Masking it: 3 masks to save your face this winter

I can feel it. Can you?

Winter’s knocking at the door. My toes and hands no longer warm themselves. Unless my hands are cupping a mug of tea and my toes are firmly encased in my uggs, then I don’t feel them at all.

The skin on my face? It’s throwing a little I-hate-change-tanty.

Much as I loathe the humidity, my prone-to-dryness (a polite description for ageing and wrinkly) skin behaves a whole lot better in summer than it does when the bitter westerly winds blow in.

It doesn’t matter where you live, when the seasons change, so does the way that your skin reacts to it.

In winter, I find it helps if I give my skin a weekly or bi-weekly boost. Kind of like putting back some zing, brightness and hydration which the cold, dry winds have taken away.

What do I use to get my zing on? A face mask.

Face masks usually come in one of two forms: a cream base that you pat on and rinse off or a gel-like base that you paint on and let to dry before peeling and rinsing off. At this time of year I’m all about the cream base.

I’m also happy to spend a bit more on a face mask because of how much value you get out of one jar or tube … the cost comparison between a home-spa session as opposed to a salon treat.

Here are three face masks that I’m a big fan of right now:

Sodashi Brightening Marine Mineral Mask $110

What: This mask detoxifies, plumps up your skin and evens its tone thanks to a combo of Australian yellow and white clays blended with ultrafine zeolite clay, seaweed, spirulina and a blend of plant essences. You apply a small amount after cleansing and exfoliating and leave on for 10-20 minutes before removing with a damp cloth. Like all Sodashi products, it’s chemical-free, not tested on animals and is free from parabens, petrochemicals, GMOs, sulfates, synthetic preservatives and dyes, phthalates and triclosan.

Why I like it: I’m yet to meet a Sodashi product I haven’t liked. The thick, creamy texture and rosewood oil scent of this mask is particularly indulgent and lovely. I also found that it did produce that “glow” – that is often missing from my tired, dull skin – after just one use.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque $61.50

What: This is a clear gel that includes a “cross-linked hylauronic acid” to provide timed release moisturisation to skin. Glasswort (salicornia herbacea) improves cellular lipid production. Tomato Seed Oil provides thirsty skin with rich source of lycopene-rich lipds that helps restore the protective barrier function and Lysine to promote plumper, more supple skin. Carrot Root Extract, a powerful Beta Carotene antioxidant and source of Provitamin A also works to convert to Retinoic Acid in the skin, which helps in the ageing gracefully process. Apply after cleansing and exfoliating and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Why I like it: If you spend a lot of time outdoors during winter (hello Saturday morning sport) or have a ski trip planned, I’d be keeping this product close by. The gel dries to a smooth, hydrated luxe finish … so luxe you don’t want to rinse off. The tube is also perfect for travelling and easy application in the shower.

Super by Dr Nicholas Perricone 3-Minute Facial $79.95

What: Ginger is the key ingredient in this genius product that works quickly to stimulate circulation and hydrate your face. This product is from a range of products that draw on the powers of “super” foods for various aspects of targeted skincare.

Why I like it: Who hasn’t got three minutes for a quick home-facial? Seriously, this is a huge appeal for me. I can pop this mask on in the shower (tricky with getting the product out of the jar without wetting it so I take it out and put in separate dish before jumping in the shower) while my hair conditioner is doing it’s thing. A lazy-girl approach to getting your glow on? I think yes!

Have you tried any of these masks? Does your skin get drier in winter? How do you keep your winter skin glow happening?

* The Sodashi and Dermalogica masks were sent to me for editorial consideration. I purchased the Super mask with a voucher gifted to me at the opening of Mecca Cosmetica in Brisbane. Full disclosure policy here.