Everyone Asks If I Get Regular Facials, But These Face Masks Are the Secret to My Glow

We all know the perfect skincare routine contains one of the best cleansers, the best serums and the best moisturisers on the market. That's why, as beauty editors, we are constantly putting these products to the test to help separate the good from the bad. That being said, there's one skincare product that doesn't get talked about enough, and that's a face mask.

Face masks are often an afterthought in people's skincare routines. People cast them aside for the more important products we use daily. Don't get me wrong, I kind of get the logic. Why add another step into your routine? The thing is, some of the best face masks on the market can provide noticeable results, whether your skin is feeling dry, clogged or lacklustre.

If I need a facial but simply don't have the time (or don't want to spend too much money), then I always rely on a face mask to instantly deliver a powerful cocktail of ingredients to the skin. Think of these products as advanced skincare treatments that you can do in the comfort of your own home. I've tested hundreds of different face masks over the years, and below I've rounded up my top picks to help tackle a range of skincare concerns.

The Best Face Masks, Tried and Tested

• Best Sheet Mask: 111SKIN Cryo De-Puffing Energy Mask x5, £100
• Best Clarifying Face Mask: Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, £26
• Best Hydrating Face Mask: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, £49
• Best Exfoliating Face Mask: Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask, £16
• Best LED Face Mask: Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, £465

1. 111SKIN Cryo De-Puffing Energy Mask

My review: I have a love-hate relationship with sheet masks. I'm not a fan of these products being single-use, but there's no denying how good they feel on the skin. I tend to only use them before an important event when I want my skin to be looking its best, and the one that I can't stop reaching for at the moment is 111SKIN's Cryo De-Puffing Energy Mask. As the name suggests, this sheet mask is inspired by cryotherapy and works to depuff your face first thing in the morning. The hydrogel material is infused with ingredients such as tetrapeptide-5 and caffeine to increase blood microcirculation and tighten the skin. Not only that, but the hydrating essence adds a beautiful glow.

Whilst most sheet masks feel too big for my face, this one comes with two sections, making it easier to wear. I do find it can slip off at times, so I prefer to wear it while lying down to get the full effects. My top tip? Keep it in the fridge before using for even more of a cooling effect.

2. Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

My review: Designed with oily and combination skin types in mind, this clarifying face mask from Caudalie works to draw out impurities and excess oil, helping to reduce the appearance of pores and blemishes over time. It's the perfect face mask for my skin type, and I like to use it once a week for optimal results. Like other clay masks on the market, it hardens on the skin after a few minutes, and washing it off feels incredibly satisfying.

One thing to note is that this mask does give your skin a more matte finish, so if you like to look dewy or glowy, then this might not be the face mask for you.

3. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

My review: If a hydrating mask is what you're after, then you need to know about the iconic Jet Lag Mask from Summer Fridays. Not only does the tube look chic, but it's a bit of a multitasking skincare hero. It can be used as a moisturiser, a face mask, an overnight mask and even a hand cream to instantly hydrate. I like to use it when my skin is feeling dull or lacklustre because this instantly brings it back to life.

Not only does it nourish the complexion thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid and glycerin, but it also soothes the skin thanks to allantoin and bisabolol. Whether your skin is feeling dry, stressed or sensitive, this ought to do the trick.

4. Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask

My review: I test beauty products for a living, which means that my skin can often be left feeling a little angry and stressed out. When that's the case, I always reach for this mask from Laneige. Not only is it so easy to slot into my routine (I love the fact that I can wear it to bed at night and wake up to a hydrated complexion), but it always manages to calm my skin down, too.

I would say it's a great product for dry or sensitive skin types, and the fact that it's non-comedogenic is a big plus.

5. Garnier Hydrating Aloe Sheet Mask

My review: I've used Garnier's super-affordable sheet masks for as long as I can remember. There are lots of variations on the market, and they're all great at giving an instant hit of hydration. This particular mask is ideal for when you want a plumping effect thanks to a powerful trio of ingredients including hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerin.

The mask itself is infused with the same amount of product as a bottle of serum, and whilst this does feel great on the skin, it can be a little messy to apply. I always like to apply mine over the bathroom sink just in case of any leaks or spills.

6. Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

My review: I'm actually not a big fan of exfoliating face masks, but if I were to add one to my routine, it would definitely be this one from the Korean skincare brand Beauty of Joseon. Although it has somewhat of a grainy texture, it doesn't feel harsh on the skin. In fact, it's formulated to hydrate and leave a beautiful glow. Honey and natural rice hull powder work together to buff away dead skin cells, and the addition of kaolin clay helps to reduce excess oil.

The mask comes with a handy spatula, which makes it so much easier to apply the product to the skin, and although you do have to leave it on for a little while, the results are worth it.

7. Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

My review: They are more of an investment, but an LED face mask can be a great addition to your skincare routine. My personal favourite? The Dr Dennis Gross LED mask. I love this particular model because it allows you to use a combination of both red and blue light to stimulate collagen production, firm the skin and help clear breakouts. Plus, unlike other LED masks, you only have to use this for three minutes at a time.

The thing with LED masks is that you have to be consistent to see results. Unlike sheet masks or regular face masks, they won't provide an instant hit of hydration or noticeable glow to the skin, but over time you will start to see positive changes to your complexion.

How We Tested

As mentioned above, I have tried hundreds of face masks over the years, so I like to think of myself as an expert on the topic. Each of the masks in this edit has been included because I've actually seen a noticeable difference in my skin after testing them out. Some differences have been instant (sheet masks, I'm looking at you), and for those products that take a bit longer (such as LED face masks), I've made sure to test them over a longer period of time to give my honest thoughts.

I followed the brands' instructions and used the face masks as part of my daily skincare routine. Whilst testing, I've taken into account everything from key ingredients to price, formula and packaging.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.