Skincare Basics: Face Mask 101
Carolina based hair and makeup team Alter-Image Inc. reveals the ins and outs of face masks and skincare 101. Visit the blog to get these trade secrets, and professional/dermatologist recommended products.
Skincare Basics: Face Mask 101
Seemingly at the forefront of most people’s self-care routines, face masks are truly everything. They help us get our skin together so that we can look and feel like the glowy goddess within, help us cover up our sad, and overall make you feel like you’re getting at least a portion of the spa day you deserve. In this day and age, though it’s easier to access information about products, etc. it can be difficult to figure out where to start when you’re trying something new! Whether face masks are a part of your skincare ritual or self-isolation has you ready to find a new relaxing hobby, we’ve got the 411 on it all. Sit back, relax, and welcome to the wonderful world of skincare!
Face Mask 101: What’s for Me?!
Like most other products, when it comes to face masks we’re blessed with a slew of options! I’m talking everything from sheet masks to jelly masks, ones that foam up when they’re ready and some that have a little extra fun included as well; whether that be a little glitter, or it coming as a kit that you put together yourself! Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a chance it’s out there for you, but of course, with all skincare, it’s best to keep skin type in mind before use. Some masks may be better for you personally, whereas some may cause a reaction to your skin. Ultimately, opting for a mask that targets your key issues (i.e a hydrating mask for dry skin, a brightening mask for dull skin, etc.) will best suit you and yield greater results. It’s also important to follow the instructions on your chosen mask for application tips; for less mess and product waste, be sure to keep a face brush handy for non-sheet masks!
Benefits of Adding Masks into Your Routine
So you know you’ve got options, but what’s so great about masks in the first place?! Well for starters, it’s not only a great way to treat your skin to an at-home spa day, but it also is ideal for when you’re needing a little extra TLC. Depending on the mask you’re going for and the problems you’re targeting, face masks can truly alter your skin for the best. Think about it like this; when you just wash your car with soap and water, sure it looks beautiful and clean, but when you add that extra step of waxing (face masks in this analogy) it takes things to the next level. Your car is not only clean and beautiful but taking that extra step almost unlocks all it’s best features. When you take the extra step to add face masks to your skincare ritual, you help take your skin to the next level! It’s not just clean skin, it’s skin that may be more glowy or youthful in appearance, skin that can breathe and is ready to absorb the products that follow.
What Types of Face Masks are There?
There are multiple different types of face masks, some include clay, sheet, peel off, foam/bubble, jelly, and overnight masks. As noted earlier, choosing a mask comes down to your skin type and the results you are looking to achieve. Each type of mask comes with its benefits and again, depending on the desired results, have different purposes. Some masks may have anti-aging properties, whereas some may be hydrating, exfoliating or give some extra glow. Sheet masks are great for dry skin as they’re usually very hydrating whereas peel-off/bubble masks are great for acne-prone skin as they are great for drawing out impurities. Another great thing when it comes to face masks is that some, particularly sheet masks, leave an essence (think product concentrate) for you to gently pat into your skin after taking the mask off of your face. In general, it’s a good idea to mask 1-3 times a week, depending on what you’re using so no worries about your skin not keeping up!
DIY Masks vs. Storebought Masks
Now that you have a general idea of what’s out there, you may also be wondering what the difference is between making one yourself and just buying one. Of course, budget and preference have a role to play! The great thing about DIY face masks is that usually, they’re pretty cost-effective and you may already have a good portion of ingredients at home. You can be sure of exactly what’s going into it and have control over the consistency of your mask as well as the ratio of ingredients in it. This is excellent especially if you’re following a recipe but adjusting it to your skin’s needs! It can be a bit time consuming and possibly messy, but is a viable option nonetheless! Storebought masks have their perks as well; while they may not always be as cost-effective as a DIY mask, they’re already formulated for you. This can make it easier to apply as it’s packaged and also comes with instructions, especially if it requires any mixing together on your end. It is important to note that storebought masks can/may have some synthetic ingredients and/or chemicals, so if that’s something of concern keep this in mind!
Professional Approved Favorites + A DIY Recipe
Of course, we can’t leave you without some recommendations! There are so many amazing face masks out there, but most importantly we’ll be sharing a couple of dermatologist/professional approved face masks along with a DIY recipe for you to try if you’re looking for something to keep you occupied. When it comes to storebought, the following have been named some of the best:
Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Mask with Collodial Sulfur Perfect for those with acne-prone skin or breakouts, it’s an overnight mask that helps clear impurities and doesn’t cause any extra irritation.
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask The electrolytes in this star are perfect for providing healthy, hydrated and supple skin!
Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask Dry skin’s best friend, it’s got a cooling gel feel and feels amazing on your skin.
GlamGlow Super Mud Clearing Treatment Great for preventing acne, and visibly (gross!) draws out oil/guck in your pores for bright and clean skin!
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay Great for minimizing the appearance of pores and gives that coveted glow!
A fun and simple mask to do at home (and a personal favorite of mine!) is a Green Tea and Honey mask. As if I needed another excuse to make a cup of tea and make another mask!! This is actually one of the first masks I taught myself to make and is always what I end up going back to when I’m not in the mood for a storebought one.
The recipe is as follows:
A green tea bag (moistened, so make a cup but be sure to take it out before adding sugar, etc.!)
Honey
Yes, that’s it!! Cut open the tea bag, put the leaves into a bowl and stir in some honey until it forms a little paste. Simply leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. This mask smells amazing and is chock full of antioxidants, clears up redness and helps to prevent blackheads.
Final Thoughts
The world of skincare is surely a big one, but it’s a lot less overwhelming when you dissect the products within it. It’s so awesome that even in the midst of a storm there are still so many ways to get creative and provide ourselves with a little bit of normalcy. I hope that this has answered questions, perhaps raised a few, and gets you eager to try something new! When trying new products always remember to patch test, keep your skin type in mind prior to buying/making a mask and have fun! Tag us in your face mask selfies on Instagram, and don’t forget to snag your free Bridal Guide while you wait for your glowy results!
3 essentials every bride need in her beauty touch up bag!
Your wedding day will be your most photographed day of your life and we have 3 must have that you need to have in your bridal beauty touch up kit. Heard from Bridal Hair and Makeup Artist Jasmine Jones , Owner of the Carolina Bridal Team Alter-Image as she shares with you the 3 things she believes every bride needs to have in you beauty bag the day of your wedding.
Must have beauty items for your wedding day!
Here are 3 must have beauty items every brides needs to have in her bridal touch up bag!
Hey Beautiful!! Lets chat about a few essentials that you will be needing on your wedding day makeup bag. Your wedding day will be the most joyous day ever and you will have a lot of emotions that you will be feeling that day. Excitement, anxious, nervous but over all super excited to finally tie the knot with your best friend that you love so much.
Jasmine has been a special event hair and makeup artist in Charleston for over 7 years and she knows what you will need to make sure you stay picture perfect all day!
The number on thing you will need in your bridal beauty bag…
Bobbi Pins
Bobbi Pins are a must have in your touch-up kit. The Hair and Makeup Artist on our Carolina Beauty like to insure that your hair will not move a single muscle once every thing is all hair sprayed away. But just in case you get a little too crazy on the dance floor and a curl comes out of place we love to give a complimentary cluster of Bobbi Pins for any mishaps that may occur.
This may seem small but it makes a huge difference. Can you imagine removing your veil after the ceremony an a few hairs come out of place and you stylist didn’t show someone how to fix it.
We know how important your wedding photos will be so we always shows the mother or the maid of honor how to safely remove the veil without messing with your hairstyle. Jasmine like to overly prepare each bride to make sure that even without her their that your look amazing all night!
The absolute must have item you need in your wedding beauty bag
Lip Stick
If nothing else a touch up Lip stick or Gloss is extremely needed as a back up on your wedding day. You’re going to be kissing, drink and don’t forget to eat through out the night and your makeup needs to stay fresh for photos!. After all of our bridal makeup services we like to complimentary gift our bride with a small touch up kit with the lip stick shade that they will wear that night so you can do touch ups when needed.
3rd most important item you need in your bridal touch up kit
Blotting Papers
You may think this tip is a bit old school but blotting sheets are my jam and a complete life saver. The Carolina has its own version of heat and it can be a steamy day regardless of what season we are in so this is a item you do not want to skip out on.
Blotting Sheets are good all year round in my opinion. All you have to do Is take a thin sheet lay it over the area that is shiny and boom the oil is toned down. If you wanted to take an extra step you can add a light layer of press powder on top for extra control and boom no one would ever know.
Blotting sheets are my favorite over press powder because they are tiny, thin sheets that don’t take up a ton of room because most likely you will have a tiny clutch to put your products in and not a huge beauty bag so the smaller the better.
These are some of the many tips that we like to give our Carolina brides prior to their wedding day so that they can be fully prepared for any and everything on such an important and most photographed day of your life. For more helpful tips to help you prepare for your wedding day or just to learn about fun beauty hacks make sure to join our beauty news letter below!
Blog Mentions
Features Alex our Charleston, SC Bride
Wedding Photographer Franzi Annika Photography
Gown Bridal House of Charleston
Flowers My Darling Flowers
Planner Direct My Day
Hair and Makeup Alter-Image