Mask Madness: Caudalie, Boscia and Tata Harper

When it comes to taking care of my skin and being comfortable in my own skin (literally), I’ve come a long way. I understand the importance of a wholesome routine that includes cleansing the skin (see my Cleansing Routine here), prepping it by applying a toner, followed by a serum and finishing off with a moisturizer (see my Daytime Routine here and my Nighttime Routine here). In order to see visible results, it is important to stay consistent with the routine and use the products over a longer period of time.  While regular cleansing removes surface dirt and grime, only a facial mask will wipe off dead skin cells and draw out impurities from beneath the top layers of the epidermis, thus unclogging pores and revealing a brighter and more radiant complexion.  That means that once or twice a week indulging in a little spa moment at home is mandatory. Enter the world of face masks! A world full of options: there are exfoliating, detoxifying, clarifying, purifying and hydrating masks just to name a few.

The Seal of Approval: The Masks That Make the Cut

The main criteria that dictates if a mask will continue to grace my shelves is that it does the cleaning without drying out the skin and that it can be fairly easily removed without tugging the skin. I tend to use several different masks, depending on my skincare needs, and rotate them out throughout the week (I will not use the same mask twice in one week).  Every now and then I will start featuring some of my favorites on the blog. Given that March is all about March Madness (even a non-TV watcher like myself could not escape it), I’ve figured this month I can feature Mask Madness here on the blog. So get ready, set, go!

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

I started with a small sample from Sephora and instantly the results blew me away. I ended up purchasing the full size and have used it for over a year now. It is one of the best masks I’ve ever used and have raved about it to anyone who crosses my path. This detoxifying mask draws out accumulated toxins and impurities from the skin, clearing out the pores and completely lifting the skin from a dull state. It doesn’t aggravate my sensitive skin, doesn’t leave it red and doesn’t dry it out. Applied in a thin layer on the skin for 5-10 minutes, this mask is great to use before an event, a night out or after a stressful week.  It is formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. The mask is enriched with Grape Marc to detoxify the skin, Pink Clay and Coffee to clarify, Papaya Enzymes for an immediate boost in radiance and eight Essential Oils to nourish the skin.

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

This is an old favorite of mine, but one that you need to plan to use. It is a mineral-rich peel-off clay mask that you apply and leave on for 20-30 minutes or until dry (in my experience it takes about 20 minutes). You gently peel it off from the edges and clean any leftover residue with warm water. It already sounds like a lot of work, so why bother?  Well, it does an excellent job drawing out blackheads, reducing excess oil without irritating the skin and delivering powerful anti-oxidants that shrink pores, firm skin and reduce inflammation. The skin is left looking brighter and fresh. The mask is formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It is made with a premier-quality Calcium Clay that absorbs excess oil, dirt and toxins, exfoliates dead skin cells, and leaves the skin nourished and restored. The mask is also enriched with Vitamin C to brighten and minimize hyperpigmentation, and Witch Hazel, to tighten pores, kill blemish-causing bacteria and prevent white and blackheads. The results are immediate and visible.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

The newest addition to the stash, I’ve only used it a couple of times, but really enjoy it. Sadly, it’s one of the few Tata Harper products that get along with my skin. Labelled as a resurfacing mask and containing a beta-hydroxy treatment (sounds scary but it’s not, I promise!), this mask works like a traditional peel to provide an instant solution for dull skin. The beta-hydroxy acids act as topical exfoliants by breaking down the bonds of the top layer of skin, thus allowing dead skin cells to slough off, making room for new cells to grow and leaving us with a bright and luminous complexion. The mask is formulated with Pomegranate Enzymes to provide deep cleansing, French Pink Clay to reduce the appearance of pores and detoxify the skin, and White Willow to eliminate dead skin cells and promote new skin cells. The mask has a gel-like consistency and the scent is very pleasant, very spa-like (always a plus when you have to leave the mask on for about 20 minutes). It doesn’t dry or irritate my sensitive skin, but leaves it feeling soft and looking plump. The mask I currently have is not full size, as it came in a Tata Harper skincare set (see here) I purchased from Nordstrom. I do think it’s a great mask, but I won’t repurchase it right away, especially since there are other options out there that promise the same things. It is a fairly pricey option (full size retails at Sephora for $58), so I do recommend sampling it first before buying it. All Tata Harper skincare products are 100% natural and non-toxic, free from synthetics, GMOs, fillers and gluten. They are all infused with a blend of five nutrient dense, organic herbs (arnica montana, calendula, borage, meadowsweet, and alfalfa) that are grown on the Tata Harper Organic Farm in Vermont during spring and summer months and then dried all year long.

Which masks do you use when your skin needs a pick-me-up?