Skincare Trend 101: How to Multi-Mask with Clay Face Masks

Cleansing, toning, moisturizing: They’re all important parts of a healthy skincare regimen. But masking, a more intensive treatment using one or more face masks, is an excellent addition if you have concerns such as excess oil, redness, lack of radiance or rough texture. Multi-masking in particular has become trendy because it means treating multiple issues at once, thereby reducing the amount of time you spend sitting around with goop on your face. Follow this easy guide and discover everything you need for a quickie spa sesh—from how often to use a face mask and how much product to use to how to choose the best face mask for your skin type.

How do I multi-mask?

First things first: Remove all makeup and cleanse your skin. You don’t want anything standing between you and the goodness in your clay face mask.

Next, decide if multi-masking suits your needs or if you should mono-mask instead:

1. Using one mask at time: If you have pretty uniform skin and only one main concern, you may wish to apply one mask over your entire face and let it sit.
2. Using multiple face masks at once: The fact is, most people don’t have just one type of skin (say, oily, dry or sensitive). Instead, they might have an oily T-zone, rough cheeks and blemishes on the chin. Or dull-looking skin with a rough forehead. If you have combination skin, you may wish to try double face masking or triple masking. With this approach, you use a kind of “paint by numbers” technique and target multiple areas with different face masks: Apply a mask for oily skin to the oily areas, one for rough skin to rough patches and so on.

How often should I mask?

It depends on your skin type and the mask that you’re using. Clay masks can typically be used two or three times a week. Read the directions on the jar or tube and follow them—they’re there for a reason.

How much product should I use?

Sure, it feels luxurious to pile on an inch-thick layer of mask, wrap your hair in a towel and chill with cucumbers over your eyes, but you don’t actually need to use that much product to reap the benefits. Apply a thin layer that covers your face and you’re good to go.

Which face masks are right for me?

Everyone can enjoy the benefits of a clay mask without their skin feeling dry or tight, but certain masks will work better for your skin depending on your needs. So what’s the best face mask (or masks!) for you? Use this guide to the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask collection, which features five unique face masks, each with three clays (kaolin, montmorillonite and Moroccan) and one special ingredient to target your specific skin concern.

If you have blemishes or redness… Try L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask – Clarifying & Smoothing. This clay mask with yuzu lemon extract is the perfect match for skin that’s prone to imperfections. After even one use, your skin will look more luminous and even in tone and feel soft to the touch.

If you have dull skin… Try L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask – Energizing & Brightening. This black clay mask fights a lacklustre visage using charcoal. Your skin will immediately have a healthy glow and look smoother and more radiant.

If you have sensitive skin… Try L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask – Comforting & Unifying. With its blend of clays and seaweed extract, this mask is a great choice for anyone who has sensitive skin. Expect a more uniform skin tone and smoother texture.

If you have rough skin… Try L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask – Exfoliating & Pore Refining. You’ll minimize flakes and bumps and reduce the appearance of large pores, thanks to the retexturizing red algae extract.

If you have oily skin… Try L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask – Purifying & Mattifying. This green clay mask with eucalyptus extract draws built-up impurities, dirt and oil out of the skin for a clean, matte face that feels refreshed and clean from daily oil and build up.

How do I remove my mask?

Using your hands or a face cloth, gently massage your skin with water, rinsing the product off as you go.

Now that you know the basics, schedule in some skin TLC and get the fresh, glowing complexion you’ve always wanted.