The mask also reduces shine and makes skin feel overall fresh, qualities that our tester attributes to the micro exfoliants. “The mask completely extracts dirt and oil from my face, and leaves my skin feeling fresh and so bouncy,” she adds. As a bonus, this is one of those masks that provides results that only get better with long-term use. This mask can be a little bit messy to apply with fingertips. It’d benefit from an applicator tool. Mario Badescu is famous for their pore-clearing, acne-reducing products that aren’t overly aggressive and safe for sensitive skin. We love this Collagen Mask because it's actually formulated for dry skin and works to clarify while also pumping the skin full of hydrating nourishment that ultimately evens texture and smooths fine lines. Before putting on your clay mask, cleanse your complexion to help remove dirt, oils, and makeup from the surface of your skin. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser. Each of these cleansers lifts dirt and impurities out of your pores without drying out your skin.Starting with a clean base will help the clay masks reach their maximum level of effectiveness. STEP #2: APPLY AN EVEN LAYER

For oily and congested skin reach for the Mattifying Treatment Mask with clay and eucalyptus to help purify the appearance of the skin and remove excess oil from the skin’s surface creating a clean, mattified look. Purify & Mattify helps refresh the skin, allowing it to breathe better while improving the appearance of pores. Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten Have multiple skin concerns? There's a mask (and a method) for that! We review L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask range and share how to use these clay masks to multi-mask, below! Inspired by the rejuvenating powers of a Scandinavian cold plunge, this turquoise OleHenriksen mask actually creates a cooling effect through a blend of active botanicals and clarifying acids. “There is a tingly, minty, and cooling sensation with this mask, but it doesn’t sting or burn — it feels comfortable and refreshing,” says our tester. And as someone with sensitive skin, she was pleased to find that the product isn’t irritating and doesn’t leave her with any redness. “My skin is smoother than before, and my enlarged pores are also visibly reduced,” she says. Editor’s tip: Can’t decide on just one of the below? Multi-mask! This beauty trend involves applying different face masks to different areas of your face at the same time. Ideal for anyone with combination skin, multi-masking is the perfect remedy when you’re oily in some areas and dry in others. After all, one face mask won’t tend to all your skin’s needs. The following directions for applying and removing clay masks can also be applied to multi-masking—you’ll just be removing a few different masks instead of only one! HOW TO APPLY AND REMOVE CLAY MASKSOnce your mask has set and dried, wet a clean face washer with lukewarm water and rub away the clay in small, circular motions. Repeat until all mask is removed. Next, reach for a clean towel and lightly pat your skin until dry.

Though inducing glow isn’t the main function of a clay mask (detoxing and clarifying are), this one from Glow Recipe pulls through with the added benefit. “After removing the mask, my skin looks brighter than usual and dewier than I would’ve expected with a clay mask,” explains one of our testers. The hyaluronic acid in the formula goes a long way to provide a boost of hydration, while the detoxifying ingredients (including watermelon enzymes and BHAs) completely clear out skin. Once you’ve made sure all of the clay mask has been removed, take a clean, dry towel and lightly blot your skin until it’s just slightly damp. You and your skin should feel rejuvenated and revived. STEP #6: USE A LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURIZER She explains that clay created from volcanic ash (known as bentonite clay) is particularly effective for oily skin as it absorbs more than its mass in water and oil. Meanwhile, she advises, “Those with drier or sensitive skin types should choose kaolin clay because it doesn’t absorb as much water as other clays.” My skin feels more moisturized than before and hydrated enough that I don’t have to apply a cream after,” our tester adds. Though, be warned, the formula dries very hard and can be tough to remove. We recommend applying this mask 20 minutes before entering the shower for the easiest rinse off.The charcoal beads in this formula, intended to detoxify pores, aren’t abrasive. In an ingenious stroke, they actually dissolve and burst into the clay upon application to further draw out dirt and oil. Furthermore, the salicylic acid works to break up acne flare-ups and clarify skin. We do wish it came with some sort of applicator because using hands can get quite messy with this mask. “This is a product that requires care and consistency, but it’s from Rihanna, and she does next to no wrong,” shares our tester. For best long-term results, we suggest using the mask two to three times per week. Yes, so long as you use them correctly (in moderation!) and in accordance with your skin type. “Clay masks are composed of rich minerals that offer various protective properties, such as balancing water levels in skin, fighting excessive sun damage, and assisting in skin healing, especially for those that struggle with acne,” says Natalie Aguilar, aesthetic nurse practitioner at Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr. Kami Parsa's practice.