PRODUCT FOCUS: FACE MASKS FOR ALL BUDGETS

Once upon a time I used to get regular facials at a salon. And by regular I mean every month. My skin was pretty crappy, and these facials at least kept breakouts to a minimum. But those were at a time when I was earning a nice wage, and didn’t have a mortgage. When I started University, I managed to keep up this habit by going to a beauty school where treatments were so cheap even a poor Uni student could afford the luxury. Today it is however an entirely different story, now a stay-at-home-mum with a mortgage and a baby, the budget rarely allow for such extravagances – and that’s when I reach for range of different masks for an at-home facial, so here are some of my face mask picks for all budgets;

 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Purifying Mask*

 

I have mentioned this mask before in one of my best budget bargain buys posts, as I really like this mask and is so great priced at under $10. It is clay based, so it helps draws out excess oil and sebum, so my skin feels less greasy and I hopefully stop a breakout or two from occurring. It also contains cocoa butter and shea butter to hydrate the skin, as well as aloe vera, chamomile and milk proteins to help soothe stressed skin. And I really like that it is so gentle that you can use it several times a week without drying out or irritating your skin, which is perfect, especially for the greasier t-zone area that is particularly prone to breakouts.

RRP: $9.99 (120g) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

Quick Fix Facials Anti-Blemish Mud Mask*

 

This mask is another great for those on a budget. It is perfect for those with oily and blemish prone and congested skin. It contains dead sea mud that helps draw out excess oil and sebum and help control oil production. It also contains salicylic acid that help draw out impurities and tighten pores, while tea tree oil helps treat and prevent blemishes. And just ten minutes with this mask, and my skin feels more refined and less greasy, and any breakouts that I have, seem to vanish quicker than normal.

RRP: $8.95 (100ml) – Available from Woolworths

Ultraceuticals Ultra Energising Mask*

My little boy has just gone through a bad period with teething, and consequently not sleeping through the night, waking several times, clearly uncomfortable, as he has been difficult to settle again. Days in a row with lots of interruptions during the night, and you start to feel it. I have not only been feeling tired, I have also looked it, with huge bags under my eyes, and my skin drab and dull. And that’s where this Ultra Energising Mask from Ultraceuticals have been a blessing as it has been the perfect pick-me-up. IT contains a potent blend of anti-oxidants including caffeine, Persian silk tree extract and salicin to wake and energise the skin, as well as vitamins E, A and B5 to help moisture the skin. And left on for just 5-10minutes and my skin is left with the most amazing glow, as if you’ve just had 8+ hours of beauty sleep. And I love that it is from an Australian and owned brand. Aussie, Aussie….

RRP: $65 (75ml) – Available from David Jones and Ultraceuticals Online

Sukin Purifying Facial Mask

 

I fell in love with this mask while I was pregnant, and trying to avoid to harsh skincare, including those containing salicylic acid, which is a big no-no when you’re pregnant, and this mask was a natural and great alternative. It is based on kaolin clay which gently draws out impurities, while aloe vera soothes the skin, and rosehip oil helps keep the skin nourished. And I love that it is free from synthetic fragrances and colours, and it is free from parabens, SLS, and mineral oils.

RRP: $15.95 (100ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Purifying Mask*

Lately my skin has been extremely temperamental. A lack of sleep due to a teething baby, along with the stress of moving house, twice within a month, getting a new house designed and built, has no doubt stressed me out a little more than I like – and sadly I feel that it is also showing on the condition of my skin.  I have simply had more and larger breakouts than I have for a long time. And to help get my skin back to normal again, I’ve reached for this purifying mask, which contains a BHA to exfoliate and support the skin’s natural regeneration cycle, Vitamins C, E and B to help promote healthy skin, as ell as Natural Clove, Sandalwood and Eucalyptus Oil to provide essential antioxidants to the skin. The mask is free from benzoyl peroxide, so it is non-drying on the skin and so gentle that it can be used up to three times a week without an issue. I have been using it as a spot treatment, for 10 minutes a few times a week, especially on my chin where the worst culprits have emerged, and immediately after removing the mask, I can see that my skin is clearer, less greasy, and any blemish is already less angry and smaller in size. Yet another Aussie beauty!

RRP: $65 (75ml) – Available from David Jones and Ultraceuticals Online

 

Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask

This mask is another fantastic option if you’re strapped for cash. It is seriously deep cleansing, and reaches deep down every single pore, thanks to sea salt that cleanses, and bergamot that helps rebalance the skin, while orange oil helps to recharge the skin – and make the mask smell lovely too. It is a little drying on the skin, so I wouldn’t recommend it for sensitive skin types, but perfect for those with combination or oilier skin types, as a weekly treatment when your skin needs a good clean.

RRP: $8.99 (100ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

So there you have it – these are some of the face masks that I reach for when I give my face a facial at home.

*These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you tried any of these masks? Do you give yourself facials at home? And which masks do you recommend?