For skin, hair, lashes, and brows, masks (or masques) have been used for over 5,000 years. Why? Because they work!
In Egypt, India, and China, the idea of an herbal-infused clay or mud mask meant to soften, moisturize, and clear skin is as old as makeup itself. Cleopatra loved donkey milk face masks (so they say), a combo of milk and mud to soften her already legendary complexion.
Jump to Roman times, and masks of various oils combined with honey were very trendy among the elite. Oil and honey? Sounds luxurious, even today.
What doesn’t sound luxurious is the medieval ‘beauty’ regimen of masks made with calf’s blood to get rid of freckles and dark spots. Can you imagine?
And while we don't know for sure, the first commercially sold beauty mask likely came from the Victorian era. Madame Rowley's Toilet Mask (or Face Glove) was introduced in 1875 to “Ladies of refinement everywhere for beautifying and preserving the skin and removing complexion imperfections.”
A Good Idea Made Better
In our time, the beauty mask idea has been kicked up a notch or two. Cosmetics researchers are combining new-age ingredients with natural elements to create high-tech masks with amazing properties, and specialized for various skin conditions and formulated to fight dark spots, wrinkles, acne, and more.
Eventually, the concept was applied to hair, including brows and lashes. There are even masks for your lips! Why not? Masks allow ingredients to soak into skin and hair and do so quickly, offering (sometimes) immediate benefits. And science has found ways to keep the ingredients in close contact with hair and skin, so there's a more concentrated 'dose' when compared with other forms of application.
5 Masks You Have to Try
Ready to up your mask game? There’s no better place to start than with these five masks. They are getting all the buzz from social media to celebrity stylists and makeup artists and will be a big part of your 2022 skin and hair care regimen. Each is easy to use, and delivers results you can see and feel—you’ll love them.
1. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask from Olaplex
This hair mask is all over Tik Tok and for good reason. Its intensely moisturizing formula adds shine, smoothness, and body. Because the formula is so light, it doesn’t weigh down your tresses. More body, less frizz. You have to try this mask to appreciate what it can do for damaged hair.
2. 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches from Peter Thomas Roth
These anti-aging contour gel patches are beyond luxurious. Each patch is infused with 24K gold and colloidal gold to lift and firm the appearance of your delicate eye area in just 10 minutes. Your eyes will look bright and calm, while the mini-masks reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. A bonus hint of caffeine reduces the appearance of puffiness. You can never go wrong with gold!
3. Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask from Youth To The People
Ever tried an overnight beauty mask? If not, you’ll love this one-of-a-kind mask that targets dull, uneven skin tone for a brighter, more radiant complexion. By morning, powerful antioxidants have helped to plump and brighten skin. Simply apply an even layer to freshly cleansed skin before heading to bed. Wake up and prepare to be astonished.
4. Kiss My Lips All-Natural, Collagen-Infused Lip Mask from KNC Beauty®
A mask for your lips? Yes! The clever people at KNC Beauty created an all-natural, collagen-infused lip mask that’s nothing short of fantastic. No harsh chemicals here, just moisturizing plant extracts to protect and pamper. The addition of collagen helps plump.
5. Lash & Brow Masque Ultra Reparative Treatment from RevitaLash® Cosmetics
Your lashes and brows have never had it so good thanks to this new, first of its kind lash and brow masque. If your lashes and brows have been damaged by over-styling, environmental pollutants, lash extensions, harsh chemicals, any or all of the above, this Masque is a godsend. Brows and lashes are infused with nutrient-rich ingredients which help to repair and restore. The result? Strong, shiny, healthy, and hydrated brows and lashes. You'll see and feel an incredible difference after one treatment. It’s also hysician-developed, ophthalmologist reviewed, dermatologist reviewed, clinically tested, and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Try one or try them all—these five “super masks” have what it takes to make self-care a sensorial, sensational part of any day.
