Face masks are an easy and inexpensive way to revitalize your skin and pamper yourself. Different types of masks can be bought (or made at home) to achieve different skin benefits. In order to apply your mask effectively you must first prepare your skin and then carefully apply the mask. You must also collect the correct materials.
How to prepare your face for applying a mask
Choose a high quality face mask
Buy a mask from a well-known skincare or makeup brand. Look for charcoal masks that contain activated charcoal, soothing agents (such as aloe vera), and essential oils that can soothe the skin.
Check your skin for a reaction.
Whether you’re mixing a mask or buying a mask blend, check your skin for allergic reactions or irritation before applying it to your face. Apply a little mask on the cheek or underside of the wrist. Wait 10 minutes and check for signs of irritation.
- Signs of allergy or irritation include redness, swelling, hives, or itching.
Tie your hair back if necessary.
If you’re worried that your hair might fall in your face while you’re wearing the mask, use a hair tie to pull it back. This will prevent your hair from sticking to the mask.
Open up your pores. The easiest way to do this is to take a hot shower before applying the mask.
- Alternatively, you can take a towel and dip it in hot water (as hot as your face can handle) and cover your face with the towel until it cools down.
- The third option is to hold your face over a bowl of boiling water for 1-2 minutes.
Cleanse and exfoliate your face before using the mask.
Use your favorite gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin. Washing your face removes dirt and oil from your skin to prepare it for the mask. To open your pores, you should also apply a mild scrub and rinse it out before you apply the mask.
Take a brush
Face masks are best applied with a soft-bristled brush, such as a paint brush (usually used to create art) or a coloring brush (usually used to apply hair dye). Invest in a brush that you will be using for this purpose and be sure to clean it when you are done.
- You will also need a bowl for your mask, and possibly a washcloth.
Cool down the mask
Keep the mask in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. This is especially true if you are using perishable ingredients in your mask, but even if you are using a store-bought mask product, applying it cold can feel great.
- For a cooling effect, place the face mask in the refrigerator at least one hour before applying.
How to properly apply a clay mask on your face: step by step video and photo
Scoop up some clay
Use your middle and ring fingers to scoop up some clay. Start with a small amount, about the size of a dime. If you want to apply a thick layer of cosmetic dirt, you can scoop up a larger amount.
- Remember that it is easier to add beauty clay later on to your face than it is to remove the excess.
Spread the clay all over your face
Place the mask on the apples of your cheeks and gently spread it around your cheeks, forehead, temples, chin and nose. You can apply a thin layer if you want a quick, easy-to-remove mud mask.
- If you apply a thick, opaque layer of cosmetic clay you will be able to keep it on your skin longer as it won’t dry out your skin face as quickly.
Avoid applying the mask to the eye area.
While you can cover your entire face with a mask, you should avoid using cosmetic clay around your eyes. The skin around your eye is delicate, and if you apply clay to this area, you run the risk of getting it in your eye, especially when removing the mask. Stand in front of a mirror when you apply the mask so you can easily avoid the eye area.
- You need to make sure to cover any blemishes or acne-prone areas of your skin.
Wait 15 minutes. After you have applied the clay mask, leave it on for 15 minutes or until the mud begins to dry.
Wash off the mask.
Take a clean cotton cloth and soak it in warm water. Wring it out completely and gently rub it into the mud mask. Continue rinsing and wringing the fabric between mask wipes.
- Be gentle when you take off your mask. Rubbing your skin roughly can damage your delicate skin.
- If you have trouble removing the mask, soak a cloth in hot water and place it on your face for about 30 seconds. Then use a cloth to wipe off the mask.
Rinse your face.
After most of the mask has been cleansed, pour warm water over your face. This will help remove any remaining clay mask.
- Avoid using hot or cold water. They can shock your skin or dry it out excessively.
How to properly apply a sheet mask on your face
Soak compressed paper in liquid
Suitable liquid includes milk, egg, syrup, or any other facial product. Leave until the impregnated paper swells.
- Another nice alternative is to soak mask paper in the toner or floral water of your choice.
Unroll the wet mask
Apply to the face and leave on for 10~15 minutes until the facial product is completely absorbed.]
- You can put clay on top of a sheet mask for best results.
Massage the remaining liquid into your face.
The essence is great for your skin, so resist the urge to scrub, wipe, or wash it off your face. Instead, use your fingers to blot the serum that remains after applying the sheet mask.
Fix everything inside by applying a moisturizer.
Once most of the serum has been absorbed into your skin, squirt some of your favorite oil-based moisturizer into your palm and then rub it into your face. This will act as a seal on your face that locks the serum into your skin.
- Moisturize your skin with a serum if you have wrinkles, dullness, or dark spots.
- Use a cream or ointment if your skin is dry.
- Try an oil-based moisturizer if you have sensitive skin.
- If you’re not sure which moisturizer to use, use with a non-comedogenic lotion.
How to properly apply a face mask
Bring some water to a boil in a saucepan.
Fill a large pot with 1-2…
