Great Masks From Head To Toe (As Seen On “Great Day Houston”)
It may be Halloween but, for me, today is all about treats — zero tricks. And, in that spirit, instead of venturing outside wearing terrifying masks that nod to horror movie villains like Jason Voorhees or Jigsaw, I’ll be at home watching not-so-scary movies while treating myself by rocking a different kind of mask: one that will invigorate, hydrate, and brighten my skin. And since I’m a master multitasker (well, when it comes to beauty stuff at least!), I’ll probably apply a deep conditioning treatment to my hair and don some softening masks for my hands and feet.
On that note, I stopped by “Great Day Houston” to chat about some of the best masks to pamper yourself from head to toe, so make sure to check out the segment above (or click here to watch).
Far from spooktacular, these masks are simply spectacular. Read on for the scoop on all the products seen on air!
LIVING PROOF RESTORE MASK TREATMENT
If your hair is so dry and porous that it’s making you feel like you’ve transformed into a scarecrow, don’t just keep reaching for the hair straightener or pile on more smoothing lotions and hair gels. Instead, focus on nourishing and repairing those damaged strands. Think of it this way: if you were dehydrated, you’d reach for some Pedialyte to replenish all those lost fluids and electrolytes, right? Well, when your hair is parched, protein-deficient, and brittle, it needs its own super-sized dose of nutrients. Enter Living Proof’s Restore Mask ($43 at LivingProof.com, Ulta.com, and Sephora.com), a weekly deep conditioning treatment that smooths and hydrates your mane — all while makes damaged strands 20 times more resistant to breakage. The mask contains tucuma butter, which has a number of benefits for distressed hair. First, due to its high concentration of polyphenols, tucuma butter helps hair retain its elasticity, and it defends against free radicals that could exacerbate any existing damage. Also, thanks to its fatty acid composition, tucuma butter moisturizes and softens strands, while its vitamin A content helps to restore balance to the scalp so that it can produce the natural oils needed for stronger roots (not to mention to promote hair growth!). In addition to tucuma butter, this treatment contains glycolic acid, which has been found to make hair less prone to breakage during brushing and which has helps strands better withstand higher temperatures. And, of course, this mask contains Living Proof’s patented Healthy Hair Molecule, which creates a weightless shield around strands, locking in hydration while blocking humidity out and keeping dirt and pollution at bay. Together, then, these ingredients work to hydrate and nourish strands while protecting them from environmental aggressors.
LIVING PROOF NIGHT CAP OVERNIGHT PERFECTOR
Remember how gorgeous Sleeping Beauty’s mane looked — even after 100 years of slumber? Well, she must have been using the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector ($29 at LivingProof.com)! This breakthrough treatment is, in essence, a sleeping mask for your tresses. Just like you’d apply a sleeping mask to your face before hitting the sack, you’ll want to massage this treatment onto strands before tucking in at night. You can apply it on wet or dry hair, slip into your PJs, then close those eyes and, when you wake up the next morning, your hair will feel softer and smoother, look shinier, and it will be much more manageable and easier to style.
The treatment contains an amino acid blend that penetrates into the hair cortex to keep hair soft and supple, time-released conditioner for round-the-clock hydration, weightless radiance refractors that make hair appear lustrous and revive the brilliance of color-treated strands, and Living Proof’s Healthy Hair Molecule to seal the cuticle and smooth strands.
And, because it’s so readily absorbed by your tresses, you’ll notice your hair won’t feel greasy or goopy the following day, nor will it be weighed down in any way. In fact, you don’t even have to rinse the treatment out — you can just style your strands as you normally would and head out the door!
You know how people say you can’t expect to see results overnight? Well, in this case, you most certainly can!
STRIVECTIN GLYCOLIC SKIN RESET MASK
When StriVectin named incorporated the term “skin reset” into this mask’s name, it was no exaggeration: this mask will totally transform your skin, making it so that you can essentially press “reset” and start afresh. In just five minutes, the StriVectin Glycolic Skin Reset Mask ($59 at StriVectin.com) manages to boost radiance, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the skin’s overall texture so that it’s smoother and more youthful. The mask contains StriVectin’s patented NIA-114 molecule, an optimized form of Niacin (otherwise known as Vitamin B3) that strengthen’s the skin’s barrier and maximizes the performance of other ingredients. The mask, then, marries that NIA-114 molecule with slow-release encapsulated glycolic acid, which allows for steady exfoliation with minimal irritation. In other words, the mask will loosen and ultimately dislodge all those dead surface skin cells that give the skin a duller and drier appearance and, in turn, reveal a more luminous layer of skin — all without any redness or discomfort.
The mask also contains caffeine, which is known to boost circulation and eliminate any puffiness while also firming the skin; cherry blossom extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to soothe the skin and prevent redness, and which also contains antioxidants that defend the skin from environmental aggressors; and evening primrose oil, which is rich in GLA (an omega-6 fatty acid) that has anti-inflammatory benefits (and hence helps to treat everything from acne to psoriasis), and which is also packed with antioxidants that have anti-aging benefits.
NEUTROGENA 100% HYDROGEL MASKS
We all love a good sheet mask but, once you’ve tried a gel mask, chances are you won’t go back to their flimsy cotton and paper counterparts! Neutrogena’s new Hydrogel Masks hold 50% more essence than traditional sheet masks, and the gel adheres perfectly to the contours of the skin, allowing for better absorption of the active ingredients in each mask.
There are three mask options available: the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask gives thirsty skin some much-need moisture and leaves it bouncier and dewier thanks to its usage of hyaluronic acid, which is known to retain 1,000 times its weight in moisture; the Neutrogena Radiance Boost Brightening 100% Hydrogel Mask contains Niacin (vitamin B3) to help diminish the appearance of dark spots, evening out skin tone while giving the complexion greater luminosity; and the Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying 100% Hydrogel Mask, which contains seaweeed extract, a great source of vitamins and minerals that balance the skin’s pH and leave it feeling refreshed.
The masks retail for just $2.99 at Neutrogena.com
SHEAMOISTURE GREEN COCONUT & ACTIVATED CHARCOAL PURIFYING AND HYDRATING IN-SHOWER MASK
Busy gals tend to scoff at the idea of setting aside 20 or 30 minutes to indulge in a face mask treatment, so what if I told y’all that there’s a mask that works while you shower? True story! SheaMoisture’s Green Coconut & Activated Charcoal Purifying And Hydrating In-Shower Mask ($10.99 at ULTA stores) clings to wet skin, so that you can hop in the shower and, after cleansing your face, apply an even layer over the face, then leave it on while you exfoliate your arms and legs, shave your underarms, apply your shampoo, and so on. After five minutes, you can rinse off the mask, and you’ll notice your skin will feel refreshed and soft.
The mask contains activated charcoal, which is known to absorb 1000 times its weight in impurities, drawing out toxins from deep inside pores and soaking up any leftover makeup, excess oil, and dirt. It also contains green coconut, which replenishes lost moisture, gently hydrating the skin. This power duo works magic since it manages to detoxify and cleanse the skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry.
This has become a staple in my post-workout shower routine — especially since I’m one of those gals who sweats pretty profusely so I need all the help I need to keep my skin clean but hydrated.
7th HEAVEN SOFTEN GLOVE MASQUES AND SOFTEN SOCK MASQUES
Nowadays, there are masks that target every part of the body — the lips, the neck, the bust, the bum, the hands, and so on. As someone with chronically dry hands, I swear by the 7th Heaven Soften Glove Masks ($3.97 each at select Walmart stores), which are like wearable sheet masks. As the name implies, they’re designed to resemble gloves so that you simply slip your hands into them and then secure them around your wrists using the tab closure. The inner lining of the glove masks is pre-moistened with the most delightful serum, which incorporates ingredients like shea butter to soften and nourish hands, vitamin C-rich goji berry to fade dark spots and brighten the skin, ginseng to boost collagen production and minimize fine lines, and soybean oil, a natural emollient. You can wear these masks for just 15 to 20 minutes and, when your treatment is complete, your hands will feel completely renewed. Not only is this a great treatment for those with dry hands, but it’s fantastic for maintaining youthful-looking hands — after all, none of us want our hands to give away our true age!
If your feet heels tend to crack and peel during the winter months, you’ll love the 7th Heaven Soften Sock Masques ($3.97 each at Walmart stores), which contain shea butter, almond oil, soybean oil, and refreshing peppermint. Designed to resemble booties, these wearable masks nourish dry skin and repair cracked heels so you can stay sandal-ready all year long!
