Why You Should Treat Yourself To A Face Mask

Face masks. How often do you do them? Every few days?  Once a week? Once a month? Never?

We’re big face mask advocates here at bellabox, because they are a really great way of targeting specific skin concerns and helping to rebalance your skin. Pimples and blackheads? A clay mask is the answer. Dry skin? You need a hydration hit. There are masks for every skin type and you’ll definitely find one that suits you. It’s a really easy way to take better care of your skin.

How long should you leave a mask on? Around 10 – 15 minutes. It depends on the type, but generally you should apply a thick layer to your face and then let it sit on your skin. Don’t rub it in! This is a good time to surprise other members of your household and scare them with your mask covered face. Or just relax with a book, in front of the TV or in a bath.

Some masks will dry on your skin and make your face feel kind of stiff, while others will stay moist the entire time. After the allotted time is up, remove the mask using a wet cloth and then rinse your skin. Step back and inspect the results! Make sure to check the instructions for your particular mask in case it has any extra requirements.

I asked some of our bellabox team members to trial the Mary Kay Botanicals Effects Face Masks line. These are all suitable for suitable skin, and come in Normal, Oily and Dry variations. They are free from alcohol, fragrance and synthetic dyes. These products contain the goodness of botanicals that are personalized to your skin type to bring out skin’s healthy radiance.

Formula 1 – Dry Skin

Gently exfoliates as it helps improve skin’s texture. Skin looks smooth and feels renewed. Dry skin finds its harmony with flaxseed and sea kelp extracts, which are known sources of fatty acids important for moisturization.

Madi: bellabox Account Manager

In winter my skin becomes quite dry and often irritated (depending on how high I’ve cranked the heater at home) so I was excited to test drive Mary Kay’s Botanical Effects Mask for dry, sensitive skin. The creamy formula doubles as a scrub with gentle to medium exfoliating particles and was almost fragrance free, which I prefer from my skin care essentials. I applied the mask to clean skin and left it on for ten or so minutes as advised. The mask dried slightly on my skin but still remained dewy and full of moisture. After rinsing off the mask my skin felt nourished and much softer - the perfect winter skin soother!

Formula 2 – Normal Skin

Gently removes impurities as it revitalises skin. Deep cleans as it gently exfoliates. Restores radiance and leaves skin looking healthier. Normal skin is treated to the antioxidant powers of frangipani flower and water lily.

Julia: bellabox Beauty Editor

I took the challenge and tried the Normal Skin mask. I get break outs a lot, but my skin isn’t particularly oily or dry. I used this on clean skin straight after I went to the gym, so I had been sweating a bit (although not a lot… I probably should work a little bit harder).

I applied a thick layer to my entire face, and then left it to do its job. The mask dried on my skin, but I didn’t get that really tight, uncomfortable feeling you can get with some masks. This can be used as both a mask and an exfoliant, so I made sure to do some scrubbing as I rinsed it off.  My skin looked really healthy and glowing once it was clean. The next morning some of my blemishes were looking a lot less obvious, which is a huge win in my book!

Formula 3 – Oily Skin

A clay mask that helps refine appearance of pores. Absorbs and controls excess oils so skin looks clarified and fresh. Oily skin gets pore-clearing help from a kanuka and guava extracts-infused formula.

Alyson: bellabox Brand Manager

I applied the mask before I got down to my favourite domestic activity- vacuuming the apartment. The texture was smooth and fairly typical of most clay masks, but it didn't have that usual dirt/ totally earth smell to it. It was quite quick to dry, even though I put a generous layer on, and in 10 minutes I was ready to move my face around to enjoy the satisfying cracks and wash it off.

My skin felt clean- not too tight and dry- and was a nicely moisturized without feeling shiny. This morning I definitely woke up with less oil.  Really impressed with the clean cut performance.

How often do you use face masks? Let me know in the comments - Julia

Want to receive 5+ products in the mail each month? Join bellabox now!