5 Face Masks To Try For Your Next #SelfCare Session

Happy first week of March! Here at Solo Lisa headquarters, I haven't been that focused on blogging lately. A new CEO and a new boss at work mean I have loads of projects on the go; consequently, my brain bandwidth is usually maxed out by the time I get home and all I'm good for is curling up with a good book and doing a face mask. The masks featured in this post, most of which are gifted PR samples, have taken up permanent residence in my bathroom cabinet. They have a slight edge over sheet masks in some ways: They usually don't take as much time to work their magic (ideal when I'm in peak Lazy Girl mood); they don't generate as much single-use waste; and they allow me to multi-mask, addressing different concerns in different areas.

Avène Soothing Radiance Mask ($35.50 on sale for $28.40 at Shoppers Drug Mart)

Avène thermal spring water, vitamin E, and a bevy of ultra-calming, ultra-emollient ingredients make up this face mask, which promises to restore dry sensitive skin and strengthen skin's natural barrier. You're supposed to apply a thick layer for 10-15 minutes and wipe away any excess afterward. The mask's texture and scent reminded me a lot of a thick cold cream. I like the skin-softening boost it gives my forehead, cheeks and neck and love that it's formulated for sensitive skin.

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy Boosting Face Mask ($33-80, assorted sizes)

I picked this up on a whim at Sephora. Vitamins C, E, and B5 and AHA acids are just some of the skin-replenishing nutrients in Fresh's mask, which boasts 50% real citrus fruit concentrates. The result? A vibrancy-boosting formula that promises to brighten and help slough off dead, dull skin cells in just 10 minutes. The fruit content is so intense that this mask looks, feels, and smells like marmalade when applied in the best possible way. I like how the citrus scent wakes up the senses whenever I use this. I was skeptical that it would do something, but when I used it on Lawrence (who does nothing to his face), it made a noticeable difference. Once you open it, be sure to use it up before the vitamin C oxidizes.

Fresh Umbrian Clay Mask ($30-77, assorted sizes)

You can tell this is an older PR sample because the packaging has changed! Umbrian clay and sandalwood oil deep-clean and purify pores, while chamomile and lavender water provide a soothing counterpoint. This is a fast-acting mask that only requires 3-5 minutes to do its thing, and can be used as a cleanser. I use this on my nose to clear out congested pores. It works well and doesn't irritate or over-dry my skin like other clay masks. My one criticism of the formula is that the greenish Umbrian clay can stain white towels and washcloths.

Pixi T-Zone Peel Off Mask ($22)

If my nose area is very congested and the Fresh Umbrian Clay Mask alone isn't enough, I'll reach for the Pixi T-Zone Peel Off Mask as a follow-up. This mask contains a green super food blend that includes avocado, cucumber, aloe vera, green tea and bamboo extract, ingredients which soothe and revitalize skin. It dispenses as a thick, green, opaque pearlescent goop. Smooth it on and let it dry, then peel it off. You'll be amazed at what this pulls out of your pores.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque ($63 for full size)

Like the Avène mask, this was just a really lovely soothing mask. It's a thick, semi-translucent gel that's loaded with glycerin, squalane, botanical extracts, and hyaluronic acid to relieve dry, stressed skin and boost hydration in just 7-10 minutes. This was the mask I turned to the most during the coldest, driest days of our snowy season because I knew it'd be gentle and non-irritating on my sensitized forehead and cheeks. I'd definitely consider re-purchasing.

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