9 editor-favorite face masks to indulge your skin (and maybe grant you a few minutes of peace)

I originally discovered this through my facialist whose flawless skin suggests I’d slather on literal cow dung if she told me to. From Environ, a clinical grade line of skin care based in South Africa, the Tri-Biobotanical Revival Mask features a trio of acids that improve skin texture and elasticity in literally one application. Seriously, the first time I used it, I was shocked. My pores looked smaller, texture along my forehead had smoothed and I just looked more fresh and bright overall. With continued application, it also helps even skin tone related to melasma, sun damage and aging. According to instructions, it can be used daily for 20 minutes or left on overnight, but personally I only use it once a week or so. Because it’s potent, you’ll want to be careful if you’re already using a retinol, and patch test before applying it all over. It tingles for a bit and it has caused a bit of redness if I combine it with too many actives, but now that I know, I just cut out some of my other daily products the day before I apply. Sadly for my facialist, it definitely extends my time between visits, but that’s how you know she’s passionate about her clients having amazing skin!
–Sara Goldstein, Associate Director Commerce Editorial Strategy

I LOVE this pumpkin mask! The time-released jojoba beads create a nice, warm sensation against my skin, and it helps reduce the size of my pores. It’s rich, creamy and smells amazing! My skin feels clean and moisturized. I use it at least 2-3x a week, and my skin glows after each use.
–Mai Tran, Graphic Designer

This mask is such a treat. I keep it in the fridge and look forward to slathering it on after a long day. Avocado, the star of the 100% natural formula, is loaded with vitamins and fatty acids which leave my skin feeling hydrated and soft. Add in green tea which helps calm any redness or irritation and coffee seed extract which improves texture, and it’s truly a 360º treatment! I love that it washes off easily. I use retinol nightly and find this mask is great for calming my skin. It’s super refreshing too!

-Andrea Sexton, Head of Sales

I use this mask during the cold, winter months when my face needs a little extra hydration. It fits well and feels cools on the skin. I leave it on for the allotted time then massage the leftover serum into my skin and it feels so smooth without any of the icky, greasy feel that other masks can have. 

-Diva Anwari, Assistant Editor 

Medical-grade Manuka honey has antimicrobial properties and helps with wound healing, eczema, and skin rashes. I got a facial over the holidays and they used a high-grade manuka honey on my extremely sensitive and reactive skin and it was so soothing and calming. I immediately purchased some and I’ve found that it helps with dry skin, rosacea, and gives me a lovely glow. I even used it on my daughter’s skin rash recently and it helped clear it up. It’s also edible and smells great!

-Jennifer Bassett, Motherly Podcast Producer

When my skin is in need of a real hydration boost, the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer never disappoints. Unlike other masks which generally require rinsing, you slather this one on like a moisturizer, leave it for ten minutes and then either wipe off the excess or rub it in. (It comes out white, but turns clear.) The result is glowy, bouncy, and hydrated skin every time. I also love that the new formulation is free of fragrance (which I personally don’t care for in my skincare) and super gentle. It’s a true secret weapon for airplane travel!

–Sara Goldstein, Associate Director Commerce Editorial Strategy

This super hydrating and soothing sheet mask from Burt’s Bees is a top-rated fave that I always slip into our Target cart. It’s made from natural ingredients which are gentle on my sensitive skin and soaks in, leaving behind soft and supple complexion. You don’t even have to rinse it off. Just rub in the excess once you’re done relaxing and let it do its thing!

–Sara Goldstein, Associate Director Commerce Editorial Strategy

Admittedly, it was the somewhat creepy and futuristic packaging which initially drew me to these Dr. Jart+ masks. But surprisingly, it’s also pretty effective. After you pop open the little tube of serum and apply it all over your face, gently smooth on the chilly, rubbery mask from your chin up. It’s both soothing and a little weird, but it doesn’t make me feel claustrophobic or uncomfortable in any way. Because it’s not paper, it really locks in the serum and even after the recommended 40 minute wear time, it doesn’t dry out or harden. I just love how dewey fresh it leaves my skin! (And yes, it’s pricey for a one time mask, but hot tip: You can sometimes find them at T.J. Maxx!)

–Sara Goldstein, Associate Director Commerce Editorial Strategy

The absolute perfect mask if you’re getting ready for a big event, Erno Laszlo’s Vitality Treatment Mask will make you look like you’ve got a whole team of professionals at your disposal. Yes, it’s a little bit of a science experiment, but trust me that it’s totally worth the pouring and mixing. The two-part mask includes a powder and a serum that you mix together to make a mousse. Layer it on, let it dry a bit and then peel it off. It leaves skin looking incredibly plump and hydrated with a dewy freshness that looks totally spa-earned. They’re pricey but if you consider how much a facial costs, they’re a total steal.

–Sara Goldstein, Associate Director Commerce Editorial Strategy