A few weeks ago I was challenged on Instagram by @rawandroasted to list 5 facts about myself. One of the facts was that I use a facemask everyday. Spoiler alert: this doesn’t mean that I sit in a bubble bath reading magazines, face-masking away for hours. No way. I usually apply it in the morning or night, right after I have to wash my face. I leave it on for 15 minutes or so while I am doing other things.
But I digress. Since revealing my daily masking ritual, I thought I’d follow up with the products I’m loving right now. Since I’m newly(ish) pregnant, I’m trying to overhaul my entire routine, focusing on organic and all-natural products that are safe for the baby. I don’t want any negative ingredients seeping into the baby even if I know that it will do wonders on my skin. Whether you’re also expecting or are just looking to up your masking game, here are my recommendations.
Where to Shop
When I lived in New York, I loved popping into Shen Beauty to see whatever masks Jessica, the founder of the Brooklyn-based shop, was using. Since moving to Europe, I discovered Oh My Cream! in Paris, which has a really great selection, as well as Context in London. As far as online shopping goes, I love Shen, Credo and Detox Market, which all provide lots of clean options.
The Masks to Look For
Not all masks are created equal, which is why you really need more than one. These are the best masks that are gentle enough for pregnancy, but strong enough to leave your skin tight, glowy and purified. Concerning everyday masks, I typically steer away from the sheet kind (with the exception of SK-II) because they are more restricting and you are forced to stay put, which I hate. Sheet masks do come in quite handy on airplanes which is why I always have one or two with me.
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask – I had to start with this because it has been my go-to secret weapon for years. It really gives your skin a visible lift and leaves it soft and…glowing. Seriously, though. It’s also organic and filled with technologically evolved ingredients.
May Lindstrom The Honey Mud – This is a multi-tasker. It’s a mask and a cleanser in one. I prefer the former, because it feels a little indulgent to use daily as a cleanser, but hey, it works. I highly recommend it for sensitive skin, because it removes impurities without over drying. If my skin is really dry, I like to use it pre-shower. The heat of the shower really helps open my pores so the mask can work it’s magic.
Josh Rosenbrook Cacao Antioxidant Mask – This activating facial treatment detoxifies and rejuvenates the skin, thanks to some super powerful plant synergies. Cacao is one of the most powerful antioxidants out there and boosts circulation to liven dulled or stressed skin. It also helps elevate breakouts, which is clutch. It always gives my face a nice flush, which makes me feel like its really working. If you are on the sensitive side, be aware that you will pink up a little bit, so make sure to cool your skin after use. Ps – it smells like warm brownies. Need I say more?
Live Live Bee Yummy Skin Food – Let me run through the ingredients: Wildflower Honey, Honey Cappings, Bee Pollen, Propolis, St. John’s Wort Oil, Royal Jelly, Purified Water and Balsam Fir Needles as fragrance. Pretty heavenly, no? This organic and raw face cream and mask combo is insanely moisturizing and great for those who have sensitive skin. It’s super rejuvenating and perfect way to heal your skin after a day or sun or pollution. Oh, and you can get it on Amazon, which makes it super easy.
Tata Harper Boosted Contouring Eye Mask – It says it, right on the packaging, “Treatment for a lifted look.” I think all moms-to-be could use a little lift right? I can’t do any of the treatments that I love so much (chemical peels, lasers, acid, the list goes on), which is why I needed this eye mask in my life. Since using it, I became so addicted and started using it as an eye cream. It gives the eye area the appearance of being lifted and sculpted, while smoothing the look of crow’s feet and reducing the appearance of puffiness, dark circles and signs of fatigue. This is the ultimate eye mask and I highly recommend it.
One Love Organics Brand New Day Scrub and Mask – I like to use this once a week as either a scrub or mask. Here’s the drill: As a scrub, mix 1/2–1 teaspoon of Brand New Day with warm water to form a creamy paste. Massage onto damp face and throat using gentle, circular motions. Remove with warm water. As a mask, mix 1 teaspoon of Brand New Day with 2 teaspoons of water for a luxurious, tightening masque. For an extra treat, mix with 2 teaspoons of plain Greek yogurt for a clarifying masque OR fresh, raw honey for a hydrating masque. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Remove with warm water. How cool is that?! I have to say girls, THIS really works and you feel like a chemist putting it together. (Psst. my favorite is adding honey.)
Image, Irina Shayk via Instagram.
