We all know that the perfect skincare routine contains one of the best cleansers, the best serums and the best moisturisers on the market. That’s why, as beauty editors, we are constantly putting these products to the test to help separate the good from the bad. That being said, there’s one skincare product that doesn’t get talked about enough, and that’s a face mask.
Face masks are often an afterthought when it comes to people’s skincare routines. cast aside for those more important products that we all use daily. Don’t get me wrong, I kind of get the logic. Why add another step into your skincare routine? The thing is, some of the best face masks on the market can provide noticeable results, whether your skin is feeling dry, clogged or lacklustre.
If I need a facial but simply don’t have the time (or don’t want to spend too much money), then I always rely on a face mask to instantly deliver a powerful cocktail of ingredients to the skin. Think of these products as advanced skincare treatments that you can do in the comfort of your own home. I’ve tested hundreds of different face masks over the years, and below I’ve rounded up my top picks to help tackle a range of skincare concerns.
The Best Face Masks, Tried & Tested
1. 111SKIN Cryo De-Puffing Energy Mask
Best sheet mask
111SKIN
Cryo De-Puffing Energy Mask (Pack of 5)
Key ingredients: Tetrapeptide-5, alpha glucosyl hesperidin and caffeine.
How to use: Apply the first mask to the top half of your face and the second mask on the bottom half of your face. Leave on for 20 minutes and then remove, letting the skin absorb the remaining product. Can be used three times a week.
Pros
- Feels refreshing on the skin
- Good to use in the mornings
- Leaves skin looking awake and glowy
Cons
- Expensive
- Single-use product
My review: I have a love-hate relationship with sheet masks. I’m not a fan of the fact that these products can only be used once, but there’s no denying how good they feel on the skin. I tend to only use them before an important event when I want my skin to be looking its best, and the one that I can’t stop reaching for at the moment is 111SKIN’s Cryo De-Puffing Energy Mask. As the name suggests, this sheet mask is inspired by cryotherapy, and works to depuff your face first thing in the morning. The hydrogel material is infused with ingredients such as tetrapeptide-5 and caffeine to increase blood microcirculation and tighten the skin. Not only that, but the hydrating essence adds a beautiful glow.
While most sheet masks feel too big for my face, this one comes with two sections, making it easier to wear. I do find it can slip off at times, so I prefer to wear it while lying down to get the full effects. My top tip? Keep it in the fridge before using for even more of a cooling effect.
2. Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
Best clarifying face mask
Caudalie
Instant Detox Mask
Key ingredients: Pink clay, coffee extract and grape marc.
How to use: Apply a thin layer once a week and leave on for five to ten minutes before rinsing off.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Draws impurities out of the skin
Cons
- Might not be best for sensitive skin types
My review: Designed with oily and combination skin types in mind, this clarifying face mask from Caudalie works to draw out impurities and excess oil, helping to reduce the appearance of pores and blemishes over time. It’s the perfect face mask for my skin type, and I like to use it once a week for optimal results. Like other clay masks on the market, it hardens on the skin after a few minutes, and washing it off feels incredibly satisfying.
One thing to note is that this mask does give your skin a more matte finish, so if you like to look dewy or glowy, then this might not be the face mask for you.
3. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
Summer Fridays
Jet Lag Mask
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, allantoin and bisabolol.
How to use: Apply a visible layer onto the skin and leave for a minimum of ten minutes before wiping away any excess product.
My review: If a hydrating mask is what you’re after, then you need to know about the iconic Jet Lag Mask from Summer Fridays. Not only does this mask look chic, but it’s a little bit of a multitasking skincare hero. It can be used as a moisturiser, a face mask, an overnight mask and even a hand cream to instantly hydrate the skin. I like to use it when my skin is feeling dull or lacklustre as I know that it will instantly bring it back to life.
Not only does it nourish the complexion thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid and glycerin, but it also soothes the skin thanks to allantoin and bisabolol. Whether your skin is feeling dry, stressed or sensitive, this ought to do the trick.
4. Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
Laneige
Cica Sleeping Mask
Key ingredients: Fermented forest yeast extract, squalane and glycerin.
How to use: Apply as your final skincare product at night and leave on until morning.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Skin is left soothed and hydrated
Cons
- Not everyone will love wearing a product overnight
My review: I test beauty products for a living, which means that my skin can often be left feeling a little angry and stressed out. When that’s the case, I always reach for this mask from Laneige. Not only is it so easy to slot into my routine (I love the fact that I can wear it to bed at night and wake up to a hydrated complexion), but it always manages to calm my skin down, too.
I would say it’s a great product for dry or sensitive skin types, and the fact that it’s non-comedogenic is a big plus.
5. Garnier Hydrating Aloe Sheet Mask
Garnier
Hydrating Aloe Sheet Mask
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerin.
How to use: Apply to clean skin, leave on for fifteen minutes and massage excess product into the skin once you have removed the mask.
Pros
- Affordable
- Offers an instant hit of hydration
Cons
- Single-use product
- Can be a little messy to apply
My review: I’ve used Garnier’s sheet masks for as long as I can remember. There are lots of variations on the market and they are all so great at providing an instant hit of hydration to the skin. This particular mask is great for when you want a plumping effect thanks to a powerful trio of ingredients including hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerin.
The mask itself is infused with the same amount of product as a bottle of serum, and while this does feel great on the skin, it can be a little messy to apply. I always like to apply mine over the bathroom sink just in case of any leaks or spills.
6. Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Beauty of Joseon
Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Key ingredients: Honey, natural rice hull powder and kaolin clay.
How to use: Apply to dry skin after cleansing and leave on for fifteen to twenty minutes before washing off with warm water.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Leaves your skin feeling silky soft
Cons
- Not everyone will love the exfoliating formula
My review: I’m not a big fan of exfoliating face masks, but if I were to add one to my routine, it would definitely be this one from Korean skincare brand, Beauty of Joseon. Although it has somewhat of a grainy texture, it doesn’t feel harsh on the skin. In fact, the formula has been designed to hydrate and leave you with a beautiful glow. Honey and natural rice hull powder work together to buff away dead skin cells, and the addition of kaolin clay helps to reduce excess oil.
The mask itself comes with a handy spatula which makes it so much easier to apply the product to the skin, and although you do have to leave it on for a little while, the results are worth it.
7. Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Best LED face mask
Dr Dennis Gross
Drx Spectralite Faceware Pro LED Face Mask
Key specifications: Three LED treatments with blue light, red light or a combination of both.
How to use: Use for three minutes every single day in order to see the best results.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Can use a combination of blue and red lights to help tackle a range of skincare concerns
- Short treatment time
Cons
- More of an investment
- You need to be consistent in order to see results
My review: They are more of an investment, but an LED face mask can be a great addition to your skincare routine. My personal favourite? The Dr Dennis Gross LED mask. I love this particular model because it allows you to use a combination of both red and blue light to stimulate collagen production, firm the skin and help clear breakouts. Plus, unlike other LED masks, you only have to use this for three minutes at a time.
The thing with LED masks is that you have to be consistent in order to see results. Unlike sheet masks or regular face masks, they won’t provide an instant hit of hydration or noticeable glow to the skin, but over time you will start to see positive changes to your complexion.
How We Tested
As mentioned above, I have tried hundreds of face masks over the years, so I like to think of myself as an expert on the topic. Each of the masks in this edit have been included as I have actually seen a noticeable difference in my skin after testing them out. Some differences have been instant (sheet masks, I’m looking at you) and for those products that take a bit longer (such as LED face masks), I’ve made sure to test them over a longer period of time to give my honest thoughts.
I followed each of the brand’s instructions and used the face masks as part of my daily skincare routine. When testing, I’ve taken into account everything from key ingredients, price, formula and packaging.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
