The Masked Ball
Autumn Dew’s +Don’ts
An adventurer I am not. Retinols do not play with glycolics and all buffing or brightening elixirs mingle only with the gentlest of friends. To a fault, I am a skincare loyalist, knowing what works and when and where not to play mad scientist. But when faced (seduced) with another opportunity to indulge in a new mysterious, goo-y pot-of-promise, I simply cannot refuse temptation. Face masks equal “Self Care” which instagram tells us is very important and obviously still trending, n'est-ce pas? Charmed we can all agree.
Whether you’re team ‘mask’ or ‘masque’, the allure is clear: to rejuvenate / plump / brighten or détox - all in the time it takes to watch half a Gossip Girl rerun - is just too sexy. We all know that beauty starts from the inside, but the overindulgent moments of life still arise, and throwing a thick wash of temporary slime into the rotation never did a beauty junkie much harm.
Changing temps and a few too many negroni’s of late, my below current favorites to chicly mask up and glow up, in a very much The Before Times sense:
Rumored to use a mixture of egg whites + cognac on her skin, Marie Antoinette pictured here upon her post masque glow.
Josef Hickle 1773
LANEIGE
Water Sleeping Mask
I collected this little jar of joy on a stopover in Singapore, only then just dabbling in the world of K-Beauty. And while “Sleeping Mask” may sound like a huge unattractive mess, the texture is light and quickly absorbed, loaded with calming ingredients and minerals to sooth stressed-out or super-dry skin. You’ll awake dewy and glowing, with no residue on your silk pillowcase. Use a few times a week.
DR. SEBACH
Deep Exfoliating Mask
It is rare I drop this kind of money on something to wash off only 10 minutes after, but I can’t deny the buffed + polished version of myself that is revealed shortly after application. A blend of azelaic and lactic acids combine for a deep exfoliation, making for a fabulous pre-party prep mask. Sensitive sisters be warned however, best to limit other actives when indulging.
NEOSTRATA
Perfecting Peel Mask Peeling Sublimant
A leader in topicals for over 40 years, Neostrata has essentially written the book on skin rejuvenation. While not a mask per se, this dynamic duo is one of the closest at-home options for a more serious in office peel. A 20% blend of AHA’s Glycolic and Citric Acid target skin imperfections and hyperpigmentation, and while slightly tingly at the start, the neutralizer pad is only 10 minutes away. Use on clean skin, no more than once a week.
KLORANE Smoothing Eye Patches with Cornflower
I’ve discussed my love for these little wonders before, but would you believe it was my husband who first introduced me to the world of eye masks? (To note, he’s very goopy). Place just under eye area on clean, dry skin, and watch the baggage and dark circles retreat. Keep next to the backup TALIKA patches in the refrigerator when the mornings come just a bit too early.
GLOSSIER
Moisturizing Moon Mask
While I gladly hold every shade of Cloud Paint in my makeup bag and use often, I’ve not been completely charmed by Glossier’s skincare offerings…(Perhaps because i’m not 20?) The Moisturizing Moon Mask however takes the cake on sensitive-friendly plumping and glowing, all in the course of 20 minutes or so. Texture is sumptuous and skin is left absolutely out of this world. Add to basket.
GLAM GLOW
Supermud Clearing Treatment
I do not count myself as a sensitive-skinned maiden, so when I say this hits, it really leaves a punch on your pores. I tend to slather on the nose area for a deeper excavation, and 6 exfoliating acids + charcoal do not disappoint. The price tag is not free, but keep for the bigger moments when skin is especially stressed, and the jar will last a long time.
NUXE
Crème fraîche de beauty
Masque SOS Hydratant 48H
I love this mask when well, no specific concern is plaguing my skin, despite its urgent name calling for SOS. Hyaluronic Acid and plant milks make for a silky application, and skin is left soft and refreshed, ready for the day ahead. I like to apply a layer whilst moving through my morning MWH flow, to be shower ready and prepped for makeup. A mask-wardrobe staple, just a pharmacie away.
Leave for favorites below.
I’ll obviously not be able to resist ;)
xx, Blair