The Magic of Masking

“Invest in your skin, it is going to represent you for a very long time.”

· Linden Tyler

While most of us are quick to splurge on our clothes and makeup, buying a skincare product that is equally priced, needs a lot more convincing. Our skin is the largest organ of the human body but seldom does it receive the tender-loving-care it deserves. Over the years, I have seen that a little pampering sesh also works wonders for my skin and my mood. It’s like a mini spa experience where I am compelled to sit idle for a while and disconnect with all my worries. In the end, I feel rejuvenated and fresh so, it’s a win-win situation for me. There exists a mask category available for all skin types and genders (looking at all the males reading this).

1. Sheet Masks

These masks are a magical gift from the skincare wonderland of South Korea (apart from BTS) for the rest of us muggles and unless you are living under a rock, chances are you have already experienced the luxe feel of applying this mask. Innisfree and The Face Shop are the most easily accessible brands available in India and are generally available in a B5G5 offer. Looking at the demand for these masks unconventional brands like L'Oréal, Lakmé, Garnier and Pond’s have also jumped on this bandwagon. With ingredients ranging from green tea, honey, charcoal, aloe vera, lemon to powerful antioxidants like collagen, ceramide and vitamin e, it is no wonder that this category is one of my absolute favourites.

Recommendations –

• Innisfree My Real Squeeze Sheet Mask – Rice

• The Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask – Lemon

2. Clay masks

Perhaps the oldest kind of skincare habit that exists, it is also known to be the secret behind Cleopatra’s world-renowned beauty. Even before its commercialisation, ‘Multani Mitti’ has been a family favourite across several generations in India. If you like the oddly satisfying feeling of getting rid of all your blackheads and unclogging your pores at the same time, this my friend is the go-to category for you. Try to look for ‘bentonite clay’ as an active ingredient when buying these.

Recommendations –

• Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (A little heavy on the pocket but the large tub is so worth it!)

• Good ol’ Multani Mitti

• Freeman Masks (A rare find, available in fun & stunning colours)

• L'Oréal Paris Pure Clay Masks

3. Peel Off Masks

While I’m on the fence about these masks as they are really painful, I won’t deny that getting to watch all the gunk coming out from your pores is grossly relieving like a clay mask. Upon removal, you can immediately see that your skin feels a lot more smoother and baby soft. I really like using peel off nose strips for exfoliation so do give it a try if it’s up your alley.

Recommendations –

• Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

• Everyuth Naturals Golden Peel Off Mask

4. Sleeping Packs

These are perhaps the easiest to apply masks because as the name suggests – you just apply them and then go off to sleep and wake up looking well rested! They are usually used for hydration if you belong to the dry skin family and want a boost of glow and are lifesavers during the winter season. As they work overnight, they get a better time span to work for your skin. I like applying a layer of aloe vera gel before going to bed and that truly has changed my regime.

Recommendations –

• LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask (Cult Favourite)

• The Face Shop Jeju Aloe Fresh Gel

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Harshika Agarwal