By BR Beatrice.
On Fridays we mask.
Or Mondays. Or Wednesdays. Whatever. The day doesn't matter. What matters is HOW we're masking. Are you doing it right? Does your skin feel significantly better after a good mask sesh? Or no matter what mask you use, are you left with a Hashtag Face Mask Fail? (I can't bring myself to actually hashtag. Sorry. Hashtag Not Sorry.)
If face masks aren't doing it for you, well, I don't like to point fingers, honestly, but...it's probably YOU. You know. You. Doing something wrong.
Here's the top causes of a Face Mask Fail - and how to fix them!
1. Failing to prepare.
You can't just walk into the bathroom, slap on a mask and expect it to work. No. Just no.
You need to thoroughly cleanse your face, ensuring it's completely free of make up and daily grime. This will allow the ingredients of the mask to penetrate the skin and get their job done. A light exfoliation pre-mask never did anyone any harm either!
2. You use your grubby mitts to apply your mask.
When slathering your face in an intensive treatment the idea is to come away with better skin than you started with. Using your fingers to apply your mask is a sure-fire way to spread bacteria. And what does bacteria lead to? A mask with a side of break outs, infections and illness.
Use a clean foundation brush to apply your mask, with the added benefit of getting an even application. Don't forget to clean the brush after use, especially if your face mask is one that'll set!
3. You do not abide by the 'right mask for your skin type' rule.
image: L'Oreal
Let's say you have combo dry/oily skin. You've narrowed down your mask choice to; a chocolate mask for intense hydration or a kiwifruit mask for oily skin. You opt for chocolate, because, well, who doesn't want an excuse to wallow in chocolate? Your skin breaks out afterwards. Is it the chocolates fault? Is it? IS IT?
Face masks by nature are intensive, which means more than ever you need to shop for your skin type or concern. Don't be swayed by a mask that sounds yummy or will look super cool while you wear it (Glam Glow masks anyone?!). Go for the mask that will give you the results you need.
"But I have combo skin" I hear you scream. Well have fun multi-masking! Use different masks to address different concerns during the same masking session. Such fun!
4. You do not read the instructions or you choose to ignore them!
I get it, I really do. A moisturising mask says to leave on for 20 minutes. Surely if you leave it on for 30 minutes you're going to be super-moisturised right? Likewise that purifying mask will be thrice as purifying if you leave it on for longer than recommended right?
WRONG! Leaving masks on too long can actually have an adverse reaction on your skin - leaving your skin irritated or dry. And forget about leaving clay masks or peel-off-masks on for longer than instructed - you risk injuring your skin when you finally do remove them. In short. Follow the instructions.
Also be sure to follow the universal mask instruction of rinse well. Left over product will block your pores and potentially irritate your skin.
Oops... yes i’m too lazy to use mask brushes instead of my fingers. It’s something i should try and do this year. But those face masks how to unfold them without using our fingers? Hehehehe =D