MadameNoire Featured Video

I’ve loved everything skin care since I was a pre-teen with not a pimple or dark circle to speak of, but somewhere between college parties and NYC commuting I fell off my routine of weekly masks and scrubs– and my skin began to show it.

In the spring I began breaking out more than usual and by fall my skin was nearly dying of thirst. My morning and night cleanses simply weren’t enough, and I realized in the same way my hair needs to be deep conditioned once a week, my face also needs a weekly deep cleaning. Not long after, I was gifted Peter Tomas Roth’s Mask-a-Holic Kit and I’ve never looked back. In fact, I’m wearing one as I type this.

When I received the 6-piece kit, I’d already been using Peter Thomas Roth’s Irish Moor Mud Purifying Cleanser Gel, which keeps my skin in pretty great shape, for a few months. But as I mentioned, certain issues just kept arising — increased breakouts during my period, more dryness around my mouth, and dark circles and lines. What excited me most about the kit was there was a mask for each of my issues and then some, which is crucial throughout the year as seasons and circumstances (hello stress!) change. Here’s a rundown of the set.

  • Cucumber Gel: a cooling, moisturizing mask that helps soothe dry, irritated skin.
  • 24K Gold: an anti-aging mask that is actually enriched with 24K gold and colloidal gold to firm, lift, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Blue Marine Algae: An intensely hydrating mask that calms and nourishes skin.
  • Pumpkin Enzyme: An exfoliating mask to transform dull, aging complexions.
  • Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask: A decongesting mask that draws out dirt, oil and impurities while infusing skin with moisture and vitamins.

I’ll start by saying the 24K gold mask feels as luxurious as it sounds. I tend to use this mask before an event when I want to feel glamorous and pampered. The texture is creamy and smooth and I definitely notice a nice glow afterward; I’d need to use it more consistently to reap the lifting and firming benefits, which I plan to do in the new year.

I use the Pumpkin Enzyme mask whenever my skin shows I’ve done too much — i.e. not gotten enough sleep, skimped on fully removing my makeup, etc. Warning: This mask exfoliates with pumpkin enzyme and peels with alpha hydroxy acid so you will feel a tingle which can be a bit intense. However, so long as those ingredients don’t burn or irritate your skin, it’s OK — and worth it. Immediately, I can see the difference in my complexion once all of those dead skin cells are removed.

Slightly less intense is the Blue Marine Algae mask which I’d say is a must in the winter time, especially if you already have dry skin. The antarcticine in the mask helps skin retain water and protects against water loss while other properties deliver deep nourishment and moisture that, over time, will reduce fine dehydration lines.

If I’ve worn makeup several days in a row, or my pores are becoming more visible, or I just feel like I need a gentle, deep cleanse, I use the Irish Moor Mud mask. What’s so great about this mask is it’s formulated with charcoal to draw out all of the things you don’t want, like dirt, oil, and toxins, but also adds the things you do, like hydration, with black hijiki seaweed.

The most soothing of the bunch is the Cucumber gel mask which is a must if you’re dealing with any sort of irritation. Extracts of cucumber, papaya, chamomile, pineapple, sugar maple, sugarcane, orange, lemon, bilberry, and aloe all come together to soothe, detoxify, and hydrate skin. And if under-eye puffiness is getting the best of you, you’ll want to give this one a try.

Each mask — even the more intense ones — can be used 2-3 times per week, which speaks to their gentle nature. And even if you aren’t currently dealing with skin issues, masks are a great preventative skin care method and also an act of self-care.

Comment Disclaimer: Comments that contain profane or derogatory language, video links or exceed 200 words will require approval by a moderator before appearing in the comment section. XOXO-MN