Tried & tested: Mid-winter masking

Cold weather means our beauty products need to work harder – and that’s where a mask steps in. This week the BD team tried some masks to give our skin that mid-winter TLC.

EDITOR'S PICK: endota spa Instant Revival Power Mask – Georgie
What it is: This revitalising mask helps to rescue stressed, lacklustre, dry, ageing skin with this. Pro vitamin B5 and oat help soothe and calm stressed skin, while liquorice, hexapeptides and vitamins A & E help brighten and repair damage and signs of ageing. The nourishing formula leaves skin feeling supremely soft and supple, unveiling a healthy looking natural glow.
My experience: The first thing I noticed about this mask is that it's beautifully fragrance free, so would appeal to everyone from that perspective. It glides on so smoothly and sits lightly on the skin while you leave it to work its magic. Once rinsed off my skin was left feeling super, super moisturised and plump and stayed that way for the rest of the day. I'm into pre-work masking and this one is perfect for that – there wasn't any residue left over and it felt like the perfect base for foundation. I absolutely love everything endota does – from treatments to products – so of course this gets a big thumbs up from me.

Related Brands: 

DNA Renewal DNA Restoring Mask – Zoe
What it is: a face mask that contains DNA Repair Enzymes.
My experience: I first fell in love with this mask when I attended the DNA Renewal Event. It works by using a liposomes delivery system to deeply penetrate the skin with the key ingredients of DNA Repair Enzymes, and vitamins E and C. Putting it on before bed I always find I wake up with a glowing complexion; and my face always feels so refreshed following use. It’s a must-have for obliterating any wine and pizza related puffiness or sun damage overnight.

Mesoestetic anti-stress face mask – Steph
What it is: a face mask that helps to reduce stress and decongest the skin.
My experience: When I’m stressed I am prone (like most people) to breaking out, but this mask has absolutely helped! Stressed skin can be dry, flaky and irritated, so the key ingredients of aloe vera, pot marigold and chamomile extract which are known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties definitely helped bring my skin back from it’s stressed-out state. This mask has become a staple in my skincare routine.

ENVIRON Intensive Revival Masque – Tiarne
What it is: A face mask that works to revitalise and smooth skin’s texture.
My experience: This came at the perfect time, as I was looking to incorporate a new face mask into my winter skincare routine. After just one use, my skin appeared and felt firmer, clearer and more radiant. After using it a few times, the results were even better! I’ve also noticed my skin is more hydrated, which is great because the winter air has been drying it out a bit. A little goes a long way with this mask – it spreads very easily and the whole process is super quick.

Ultraceuticals Ultra Replenishing Mask – Tash
What it is: A mask for distressed and dehydrated skin, formulated with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, panthenol, ceramide 3 and vitamin E.
My experience: A luxurious, non-greasy, mask which has helped to soothe and restore my dehydrated skin. Love the no-fuss flip top tube, also really like that this mask is formulated to be paraben and synthetic fragrance free. This is a must-have in your beauty cupboard for recovery post-treatment or to rescue distressed Winter skin.

Keratin Complex Personalized Blow Out Picture Perfect Bond Sealing Masque – Laura
What it is: A deep-conditioning hair mask that works to leave hair smooth and shiny.
My experience: I really enjoyed using this mask and it couldn’t have come at a better time. As we go into winter, everything seems to get a bit dry and brittle so this bond-sealing hair mask really helped my damaged hair. After applying it to my towel dried hair and leaving it on for just 5 minutes my hair was visibly smoother and healthier!

Trevor Sorbie Smooth & Hydrate Nourishing Mask - Sam
What it is: A nourishing hair treatment full of nourishing ingredients like Brazil nut oil, vitamins A & E and amino acid. This mask aims to smooth and soften dry, frizzy hair while adding shine and reducing surface damage.
My experience: I have been a religious, weekly face masker for many years but have only recently delved into the world of hair masking. This inexpensive tub is packed full of oils and vitamins and has definitely helped to tame my frizz and hydrate my lifeless winter hair. I have been using the product once a week on my post wash wet hair, leaving on for about 10 minutes and then rinsing before drying and styling as usual. I noticed an immediate difference with fewer flyaways and a silkier finish post blow-dry. A definite new addition to my masking regime!

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Clarifying Clay Treatment - Rachel
What it is: A clay mask that will draw out dirt and congestion to reveal a brighter, more clarified complexion.
My experience: I’m a huge fan of clay masks so I was excited to try this. I was super impressed with how effective this mask was - deeply cleansed and silky smooth skin after just 10 minutes! The key ingredients of Kaolin clay and black rice powder really worked to gently exfoliate my skin and left it feeling plump, whilst the raspberry fruit and cucumber extracts not only lent a beautiful scent to the mask, but also felt soothing on my skin, and afterwards really hydrated and toned. I can’t wait to use it again!

Bioré Self-Heating One Minute Mask - Jess
What it is: A face mask for oily skin that opens and clears pores.
My experience: I loved this mask! I’m always a fan of a good clay mask because it feels like it is really going deep and cleaning your skin properly. This mask heats itself up when you rub it on your skin, which is a really cool feeling. You only have to leave it on for a minute which is a nice change from most other masks I use which are usually 10 minutes minimum. It left my skin feeling smooth and refreshed afterwards, and my usually oily skin was significantly less so they day after use.