Wonder workers: Four masks that you need to try this summer

You may have a four-step skincare routine (or in my case, seven steps), but throwing a mask into the mix should be something that you are incorporating every week or so.

I love to do a mask at a minimum of once a week (typically Sunday nights), however, depending on what my week looks like, sometimes I’ll throw one on during the week as well.  As mentioned, I have a pretty rigorous skincare routine, but it’s nice to incorporate something else into the mix to keep my skin in tip-top shape.

There are so many masks on the market and it can be confusing to pick out the one that is right for you. Anti-aging, revitalizing, brightening, hydrating, acne fighting, pore reducing, the list goes on and on in terms of what masks can do for your skin. Then there’s the formulas… sheet masks, overnight masks, clay masks, peel-off masks… I get it, it can totally be overwhelming in terms of picking the right formula for your skin.

If you are on the hunt for a new mask, or don’t know where to start, then you’ll enjoy today’s post.  Here are my top picks of new masks to try out this summer..

Vichy Soothing Aloe Vera Face Mask and Purete Thermale Charcoal Mask

Vichy Soothing Aloe Vera Face Mask and Purete Thermale Charcoal Mask

Brand new to Vichy’s line up are a couple new masks that help alleviate skin irritation and clarifies and cleans pores.

The Vichy Soothing Aloe Vera Face Mask (C$34) helps to relieve distressed, red skin that is sensitive. Spend a lot of time outside this summer? Then this mask is for you!

The formula in this mask (which is also green in colour) contains soothing properties such as aloe vera and Vichy’s Mineralizing Thermalizing Water to strengthen’s skin’s natural defences and deliver a soothing and cooling feel. Throw this mask on after weekend at the cabin or a day at the pool and it will instantly make your face look and feel better, as well as give you that perfect glow.

Also new is the Vichy Purete Thermal Charcoal Mask (C$34), which is formulated with kaolin clay and natural plant-based charcoal to leave your face feeling cleansed. The mask pulls out impurities in the skin and leaves your complexion hydrated and clean.

In addition to their famous Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water, it also contains natural origin charcoal, which pulls toxins, sebum, and impurities from the skin without purging it, kaolin clay, antioxidant Vitamin E, and spirulina extract, which heals the skin.

Both of these masks are perfect for the end of summer and as we head into the fall season. Vichy also has a number of other formulas available in their masks as well, so next time you’re in Shopper’s Drug Mart take a look at the options they have available.

Bl'eau Glacial Oceanic Clay masks

Bl’eau Glacial Oceanic Clay masks

Officially launched as of last month, Bl’eau is a Canadian skincare company that produces masks made from glacial oceanic clay from the shores of Northern British Columbia.

Available in four different formulas, each mask is vegan and cruelty free and is designed to treat different skincare issues.

The Transcend collection features three masks that can be used separately or cocktailed together for a custom mask routine.

The Illuminating Seaweed Clay Mask (C$39) is a mask made with seaweed extract and açai extract. Seaweed is rich in Vitamin A and helps with skin regeneration and to stimulate microcirculation, leaving you with smoother skin, whereas the açai extract contains high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C to help maintain a youthful glow for more radiant skin.

The Nourishing Spirulina Clay Mask (C$39) helps to hydrate skin thanks to spirulina extract, which contains Vitamins A, C, and E which creates natural anti-inflammatory properties that help to give you a more nourished and vibrant complexion.

Finally, the Revitalizing Algae Clay Mask (C$39) contains algae extract which is enriched with Vitamin E and A to help activate collagen and elastic fibre production, leaving you with firmer and tighter skin.

If you want something truly special, then take a look at their Organics line, which consists of one mask that takes all three of the star ingredients in the Transcend line and puts them into one super mask. The formula contains organic coconut oil, which helps to increase skin’s moisture, organic aloe vera leaf juice, which is packed with Vitamin E to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and Magnolia Bark Extract, which protects skin against inflammation and reduces redness. The first thing you’ll notice about this mask is the beautiful teal crystal packaging that the mask is encased in.  Slather it on and sit back while it does its thing.

I will note that the masks in the Transcend line tend to dry down as per the usual feeling of a clay mask, however, the Organics mask actually stays on your skin feeling like clay.

All of the masks in the line contain Canadian glacial oceanic clay, which removes impurities from the skin while leaving it feeling moisturized, cleaned, detoxified, and hydrated. Keep a look out on my Instagram later this week for an IGTV on the line as well!

Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydrating Mask

Avocados are notorious for being a superfood which provides your body with so many benefits. They can help decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, as well as give you a healthy complexion and hair, overall lower weight, and increased energy. So, it makes total sense that they would be perfect in a face mask too, right?

The Avocado Nourishing Hydrating Mask by Kiehl’s (C$56) is formulated with avocado fruit extract, avocado oil, and evening primrose oil to leave skin feeling nourished. It also helps to prevent water loss by sealing in moisture in your skin.  Slather on the green stuff and skin will feel softer and hydrated in 15 minutes.

The first thing you’ll notice about this mask is the texture and colour of it after opening. Kiehl’s took the whole avocado thing really seriously and made the mask look and feel like an avocado. Typically, when applying a cream mask the texture is smooth; this one kind of comes out in chunks (similar to an avocado) and with the warmth of your hands, it melts onto the skin. It’s definitely different from anything else I have in my collection, but I like how it mimics the texture of an avocado.

This mask is truly unique and if you suffer from dry skin, I would recommend picking this up (especially in the winter months).  It’s a nice treat for your skin… just try not to eat it ;).

Kiehl's Avocado Nourishing Hydrating Mask and Biotherm AquaSource sheet mask

Biotherm AquaSource Aura Jelly Sheet Mask

The final mask is a sheet mask since you can’t have a blog posts about masks without including at least one sheet mask!

Brand-new from Biotherm is their AquaSource Aura Jelly Sheet Mask (C$10), which is a sheet mask that includes their iconic AquaSource formula, as well as medicinal aura leaf. This mask helps with urban pollution and daily environmental aggressors to restore skin back to a more hydrated state.

This mask is great for dry and dull skin as the formula heals upon application. Once you apply it, it melts and penetrates deep in the skin, leaving you with a hydrated and glowing complexion.

Masking is such a thing now that there are seriously so many options out there to try out, no matter your skin type. I highly recommend you pick one up and give your skin a treat once a week or so. Your complexion will thank me.

What’s your favourite mask? Are you a clay or a sheet mask kind of person?

Please note, products provided by PR, all opinions are my own.

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