How to Choose the Perfect Facial Mask for Your Skin: Expert Tips and Recommendations

Face masks are one of the easiest ways to give your skin a targeted boost, whether it needs hydration, a deep cleanse or a brighter glow. With so many types to choose from, the key is matching the mask to what your skin needs.

Here's how face masks work, how to choose the right one and how to get the best results.

How face masks work

Sheet masks work on a simple principle borrowed from dermatology, called occlusion. The mask forms a close-fitting layer over your skin, which slows the evaporation of water and keeps the mask's essence in contact with your skin.

This softens and hydrates the outer layer of your skin, helping the active ingredients absorb more effectively. The result is skin that looks instantly plumper, smoother and more radiant.

Clay and mud masks work differently. Instead of sealing moisture in, they draw excess oil and impurities from the surface of your skin.

How to choose a mask for your skin

• Dry or dehydrated skin: choose a hydrating sheet mask with hyaluronic acid. Try HD Advanced Repair Concentrated Recovery Mask.
• Oily or congested skin: choose a clay or mud mask to absorb excess oil and clear pores. Try HD Deep Cleansing Magic Mud Mask.
• Dull or uneven skin tone: choose a brightening mask with vitamin C, niacinamide or tranexamic acid. Try HD Vitamin C Bio-Cellulose Mask.
• Fine lines and loss of firmness: choose a peptide-rich mask. Try HD Microinject Revitalizing Mask.
• Tired-looking eyes: choose a targeted eye mask for puffiness and dark circles. Try HD Advanced Revitalizing Eye Mask.
• Sensitive skin: choose a simple, soothing, fragrance-free hydrating mask, and avoid masks with strong acids or drying clays.
• Combination skin: try multi-masking. Apply a clay mask to your oily T-zone and a hydrating mask to drier areas like your cheeks.

Tips for the best results

• Start with clean skin: cleanse first so the mask's ingredients can reach your skin.
• Patch test: try any new mask on a small area of skin before using it on your whole face.
• Follow the directions: use each mask for the time and frequency on its pack. Leaving a mask on longer won't make it work better.
• Don't let sheet masks dry out: remove them while they're still damp, then massage the leftover essence into your skin. There's no need to rinse.
• Moisturise afterwards: follow every mask with moisturiser, especially after a clay mask, which can leave skin feeling dry.
• Be consistent: a regular weekly mask routine gives better results than an occasional one.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I use a face mask?

Hydrating sheet masks can be used a few times a week. Clay and exfoliating masks are best used once or twice a week. Always check the directions on the pack.

Should I rinse after a sheet mask?

No. Massage the leftover essence into your skin until it's absorbed, then follow with moisturiser.

Can I use a face mask before makeup?

Yes. A hydrating sheet mask leaves skin smooth and plump, so makeup goes on more evenly. Save clay and exfoliating masks for the evening.

Do I need sunscreen after an exfoliating mask?

Yes. Masks with glycolic acid or other exfoliating acids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day.

The HD mask collection

HD Advanced Repair Concentrated Recovery Mask (4 x 25 ml) is a foil-backed sheet mask that locks in moisture and keeps its essence in close contact with your skin. Hyaluronic acid, licorice root, fermented olive leaf, snail mucin and reishi mushroom extract leave dry, tired skin hydrated, smooth and refreshed. It's free from parabens, MI/MCI, colourants, alcohol and fragrance.

Shop HD Advanced Repair Concentrated Recovery Mask

HD Vitamin C Bio-Cellulose Mask (4 x 25 ml) is made from an ultra-fine bio-cellulose fibre that hugs the contours of your face. It's infused with vitamin C, tranexamic acid, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to brighten dull skin and even out its tone. It's free from parabens, MI/MCI, colourants, alcohol and fragrance.

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HD Microinject Revitalizing Mask (5 x 28 ml) is a peptide-rich sheet mask with niacinamide, tranexamic acid and hyaluronic acid. It hydrates, brightens and helps skin look firmer, making it a great boost before a special occasion.

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HD Advanced Revitalizing Eye Mask (6 x 10 ml) targets the delicate eye area with peptides, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, CICA and butcher's broom. It helps de-puff, soften fine lines and brighten tired-looking eyes. Please note: it contains bee venom and honey, so don't use it if you're allergic to bee stings or bee products.

Shop HD Advanced Revitalizing Eye Mask

HD Deep Cleansing Magic Mud Mask (50 ml) combines mineral clay with glycolic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E and calendula. It absorbs excess oil, gently exfoliates and refines the look of pores, leaving skin smooth and soft. Use it once or twice a week, avoiding the eye and lip area. Because it contains glycolic acid, wear sunscreen daily. It also has a cooling touch of menthol, so patch test first if your skin is sensitive.

Shop HD Deep Cleansing Magic Mud Mask