In the recent years, we’ve seen a rapid rise in face masks—from clay or mud, to gel, to maybe the most popular one at the moment (and I think we have K-Beauty to thank for), sheet masks. Admittedly, I’m a huge fan of the trend because I love coming home after a long day at work just to indulge in some “me time,” where I pick a mask of my choice (usually, it’s GLAMGLOW’s Gravity Mud), apply it liberally all over my face, sit back with a glass of wine and a good book, and relax for about 20 minutes.
It’s a very affordable way of pampering yourself, while effectively giving your skin a little bit of boost. With all the masks available in the market, it can get pretty overwhelming to choose which one is best for your skin type or which one suits your skin’s needs. If you have oily skin like me, here’s a list of masks that I’ve tried (at least once) and that I think complement oily skin perfectly.
1. GLAMGLOW’S Gravity Mud (Php 3,300)
If you follow me on Instagram and watch my stories frequently, you’ll know how often I use this mask. It’s usually my Friday night treat to myself, after dinner date with the Cupcake. What I love about it is that it’s a peel-off mask that instantly leaves your skin smoother and firmer. It’s slightly on the pricey side, but given the immediate effect, I don’t mind splurging on this product at all. A little goes a long way, too—one small tub can last for a couple of months if you only use it once a week like I do.
2. GLAMGLOW’S Flash Mud (Php 3,300)
Another mask I’ve tried from GLAMGLOW and that I think also suits oily skin is their Flash Mud. Unlike the Gravity Mud that peels off easily once it dries, the Flash Mud is more like a typical mud mask. You apply it on clean, dry skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and when you wash it off, you’ll see the results instantaneously—skin that’s softer and brighter.
3. L’Oreal’s Anti-Pores Clay Mask (Php 399)
This one’s a far cry from GLAMGLOW’s price point—but let me tell you how effective it is! The first time I used it was when the Calyxta Crew and I tested it at our HQ. There were different variants of this product, but I was specifically drawn towards the Anti-Pores Clay Mask, because I felt like it suited my skin type the most. True enough, after just 20 minutes of wearing it (while responding to e-mails), the moment I washed it off, my colleagues and I were surprised at how radiant my skin looked. I think L’Oreal did a really good job in formulating these masks, and pricing them reasonably.
4. 23.5*N’s Oriental Beauty Tea Balancing Face Mask (Php 1,450)
Following the launch of 23.5*N in the Philippines, which is exclusively available at Beauty Bar, their Oriental Beauty Tea Balancing Face Mask was specifically designed for Asian women with oily skin. It’s very gentle, and I love how it feels soothing on the skin. Want it to have an extra pampering effect? Leave it in the refrigerator, so that when you use it, the gel feels nice and cool!
5. Kiehl’s Calendula and Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask (Php 2,950)
I recently wrote about the launch of Kiehl’s Calendula and Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask, and since then I’ve tried the mask once. Before trying it, I read and heard a mix of reviews. Some people claimed that they broke out while using the product, but others had a more positive reaction to it and I happen to be one of them! Made for normal to oily skin, it’s a gel type that I also recommend you put in the refrigerator to give it an extra cooling sensation. It gets absorbed easily and hydrates your skin without making you look shiny or oily.
So those are just a few masks that I can honestly vouch for because I’ve tried them myself. I know that I’ve only tried some of them once, so I can’t exactly share the long-term effects yet. I didn’t include sheet masks here because I don’t think I’ve tried enough—plus I’m really more of a mud or gel kind of girl. If you do have your own masks you’d like to share, let me know in the comments! I’d like to check those out, too.