me fresher looking skin, with pores reduced, too. Well worth using twice a week for hydrated and younger-looking skin’ • ‘The first thing I noticed was how bright my skin looked; my skin was visibly brighter and also felt firmer/tighter. I've never had a face mask effect my appearance so visibly. I like to indulge, throw on a mask, relax for a few minutes before removing and usually I'll feel indulged, but I won't look any different. Well, this is your emergency facelift in a jar’ • ‘I liked this a lot. I wasn't loving the colour (it’s green!) but I can confirm that on application I did not look like the Wicked Witch of the West. It gives your face a massive moisture boost and gives maturing skin a boost’ • ‘My face felt more refreshed and felt like it looked younger. It didn't quite reflect that in the mirror but it felt lovely. It was very oily in texture, so it felt pleasant and skin was not taut in the slightest’ • ‘I don't normally use face masks, so wasn't sure I was going to enjoy using this – but it goes on so smoothly and is easy to spread across the skin. The strong herbal scent gives way to a more honey-type scent after a short while; it's quite earthy and not too sweet-smelling, but is not unpleasant. After removing it my skin felt wonderful and like it had been truly pampered! Over time, my skin looked more hydrated and brighter.’
£75 for 50ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD Mary Kay Pink Clay Mask
Mary Kay have two winners in this category, notching up near-identical marks from quite different tester groups. This mineral-rich clay mask invites you to ‘Reset and de-stress, with some floral-infused “me” time.’ Among the ingredients are plumeria extract – said to have antioxidant properties – along with peony and tea blossom; suitable for all skins from dry to oily, it’s been tested for skin irritancy and allergy. Mary Kay does offer the mask via a network of representatives, but we insist that all products featured in the Awards are available direct from a brand’s website, too.
£15.50 for 90ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘My face looked brighter – glowing, glowing skin once I’d washed it off, which was easy using a flannel and warm water’ • ‘I think it smells LUSH! My other half has commented on the smell too: it’s fresh, floral and light, a real dream to apply. If you're looking for a really nice, calming mask to either have on in the bath or before a nice long shower, this will make you feel (and smell!) really pampered’ • ‘I have been recommending this when talking about nice face masks or treatments for a pamper! Now I have been using a clay mask regularly, I realise I wasn’t using one often enough – maybe once a month. I wondered why I didn’t notice a huge difference! I know better, now’ • ‘The softness is what you'll notice first! OMG, for a clay mask, this is really nourishing! I usually have to up my moisture game after a drying clay mask, but I didn’t need to with this one’ • ‘Overall, skin just felt smoother and made the application of make-up glide on’ • ‘While there was no dramatic difference, I felt that the skin was more even, felt hydrated and soft and was slightly less oily in the T-zone’ • ‘While the mask dried down it didn't become uncomfortable and tight like some clay masks I have used in the past’ • ‘I liked this product. My skin can get very oily during the day (mid-afternoon I have to wipe the oil off my forehead or blot with powder). I don't tend to use face masks as I find that I break out in spots after using them; with this, I did get a couple of small spots initially, but with the continued use I did not get any. I felt my skin was more moisturised and less oily as the weeks went on.’
£15.50 for 90ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD Mary Kay TimeWise® Repair Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask
This sheet mask (it’s okay: bio-cellulose is biodegradable but it is wrapped in plastic) comes as a breakout from K-Beauty, the much-lauded and copied skincare model from Korea. It’s not something to use when you’re dashing to go out and want a quick beauty fix. It comes contained within two protective mesh layers: you have to peel off the first backing, (one reviewer put the packet in warm water for five minutes), put on your face and smooth down, peel off the second backing – which may pull the mask out of position so you have to redo, then leave for for 20-30 minutes. Fiddly was the consensus but every tester rated the results. A four-week independent consumer study of 300 women using the product twice a week found that skin is visibly more radiant from the first use. After two weeks, skin looks lifted and firmed, appearing more luminous and younger. After four weeks, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced. Moisture levels are increased for 24 hours, according to clinical trials. Luxury mask at luxury price.
£56 for 24g - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘10/10. It claims the skin will look lifted, firmer, younger and more luminous. I have to say it delivered all of these in spades. I have found the fountain of youth for my mature, mostly normal skin (oily brow)! I love this mask and have already invested in more. It says 20 mins and you can move around with it on, it doenst slip and fits the face perfectly. After the first application my skin looked better than every, super hydrated, more supple ith a lovely healthy glow and fine lines more refined. Benefits lasted two to three days. After using these I’ve had compliments on my skin; it looks so much healthier’ • ‘I will buy this and recommend to anyone whose skin needs a boost. It’s amazing’ • ‘I absolutely love this for my dry dehydrated skin with flaky patches – it left skin soft, smooth, glowy and radiant for 24 hours+. Make-up applied beautifully after. Lots of compliments that I’m glowing and look well. Will 100% buy’ • ‘A bit fiddly to put on, slippery. Once on it gives a cold tingling sensation, very relaxing if used in a warm environment. The sensation lasted after removing, skin felt hydrated and looked plumped up, felt fresh and revitalised. There’s lots of serum left in the packaging, I kept it in the fridge & used it for a few mornings afterwards, more moisture boosts’
£56 for 24g - click to buy