Masked avengers

I remember my earliest experimentations with face masks. There were two basic types: a green cucumber cooling mask that peeled off like clingfilm as though your skin came off in a sheet – like Travolta and Cage’s characters in FaceOff,

I remember my earliest experimentations with face masks. They weren’t pretty.

There were two basic types: a green cucumber cooling mask that peeled off as though your skin came off in a sheet – like Travolta and Cage’s characters in FaceOff – but looked like clingfilm, and a clay mud mask that was messy (but actually felt nice.)

Today, there are a myriad of masks on the market for a variety of skin conditions and needs. We take a look at some of the latest facial masks.

Best on a budget

Sukin Purifying Face Masque is a large size tub and only $19.99 so it is the lowest price of these masks featured and is paraben-free to boot. It is a clay-based mask to draw out impurities and unclog pores. Aloe vera and rose-hip oils refresh and moisturise skin. Available from Farmers and health stores.

Best for hydrating

World Organic is the organic skincare company from former fashion designer Megan Douglas, who is now a herbalist and has attained Ecocert organic certification for her products. River Veda is her premium, higher-priced brand, and The Organic Skin Co is the everyday and lower-priced brand.

River Veda Lotus and Rose Attar Face Mask is a deeply moisturising and nourishing face mask containing Rose Attar Oil which has unique hydrating properties. Also included is the complementary Lotus Flower extract, which provides anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. The mask may be left on for 20 minutes and rinsed off, or left on overnight for intense moisturising. River Veda Lotus and Rose Attar Face Mask retails for $58 from selected boutiques and health food stores nationwide; see www.worldorganic.co.nz for stockists.

Best for tired skin

Dr.Hauschka Rejuvenating Mask is an intensive moisture mask that clears congested skin and refreshes tired looking skin. It also soothes sensitive or irritated skin, so is perfect for sunburn. Dr.Hauschka Rejuvenating Mask retails at $79 from selected department stores and health stores; phone 0508 423 737 for stockists.

Best at night

I find I dont always want to apply a a mask and wait 20 minutes or more to rinse it off, so I was instantly attracted to this Sodashi gel mask as I could leave it on all night and let it do its magic while I sleep! The Sodashi Recovery Skin Boost is one of the Australian chemical-free skincare brand’s ‘Leave-On Skin Boosts’, which does just what it says on the tin. I leave it on overnight to give my skin a boost, with plant and marine extracts to regenerate cells and damage. I find it very cooling, which is lovely in summertime. I apply the moisturiser over the top after the gel has sunk in. Sodashi Recovery Skin Boost retails for $109.30 at selected spas including Mollies Spa in Auckland, and online at www.sodashi.com

By Megan Robinson 21 January 2012