The Best Hydrating Skincare Masks for Summer
Ever since I got into skincare in my early 20s, I have always thought of face masks as a luxury, something you use once a week after a long day. Recently though, I stumbled across an article where the author spoke about how she has been using a face mask every day for the past 3 years, and that completely changed my perception. I was so easily swayed because it made sense. In today’s article, I am going to be talking about the best hydrating skincare masks for summer.
This article will include:
- Why I use face masks almost every day
- The benefits of using skincare masks
- What is the difference between a face mask and a face masque?
- Sheet vs regular face masks
- A roundup of my favorite hydrating skincare masks that work all year (but are hydrating enough to work in the summer)
Why to Use Skin Masks Every Day
Your skincare routine (here is mine, in case you are curious) is essentially you giving your face the fundamentals it needs. What it doesn’t consider is the day to day external experiences you have. Think about it – you fly on an airplane, or spend all day in a car. Your skin is being treated with artificial coolant for hours! That is not something your composition is used to.
If you wear makeup, your skin will be different after you remove it than it would be on a day where you didn’t wear makeup at all. While your skincare routine takes care of you, and is a great basis to have in place to keep yourself healthy, it is not the end all be all for your skin needs. Skin is temperamental. It needs extra love and balance to look its best.
Benefits of Masks for the Skin
I’m just going to list a few benefits of doing skin masks here, but there are literally hundreds of benefits.
- Hydration
- Nutrients
- Firmness
- Healing
- Antioxidants
- Detoxification
- Lessen Bloat
- Soothe
- Calm
- Acne reduction
- Pore Cleansing
What is the difference between a face mask and a face masque?
I’ve done SO much research on this! What makes a skincare mask different from a “masque”? In all honesty, the only real difference is whether the composition goes on and dries onto your skin, or if it can be rubbed in (almost like a cream). There is no difference in quality or results in terms of one being better than the other. It is all personal preference.
Sheet Mask vs Cream Mask or Masque
The only difference I have found between a sheet mask vs a regular, comes in a bottle mask is the speed at which they get the job done. Sheet masks are quicker. Because of the way they are packaged, the essentials hit your skin faster, making it so you don’t need to keep them on as long. This is a blessing and a curse. Leaving a sheet mask on for too long can cause over exposure and make your pores over compensate, causing acne or blackheads. You run less of a risk of this with a normal mask.
My Favorite Skincare Masks
Okay, now that I’ve over-educated (per usual) it is time to get started! Below are all of my favorite masks for various skin needs. I also have to mention that I always apply a mask 1) after washing my face and 2) with a fan brush so that the oils on my hands do not get into my open pores.
Comes in both a full and mini sizes
I originally bought this mask in Singapore when I was there pre pandemic. Honestly, I picked it at a whim at a Sephora there because I needed something to calm my skin down. After being on a plane for over 27 hours, my face felt like someone had run a hairdryer on high directly on it for hours on end. Luckily, this ended up being the best decision, and it made my skin go back to the way it was pre travel.
I love how this mask both soothes and plumps the skin. When I was traveling a lot and had to wear a mask, my skin would get so angry from the constant hot breath / carbon dioxide on it. This mask would calm any irritation or breakouts I would have and leave everything feeling so much more hydrated.
Who I Recommend this for:
This mask rocks for anyone who gets inflammation or puffiness; those who struggle with anxiety and want to put on a mask, close their eyes and just breathe; someone who needs a quick fix to overly dry skin.
Top Benefits / Highlight Points:
hydration, firming, soothing, calming
Believe it or not, your skin can get a hangover just like your organs / body can. This can occur as a result of the obvious – drinking too much or dehydration. That said, it can also occur because of reasons you may not be aware of – like you wearing a full face of makeup every day without giving your skin the proper treatment to repair / time to breathe.
When I was working in corporate (and now that I’m back) I worked the weirdest hours. My work day a lot of the time was 4 AM – 5:30 AM, a workout from 6-7 AM, back online for a 7:30 AM meeting, a nap around 1-2 PM, and then working again until my day ended around 6-7 PM. If I was working from home, I’d typically do the whole “cameras off” call until after my morning workout, and then take my makeup off before my afternoon siesta. When I’d have to go into the office, though, my makeup would be on for up to 12 hours at a time. My skin would absolutely crave hydration in ways I didn’t know possible. When I learned about this mask, my skin changed.
Who I Recommend this for:
my full day working women (and men!) who need something to hydrate their skin during the hours they get to be makeup free
Top Benefits / Highlight Points:
cooling, firming, overnight
This was the face mask that got me into pump face masks for hydration. I honestly got it as a sample in one of my Tula packages. One night, my skin felt dry and looked like the definition of *bleh*, so I decided to test it out. I LOVED it, particularly the price point! It is now my day to day go-to for days I want / need to do a mask, but don’t want to feel guilt about spending a ton of money using one.
Every time I use this mask, I feel like my skin looks (and feels) firmer, and like my lines are less deep. I love to use this mask the night before I exfoliate or dermaplane to add some moisture to my skin and revive my living skin cells. It really does make me look more dewy!
Who I Recommend this for:
Anyone who is new in the world of skincare masks (particularly those who usually use sheet / face masks rather than cream masks).
Top Benefits / Highlight Points:
probiotic infused, anti-aging, smoothing and soothing
Of all of the masks I use, this is the one I use the least. That said, I only use it less because it is just *that good* at what it does. This isn’t your typical hydrating mask. “Babyfacial” is the mask you use before anything else to get that hydrated looking glow. Through resurfacing the skin, it eliminates the dead outer lining of your skin (which often is grosser than you realize), leaving you with new, healthy, open pores that are ready to be nourished.
Who I Recommend this for:
Anyone who wants that hydrated looking glow, but is struggling to achieve it because of build up or sun damage.
Top Benefits / Highlight Points:
anti-aging, clean beauty, pore evener
Comes in mini and regular sizes
This is my newest addition to my skincare mask lineup, and I LOVE it. The hyaluronic acid in it boosts elasticity, and I can visibly see my skin lines fade when I use this frequently. It adds just enough nourishment to the skin to supplement if you’ve been in a dry environment (like flying on an airplane). It comes in three different sizes so you can try it before you invest in a full size!
Who I Recommend this for:
my frequent travelers, my friends who live in hot climates / need a little extra hydration boost during the day
Top Benefits / Highlight Points:
vegan, hyaluronic acid, nourishing
This is an actual “masque mask”. What I mean by that is it actually goes on, is visible, and needs to be washed off before you can do your skincare routine or apply makeup. I love how this mask smells! In addition to aiding in elastin formation, it also adds oils to the outer layer of your skin, hydrating even the cells that are currently aging or needing to be replaced / restored.
Who I Recommend this for:
Anyone needing a good, affordable anti-aging mask solution
Top Benefits / Highlight Points:
anti-aging, elastin formation aid, under $40, free radical damage, good with sensitive skin
Though it is called a cream, this amazing product acts as a mask and is meant to be worn overnight. As someone who deals with hyperpigmentation (I’m always red), this product has repaired my skin in so many ways. If I am in need of a complete and total skin reset, this is what I gravitate towards.
Who I Recommend this for:
Anyone who wants an overnight, clean beauty complete skin reset
Top Benefits / Highlight Points:
clean beauty / certified cruelty free, certified organic, anti aging, acne reducing, hydrating, acne scar reducing
Hydrating Skincare Masks for Summer
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