face masks

The 5 Best Sheet Masks

Chrissa Hardy — Wed, 27 May 2020 18:38:23 +0000

There are few things more satisfying at the end of a long day than putting on a sheet mask. The healing gel that coats the inside of a sheet mask offers immediate relief to your skin, and after you remove it, your face is left dewy and luminous. And most of the time, you don't even need to wash your face afterwards. You can just leave the remaining gel to seep into your skin and continue working its magic.

If you're new to the sheet mask scene, or are just looking for a new one to try, any of the five below are excellent picks that won't break your budget. (See also: The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Skincare Essentials)

Top 5 Sheet Masks

Dermal Korea Full Face Sheet Masks

The Dermal Korea Full Face Sheet Masks are a best-seller on Amazon and can be used on all skin types. They contain collagen and vitamin E, both of which rejuvenate the skin and repair skin cells. These masks also moisturize dry and irritated skin, and tighten pores. Once applied, leave them on for 15-20 minutes before removing. They are also cruelty-free with natural ingredients.

They're available in a wide range of types and are backed by over 6,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $9.99 at Amazon.com

Glam Up Facial Sheet Masks

Glam Up Facial Sheet Masks come in 12 types and scents to fit all of your skincare needs using natural extracts, including shea butter, tomato, avocado, oatmeal, green tea, peppermint, and more. They are not tested on animals and are hypoallergenic. The Glam Up masks are designed with three layers to improve absorption into the skin.

They're also free of talc, paraben, silicone, synthetic colors, and sodium sulfate, and backed by over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $9.88 at Amazon.com

LA Pure Korean Face Masks

LA Pure's Korean Face Masks will be your new best friend while stuck at home. Using snail secretion filtrate — a popular ingredient in Korean beauty products — these masks repair, nourish, and rejuvenate your skin in just 15-20 minutes. The other natural ingredients in these masks include aloe vera, cucumber, star anise, panax ginseng, and more. They are cruelty-free, paraben-free, and are made from 100% cotton.

They also have hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $18.97 at Amazon.com

Celavi Essence Sheet Masks

The Celavi Essence Sheet Masks can diminish signs of dark circles, age spots, puffiness, and pigmentation when used regularly. They are infused with natural botanical ingredients like tea tree, cucumber, honey, charcoal, and avocado and made for all skin types. These masks will leave your skin feeling super soft and looking radiant in no time.

They're also cruelty-free and paraben-free, and backed by over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $9.99 at Amazon.com

Viva Naturals Sheet Masks

The Viva Naturals Sheet Masks are another great option if you're trying to recreate a spa-like experience at home. In just 15 minutes, these masks cleanse and detoxify your skin using a blend of collagen and hyaluronic acid. They come in four types: Soothing (Lavender), Glowing (Ylang Ylang), Brightening (Sweet Orange), and Revitalizing (Rose), and all provide superior results, even on sensitive skin.

They're backed by outstanding online reviews, including over 500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $21.95 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Skincare Essentials

Chrissa Hardy — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 17:07:39 +0000

With social distancing measures in place and stay-at-home orders issued, it's been difficult for many of us to replicate the beauty treatments that we're used to getting at our local salons. Which face mask should you use? Is it time to try a new night cream? Are you using the right products for your skin type? Without the regular guidance of your dermatologist or esthetician, these are not easy questions to answer. Luckily, you don't need an expert to build your ideal skincare regimen. You can DIY!

If you've been missing your regular facial appointments, or you're just looking to switch up your skincare routine, the items below will give your skin a fresh glow, without breaking your budget. (See also: The 5 Best Acne Treatments)

Top 5 Stay-At-Home Skincare Essentials

Neutrogena Cleansing Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Cleansing Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover can remove even the most stubborn makeup, like waterproof mascara. The dermatologist-developed, ophthalmologist-tested remover is safe for contact lens wearers and won’t irritate even the most sensitive skin. The oil-free, fragrance-free remover has been clinically proven to naturally remove makeup while moisturizing the skin around the eyes. Your skin will feel clean and fresh thanks to the aloe and cucumber extracts. It is 97% naturally derived and leaves no greasy residue behind.

This is one of Amazon’s best-selling makeup removers. Good Housekeeping selected it as the best remover for waterproof makeup, as well as a top performer compared to all other waterproof eye makeup removers. It also has over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $5.82 at Amazon.com

Mario Badescu Cleansing Milk

The Mario Badescu Cleansing Milk with carnation rice oil is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to smooth and soften the skin. The gentle, creamy, wipe-off cleanser works on all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. It removes makeup and debris, fights free radicals, and slows skin degradation.

The cult classic has outstanding online reviews and is frequently recommended by beauty bloggers. It also has hundreds of four-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $12.00 at Amazon.com

Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask

As Amazon’s #1 best-seller in facial masks, this Dead Sea Mud Mask can produce noticeable results on both the face and body. The mask is rich in natural minerals and nourishing oils that are known to treat, detoxify, cleanse, and hydrate the skin. After each use, the mask can minimize pores and blackheads, reduce wrinkles, fight acne, remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation, absorb excess oil and toxins, and moisturize the skin.

This premium spa quality mask can even help reduce the appearance of acne scarring on the face. It can also treat other conditions of the skin, besides acne and acne scarring, and can even provide incredible anti-aging benefits. It also has over 8,000 four-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $13.99 at Amazon.com

Alina Skin Care Enhanced Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid

Alina Skin Care Enhanced Vitamin C Serum is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to wrap their serum and moisturizer up in one simple step. This feels like a cream, but works like a serum, penetrating the surface levels of the skin to deeply repair your skin. It's enhanced by vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, organic aloe vera extract, green and white tea extracts, and Alina’s antioxidant blend, which can help fight free radicals and reduce stress to the skin.

It's also a powerful collagen booster and anti-aging solution, so it can help reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This has outstanding reviews and over 1,000 four-star reviews on Amazon alone.

Currently $24.46 at Amazon.com

CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM

CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM can repair the most damaged skin by replenishing ceramides throughout the night. The lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and repairing ceramides. The dermatologist recommended lotion has patented time release MVE technology, which will slowly release the potent ingredients over time. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and is ideal for all skin types, particularly for sensitive and dry skin.

This lotion was selected as the best night cream by Consumer Search and received an InStyle Award for the Best Night Cream. It's also recommended by Total Beauty, Into the Gloss, and About.com. It also has stellar online reviews, including more than 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $12.38 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 DIY Beauty Masks Made From Food

Andrea Cannon — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:00:09 +0000

Did you know that making DIY face masks at home will save you money, time, perfect your skin, and give you that spa experience at home? If you just don't feel like splurging on a facial, these masks can give you instant, noticeable results, without ever having to step foot outside of your home. And by using items you already have in your kitchen, you won't have to spend a dime either.

Whenever possible, try using organic ingredients for the best results and to avoid the risk of negative side effects from pesticides or chemicals. Below are simple recipes for DIY masks that can perfect your skin and help you clean out your fridge and pantry at the same time. Best of all, you won't have to spend any of your hard-earned money at the spa.

1. Lemon

Lemon can rejuvenate and balance the skin, leaving you with a natural glow. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can brighten the skin with regular use. To take your lemon mask one step further, check out the recipes below.

Lemon and Baking Soda Mask

Baking soda can serve as a powerful microdermabrasion and leave you with healthy, radiant, glowing skin. This mask is also ideal for acne-prone skin and can fight breakouts, blackheads, and enlarged pores all at once.

½ lemon
2 T baking soda

Cut a lemon in half. Sprinkle baking soda over the sliced lemon half. Gently rub the lemon half over your face, in circular motions, avoiding your eyes. After about 10 minutes, wash your face thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. If you prefer, you can also mix the lemon juice and baking soda separately to form a paste, which you can then apply directly to your skin.

Lemon and Honey Mask

This mask is also ideal for acne-prone skin and can fight breakouts, blackheads, enlarged pores, and acne scarring, all at once.

½ lemon
1 T honey

Cut a lemon in half. Pour honey over the sliced lemon half. Gently rub the lemon half over your face, avoiding your eyes, in circular motions. After about 10 minutes, wash your face thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. If you prefer, you can also mix the lemon juice and honey separately, which you can then apply directly to your skin.

2. Eggs

Using eggs in a facial mask can be off-putting for some people, but egg whites can help tighten the skin and reduce pore size, so most people agree that the results are worth it. Some DIY recipes call for eggs, while others call for only egg whites, so whatever you have will work. To get more from your extra eggs, check out these recipes.

Egg Whites and Berries Mask

Berries can fight free radicals, so your skin will appear brighter, smoother, and more radiant after using this mask. This mask is also loaded with antioxidants and will leave your skin looking brighter and tighter.

¼ cup frozen berries
1 T egg whites

Mash berries and egg whites together. Apply to entire face, avoiding the eyes. Leave on for about five minutes. Wash your face thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.

Eggs and Coffee Grounds Mask

Don't throw out your old coffee grounds. Instead, mix them with a whole egg to preserve and renew your skin with protein and nutrients. If you don't like the idea of using eggs, simply substitute a tablespoon of raw honey for the egg.

1 whole egg
1 T fine coffee grounds

Combine the egg with the coffee grounds. Gently massage the mask onto your face, in circular motions, avoiding your eyes. This will gently exfoliate your skin and remove dead cells off the surface. Leave on for about five minutes. Wash your face thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. If you still have coffee grounds left over, use them to scrub your body in the shower. Studies have shown that the caffeine in coffee grounds can fight the appearance of cellulite, while the grounds themselves are an effective exfoliator.

3. Honey

Honey is incredibly nourishing for the skin. Raw honey can moisturize the skin, as well as fight acne, the signs of aging, and oily complexion. You can slather honey directly on your face and after five to 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel to produce noticeable results. To take your honey mask one step further, check out the recipes below.

Honey and Oatmeal Mask

By adding oatmeal to your mask, you can soothe dry or irritated skin. Oatmeal can gently exfoliate the skin and has also been effective at healing acne, dealing with excess oil, and unclogging the pores.

1 T powdered oats
1 T raw honey

Combine the powdered oats and raw honey. Apply to entire face, avoiding the eyes. After five to 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Honey and Avocado Mask

Avocado is incredibly moisturizing, so it is ideal for dry or irritated skin. If you do not have any honey on hand, simply smash up a ripe avocado and apply it directly to your skin.

1 ripe avocado
1 T raw honey

Stir together until well combined and apply a thick layer to the entire face or any area prone to breakouts, avoiding the eyes. Let sit for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

4. Yogurt and Whole Milk

Yogurt is a great base for a number of DIY masks. The cool, creamy texture feels good on the skin and won't slip off while you're wearing the mask. It is also incredibly moisturizing, antibacterial, and contains helpful lactic acid.

Honey, Yogurt, and Banana Mask

This mask can fight acne, unclog the pores, and add moisture to the skin. Bananas can also assist in the anti-aging process, but if you don't have a banana, you can omit it from the recipe. Honey and yogurt work very well on their own to fight acne and perfect the texture and appearance of the skin.

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ T honey
1 overripe banana

Stir together until well combined and apply to entire face, avoiding the eyes. After about five to 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Whole Milk and Green Tea Mask

This mask can fight redness and leave your skin glowing. It is also packed with antioxidants and can improve both the health and appearance of your skin.

1 T green tea
1 T cold whole milk

Combine and refrigerate to create a cool compress that you can apply to any facial redness using a cotton ball. To get even more from your mask, place the used tea bags on your eyes to reduce any eye redness and puffiness. After five minutes, remove the tea bags from your eyes, wash your face, and pat dry with a clean towel.

5. Hot Oils

Many different oils can work for a hot oil mask, but most people find that they get the best results from using either extra virgin olive oil or pure coconut oil.

¼ cup oil

Microwave oil for about 20–30 seconds until it is hot, but not scalding and apply for five minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.

Enjoy your bright, beautiful, glowing skin, and feel good knowing that none of those extra ingredients in your kitchen went to waste!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: