What is more fun than relaxing with a face mask, a glass of prosecco or tea and a good Netflix binge? Not much, especially right now. Soothing, hydrating, and sometimes a bit silly (you've seen animal face masks, right?), A mask is one of the easiest ways to enjoy and relax.
That has made it possible for you to find a huge selection everywhere now, from drugstores to high-end skincare lines, and frankly, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist and CEO and founder of the Curology skincare brand, was able to give us a guide to selecting a mask.
"While there is no independent evidence that clay masks, clay masks, cream masks, or foil masks provide any lasting benefits for the skin, they can be hydrating and calming," says Lortscher.
They are also one of those rare beauty products that can be extremely cheap and still work well. "I'm not sure there is a 'too cheap' face mask," he says. "Instead of the price, I recommend paying attention to the ingredients in the masks."
As for what ingredients to look for, Lortscher bets on the basics. "To help 'calm' your skin, look for moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, and glycerin," he says.
With that tip in mind, we found several masks that offer such ingredients to hydrate, brighten, and more from just $ 2.
100% Pure Sheet Mask ($ 6; amazon.com)
Packed with hyaluronic acid, this deep hydration mask has a 5-star rating and cucumber extract to help reduce swelling.
SK-ll Facial Treatment Mask, 10 Pack ($ 100; amazon.com)
This delicious mask acts on the pores and provides an instant shine while calming red and irritated skin. It is the perfect treatment for your skin if you haven't slept enough or just feel exhausted and don't want it to show.
Pixi by Petra Glow Glycolic Boost ($ 15; amazon.com)
You won't need a beauty filter for Instagram or Zoom after treating your skin with this collagen-filled mask.
Too Cool For School Egg Cream Hydration Face Mask, 5-Pack ($ 16.80, originally $ 24; amazon.com)
This mask includes extracts of egg white and egg yolk, which are hydrating and nourishing.
Burt's Bees Renewing Biocellulose Gel Mask, 6-Pack ($ 20.82; amazon.com)
Like most of the products in this well-known line, this mask has 99.4% ingredients of natural origin, and the biocellulose facial mask has extracts of roses and algae to hydrate and help soften the skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask (from $ 26.54; amazon.com)
Do you hate the wet feeling of most masks? Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury's mask dries for an extended release of assets that can help reduce wrinkles, smooth, brighten, lift and hydrate.
Glamglow Coolsheet Drip-Free Moisturizing Mask ($ 9; amazon.com)
You are a star and this fuchsia hydrating cloth sheet mask proves it with sparkling silver stars. Each mask has a blend of glycerin and trehalose designed to hydrate your skin, so you will also look great after removing it.
Masque Bar Animalz Cat Energizing Sheet Mask, Pack of 9 ($ 24.99; amazon.com)
This mask from this K-beauty brand will not only transform you into a cat (or other animal) for 15 minutes, but it will also leave your skin soft and nourished.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of article posting.