Face Masks 101: What Are the Types and Which One Is Best for You

As much fun as decking the halls during the holidays may be, with great partying comes great overindulgence in pretty much everything but sleep—and the combination of too much alcohol, too much sugar and too little shut-eye does not a raving beauty make.

“If there’s any drinking involved—and of course there will be—your skin can get very dehydrated,” says Nancy Reagan, licensed aesthetician and founder of Bella Reina Spa in Delray Beach, Florida. “Likewise, high sugar levels in the body can damage the protein fibers on which collagen and elastin depend to keep the skin firm, plump and without wrinkles,” she adds.

Compounding the effects of imbibing too much alcohol and sugar is the sleep you forfeited to have all that fun. Since much of the body’s repair process happens during sleep, sacrificing slumber to the party gods can interfere with skin cell turnover and repair. “This can lead to the new skin cells not being formed correctly,” says Nancy. “Lack of sleep also puts the body into a state of stress, resulting in the release of stress-related hormones that can cause inflammation, including breakouts.”

Face Masks to the Rescue

“No matter what your skin type,” says Nancy, “you will need to rehydrate and plump up those skin cells.” Luckily, there is a facial mask for every skin type that can jump-start repairs and help combat party-induced woes. Not sure which face mask is right for you? We've done our homework. These at-home face masks will help you accomplish your most pressing skin care objectives on your own time.

1. Natura Bissé Essential Shock Intense Mask (2.5 oz.)

Natura Bissé Essential Shock Intense Mask (2.5 oz.)

$70 Gift

4.67 stars out of a maximum of 5

3 reviews

$58.00

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An important addition to any beauty regimen, the Essential Shock Intense Mask from Natura Bisse will leave your skin feeling purified and refreshed. Designed with a creamy texture, this hydrating face mask includes green tea and allantoin that help prevent free radical damage and soften the skin.Key Ingredients: * Ananas Extract (Ananas sativus): revitalizing and nutritious. * Boswellia Serrata Extract: provides soothing and relaxing benefits. * Allantoin: has softening power that provides a satiny finish. * Green Tea: a powerful antioxidant, is exceptionally effective against free radicals

2. Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Masque 2 fl. oz

Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Masque 2 fl. oz

4.73 stars out of a maximum of 5

164 reviews

$62.00

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Clay masks need not read ‘drying’. Enter Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotice Masque, with kaolin clay to give pores a thorough and deep clean whilst soothing yogurt, cucumber and shea butter keep things soothed, soft and dewy. The lactic acid in the yogurt acts as a mild exfoliant, whilst antiseptic tea tree keeps breakouts at bay. Boosted with antioxidants Coenzyme 10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid, skin appears healed, youthful and glowing. We’ll take two. Key ingredients: * Yogurt - source of lactic acid, cooling and soothing * Shea Butter - an emollient high in triglycerides and fatty acids

3. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask (5 fl. oz.)

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask (5 fl. oz.)

$14 Gift

4.59 stars out of a maximum of 5

97 reviews

$55.00

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The perfect solution to stressed out skin that needs to calm down. Our favourite? Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask - an ultra hydrating, calming mask dosing skin with some much needed relief. Calming cucumber - as legend has it - cools, whilst bilberry extract brings back the bounce, restoring elasticity to skin for a softer and happier complexion. Apply to a cleansed face and keep in the fridge for an extra-cooling treat. Key ingredients: * Aloe Vera - naturally soothes and calms * Cucumber - cooling and toning * Bilberry extract - rejuvenates skin

4. By Terry Baume De Rose Hydrating Sheet Mask (0.88 oz.)

By Terry Baume De Rose Hydrating Sheet Mask (0.88 oz.)

5 stars out of a maximum of 5

4 reviews

RRP: $18.00Current price: $13.50

COMING SOON

Dull and dry type? Boost radiance with By Terry Baume De Rose Hydrating Sheet Mask for that ‘I’ve just had a facial’ glow. A heady blend of rose hip oil, rose damascena and black rose soothes and hydrates, whilst vitamin E deeply nourishes and rebalances. Scented with the blousy signature Baume de Rose, bring the spa home with every use - simply apply to freshly cleansed skin for 20 minutes to lock in moisture, stat. Key ingredients: * Rose Hip Oil locks in moisture * Vitamin E keeps skin well moisturized to thwart dryness