Whether it’s #ad posts by the “influencers” you follow or selfies from those basic bitches you went to high school with, you’ve probably become familiar with those face masks that have become popular thanks to Instagram. That’s right, we’re referring to those black masks that are supposed to rip out your disgusting blackheads when you peel them off and the scrubs that look like coffee grinds. And in case you’ve ever wondered whether the Instagram face masks actually work or if they just make for a #selflovesunday post to distract you from the Sunday scaries, we’re here to give you a real review of the masks to let you know which ones are actually worth buying—no spon posts included.
1. Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask
Okay, so the Instagram posts make this mask look like it’s a smooth, millennial pink mask and it claims that it detoxifies, brightens, tighten pores, boosts radiance and protects against pollutants. Rest assured, that’s mostly is true. After a good 20 minutes, three times a week your skin will be clear, bright, and you’ll be asking yourself what a pore is. However, the only downfall is that it doesn’t go on as smooth as a lot of the Instagram posts suggest. It’s also not really a millennial pink color and it flakes off pretty easily, but those are just small prices to pay for the way your skin will look after consistently using this.
2. Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask
Does this mask rip out blackheads like the popular vloggers suggest? Yes. Does it hurt? Also yes. Are the results completely worth it? Absolutely. We know what you’re thinking, another beauty product that’s infused with charcoal—must be another fad, and pretty soon we’ll go back to only using it to grill hot dogs on the 4th of July, right? Wrong. Activated charcoal helps extract impurities like dirt, oil, and daily grime. When used in this luminizing mask, it rids your face of blackheads and dirt and leaves your pores noticeably smaller and skin noticeably clearer, even after just one use. Simply apply to clean dry skin, let it sit for 20-ish minutes, and peel off. Be sure to examine the mask closely so you can see everything that it pulled out of your face (ew).
3. Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
Okay, while not technically a face mask, Frank Body’s Original Coffee Scrub is the coffee grind scrub that you’ve seen countless Instagram betches using while they smile and laugh like they’re in a Noxzema commercial. But does it actually exfoliate, moisturize and promote collagen production like it claims it does? Yes—skin is left clean, soft, and radiant. And the best part? It smells like you’re rubbing a citrusy frappuccino all over your skin.
4. Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask
If you’re into looking like a psycho in the name of clear skin, then you should nab a Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask. The mask contains both blue and red LED lights—blue to kill acne causing bacteria and red to enhance collagen production for smooth, wrinkle-free skin. Plop the mask on clean skin for 10 minutes during your nightly Netflix binge, and you’ll begin to notice how smooth and radiant your face becomes.
5. Dr. Jart+ Hydration Lover Rubber Mask
Yet another one of those Instagram face masks that makes you look batshit crazy, Dr. Jart’s Hydration Lover Rubber Mask kind of looks like you’re wearing a baby blue condom on your face. But it also works, and really fucking well—just like all of Dr. Jart’s products. This mask contains a phyto keratin complex to improve water retention (aka help keep your skin moisturized), and green seaweed extract which helps to maintain a balanced skin tone and leaves skin feeling soft and supple.
6. GLAMGLOW Bubblesheet Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Mask
So you know those bubbly face masks that kind of resemble Freddy Krueger’s face? GLAMGLOW’s Bubblesheet Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Mask is the best. By far. Wash your face, leave it a little damp, align the sheet mask with your eyes and nose and sit for five-ish minutes as the sheet bubbles (and tickles) your face. When the bubbles subside, peel the mask off and gently massage the remaining serum into your skin. Voila! Glowing, moisturized skin with an unbelievably even texture. You’re welcome.
