Bubble, Sheet, Peel-Off, or Mud: Which Mask Will You Choose?
Katherine Louie
Katherine Louie
Katherine Louie is a freelance writer specializing in health and wellness, as well as style and beauty. Her work reflects both a deep knowledge of and a passion for the subjects she covers. Her writing has appeared on a variety of sites including Reader’s Digest, Everyday Health, What to Expect, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health. She currently resides in Fairfield County with her family.
There’s no better way to pamper your skin after a long week than a face mask. However, not all masks are created equal. Just like your other skin care products, there's an array of different formulas to target all your most pressing complexion concerns. While some face masks are better suited for oily skin thanks to their absorbent clay and charcoal formulas, others benefit dry skin with a dose of plumping hydration. And it’s all those different formulas and side effects, not to mention textures and price points, that can make choosing the best face mask for your skin type harder than it should be. To help you help your skin, we're breaking down four face mask options for every skin type. Whether you choose a bubble, sheet, peel-off, or clay mask, sit back, relax, and let your at-home facial do all the work while you catch up on your favorite binge-worthy drama.
(Image via Henglein and Steets/Getty)
(Image via Henglein and Steets/Getty)
Dry Skin
Bubble Mask: e.l.f. Hydrating Bubble Mask ($10)
Perk up your complexion with this ultra-moisturizing bubble mask. Apply a layer of the smooth gel and watch it magically emulsify. These bubbles help deliver the key ingredients of the mask deeper into your skin.
Perk up your complexion with this ultra-moisturizing bubble mask. Apply a layer of the smooth gel and watch it magically emulsify. These bubbles help deliver the key ingredients of the mask deeper into your skin.
Sheet Mask: Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask ($95)
The unique formula of this sheet mask combines a potent anti-aging serum, Japanese superfoods, and a whole distilled coconut (!) to combat dryness and uneven texture. Even those who suffer from chronically dry skin will be impressed by how dewy their skin is after using this mask.
The unique formula of this sheet mask combines a potent anti-aging serum, Japanese superfoods, and a whole distilled coconut (!) to combat dryness and uneven texture. Even those who suffer from chronically dry skin will be impressed by how dewy their skin is after using this mask.
Peel-Off Mask: Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask($5)
Cooling cucumber extract and aloe vera work to soothe the skin, so even those with sensitive, dry complexions can indulge in this peel-off option.
Cooling cucumber extract and aloe vera work to soothe the skin, so even those with sensitive, dry complexions can indulge in this peel-off option.
Mud Mask: May Lindstrom Skin The Honey Mud ($90)
May Lindstrom’s luxurious mud mask, infused with raw honey and plant oils, gently hydrates and nourishes. And this mask does double duty — it can also be used as a daily cleanser.
May Lindstrom’s luxurious mud mask, infused with raw honey and plant oils, gently hydrates and nourishes. And this mask does double duty — it can also be used as a daily cleanser.
Oily Skin
Bubble Mask: Origins By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleansing Mask ($30)
Give your face a thorough cleanse without stripping or drying skin. (P.S. You may notice a slight tingling as this mask gets down to business.)
Give your face a thorough cleanse without stripping or drying skin. (P.S. You may notice a slight tingling as this mask gets down to business.)
Sheet Mask: Dr. Jart Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask ($35)
Don't be intimidated by this pitch-black sheet mask: It works like a charm. Activated Korean charcoal remove excess oil, so it's perfect for blemishes, large pores, and oily skin.
Don't be intimidated by this pitch-black sheet mask: It works like a charm. Activated Korean charcoal remove excess oil, so it's perfect for blemishes, large pores, and oily skin.
Peel-Off Mask: Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask ($34)
Clarify your skin with Boscia’s signature blend of organic botanicals. To date, 100 percent of users said that their skin felt cleaner and less oily after using this mask.
Clarify your skin with Boscia’s signature blend of organic botanicals. To date, 100 percent of users said that their skin felt cleaner and less oily after using this mask.
Mud Mask: Honest Beauty 3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask ($22)
The powerful blend of Jeju volcanic ash, activated charcoal, and white bentonite clay draws out impurities and leaves you with a luminous glow. And the ingredient list is formulated without sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or dyes.
The powerful blend of Jeju volcanic ash, activated charcoal, and white bentonite clay draws out impurities and leaves you with a luminous glow. And the ingredient list is formulated without sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or dyes.
Acne-Prone Skin
Bubble Mask: Clinique Pep-Start Double Bubble Purifying Mask ($25)
If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands but do want to do something good for your skin, you’re going to love Clinique’s refreshing option. It whisks away oil, dirt, and debris to keep your skin looking clear and smooth. It’s also allergy tested, 100 percent fragrance free, and oil-free.
If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands but do want to do something good for your skin, you’re going to love Clinique’s refreshing option. It whisks away oil, dirt, and debris to keep your skin looking clear and smooth. It’s also allergy tested, 100 percent fragrance free, and oil-free.
Sheet Mask: Leaders AC Clear Treatment Sheet Mask ($5)
This cotton sheet mask is the perfect weapon against acne, irritation, and excess oil. You can use it daily or just on the weekends to keep your skin in tip-top shape.
This cotton sheet mask is the perfect weapon against acne, irritation, and excess oil. You can use it daily or just on the weekends to keep your skin in tip-top shape.
Peel-Off Mask: Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Peel-Off Mask ($3)
Strip away acne-causing impurities with this detoxifying peel-off. It’s formulated with 98 percent natural ingredients, so it's a great option for those with skin sensitivities.
Strip away acne-causing impurities with this detoxifying peel-off. It’s formulated with 98 percent natural ingredients, so it's a great option for those with skin sensitivities.
Mud Mask: bareMinerals Dirty Detox Skin Glowing and Refining Mud Mask ($35)
If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation or congested skin, this mud mask may help deliver a smoother, more luminous and smooth complexion. It contains four mineral-rich clays as well as papaya enzyme, which gives it an awesome smell.
If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation or congested skin, this mud mask may help deliver a smoother, more luminous and smooth complexion. It contains four mineral-rich clays as well as papaya enzyme, which gives it an awesome smell.
Dull Skin
Bubble Mask: Bliss Triple Oxygen Self-Activating Facial With O2 Molecules ($22)
This energizing foam mask will instantly transform blah skin with vitamins C and E and grape seed extract. Apply a generous layer to damp skin, wait five minutes, and rinse well to reap all the benefits.
This energizing foam mask will instantly transform blah skin with vitamins C and E and grape seed extract. Apply a generous layer to damp skin, wait five minutes, and rinse well to reap all the benefits.
Sheet Mask: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask ($135 for 10)
SK-II sheet masks are legendary for a reason, and nothing makes your skin glow quite like using this mask. It may be more expensive than other options on the market, but we promise that it’s worth every penny.
SK-II sheet masks are legendary for a reason, and nothing makes your skin glow quite like using this mask. It may be more expensive than other options on the market, but we promise that it’s worth every penny.
Peel-Off Mask: Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask ($48)
Ward off the Sunday scaries with a weekend dose of this innovative two-step treatment featuring marine algae from arctic Norwegian seas. And enjoy the process while you're at it: Reviewers rave about the product's amazing smell.
Ward off the Sunday scaries with a weekend dose of this innovative two-step treatment featuring marine algae from arctic Norwegian seas. And enjoy the process while you're at it: Reviewers rave about the product's amazing smell.
Mud Mask: GLAMGLOW Flashmud Brightening Treatment ($59)
If you struggle with dull skin, age spots, or scarring and you’re looking for something to rejuvenate your appearance, you’ve found the right product. This brightening treatment garners visible results after just one use.
If you struggle with dull skin, age spots, or scarring and you’re looking for something to rejuvenate your appearance, you’ve found the right product. This brightening treatment garners visible results after just one use.
Mature Skin
Bubble Mask: Rose Bubble Clay Pack ($42)
Ideal for mature skin, this heavenly bubble mask helps improve skin elasticity over time while simultaneously soothing the complexion.
Ideal for mature skin, this heavenly bubble mask helps improve skin elasticity over time while simultaneously soothing the complexion.
Sheet Mask: Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask ($59)
Shiseido helps plump fine lines with the help of a little liquid retinol technology, which also smooths and brightens over time.
Shiseido helps plump fine lines with the help of a little liquid retinol technology, which also smooths and brightens over time.
Peel-Off Mask: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Peel and Reveal Revitalizing Mask ($36)
This product delivers a whole cocktail of anti-aging benefits. Standout ingredients include salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, and aloe vera. Use it on your neck and face for maximum benefits.
This product delivers a whole cocktail of anti-aging benefits. Standout ingredients include salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, and aloe vera. Use it on your neck and face for maximum benefits.
Mud Mask: Algenist Prebiotic Balancing Mask ($38)
If you haven’t tried this amazing color-morphing mask, add it to your shopping cart ASAP. Alguronic acid reduces fine lines and wrinkles, while the prebiotics and probiotics rebalance your skin. Major bonus: This mask leaves your skin more resistant to pollution and free-radical damage.
If you haven’t tried this amazing color-morphing mask, add it to your shopping cart ASAP. Alguronic acid reduces fine lines and wrinkles, while the prebiotics and probiotics rebalance your skin. Major bonus: This mask leaves your skin more resistant to pollution and free-radical damage.
Have a favorite face mask that you can’t live without? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Have a favorite face mask that you can’t live without? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Katherine Louie
Katherine Louie is a freelance writer specializing in health and wellness, as well as style and beauty. Her work reflects both a deep knowledge of and a passion for the subjects she covers. Her writing has appeared on a variety of sites including Reader’s Digest, Everyday Health, What to Expect, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health. She currently resides in Fairfield County with her family.