The Best Face Masks To Significantly Improve Your Bank Holiday –Whatever Your Budget

Dedicate all that extra time to your face

best face masks for every skin type and budget product review

by Hannah Banks-Walker |
Updated on

As the Olsen twins taught us, there really is so little time, so much to do. This is why a bank holiday is such a joyous occasion – a free day to spend as you wish, away from work and with not a care in the world. It’s also a day to indulge in all the beauty-related stuff you don’t ever get a chance to do, such as trying out a new face mask. This weekend marks the last weekend of August, the last bank holiday (for some time) and also the promise of a mini heatwave, with temperatures set to reach around 31 degrees celsius in some parts of the UK. What better time, then, to pop one of these bad boys in the fridge to cool down your face?

I, for one, spent years as a face mask naysayer, convinced that it was all a waste of time and energy. Then, I tried Dior’s pink clay mask in a vain attempt to cheer up a bad day and whaddya know? My name’s Hannah and I’m a face mask addict. I’ve found that even a two-minute mask can revive you somewhat, whether it’s just because you’re spending some extra time on yourself.

Naturally, just like episodes of So Little Time (one too many references? Maybe), not every face mask is created equal. There are some which are designed to target specific skin conditions or issues, while some just feel great and make your skin feel more hydrated. Similarly, some cost a small fortune, while others are less than £3. I swear by Garnier’s Moisture Bomb masks, which are a whopping £1.99. If you haven't already tried one of The Body Shop's many masks, I would seriously encourage you to do so. Not only are they all gentle on skin and smell fantastic, the brand is genuinely enacting real, positive change in the places from where it sources its ingredients.

If, for whatever reason, bank holidays don’t apply to you, I would firstly discourage you from sending me angry messages before reassuring you that these face masks are ready and waiting for any day of the week. Whether you’ve got two minutes or 20, here are the best face masks your money can buy, on a bank holiday or otherwise..

SHOP: The Best Face Masks For Every Skin Type, Whatever Your Budget

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The Best Face Masks For Every Skin Type And Budget

L'Oru00e9al Paris, Pure Clay Purity Face Mask 50ml, £7.991 of 19

L'Oréal Paris, Pure Clay Purity Face Mask 50ml, £7.99

Feel like both your body and your skin needs a detox from a sun (and prosecco) filled summer? Well, while I can't help you with any hangovers, I can offer a solution to parched complexions that are a little clogged up. Using clays like Kaolin to dig deep into pores and give them a good clean, this also contains moisturising qualities, which help to replenish moisture levels. And, if you don't trust me, try listening to the shoppers who go out in force and contribute to L'oréal selling one every minute.

Elemis,  D A  (27) READ REVIEWS | WRITE REVIEW ULTRA SMART Pro-Collagen Aqua Infusion Mask, £1202 of 19

Elemis, D A (27) READ REVIEWS | WRITE REVIEW ULTRA SMART Pro-Collagen Aqua Infusion Mask, £120

Fancy giving your skin a real treat this weekend? This new mask from Elemis comes from its extremely popular Pro-Collagen range, which is known to give skin an instant soft and smooth finish. This treatment takes things up a notch by giving your complexion a caring and soothing burst of hydration. Skin looks notably plumper and the delishly cooling effect is also great if you're suffering from overheated skin.

Maskologist, Rose Glowing Potion 1x Hydrogel Sheet Mask, £23.503 of 19

Maskologist, Rose Glowing Potion 1x Hydrogel Sheet Mask, £23.50

Conscious of the impact that sheet masks may have on the environment? You might want to check out the hydrogel masks from Maskologist. Made from plant cellulose, the fully biodegradable masks also come in recyclable packaging, meaning your sheet mask sesh will be completely guilt-free. Use the Rose Glowing Potion Mask as a brightening treatment for dull and dehydrated skin, or their Lavender Youth Miracle Mask to soothe skin after a weekend in the sun.

Givenchy, GIVENCHY Hydra Sparkling Sheet Mask, £43.504 of 19

Givenchy, GIVENCHY Hydra Sparkling Sheet Mask, £43.50

Ideal for travelling, these cooling face masks are practically addictive. Packed into a handy face wipes-style packet, there are 14 in each. Pop open the lid, slide one out and leave for 10 minutes (the guidelines recommend 2-3 but I found this didn't do much) and peel off. Your face will feel completely refreshed and significantly less dry.

NUXE, Insta-Masque Exfoliating Mask, £19.505 of 19

NUXE ,Insta-Masque Exfoliating Mask, £19.50

If you're taking time out for a real pamper session this weekend, then why not use a few masks rather than just one. I like to use an exfoliating treatment as my first step, as it deeply cleanses the skin and gets it ready for any hydrating creams or serums that may follow. This one uses a natural exfoliating powder to gently smooth out the skin in minutes, so whether you've got 15mins or 50, there's really no excuse to skip it.

Colbert MD, Anti-Aging Brightening Mask, £856 of 19

Colbert MD, Anti-Aging Brightening Mask, £85

The best face mask for anti-ageing, let's start by saying that this is expensive – but worth it. It's amazing before a special occasion if you want to give your skin a good zhuzh. It really fits to your face and in just 15 minutes, it reduces any hyperpigmentation. It really does make you look radiant.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare, Overnight Recovery Mask, £587 of 19

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare, Overnight Recovery Mask, £58

If you're way too busy to fit in a mask this weekend but you still want to wake up on Tuesday morning looking like you swapped all-day drinking for a spa break, then this new time-saving mask from Aurelia is just what you need. Full of natural, nourishing ingredients, you apply it overnight and the nurturing qualities help to restore your skin's natural goodness while you sleep.

Origins, Drink Up Hydrating Mask, £228 of 19

Origins, Drink Up Hydrating Mask, £22

Not only does this smell good enough to eat, it also works in just 10 minutes and is super-easy to use. If you're tired or hungover, put this on after a shower in the morning while getting ready and remove it just before you put on any moisturiser or make-up. It makes you look fresher and feel better. There's also an overnight version if you really need intense hydration.

Garnier, Moisture Bomb Sakura Hydrating Face Sheet Mask, £1.999 of 19

Garnier, Moisture Bomb Sakura Hydrating Face Sheet Mask, £1.99

If you are looking for the best face mask for sensitive skin that doesn't break the bank, you may be overjoyed to discover how brilliant Garnier's masks are. This tissue mask is really gentle and less than £2, which is basically unbelievable. It also contains sakura extract and hyularonic acid, making it super moisturising.

May Lindstrom, The Problem Solver Warming Correcting Masque, £8910 of 19

May Lindstrom, The Problem Solver Warming Correcting Masque, £89

If you feel like your skin has gone AWOL, this mask is for you. It's one of the best face masks for blemishes, as it really draws out impurities from your skin. Mix it with water and apply to your face for around 45 minutes, before washing off with warm water. It takes a bit longer and it's not cheap, but good grief is it good.

Dr. Dennis Gross, Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask, £4911 of 19

Dr. Dennis Gross, Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask, £49

This begins as a separate gel and powder which you mix yourself. It hardens once you've applied it your face, so you peel the whole thing off after around 15 minutes. It's certainly one of the best hydrating face masks – if you use it once a week, you'll really notice the difference.

Dior, Pores Away Pink Clay Mask, £47.5012 of 19

Dior, Pores Away Pink Clay Mask, £47.50

This is so luxurious, you'll want to use it as much as possible but it should really only be used, at most once a week. It's a pink clay mask that you just put on, leave for 10 minutes and then wash off. It comes off easily and really does reduce the appearance of pores and helps with shine, too.

111Skin, Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask, £2013 of 19

111Skin, Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask, £20

This has become something of a cult classic. While many beauty products fail to live up to major hype, this one really delivers. With 24 Karat Gold and Rosa Damascus Extract, the ingredients feel truly indulgent and it will leave your skin feely silky smooth.

REN, Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask, £3614 of 19

REN, Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask, £36

This is one of the best brightening face masks on the market – it really makes your skin glow. It's really sticky and smells quite strong, so may seem terrifying at first. It also makes your skin look like it's covered in latex. It takes a while to remove but it's worth it – it makes skin really bright and you notice a difference straight away.

Dr Sebagh, Deep Exfoliating Mask Sensitive Skin, £5915 of 19

Dr Sebagh, Deep Exfoliating Mask Sensitive Skin, £59

With lots of different AHAs to remove dead skin cells, this is one of the best face masks for clogged pores. It leaves skin like a fresh canvas – anything you put on your skin afterwards looks better. Plus, you only need to leave it on for 3-5 minutes.

Ole Henriksen, Cold Plunge Pore Mask, £2816 of 19

Ole Henriksen, Cold Plunge Pore Mask, £28

The best face mask for oily skin, this clay mask is part of the brand's Balance range, which is designed to control oil and refine pores without stripping the skin. It really feels like it draws out all the impurities without leaving your skin feeling at all raw or dry. If you struggle with excess oil, this is for you.

Sisley, Black Rose Cream Mask, £11017 of 19

Sisley, Black Rose Cream Mask, £110

Perhaps the bougiest of all the face masks, this is a brilliant all-rounder. It's creamy, smells delicious and is great for taking with you on-the-go. You can massage it in and you don't really need to take it off if you don't want to. You really do see a difference - skin looks healthier, plumper and more hydrated.

Spacemasks, Self Heating Eye Masks Set of Five, £1518 of 19

Spacemasks, Self Heating Eye Masks Set of Five, £15

One of the best face masks for tired skin, this is slightly different to the others in that it's a warming mask for eyes. If you don't like putting lots of products on your skin but do need something to alleviate tired eyes, these little masks are a dream.

The Body Shop, Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask, £1219 of 19

The Body Shop, Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask, £12

Infused with salicylic acid and tea tree oil, this is one of the best face masks for spot-prone skin, as it works to care for blemishes. It's also feels genuinely calming and gentle, so can be used if you just feel like your face needs a pick-me-up.

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