“Multi-masking” has been a buzzword in skincare lately, and we’re not surprised why.
We thought multi-masking would take a lot more time than traditional masking, but that’s where we were proved wrong. Instead of having to apply various types of masks one after another, or on different days, multi-masking takes care of all your skin concerns at one shot, so it actually saves more time than conventional masks.
Different areas of our face have varied skin concerns and should be treated differently. Advocates of multi-masking understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and believe that by customising our masking routine with different masks, we’ll be better able to address the needs of each area.
For instance, a mask that refines the appearances of pores and reduces oil production may be great for your oily T-zone, but it may dry out other areas of your face that are normal to dry.
All these sound great in theory, but we needed to try it out for ourselves to see if multi-masking is really worth the time and effort.
Trying out multi-masking for ourselves
Three of us from the Daily Vanity team, each with different skin concerns and all of whom were new to multi-masking, volunteered ourselves for the review.
We used the newly released L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Masks for our multi-masking adventures. The range is made from natural mineral clay which helps to purify the skin. The masks are also infused with natural botanical extracts to provide additional benefits to the skin, making them suitable even for sensitive skin.
A closer look at the masks we’re using
L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Mask Anti-Pores
The Anti-Pores mask is made with Moroccan Lava Clay, extracted from the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and which has a very thick texture. It has strong cleansing activity, which clarifies skin to look smoother and feel cleaner.
Rosemary extracts is the secret behind the clay mask’s pleasing scent. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties on top of its anti-inflammatory action.
L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Mask Illuminating
British Kaolin Clay is a soft and malleable clay that feels like silk on the skin, so it glides on smoothly during application. It is famed for doing wonders with its gentle exfoliation, drawing impurities out of the skin without being overly drying.
The mask also contains extracts of lemongrass, which not only gives you a refreshing zest, but also has anti-oxidant properties that fight against skin dullness. Radiant and brighter skin awaits!
L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Mask Detoxify
The Montmorillonite Clay in this mask is key in helping to take away impurities, and excessive sebum, while also clarifying skin at the same time. This one feels like a creamy lotion, so application is easy and smooth, but it still dries down quickly enough!
The formula also contains Japanese Charcoal Powder, which is a plant-derived active ingredient that traps toxins on the skin surface and within the pores, and then removing them gently.
What did we think?
Kristen Juliet
• Nose: Blackheads
• Sides of nose: Enlarged pores
• Overall: Dull complexion
• Nose: Detoxify
• Sides of nose: Anti-Pores
• Overall: Illuminating
My friend asked if I were wearing foundation, when I was actually bare-faced!
“These clay masks glide on very easily so I was able to complete the masking regime very quickly. After I’ve washed off the masks, they left a cooling sensation on my skin that feels really nice. But most importantly, my skin feels soothed.
The areas where the Illuminating mask was applied looked significantly brighter. I had applied some of the Detox mask on my nose area, and was glad to see that it looked more clarified.
Finally the Anti-Pores mask that I applied at the area next to my nose helped to refine and minimise my pores. I guess the biggest testament to the immediate efficacy of these masks was when my friend asked if I was wearing foundation when I was actually bare-faced!”
Mandy
• Nose and cheeks: Enlarged pores
• Under eyes: Darkness
• Forehead and jawline: Clogged pores and bumpy texture
• Nose and cheeks: Anti-Pores
• Under eyes: Illuminating
• Forehead and jawline: Detoxify
Multi-masking gave me better results than I expected.
“I was at first intimidated by the idea of putting on a number of masks on my face, especially at how tedious it might be. However, when I first tried it out, I was pleasantly surprised. Multi-masking turned out to be a fresh and fun experience! It even felt somewhat like face-painting!
Although the masks dried down very quickly to a pretty solid finish (which was why I wasn’t able to smile in the photo), it was surprisingly easy to wash off. After which, my skin felt significantly clearer, smoother and noticeably brighter too! My pores looked cleaner, and more refined – the difference was immediately noticeable to my colleagues.
Overall, multi-masking gave me better results than I expected. I was preparing for a long and tedious process, but it turned out to be efficient and, more importantly, effective!”
Michelle
• Nose area: Enlarged pores
• Cheeks and temples: Dullness, uneven skin tone
• Forehead and chin: Clogged pores
• Nose area: Anti-Pores
• Cheeks and temples: Illuminating
• Forehead and chin: Detoxify
This masking experience really surprised me – I think it might actually be one of the best masks I’ve tried so far.
“I really love these masks because of how effective they are. For example, I could see how the areas of my face where I applied the Illuminating mask really looked brighter and more radiant just after one use! The smell of the masks made the process extremely relaxing and its great texture allowed for an easy application and removal process.
I’m new to multi-masking, and it was a very different experience from what I expected. I thought it would be more time-consuming than traditional masking, but it actually saved me a lot of time as I could address the various skin concerns on my face in one sitting.
Traditionally, when clay masks dry down on my face, I would usually experience some tightness and discomfort – but not with these masks. In the end, my face not only felt clearer, but also smoother and more hydrated! This masking experience really surprised me – I think it might actually be one of the best masks I’ve tried so far.”
Convinced? Try it yourself!
L’Oreal Pure Clay Masks retail for SGD 14.90 (50g) each at leading drugstores, supermarkets and hypermarkets.