We all love a fresh face, right? Smooth skin, small pores, no oily sheen- all of the desirable features edited onto model faces in magazines. Everyone knows those looks rarely come without a price, and that price is good products.

Maintaining the appearance of facial skin has been a part of the feminine beauty standard for hundreds of years, and it continues today as thousands of products flood the market promising perfect skin in a jar. Of course, you shouldn’t believe every ad you see online. Always test a product before committing, or just stick to the well-known and proven skincare brands.

The truth is, there is no universal treatment for skin; this is because many types of skin exist. Some people naturally produce an excessive amount of oil, while others produce too little and are left with dry, flaky skin. Many others have issues with oil in some places, commonly the forehead and nose area known as the t-zone, while other areas are dry.

Sensitive skin, pale skin and darker skin tones all have unique needs. Fortunately, one type of treatment that comes in many different formulas is universally loved and used by beauty addicts- masks!

Masking is the process of applying a paste or gel substance to your clean, dry face with clean hands. Before applying a mask, one should tie their hair back into a ponytail if necessary and use a headband to push their hair completely off of their face.

Masks should always be applied gently in circles, avoiding the eye, nostril and lip areas. As a general rule, the masks are then left on for ten to fifteen minutes as they dry or solidify. Depending on the purpose of the mask and the material it is made of, it is then gently washed off using warm water and a clean washcloth or peeled off the face, beginning by rolling the edges by the jawline carefully toward the nose.

It is important to note that a good mask needs to be used only about once per week in order to avoid over-drying or irritating skin. Many types of masks exist for those of all skin types, but the best to use regardless of skin sensitivity are those made with natural elements rather than chemicals and artificial fragrances.

Those with oily skin and large pores often benefit from the use of masks made of dead sea clay. For people with t-zone issues, white clay masks with algae extracts provide an excellent dose of non-comedogenic moisture while also pulling sebaceous secretions from unruly pores. Dry skinned individuals will be thrilled with peel off masks loaded with healthy oils and fruit extracts which strip away flakes and leave skin feeling soft and supple. These are just some of the many awesome types of masks available to beauty addicts to brighten up our faces and perfect our overall look.