Why You Should Start Multi-masking

If you keep up with what’s trending on Instagram, you may have noticed a recent beauty phenomenon gracing your timeline called #Multimasking. Multi-masking had a moment in 2012 and resurfaced again in 2013, but the trend seems to have gone viral thins year as waves of women are upping the ante on their skin care and making products work for them. I decided to try the trend to see what all of the hype was about—it excites me that skincare is getting shine on the gram—after all, what kind of a beauty editor would I be if I didn’t at least test it? Besides, why settle for the benefits one mask can provide when you could reap the benefits of four or five masks? 

For starters, let’s talk about masking in general. If you’re a little lazy with your skincare as I am sometimes, then you probably apply a mask five to ten minutes before you go to bed and fall asleep wearing it. Hopefully you’re a fan of clay masks—I have a “wet masks need not apply” policy in my apartment for this specific reason. For most women, masking is a weekend luxury reserved for those few leisurely moments to read or lounge in a plush robe. Because of this, it’s likely that you only mask every few weeks— twice a month, perhaps? It’s also likely that you repeatedly use the same mask that targets a specific issue such as hydration, irritation, redness, etc. Here in lies the benefit of multi-masking: forget treating one skin issue one mask at a time, tackle them all by targeting your skin’s specific needs. It’s pretty simple, identify what’s ailing your skin and choose your products accordingly.

I have combination/oily skin, so I wanted to focus on combating shine in my T-zone and unclogging my pores. To do so, I applied Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask—a purifying mask—on forehead, nose, and chin. To hydrate and plump up my cheeks for a glow-from-within look, I used DERMAdoctor Kakadu C Amethyst Clay Detox Mask. If you had a late night, and it’s showing on your face, I recommend Thalgo Hyaluronic Eye Patch Mask; they’re individual under-eye masks that are super hydrating and reduce the appearance of dark circle and puffiness. If you just need to hydrate and de-puff your eyes, try Altchek MD Eye Gel Pads—I use them compulsively without shame. Wear them to sleep to de-stress after a long day and use them again when you multi-mask. No one will ever know you pulled an all-nighter!

While some skin types may benefit from multi-masking more than others—combination/oily skin in particular— and whether or not you decide to make it a habit, this may come in handy the next time you have a hormonal breakout or need a quick pick-me-up but don’t have the time or the funds to splurge on a facial.

Have you ever tried multi masking? If so, what issues do your typically target and what products do you like to use? Let us know by commenting below!