The Best Face Masks I Tried in 2017

Blogger Alicia Tenise reviews the best face masks - The Best Face Masks I Tried in 2017 by popular Washington DC blogger Alicia Tenise
The one product that was the MVP of my skincare cabinet last year were face masks. Since I was on the road quite a bit last year and I wasn’t always able to do my full skin routine (more details about that later), I would use masks a lot to give my skin a much-needed glow, or to minimize pores/clear up my skin. 

A background on my skin: I have combination, T-Zone skin, and my biggest skin concerns at the moment are minimizing pores and reducing breakouts. Since I’m 27, I do use some products that are anti-aging as a preventative measure, but to be perfectly candid, a lot of the women in my family have “baby faces,” and genetically don’t show signs of aging until they’re in their 40’s. 

Since it’s the dead of winter and I’m sure your skin needs a little TLC, now is the perfect time to try out one of these masks. I try to do a mask ever 2-3 days to keep my skin in check. Without further ado: here are some of the best face masks that I used in 2017!


Best Face Masks for a 20-Something - The Best Face Masks I Tried in 2017 by popular Washington DC blogger Alicia Tenise

THE BEST FACE MASKS OF 2017

Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque
This has been my favorite mask for a few years now, but for some reason, I’ve never gotten the opportunity to share it on the blog. I love to use this mask a few days before a major event because it’s the most effective at minimizing my pores and getting rid of my breakouts. You only need to apply a super thin layer of this mask, and I like to leave mine on for 15 minutes. I use this mask on my t-zone only.

The result? My skin is super smooth, and I feel that I get a super deep clean from it, yet it is gentle enough to use twice a week. I like to throw this in my travel bag when I’m on extended trips because sometimes my skin will go out of whack when I’m out of town, and this hones it all in!

 


 

TULA Exfoliating Treatment Mask
I’ve used TULA products for a few years now, and my favorite thing about this line is that they use clean, clinically-proven, high-quality ingredients. This mask was created using probiotic technology, and it is fantastic to use in the dead of winter because it won’t dry your skin out. Your skin will feel smoother instantly, yet still hydrated.

This mask is great for all skin types, so I’ll use it all over my face rather than just on my t-zone.

 


 
Tula Exfoliating Mask with Probiotic Technology - The Best Face Masks I Tried in 2017 by popular Washington DC blogger Alicia Tenise

Cosmedix Activated Charcoal Mask - The Best Face Masks I Tried in 2017 by popular Washington DC blogger Alicia Tenise

Cosmedix Detox Activated Charcoal Mask
I was introduced to this mask when I went to the TBScon conference this year, and it quickly became one of my favorites! My conferences hotel roommates and I all used this mask the same night that we got it, and I can honestly tell you every single one of the girls who used it that night instantly looked more radiant after the first use.

I think this activated charcoal mask is great for all skin types, even for sensitive skin. It does a great job at clearing out your pores, and if you live in a major city, this will clear out all of those pollutants that might have seeped in your skin.

 


 

Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask
2017 was the year I was introduced (and became obsessed with) all things Caudalie. I use their products daily — just check out this post for some of my other favorites that I’ve mentioned in the past! Pro tip: if you live in New York or D.C., their locations also offer spa services. I’m planning on getting a Caudalie facial this month to help combat this winter dryness!

Back to this mask: most of its ingreedients are natural, and it’s a great option if you have sensitive skin — I can use this all over my face, and can leave it on for a little longer than the recommended 10 minutes. It clears out my pores like none other, and leaves my skin looking radiant.

Leaders Face Mask Review - The Best Face Masks I Tried in 2017 by popular Washington DC blogger Alicia Tenise

 

My Favorite Budget-Friendly Mask: Leaders

Ok, I know that I have a tendency to splurge a bit on a good mask. However, I did want to share a few budget-friendly mask options that are my go-tos. I became hooked on Korean Skincare products in 2017. I love using Leaders Masks because they’re super easy to find (you can get them at Ulta, Anthropologie, Amazon, etc), and at only $5 a mask, won’t break the bank. These masks are made out of biodegradable, high quality cotton and are thin, yet will stretch and hug your face perfectly!

The names of the masks are pretty hysterical: I like using the “What Happened Last Night?” Revitalizing Mask after a night out on the town with my girlfriends, and the AC Clear Mask when I need to clear out a few breakouts.

What are the best face masks for you? Let me know in the comments below!

Leave a Comment

16 Comments

  1. Fantastic and necessary post. There are wayyyy too many masks out there now. It’s hard to choose!

    Posted 1.3.18 Reply
    • Agreed, girl! I’ve tried like a million masks in the last few years, hah, so many to choose from!

      Posted 1.4.18 Reply
  2. One of my resolutions is to get my skin in better shape. I broke out when I was a teenager, and haven’t done much to make it better now that I have clear skin! This post is super helpful and right up my alley! Thanks!!

    Posted 1.3.18 Reply
    • Get it, girl! I know skincare can be difficult for adults now that our acne has cleared up! Thanks for stopping by.

      Posted 1.4.18 Reply
  3. Ruthie Ridley wrote:

    These sound great!! I dont do enough masks! I am going to do more this year!!

    Posted 1.3.18 Reply
    • Yesss, I do them like twice a week! It’s such a game changer!

      Posted 1.4.18 Reply
  4. Jenny wrote:

    I love the Cosmedix mask too! It works so well.

    Posted 1.3.18 Reply
  5. Nicola | Travel to Spain wrote:

    This post could not have come at a better time! I’ve just finished the last of my tube of face mask. I really wasn’t impressed with it at all, so I’ve been looking for a better alternative.

    Posted 1.4.18 Reply
    • Ah, I hope this helps! It’s hard to find a great mask sometimes!

      Posted 1.4.18 Reply
  6. I’m all for charcoal masks. I’ll have to check the Cosmedix one, out! And I was eyeing that Tula mask not too long ago.

    Posted 1.4.18 Reply
    • They’re both great options — can’t go wrong with either one!

      Posted 1.4.18 Reply
  7. Lauren wrote:

    I also want to check more of the products from Caudalie. I love their line!

    Posted 1.4.18 Reply
  8. Mary Gui wrote:

    ooh i want to try the Caudalie mask!
    http://www.layersofchic.com

    Posted 1.5.18 Reply
  9. Krystin wrote:

    Love this list, I’ve only tried Leaders and loved it, so I can’t wait to try the rest!

    Posted 1.5.18 Reply
  10. Ohh I need to try that Caudalie one! I’m currently obsessed with Beautycounter’s Charcoal Mask.

    Xx Taylor
    http://www.lightscameracatwalk.com/

    Posted 1.5.18 Reply