Tried & tested: Your ultimate guide to masking

Here at BD, we know it can be tricky finding the perfect mask for you. That's why we put the below products to the test, so that you can forget the guesswork and immediately get started on perfecting your masking technique.

Whether you're wanting to tame frizz, keep breakouts at bay or just add some moisture to your routine, there's always something for everyone to benefit from.

Editor's pick: Sukin Naturals Pink Clay Masque - Aja
What it is: A face mask that gently extracts impurities and environmental pollutants to leave skin looking radiant and clear. 
My experience: Sukin Naturals Pink Clay Masque is a great masking option for those with sensitive skin. It is formulated with aloe vera and cucumber to help nourish delicate skin. It helps to remove impurities, which has worked wonders on my hormonal skin. Not to mention the gorgeous pink clay that feels like a dream to apply (and doesn’t look too bad in a selfie either!).

Editor's pick: Jurlique Purity Specialist Treatment Mask - Aja
What it is: A clay mask rich in natural ingredients to deeply cleanse skin and lift impurities.
My experience: This addition from Jurlique has been a lifesaver this month. My skin has been playing up and I’ve had a couple too many breakouts for my liking, so this treatment mask has been put to the test. Formulated with apricot seed, karolin, rosemary and peppermint, it helps to exfoliate, smooth, soothe and invigorate skin. It leaves the complexion feeling ultra-clean but not stripped or dry.

Medik8 Natural Clay Mask™ - Issy
What it is: A purifying and decongesting natural clay mask.
My experience: What an absolute treat it has been to trial this beautiful clay mask. The first thing that jumped out for me was the scent of this – it smells just like lollies! I have been applying the mask twice a week, and I recommend it high on the list for anyone with skin congestion and blemishes, as it draws impurities from your skin. For someone like me who gets blemishes during that time of the month or when I’ve eaten too much sugar, I have such faith in knowing that a few uses during the week and my skin looks clear and refreshed again. The formula is light, and this mask doesn’t go super tight like most clay masks do. If you’re looking for a deep cleanse, then add this to your regime.

Hask Repairing Deep Conditioner - Argan Oil - Sam
What it is: An intense deep-conditioning treatment sachet that works to strengthen and hydrate the hair, restoring and smoothing dry, damaged, chemically-treated and over-processed locks.
My experience: This beautiful hair treatment is one of my favourite products by Hask. The consistency is thick and creamy and I can feel it doing good. My always dry ends absolutely soak up the argan oils and my hair is left feeling more nourished with a visible reduction in fly aways and fried ends. This conveniently sized single sachet is also perfect for popping into my bag to use on weekends away and quick business trips.

Dr.LeWinn’s Recoverëderm Australian Marine Algae Rescue Mask - Sam
What it is: A sheet mask that has been created for sensitive skin, to calm, soothe and comfort the face as well as promoting skin elasticity and firmness.
My experience: The Recoverederm Rescue Face Mask is a great option for sensitive skin and feels extremely luxurious on the face due to the high quality. Not only did this mask sooth my skin, but also left it feeling extremely hydrated. Dr.LeWinn’s use bio-cellulose technology to ensure that the mask acts like a second skin to be able to deliver consistent moisture. Marine algae extract has been used to calm the skin and aloe hydrates and soothes at the same time. This is a fantastic product for anyone with sensitive skin who would normally shy away from masking due to irritation concerns.

Bioré Blue Agave Instant Warming Clay Mask - Deborah
What it is: A face mask that deep cleans pores in one minute. 
My experience: I am always looking for new and deeper ways to clean my pores, and this mask does this in a flash. The texture of the product was smooth and wasn’t messy to spread evenly across my face. Once applied, the mask does exactly what it said it would and warmed up on my face instantly. The one minute wait time on this mask is a huge bonus and makes it the most efficient mask I’ve ever used, which is great for a busy woman on the go. Once I rinsed the mask off, my pores were visibly cleaner, especially across my nose, which is usually a blackhead trouble area for me. After rinsing, my skin felt fresh and tingly, and super smooth!

Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial - Deborah
What it is: An exfoliating facial mask that can be used as a peel, exfoliator and mask in one.
My experience: Biossance is the skincare brand that just keeps giving, I have loved everything I’ve tried and this renewal facial mask was no exception. I usually expect masks to go on quite thick, but I applied a thin layer of product as per the instructions, and a little really does go a long way! The product has a very neutral scent and the lovely soft pink salmon colour added to the luxe experience. This really vibes like a salon facial at home, with the product texture being smooth and easy to dispense using the little swab tool that’s provided. I left the mask on for about seven minutes, and massaged gently. While the mask was on, it gave my skin a slight tingling feel. After rinsing, my skin was left smooth and hydrated, and visibly brighter with a more even skin tone. This mask is gentle enough to use multiple times a week.

Flick Ons Hacka-Face Mask - Adrian
What it is: A face mask that detoxes the skin, helping to draw out blackheads and blemishes, leaving skin soft and clear.
My experience: This product comes in a sleek container that I would proudly display on my bathroom shelf. The product smells pleasant, and is noticeable as soon as it is opened; it has a mild yet fresh scent that is not overwhelming on the olfactory senses. The light blue hue brings about feelings of calmness, which adds to the experience. The texture of the product is ideal for spreading over the face; it is not messy, and importantly it is easy to wash off both my face and my hands. The mask successfully removed the grease from my face from a long day at work. It leaves the skin feeling cleansed and looking refreshed. My skin was left clean and hydrated, and I followed with Flick Ons Balance Moisturiser to complement this product. Overall the face mask was satisfying to use and left me feeling pampered in a fuss-free simple way.

Provoke Touch of Silver Toning Treatment Mask - Caitlin
What it is: A hair mask that brightens colour while moisturising hair at the same time. 
My experience: Having been a long term blondie, it is safe to say I always have a Provoke product in my bathroom. This was my first time using their Toning Treatment Mask and it has honestly saved my hair in between salon visits. It contains salon-strength violet pigment to actively neutralise brassy tones and hydrating Aquaplex™ system which has helped nourish and tone my hair. After using their shampoo, I put a generous amount throughout my hair and leave it on for three minutes before washing it off. I found my hair felt super soft, healthy and hydrated. I love using this product every week and it certainly is a must-have for anyone with blonde hair.

Kosmea Energising Radiance Mask - Caitlin
What it is: An overnight treatment mask that gives skin a moisture boost, leaving it recharged, bright, and fresh.
My experience: Given all the stressors as of late, my skin was dull and definitely needed some TLC. The product is very light going on the skin which is perfect for when it’s overnight as I know it won’t be ruining my pillows. I have combination skin and found the face mask offered intense hydration and I loved how glowing my skin looked in the morning. Some of the great natural ingredients this mask has include: jojoba oil, rosehip oil kakadu plum and saccharide isomerate that helps lock in moisture. My skin felt instantly refreshed, plumped and rejuvenated. I have also left this face mask on for 15 minutes when I needed a quick pick me up during the day, and this works a treat!

Goldwell Kerasilk Reconstruct Intensive Repair Mask - Alicia
What it is: A hair mask that reconstructs damage and dry hair.
My experience: As I am regularly dying my hair lighter than my natural colour my hair is often dry so I am using hair masks all the time (sometimes just instead of my conditioner). The Kerasilk reconstruct intensive repair mask really gave my hair the boost it so desperately needed and now is something I am using at least once a week. It is a nice thick and creamy consistency and has a little spatula which helps to get the right amount of product out so you don’t have as much wastage as you would with using your fingers. My hair is definitely silkier and so much easier to brush after I finish my shower. 

Minenssey Hydrating Mask - Alicia
What it is: A hydrating mask that helps to revive your skin while hydrating.
My experience: With sensitive skin I am always so conscious of using masks that may cause irritation but when I saw the ingredients in this product (wild harvested flannel flower, rosella fruit and Australian white clay) I was willing to give it a try. I left my mask on for about 25 minutes and not only did it set well but it was also so easy to take off and my skin was honestly glowing. Now we are in the colder months this is something I will work into my skincare routine as it was so hydrating, it has no nasties and is such a great product for my skin.

Andalou CannaCell® Glow Mask - Tiarne
What it is: An exfoliating enzyme, botanical rich jelly mask that works to hydrate the skin, along with multiple other skincare benefits.
My experience: This mask is an absolute winner! I have quite difficult skin that gets dry, flaky and somehow oily as well. I’m prone to hormonal breakouts that usually scar my face no matter what I do. Well, this mask has been a godsend, as I’m sure it has helped subside some of my most recent acne scarring. It has kept breakouts at bay, while making my skin feel super smooth, nourished and refreshed – like I’ve constantly got moisturiser on. I’ve also noticed a reduction in blackheads, which is an added bonus. To top it off, it has the most beautiful, almost citrus-like scent which I just adore. Thank you Andalou!

Rodan + Fields REDEFINE Daily Cleansing Mask - Tiarne
What it is: A cleansing mask that dries in two minutes, drawing impurities from pores without robbing skin of essential moisture.
My experience: I have always loved a good clay mask, and this one is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the best ones I’ve tried! I would say my skin type is combination, with an oily T-zone that is also often dry (weird, I know). It’s super easy to use – you simply squeeze it out and apply to a damp face every day before rinsing it off. A little goes a long way as well, which is great because I don’t want to run out any time soon! My skin has been feeling very clean, soft and radiant. I haven’t had any breakouts since using it and my skin just looks overall healthier, with much smaller pores. This is definitely something that will have a permanent spot on my beauty shelf!

DMK Acu Masque - Eleni
What it is: A Mask that assists to clear and soothe troubled and congested skin.
My experience: The DMK Acu Masque was my extra skincare step that was needed about once a week to help with congestion and the soothing of my skin. After cleansing my skin, I would apply a generous layer over my face, or if needed only in particular areas/spots. I kept this on my face for about 20 minutes at a time, rinsing thoroughly once done. It helped to soothe any breakouts or upcoming blemishes that may have surfaced due to being in isolation. My skin felt softer and brighter after use, and just really clean and fresh. I always follow any clay mask with a deep hydrator/moisturiser, but found this one to not be particularly stripping and drying like others. It didn’t crack once dry on my face and cause a mess, which I have encountered with other clay masks in the past. My skin can get quite oily, in particular in the T-zone and I found that it helped to ease and regulate my sebum production. It smells strongly of eucalyptus and has kaolin in it, which seems to be the active clay ingredient. I’m halfway through the jar of this mask, and very pleased with the effective results it has had on my skin so far!

Nutrimetics Apricot Facial Masque and Scrub - Eleni
What it is: A two-in-one facial, cleansing masque and exfoliator all in one ultra-hydrating product
My experience: I used this Nutrimetics Apricot Facial Masque and Scrub every Sunday in my skincare routine, as a pick me up before the start of a new week! After cleansing I smoothed it over my face and neck, leaving it for about 20 mins. To exfoliate and remove, I gently massaged with water in circular motions using my hands. I am such a fan of a good physical exfoliant and clay mask, and this was both mixed into one! The kaolin and bentonite clays helped to draw out impurities whilst the finely milled apricot kernel powder was the physical granules that helped to gently scrub away the dead skin cells. The fruity mix of mango, pineapple and papaya helped to brighten my skin, as well as contribute to this gorgeous scent. The results of using this mask really spoke for themselves, with a fresh feel and a glowing complexion everytime!

Burt’s Bees Detoxifying Clay Mask - Rhianna
What it is: A detoxifying clay mask that deeply cleanses the skin.
My experience: Face masks have long been a part of my skincare routine and play an important role in my weekly self-care rituals. I have been using the Burt’s Bees Detoxifying Clay Mask each week for the past two months and it has shown stellar results in detoxifying and de-clogging my pores. The mask is formulated with a 99.0% natural formula and contains charcoal for detoxifying the skin and acai oil which is packed with antioxidants to deeply nourish the skin simultaneously. After applying the mask to a dry, cleansed face and leaving it on to work its magic for around 15 minutes, my skin is left feeling deeply clean, fresh and nourished. I can see a noticeable decrease in black heads on my nose since introducing this into my skincare routine. I also find that it helps decrease the little bumps on my forehead, as it helps to detoxify and remove build ups of oil, dirt, makeup and toxins. Something special about this detoxifying mask is that it doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry, tight or red after use, rather, my skin feels soft and hydrated afterwards. I highly recommend this Burt’s Bees Detoxifying Clay Mask to anyone who wants to give their pores a deep clean and detoxify their skin in a gentle manner.  

John Frieda Detox & Repair Masque - Rhianna
What it is: A hair mask that helps strengthen fragile hair fibres before and after hair lightening. 
My experience: The John Frieda Detox & Repair Masque has quickly become one of my favourite hair masks of all time. After just one wash using this mask, my hair immediately felt so much softer, silkier and more hydrated. I couldn’t believe just how soft and hydrated my hair looked and felt so quickly. Once my hair dried, it had volume and bounce with basically zero fly-aways in sight. The mask smells divine, and the scent subtly lingers in the hair without being overpowering.  The mask is formulated with avocado oil to deeply nourish and repair the hair, and antioxidant rich green tea. I have also been using the John Frieda Detox & Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, and I have found that the combination of the products have given life back to my previously dry hair! My hair has never felt so soft and hydrated.

Natio Spirit Green Clay + Manuka Honey Purifying Face Mask - Tamara
What it is: A purifying face mask that helps to draw out congestion and help refine pores.
My experience: This luxurious Green Clay + Manuka Honey Mask from Natio has an inviting earthy scent with a smooth and lightweight consistency. I love that this mask doesn’t feel cluggy and heavy on my skin and the super smooth consistency allows for a nice even application of the product. I tend to use this mask once a week and leave it on for 10-15 minutes whilst I’m pottering around the house. A great find that I will continue to use on a weekly basis.