Similarly to how every company you’ve ever shopped with has taken it upon themselves to email you a generic message about how “they’re here for you during these unprecedented times,” every company that has ever existed also seems to now be getting in on the retail mask game. That being said, as easy as it is to just bulk order some trendy masks from Amazon right now, you should instead consider putting your dollar where it actually matters and support a small businesses in need. I mean, I’m pretty sure Jeff Bezos will still be okay without your $20 mask purchase. Plus, many small businesses have their own unique mask designs, which means they’re going to be higher quality crafted than your mass-produced option (plus you can be original, if that matters to you). So with that in mind, here are some really cool small businesses that you can support and buy your masks from right now. This whole mask thing isn’t going away any time soon (especially since only half of you seem to be following the guidelines of wearing them) so you might as well stock up and buy several, and even do some additional good while you’re at it by supporting small businesses.
1. Thirty20
I came across this company on Instagram and was immediately obsessed. Thirty20 was born within the last year, started by a woman named Julie Gruttadauro who, after working in the fashion and retail industry for over 10 years, decided to start her own online boutique. Given the inventory implications resulting from COVID, Grattadauro is currently specializing her product assortment in custom tie-dye pieces, like the above tie-dye masks.
2. Righteous & Rich
‘Aura’ Washable Face Mask, $19.99
This sustainable fashion company, Righteous & Rich, is a Black-owned company offering unique pieces with cool designs, like their bright masks made with Ankara prints. The masks also have a filter pocket and wire at the nose which, as we’ve discussed, is crucial.
3. United by Blue
Salvaged Hemp Blend Face Mask (3 pack), $20
This Philly-based small business is doing good in more ways than one. To start, the company’s mission is rooted in the belief that business should be a part of environmental solutions, not a hindrance towards it. They believe that businesses can operate in a sustainable, minimal-waste way, and are doing their part to prove it. They host cleanups, remove trash from the oceans, and now donate one mask to benefit Philadelphia residents experiencing homelessness for every three-pack sold. Amazing.
4. Flayr
In response to COVID-19, Flayr was founded in Santa Barbara by three friends whose mission was to create stylish and fun masks to help keep people safe. They use high-quality materials and fashionable prints to create masks you’ll be excited to wear. Plus, making us love them even more, for every mask that they make they also will donate one.
5. CAAB Customs
Face Fashion Triple Layered Mask, $15
Founded in 2012 by Tiffany James, CAAB Customs makes some wild face masks that you’re going to need to get you through this year (and that also make incredibly hilarious gifts.) Black woman-owned, this is a company you’ll feel good about supporting, with masks featuring slogans ranging from the more conservative “gimme my 6 feet” to the more provocative “sh*t is gettin’ real.”
6. NIGHT
100% Silk Face Mask + (7) Disposable Filters, $55
NIGHT is a company that specializes in high-quality sleep accessories, and they’re on a mission to ensure you get the most out of every night’s sleep. They’ve taken their philosophy now into the daytime mask game, offering silk masks that come with filters. Silk is known for its inherently antibacterial properties, which is obviously helpful when we’re talking protective face masks. Not to mention, the softness of the material makes these masks comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without any irritation.
7. Baliawear
Give Back Face Cover Animal Print, $25
Founder of Baliawear, Alvina Lam, founded her company with a focus on fit, allowing women of all shapes and sizes to wear her pieces. But that’s not where the mission of Baliawear stopped. Lam’s mission is also rooted in ensuring sustainable practices along with a desire to give back. She’s now putting her mission into action, selling masks as part of an initiative to “buy one, give one” to donate back to shelters where social distancing isn’t necessarily possible.
8. Frank and Myrhh Shop
Frank and Myrhh is an Etsy shop specializing in handmade African artisan goods geared towards millennials. Owner Baiyinah grew up with that entrepreneurial spirit in her blood, having parents that opened an African Arts Boutique 30 years ago in Pittsburgh, PA. Baiyinah has since channeled her own energy into creating her shop, Frank and Myrhh, selling her own curation of artisan wares. She sells tons of cool stuff, including masks ranging from more subtle plain ones to ones with abstract prints.
9. Zelda Boutique
Clear Skies Tie Dye Fashion Face Covering, $10
Zelda Boutique is a mother/daughter-owned boutique that is located in New Hope, PA. They sell an assortment of trendy cool clothes with the promise that everything is under $100. Since COVID, they’ve expanded their already incredible product assortment to now also include face masks, like this cool tie-dye one.
10. Hackwith Design House
I was introduced to this company by a friend who ordered their masks and was raving about them. Hackwith Design House is a sustainable, low-waste brand that makes versatile and long-lasting clothing. Recognizing the implications quarantine has had on domestic abuse victims, the company is giving back 10% of sales to the Domestic Abuse Project. Their masks are lightweight with simple prints, and, like I said, my friend raves about them.
11. SACHI
Japanese Cotton Pleated Mask, $26
This cute LA coffee shop (that also sells other goodies as well) is now personally hand-making masks that are double-layered and made with high-quality cotton. Their masks feature a Japanese block print design and, for every mask sold, they sew one for an essential worker. You can shop their products all currently available on their site.
12. Reuse Masks
Reuse ‘Berries’ Limited Edition Mask, $12
With a focus on comfortability and good fit, Reuse Masks designs and manufactures their masks in LA. Their goal is to add some personality to this new normal to help make these hard times a little bit better while keeping the community safe. Most of their masks are currently sold out, but stay posted for the next drop so you can support this incredible small business.
13. KASH Queen
KASH Queen is a women’s online boutique that’s all about manifesting your dreams in style, which I can definitely get behind. In addition to stylish and trendy clothes that empower women, KASH Queen sells masks with inspiring and cheeky messages, like the one above reminding us to keep the vibes strong even during these ~unprecedented times~ months ahead.
14. SACHIKA
SACHIKA ‘Tease’ Iridescent Transparent Mask, $22
This company is led by twin fashion designers To-Tam and To-Nya Sachika, who are selling fashionable transparent masks that will keep you safe while also allowing people to actually see you smile. But remember, if you’re not smiling, people will also be able to see that too. Anyway, through their sales SACHIKA is also currently giving back to the Los Angeles Downtown Women’s Center which makes them an even better small business that you’ll want to support.
Given what’s going on in our world right now, anything we each can do to help out the little man is going to be much appreciated. Whether it’s an existing small business that’s just currently struggling or a totally new business born as a means of income during these Corona times, it’s important that we put our dollars where they actually matter. And plus, if you’re anything like me, you need a bunch of different masks to match all your different outfits, so it’s worth supporting a few of the small businesses from this list.
Images: @like1style / UNSPLASH; Thirty20; Righteous and Rich; United by Blue; Jaydee Studios; Flayr; CAAB Customs; NIGHT; Baliawear; Frank and Myrhh Shop; Zelda Boutique; Hackwith Design House; Sachi; Reuse Masks; KASH Queen; SACHIKA
Since the pandemic started, influencers have been getting into trouble. From Arielle Charnas’ questionable COVID-19 journey way back in April to Bachelor alums breaking quarantine and going on interstate road trips for haircuts, it feels like influencers have been working overtime to get themselves canceled. Or maybe influencers aren’t doing anything different than they were before, and we all just have more time on our hands to examine their behavior under a microscope since we’re stuck at home. Either way, this time, Danielle Bernstein is being called to the hot seat after influencer watchdog accounts @influencerstruth and @diet_prada accused her of copying a face mask design from Second Wind, a Latina-owned small business.
On Monday afternoon, Bernstein announced via an Instagram post that she would be coming out with “sustainable linen masks that have a super lightweight detachable chain”, adding that for every mask sold, one surgical mask would be donated to a frontline healthcare worker. In an Instagram Story, she shared that the masks would be available in three colors (black, white, and a nude), and would be sold for $35, with the option to purchase a separate silver chain for $12.
The masks are cute, and while I personally wouldn’t want to have to disinfect my chain every time I return to my home, I could see why people would be into these. So what’s the problem? Well, the problem is that face masks with a detachable chain are already being sold by a small business called Second Wind, and Bernstein knew about their existence before announcing the launch of her own similar designs. Second Wind currently sells masks made of organic linen with gold chains that are available in a few colors, including black, white, and sand. Second Wind’s masks retail for $65, while Bernstein’s cost $35.
On Monday night, @diet_prada and @influencerstruth both posted about the mask controversy, noting that Second Wind announced their launch of the detachable chain masks on May 30, and were available starting June 1.
Before this controversy started, @bysecondwind had a little over 3k followers on Instagram (they have since blown up to over 30k and counting). Is it possible Bernstein simply didn’t know these masks were out there? No, because as @influencerstruth and @diet_prada revealed, she had actually reached out to Second Wind for them to send her a mask well before the launch of her own face coverings. She did so on June 29th. In case you need a refresher (no shade, time is a construct), today is July 21st.
A few days after requesting a mask, on July 2 from Second Wind, Bernstein messaged the brand’s owner to let her know she would also be selling face masks with a detachable chain. But she assured Second Wind that she was not copying her, clarifying that her masks are a different shape. She also said she was inspired by sunglasses she owns—not, as it would appear, the very face masks with a detachable chain that she had just been messaging about. When Instagram users started pointing out the similarities between the two designs and the suspicious timing of the messages in comments on Danielle’s post about her masks, they noticed their comments were mysteriously disappearing.
On Tuesday morning, Bernstein went on her Instagram story to address the accusations that she had copied Second Wind’s designs. In the series of videos, she says she went into the production on her masks a few weeks before a mutual friend introduced her to Second Wind’s masks. She says, “I was really excited to support her small business but in the spirit of transparency, just wanted to let her know that I’d already gone into production on linen masks with chains based off leftover fabric from an overall run that we did and chains that are coming out in a future swim collection.”
She then goes on to say, “I told her I still would love to wear her masks and support her business because I think it’s awesome what she’s doing, and there’s a bunch of really cool small brands making masks with chains right now and I’ll definitely be sharing those.” In a following slide, she tagged @bysecondwind and encouraged her followers to buy her masks. In subsequent stories, she also shows other brands making masks with chains.
This isn’t the first time Bernstein has landed in hot water over masks, but usually it’s because she is caught not wearing one. A few weeks ago, she was called out for attending a party in the Hamptons with little to no masks in sight, but later claimed that everyone at the party had been tested for COVID-19. Over the weekend, she caught similar heat after she put up a story of a dinner party in the Hamptons that was being cooked by four private chefs, none of whom were wearing masks. She later took to Instagram story to clarify that the chefs were “personal friends” of her roommate and they had all been tested. New York State guidelines mandate all food service employees wear a face covering at all times, regardless of physical distance.
On April 30, Bernstein launched @wegavewhat, a platform highlighting the charitable initiatives by the WeWoreWhat team. As part of the initiative, Bernstein has partnered with small businesses and creators and raised money for various organizations, including the Food Bank For New York City, and donated thousands of masks to be distributed to NY frontline health care workers. In June, she joined the first American Influencer Council, an “invite-only, not-for-profit membership trade association” that aims to “further legitimize and sustain the influencer marketing industry in America.” The council aims to do things like lobby the Federal Trade Commission to “cooperatively adhere, promote and improve the Endorsement Guidelines,” according to Fashion Week Daily, as well as examine the contributions of influencers to the U.S. through research and analysis.
In an Instagram post on Monday, Bernstein opened up about experiencing her first panic attack, brought on by the stress and criticism that is inherent in her job as an influencer.
The comments on that post, as well as her posts about her face masks, have since been turned off.
Updated: On Tuesday night, Bernstein once again addressed the controversy surrounding the masks. She said in an Instagram Story that since she had been receiving death threats, she decided to post proof that her team had, in fact, been working on a similar concept well before coming into contact with Second Wind.
As the screenshots indicate, Bernstein was communicating with, presumably, someone on her team about moving forward with a design for a face mask with a chain as early as May 19. The correspondence with Second Wind did not happen until the end of June.
Second Wind also posted an update on her Instagram story, saying she is “overwhelmed” by the response regarding the situation, saying, “I only ask that we try to lead with our hearts and be kinder to each other”.
Her follower count has since shot up to over 45k and, from the looks of her stories, she is getting inundated with orders. So it seems like the situation has been resolved. Please remember: No matter where you’re buying your mask from, just f*cking wear one.
This article has been updated to correctly reflect Bernstein’s role in the American Influencer Council.
Images: Christian Vierig/Getty Images; weworewhat (2), influencerstruth, bysecondwind / Instagram
Whether you want to admit it or not, masks have become an everyday staple. You literally can’t leave your house without one, because you won’t be allowed in anywhere and will get scorned by the public. Of course, like most other things in life, not all masks are created equal. And with everyone and their mom selling masks right now, it can be hard to figure out which ones are actually worth the money. As a retail store manager, I’m lucky to currently be allowed back in my store every day doing what I love. However, major precautions have been set in place in order for the store to even be open, which means I’m wearing a mask for eight hours a day. So I definitely know a thing or two about which masks are actually breathable and what makes them that way. Here are my top picks for masks that are both cute and breathable.
1. Blush Mark Face Mask
Blush Mark Cotton Reusable Face Mask Blushing Pink, $2
The first thing that I quickly learned while trying out different masks is that the design makes the difference. This design that’s contoured to the shape of the face prevents the fabric from getting pressed against your mouth, which is what makes it hard to breathe in. And, as someone whose job not only requires them to wear a mask for eight hours a day but also to be able to communicate with customers simultaneously, I know the impact this difference in design makes.
2. DIOP Face Mask
A major downfall of most masks is that the elastic that goes around the ears is either too small or too tight, so the mask pulls on the back of your ears and hurts after a while. Fortunately, DIOP’s masks solve that problem with straps that go around the head rather than around the ears. The mask is durable and lightweight with a design that’s contoured to the face, making it an all-around great option. Not to mention, DIOP is a Black-owned business inspired by founder Mapate Diop’s Nigerian heritage. His designs honor his heritage through utilization of Ankara, a boldly colored and patterned fabric used throughout West Africa. These masks are breathable and comfortable to wear, and they come in unique bright patterns, making them the all-around perfect masks.
3. South Moon Under Face Mask
South Moon Under Palm Print Face Mask, $7.95
What separates this mask from others that I’ve tried is that it has a moldable piece at the bridge of the nose that allows you to fit the top of your mask tightly to your face. Especially if you’re someone who has had the annoying and awkward experience of fogging up your own glasses while wearing your mask, you know that this moldable nose piece is a total game changer.
4. Montce Face Mask
Montce Leopard Texture Adjustable Face Mask, $22
I’m sure most of you are familiar with Montce, a super cute swimwear brand known for their fashionable and well-fitting swimsuits. But what you may not be aware of is that they’re now in the mask-making game, and doing a hell of a good job at it. Their masks are extremely well-structured so that they protect your nose and mouth without having the fabric pressed up against your face. This mask also has adjustable ear elastics, an underrated feature that many masks don’t have. Not to mention, their masks come in all of the same cute prints as their signature swimwear, so you can match!
5. Shop Betches Face Mask
Shop Betches Pink Tie Dye Face Mask, $20
You might be rolling your eyes right now at the blatant self-promo, but like, since we sell masks I couldn’t not include them. But mind you, I’m also not willing to risk my journalistic integrity over promoting our own masks if they’re sh*tty. So you can believe me when I tell you that our Shop Betches masks are great—they’re breathable, cute, and *BONUS* for every mask purchased, we donate a mask to a frontline worker.
6. Socialite Bandanna Mask
Another great option for a face mask that’s also breathable is the bandanna style mask. This one from Socialite is amazing and way better than just an ordinary bandanna because the fabric is super soft and, since this one is actually designed to be a mask, it actually stays around your head. It’s also trendy and stylish enough to be worn around your neck for when you’re in a scenario where you don’t need it pulled over your face.
7. Rad + Refined Face Mask
Rad + Refined Lemon Lime Remix Mask, $18
This brand, Rad + Refined, is a celebrity fave for its cool and unique accessories that are so special they can’t be found anywhere else, and their masks are no exception. They have fashionable masks in tie-dye prints and rhinestone details that are stylish and still super comfortable. They’re also v breathable with their lightweight face-fitting fabrics and designs.
8. CR Clothing Co. Face Mask
CRCCo. Homemade Face Mask, $15
Another Black-owned company with phenomenally comfortable masks is CR Clothing Co., a company founded by fashion designer Charla Ruschelle. Charla’s brand is rooted in made-to-order designs that actually fit realistic body measurements. Charla carries this same brand mission in the creation of her masks, which are also homemade and designed with the perfect comfortable fit.
9. Shore Face Mask
Shore Adjustable Masks – Set of 3, $36
Made from upcycled swimsuit fabric, the material of these masks is buttery soft on your face and so unbelievably comfortable. Especially during the summer, a mask that’s made of the same moisture-wicking material used for swimsuits is definitely ideal. These masks from swim brand Shore are also easily adjustable, so you can ensure that it’s not pressed against your mouth, forcing you to inhale it every time you take a breath.
10. PQ Mask-Scarf
PQ Bay Stripe MasQuini Yamia Scarf Face Mask, $24
When I first saw this mask, I thought there was no way I’d like it considering the abundance of fabric. However, once I put it on I was actually in love. This mask-meets-scarf design is not only super breathable, but also very wearable with its lightweight fabric and adjustable ear straps. Of course, there’s definitely a lot going on with this mask, so I wouldn’t want to wear it on a day I’m trying to flaunt my outfit. I would definitely have to save this for a more basic T-shirt kind of day.
11. Brave New Look
Brave New Look Floral Breast Cancer Ribbons Printed Mask, $20
These masks are made from 100% cotton, have pockets for filters (each mask comes with one filter, but you can buy refills), and feature adjustable ear straps. That’s basically all the ingredients you need for a comfortable, breathable mask. They also come in about a million patterns, so you’re bound to find something you like. Really no excuses.
PSA: Masks are no longer optional, so it’s time to get on board. I guarantee you’ll be a lot less resistant to wear a mask in public if you have ones that are cute and breathable. There are now tons of cute options out there to keep ourselves and the people around us safe. At the end of the day, not wanting to put a piece of cloth on your face to help others stay healthy is the definition of first world problems, so I say it’s time we all just stop complaining and read the room already.
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Images: @natedumlao / Unsplash; Shop Betches; Azazie; DIOP; South Moon Under; Montce; Socialite; Rad + Refined; CR Clothing Co.; Shore; PilyQ
By now you’ve probably used or are at least familiar with sheet masks for your face. They are full of hydrating and replenishing properties, ultimately giving you a glowing complexion. Even if you haven’t used one for yourself, you’ve probably at least spotted some celebrities trying them out on your timeline.
While you’re probably most familiar with the cotton sheets designed for your face and soaked in formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, skin care brands have decided to take their masking game a step further. Now, you can get sheet masks for literally every part of your body. From your hair to your lips, down to your ass and your feet, there is a sheet mask out there designed to take care of your entire being. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they come out with a sheet mask designed for your vagina next. Gwyneth Paltrow will probably manufacture it.
I’ve rounded up and tested eight different sheet masks for all different body parts that I never knew I needed a mask for until after I tried them out. Sometimes plain ol’ moisturizer doesn’t do the trick and the rest of your body needs a little bit more pampering, too.
Face: Knours Sweet Enough Rescue Mask
This sheet mask is specifically designed to be used during the toughest week of the month: your period. As if it’s not enough that you’re crabby, bloated, and bleeding, hormonal acne also likes to make an appearance during hell week. So, to give yourself a sense of relief, this microfiber sheet mask is drenched in a honey extract, which is a saving grace for your skin. It is a natural antibacterial so it helps to prevent acne. It’s also full of antioxidants, which help slow the aging process. Plus? The entire mask is super replenishing and gives your face a nice little pick-me-up during an otherwise excruciating time.
Hair: L’Oréal Paris Everpure Hair Sheet Mask
I’m sure you’ve used a hair mask at one point or another. But if you haven’t, this is the one you should get. The L’Oréal Paris Everpure Hair Sheet Mask is coated with a deep conditioning formula to take basic hair masks one step further. You simply wash your hair, wring it out, wrap the sheet mask around your hair, and massage the mask to make sure the conditioner is evenly distributed. The sheet then traps in the moisture and allows the conditioner to penetrate your hair deeper for soft, hydrated results.
Neck: Innisfree Anti-Aging Neck And Collar Mask
One of the (many) sh*tty things about getting older is that when we start to age, it really shows in the neck area first. If you’d like to avoid the creepy turkey neck look, start now by using Innisfree’s Anti-Aging Neck and Collarbone Mask. The sheet is dripping in coenzyme Q10, which helps to improve skin’s elasticity and ultimately firm up the loose skin.
Hands: Kiss Hand And Nail Argan Oil Gloves
Along with your neck, your hands are also one of the first body parts to show the visual signs of aging. To moisturize and slow down the process of wrinkles and sh*t on your hands, simply stick your hands into these gloves. They are lined with argan oil, collagen, and vitamin E. After about 15-20 minutes your hands will feel nourished and rejuvenated.
Feet: Baby Foot Foot Peel Mask
If your feet are in bad shape (I’m talking like full of calluses and hard as rocks) then skip the pedicure chair and wrap those puppies up in these plastic foot sheet masks for about an hour. The little booties are lined with an exfoliating gel that slowly peels the dead skin off of your feet over the course of a week. Although the process is a little um, gross-looking and unattractive (think like a snake shedding its skin), the results are unparalleled. Your feet will be smooth, soft, and callus-free. Pro tip: don’t try to walk while you have these on your feet—it won’t end well.
Butt: Bawdy Beauty Bite It Hydrating + Toning Butt Mask
Okay, so I know what you’re thinking: there’s no way a sheet mask will give me a firmer ass. And while, yes, technically a mask alone won’t give you the same results as say, a billion weighted squats will, it will give you a nice little temporary lift. And I mean, c’mon, a firmer butt with minimal to no effort involved? Sign me up. The “Bite It” mask specifically contains ingredients like collagen, sodium hyaluronate, aloe, and chamomile to increase elasticity, firm up those buns, hydrate, sooth, and prevent butt pimples.
The full collection of Bawdy Beauty sheet masks even bare phrases like “Bite It”, “Shake It”, “Slap It”, and “Squeeze It”, so if you’re in the mood to thot it up, send a quick snap to that hot guy you hooked up with last weekend to see if he can make out what the mask says.
Belly: Hatch Mama Belly Mask
So these hydrating sheet masks are designed for expecting mothers to use on their stomachs as a way to help minimize stretch marks during pregnancy, as well as help soften inflamed scar tissue after delivery. However, if you just really like food (same), then you can also probably benefit from using these masks. The egg-shaped masks are infused with aloe vera to soothe and reduce inflammation, and propolis (aka bee glue) to help rebuild damaged skin and reduce scarring.
Lips: KNC Collagen Infused Lip Mask
KNC Beauty Collagen Infused Lip Masks are the OG lip masks in the American beauty market. These bad boys are infused with not only moisturizing properties, but also ingredients that work to plump your lips. The formula blends rose flower oil, cherry extract, and vitamin E to hydrate, soften, and prime your lips for the best lipstick application of your life. It also has collagen, which works to give you a plumper pout. So if you want DSLs without having to get lip fillers, slap on one of these masks before a night out and you should be good to go.
Images: Knours; L’Oreal/Target; Innisfree; Kiss; Bawdy Beauty; Baby Foot; Hatch Mama; KNC Beauty
If we’re being technical, summer doesn’t officially start until next week but as of late, it’s been hot as fuck. Like, so disgustingly hot, I can’t even breathe when I step one foot out of my house. Since you obviously understand my pain, you know this heat fucks up your beauty routine big time. You can look so good that it only takes you like, 5,709 three times to nail a solid selfie (which basically never happens), but the second you leave, it’s game over. If you’re like me, sweat starts to come out of pores I didn’t even know existed, ruining my v expensive life makeup—and then to make matters worse, I start turning red. And, not in the cute “you’re blushing, you totally have a crush on that guy” way either. Until it becomes somewhat tolerable to carry those mini portable fans with you on all times, I’m just going to prep myself by repeatedly sticking my face in a freezer. Well, not literally, but these lifesaving cooling facial masks make you feel just as refreshed so like, try them if you plan on dartying all summer.
1. Eve Lom Rescue Mask
Get rid of oily grossness, awkward blotchiness, and sweat-inducing breakouts with this clay facial treatment. It’s designed to cleanse your pores, absorb excess oil, and reduce puffiness. Apply evenly, leave on for like, 15 minutes, and let the cooling ingredients work their magic.
2. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask
If you have a love/hate relationship with the sun because it causes wrinkles and skin irritation, this mask is perfect for you. Designed for sensitive skin, this tea tree oil stuff immediately cools you down after a day spent in the heat and clears any imperfections you suffered. Use after removing your makeup and washing your face to really get a deep cleanse.
3. Boscia Cool Blue Calming Mask
For those god-awful facial sunburns that make it hurt when you blink, this peel-off mask will quickly become a summer must-have if this sounds all too familiar to you. The mask helps hydrate all skin types by soothing swollen AF areas and restoring the skin’s elasticity. With a peppermint-derived ingredient (something starting with an F that I can’t pronounce), your face will feel refreshing and ice cold, like your heart.
4. Mario Badescu Calma Mask
Making lives easier for dozens of makeup artists, Badescu’s shit is so good for a reason. Hydrate any dry, flaky skin with this gentle mask. It’s infused with calamine to quickly relieve your skin.
5. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme Detoxifying Hydrator
Honestly, this is like a smoothie in a jar. With natural extracts including cucumber, papaya, and pineapple (there’s a shit ton more), the mask is ideal if you laid outside working on your tan. It helps calm and cool your skin after intense sun exposure. For best cooling results, store in the fridge before use and if you’re feeling needy, feel free to leave it on overnight.
Is your skin tired and sad? Did winter leave its mark worse than that guy who gave you hickeys in high school? Are zits making their presence known among the debris field that is your face—which includes dry skin land mines and crater-esque dark spots? We feel you. Winter is a time not only for acquiring a boyfriend and gaining four pounds, but also for dull, dry skin that screams “I’ve been inside for five months straight.” But like, it’s summer now and you will soon be required to leave your house and show your face both in public and on Instagram. To combat all the damage winter did to your attractiveness level, we recommend making yourself (and TREATING YO’SELF) to an at-home facial. Going to an actual spa requires driving, a bra, and making your hair look normal—none of which seem to fit with this whole “pamper yourself” thing, so here’s our guid to spa-level skin treatments that you can do while binge watching Netflix in your pajamas.
1. For Brightness:
Mix together the juice from one fresh lemon and ¼ cup sweet almond oil. Pat on to your face, wait about 15 minutes, then rinse off. The Vitamin C will brighten your skin and the almond oil will sooth all the dryness winter left behind.
2. For Dry, Pimply Skin:
Mash together 2 tbsps of all natural raw honey, one banana, and ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt. Yummy. Smear over your face and let sit for 20 minutes before washing off. This shit’ll have your skin smoother, softer, and less sad.
3. For Peely Skin:
Feelin’ parched? Mix together ½ an avocado, 2 tbsps raw honey, and ½ tsp coconut oil. Smooth over face and leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. The avocado and coconut get skin some much-needed moisture while the honey actually acts as an antiseptic and soother.
4. For When You’re Tired Or Puffy:
Caffeine is ALWAYS our friend, and it turns out smearing coffee all over your face isn’t so crazy after all. Mix together 2 tbsps ground coffee, 2 tbsps cocoa powder, 1 tbsp of honey, and 3 tbsps whole fat plain Greek yogurt. Spread over your face, let sit for 15 minutes, then wash off.
5. For When You Want Both A Smoothie And A Facial:
Yeah we hear you with that whole double duty thing. Mix together ¼ cups mashed strawberries, 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tbsp yogurt, and 2 tbsps honey. Pat onto face and let sit for 10 minutes. Wipe off and rinse. Use leftovers with almond milk and boom, breakfast.
