The 6 Best Face Masks of 2017

When you walk into the Annmarie Skin Care bathroom, you’ll see our entire line of skin care products—this is so great because many of us workout at lunch or get ready for our evenings before we leave so it’s comforting to know that we have access to our regular routine—but you’ll also see a bunch of really great products from other companies.

Now, we like to call this “research” when we’re wearing face masks from other organic and non-organic companies around the office but if there’s one thing about me you should know it’s this: I tell it like it is. And the truth of it is that we’re skin care junkies.

Most skin care companies wouldn’t dare write an article about amazing facial masks from other companies, but as you know we’re not most skin care companies. When it comes to products, we obviously love what our products do and we use them on a consistent basis but our line is small and we don’t live in an organic skin care vacuum. We know there are other great lines out there and sometimes we want to play with those too. We would never review a product that we don’t absolutely love so here are our top 6 favorite facial masks from this year!

Dr. Alkaitis – Organic Beautifying Mask

Like most powder to paste masks, the consistency is a bit tricky to get just right. Since oats are the base of this face mask (rather than the usual clay) it went on to the skin kind of thick and goopy. We recommend adding a bit water to the mix once the mask is on the skin to help with the spreadability.

It did not feel super tight once it dried (a characteristic of most powdered masks) and was not messy or flakey. Interestingly, there was no special sensation while wearing the mask. It isn’t super stimulating and it doesn’t feel immediately tightening or cooling.

However, once it’s rinsed away the skin is left feeling soft and nourished, which makes sense to us because this mask is made with incredibly nutritive ingredients. It leaves you with a fresh face—looking how you feel when you eat something delicious, nutritious and healthy!

May Lindstrom – The Problem Solver

There was a little bit of back and forth about this one in the team and we settled it by saying that it’s for people with sensitive and blemish-prone skin. For people that have other issues this facial mask is still lovely, but it’s definitely targeted for those of us with oily skin and sensitivity to over exfoliation.

First off, this mask smells divine. The clove, nutmeg, cinnamon concoction is invigorating and stimulating to the senses. This mask is warming and cleansing, and certainly pulls out extra oils—this is one of those where you can see the sebum spots as the mask dries.

Making this mask is really easy, it only takes a little bit of water to get the perfect consistency and even though the powder is super fine it has a wonderful micro-exfoliating property as you scrub it away.

Josh Rosebrook – Cacao Antioxidant Mask

This is one of our all-time favorite antioxidant masks. It came to us directly from a visit with an esthetician so we knew it was great before we tried it.
It smells of velvety, rich chocolate and its texture was a bit thick so putting it on dry is a challenge. Pro tip: add a bit of water to the skin and put the mask on your fingertips and the slip is great! It dries quickly and evenly without an intense tightening effect and leaves the skin feeling super clean and rejuvenated.

It does flake off if you leave it to dry completely and it can certainly stain so this face mask is best used before a shower.

Leahlani – Honey Love (Three in One)

Hands down a favorite facial mask! The consistency is a bit gritty, gooey and thick, like any crystallised honey, but once applied with a little water to dilute it, it goes on really smooth. We leave this on for at least 20 minutes (usually longer). The honey and noni make this formula into some nourishing magic!

The best part, is that it can be used 3 ways. So, you can use it as a cleanser, an exfoliator and a mask. Abby uses this mask on a regular basis and says that she typically applies it as a mask, gently exfoliates it off, washes thoroughly and pats her skin dry.

The results: beaming, glowing skin. Our skin shines after this exfoliating mask. Skin is left soft, supple and very hydrated!

Mahalo – The Petal Mask

Of all of the face masks on this list, this one goes on the smoothest and easiest. The smell is amazing, with a name like ‘petal mask’ and the soft pink color you’d expect something really flowery and light but this is much more herbal than we expected—in a good way.

It feels really delicate and nourishing when it’s on and totally detoxifying. Afterwards our skin felt as silky and smooth as a flower petal. The name really captures the essence and beauty of this mask and we could absolutely experience its handmade integrity 🙂

Annmarie Skin Care – Purifying Mud Mask

Okay, I know that we’re here to talk about other companies’ masks but as I’m writing this, I can’t stop thinking about the Purifying Mud Mask (I think that’s a pretty good sign). Our mud mask is amazing because it’s so simple. It can be used on its own or added to other ingredients.

It doesn’t get too tight on the skin while it dries but it’s super effective in pulling out impurities. We like mixing it with raw honey instead of water, it’s a little messy but it goes on easily and adds an extra level of hydration and when you wash it off it, it leaves your skin feeling clean and soft.

What’s your favorite mask? Let us know in the comments!