Facial multi-masking

CEBU, Philippines — There was a time when standard masking practice meant smoothing a generic cream or gel formula over the face one evening a week, letting it soak in, and then scrubbing it off. Then different facial mask brands came, for different skin types. Soon, women realized that the face itself has different areas with different skincare needs.

Nowadays there’s a staggering number of facial masks available, each with a unique blend of concentrated ingredients that are meant to treat specific skin concerns – dullness, blemishes, dehydration, congested skin, fine lines etc.

“Skin care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for women,” says Pia Ghosh, L’Oréal Paris senior brand manager for skin care. “Multi-masking allows a woman to create a customized solution to address her specific skin needs, area by area.” She may apply two or more different masks on different areas of the face to target specific concerns.

Some women – the working ones, particularly – think that facial multi-masking is all about using different masks on their face to save time. Not so. More than anything, it’s most useful in targeting and tackling problems in specific areas of the face.

Facial masks follow the same principle as makeup – one wouldn’t use one product for every concern. For example, it’s a queer woman who uses lipstick as foundation. A single type of facial mask won’t address all of a woman’s skin concerns. Clogged pores on your nose and chin need a different regimen from that of an uneven, tired-looking skin on the cheeks.

From anti-aging to acne, there is a facial multi-masking combination to tackle any skin concern. The beauty of facial multi-masking is that the possibilities are endless. Masks come in various smells, textures, and colors and these are now easily available in the market.

For beginners in facial multi-masking, Amanda Lim at www.mariefranceasia.com shares five combinations for ‘facing up’ to any occasion:

The Balancing Act

For women with combination skin, this mix is one you need in your arsenal and it couldn’t be any easier. Balance your skin by applying an oil-absorbing mask on the T-Zone, while using a hydrating mask on your cheeks. Top it off with a soothing eye mask for utterly harmonious skin.

The Red Carpet Prep

Those who’ve got a special event like a wedding or a first date, it’s time to bring out the big guns. This hardcore combination will leave the skin so flawless that you’ll feel like an ageless movie star. Start off by waking up those eyes with a potent eye mask that de-puffs. For an ethereal glow, layer on a brightening mask on your forehead and cheeks. Lastly, apply a tightening and lifting mask on your nose and jawline to give your skin an immaculate polish.

The Hail Mary

If suffering through acne or just experiencing a hormonal breakout, facial multi-masking combination is worth the try for wiping down the oil slick and sweep away dead skin and debris. Use a mask with anti-bacterial properties on your acne prone areas while tackling blackheads by using a mud mask to extract dirt lodged in your pores.

The Thirst Quencher

Great for dull and dehydrated skin, this combination is also great to remedy stressed post-flight skin. Apply a hydrating mask with a thin texture on your nose and chin, saving the cheeks and forehead for a thicker, more intensely moisturizing mask. Don’t forget to revive tired under-eyes and chapped lips.

The ‘Rosy Not Red’

Irritated skin can be a pain to deal with. Deal with inflammation by calming skin with mask loaded with soothing ingredients that will reduce the redness on the skin. Add a gentle cleansing mask on the oily portions to refresh skin and give you a healthy glow.

These combinations are not the only ones that will deliver the best results. These are only a few of the endless possibilities. These sure work – both for the facial skin and for the woman’s imagination to take flight.