Fashion

Aisling on Beauty: Welcome to the world of multi-masking

While the concept of using a couple of different masks one after the other is nothing new, multi-masking involves using them all at the same time

Photograph: Thinkstock

Aisling McDermott
Tue Sep 29 2015 - 06:00

Multi-masking is a new trend in the beauty world. Many cosmetics crazes are a bit bonkers, but this one makes a lot of sense. No one has a completely uniform skin type. The chin and nose seem to live in their own ecosystem that can run wild with clogged pores, blackheads, rough skin and spots. Cheeks may need more moisture and perhaps something to tackle uneven pigmentation, while some people’s foreheads operate on oily overdrive or maybe lack moisture.

While the concept of using a couple of different masks one after the other is nothing new, multi-masking involves using them all at the same time. I looked totally ridiculous when I tried it, but when has that ever stopped me? And I have to say: I enjoyed the experience.

The rule of multi-masking is to treat the skin you have on each area of your face individually and apply different masks to those areas. For clogged and oily areas, use a clay or charcoal mask to clear skin and unblock pores. I like Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask, Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal or LushMask of Magnaminty and Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay mask. Glamglow Supermud is also very good (although horribly pricey for the amount you get).

By now you'll have masked up your chin, nose and forehead (if it is also clogged). It's time to move on to the cheeks. Good masks for this area are usually moisture-rich and have something extra to counteract dullness. Try Lancôme Hydra Intense Mask, The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask or Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque. Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask (below) is a luxurious treat for skin.

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If you suffer from rosacea or any type of skin reddening, cool down with Avène Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask. Apply it to your nose and cheek area and then use a gentle pore-clearing mask on your chin.

The final area to get some attention is the delicate under-eye region. Shiseido Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask is a peel-off sheet that provides intense hydration. Soap and Glory Eyes Cool Sleep Mask is a solid, affordable buy, while Darphin Eye Sorbet Mask is more extravagant but lovely.

While you’re sitting around with four different masks on your face, you better hope no one rings the doorbell. Somehow I doubt that the postman will get the concept of multi-masking.

  • amcdermott@irishtimes.com
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