The one face mask everyone should try

Our pick: First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay

Clay masks can, unfortunately, be really messy. But First Aid Beauty has managed to solve that problem with the Skin Rescue Purifying Mask. After the red clay has purified your skin, regulated sebum production and unclogged pores, all you have to do is gently peel the mask off. No rinsing equals no mess! We’re also big fans of its formula, which is packed with skin protectors like glycerin to hydrate and an antioxidant booster that helps protect the surface of your skin from environmental aggressors.

Our pick: L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten

Black charcoal as well as montmorillonite, ghassoul and kaolin clays are hard at work in this mask, effectively drawing out impurities (such as dirt, oil and pollution) and detoxifying the skin’s surface. Plus, the formula doesn’t dry down completely, so you can leave the mask on for up to 15 minutes without worrying about your skin feeling tight or dry.

Our pick: Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask

If the damaging effects of winter have left your skin looking a little dull and sallow, a brightening pick-me-up may be in order. Generation Clay’s Brightening Mask utilises both kaolin and bentonite clays to purify and nourish skin, while locally sourced Davidson plum rejuvenates dull, tired complexions and lightens darks circles and pigmentation. For added benefits, the formula has also been packed full of vitamin E and desert lime to protect against free radical damage and boost collagen production.

Our pick: Minenssey Hydrating Mask

Previously, clay masks haven’t been well-known for their hydrating properties, however, that’s all set to change with this offering from Minenssey. Formulated with white clay, flannel flower and rosella, this ultra-nourishing mask – that can be worn for 20 minutes and washed off or left on overnight for a deeply moisturising treatment – gently detoxifies, soothes irritated, sensitive and acne-prone skin, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, skin is left feeling thoroughly moisturised plus bright and radiant in appearance.

Our pick: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

A cult-favourite clay mask for acne, the Aztec Healing Mask claims to be the ‘world’s most powerful facial’ and while that’s a BIG claim, apparently the hype is real - it’s Amazon Australia’s number one best-selling face mask and their second top-selling beauty product across all categories! How to use it: The deep pore-cleaning 100 per cent natural calcium bentonite (green) clay mask just needs to be mixed with water or apple cider vinegar before slathering it on your skin.

Our pick: Sukin Sensitive Pink Clay Facial Masque

The Sukin Pink Clay Masque combines all the things you look for in a clay mask - oil-absorbing and purifying - while still being gentle on sensitive skin types. Aloe vera helps soothe and heal damaged skin while chamomile protects against inflammation.

Our pick: Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Mask

Even if you’re lucky enough not to have skin that’s prone to acne and blemishes, don’t let this product’s name turn you off. Regardless of whether you have current blemishes or not, the powerful combination of kaolin and bentonite clays in Murad’s Clarifying Mask help to draw out impurities, absorb excess oils and purify the skin. Liquorice extract is also at work to calm and soothe irritated skin and alleviate redness, while antioxidants defend against harmful free radical damage. How’s that for a multitasker?

Want to mix up your own DIY face mask? Try one of these recipes. Or, if you’re after a non-clay face mask to help clear your acne, we review our favourites over here.

What’s your favourite clay mask? Let us know in the comments below.

Main image credit: @cindycrawford