Your Ultimate Guide On Multi-Masking

While I bloody love beauty, I'm no beauty guru. I'm just your average gal, who got into make up and skincare by chance in her early 20s, taught herself the basics. The rest was history. However, because I am no beauty guru, I still come across trends that BAFFLE me.

If you're the same, don't worry. I've got you. I'm taking beauty trends, breaking them down for you, telling you how I do it and recommending products. No jargon, no technical terms, no specialist equipment. Just simple advice, from someone who has watched a lot of YouTube and practiced.

Starting with... *drum roll, please* multi-masking. Ready?

I first came across multi-masking a couple of years ago, when a brand sent me out a multi-masking kit to have a play around with. I remember unwrapping it and thinking 'what the bloody hell am I supposed to do with it, how do I do it right and why are there no instructions?!' Multi-masking was everywhere at the time, and I just didn't get it. At all.

But, it's very simple. You're simply targeting more than one skin concern, simultaneously.

First thing's first though - to start multi-masking (or using face masks effectively at all), you need to understand your skin type and what your 'skin concerns' are. You might have one factor you need to consider, you might have loads. Take some time to really get to know your skin, it might take a few days or even weeks, but it'll be worth it.

Try to notice changes through the day, and focus on particular areas. If you would say you have oily skin, are there particular areas that are affected? Are you oily all day or do your oil levels change as the day goes on? Is it made worse by wearing make up?

If you're blemish-prone, are there particular areas that you notice your breakouts are worse? Is it affected by where you are in your cycle?

Obviously these factors might change! Your skin might vary and feel totally different depending on hormones, your cycle, stress levels... and that's the beauty of multi-masking! It's totally adaptable once you have the right products.

So now you've started to figure out what your skin type is, you need to find the right masks that will help to address your skin concerns.

As an example, I know that my skin is mostly dry, but I tend to get break outs on my chin and forehead. My T-Zone tends to get a little oily and my skin in general can get a bit dull. Oh, and it can be pretty sensitive when it feels like it too. Sounds like a lot, doesn't it? But although multi-masking can help to tackle a few things at once, you don't need to address everything in one go. I tend to use masks 3-4 times a week, and just keep an eye on how my skin is feeling on the day. This will then help me to decide which masks I'm going to use.

Here are some masks that I love for my own skin concerns:

• The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Mask - perfect for dealing with breakouts, it dries up spots and gets really into the pores, minimising them and helping to prevent future breakouts. I use this on my T-Zone where I am spot-prone. (I do occasionally use it on my entire face, usually around my period when my breakouts are a little more widespread). 
• The Body Shop Rose Plumping Mask - smells gorgeous, gel-texture, leaves my skin super soft, and adds a little glow for when my skin is looking dull. (The Body Shop masks also come in mini-versions for you to try out before committing to the large pot!)
• Revolution x Jake Jamie Cocoa & Oat Face Mask - sometimes you find a mask that smells so good, you just want to eat it. This is one of them. It's also very moisturising and leaves your face feeling super nourished.
• Lush Oatifix Mask - very similar to the Revolution mask, but I find that Lush's offering is a little more soothing, which I prefer when my skin feels a little bit more sensitive. 
• Pixi Glow Mud Mask - now this is just glow in a tube. I'm obsessed with it. I love to use it in areas where my skin is looking dull, or feeling a bit congested and breakout prone. It's a lovely texture and works quickly for instant glow as soon as you rinse it off.
• Beauty Pie Japanfusion Moisture Mask - this is my go-to for when my skin is feeling a bit sensitive. It's full of anti-oxidants, really nourishing and feels so soothing when your skin is a little bit angry.

Okay, now all you need to do is take your masks, and pop them on, matching what each mask does to the affected areas. Remember, you're tailoring your masks to specific skin concerns, so use as many as you feel you need to. 

One of my usual combinations is the Himalayan Charcoal mask on my forehead and chin, and the Rose Plumping Mask everywhere else. This then tackles any breakouts, gets rid of any oiliness that has built up through the day, as well as smoothing my skin, adding moisture and making my face look fresh as a daisy, all in one fell swoop.

Other tips for effective masking:

1. Use a brush - this has been an absolute game-changer for me. Masking brushes are really inexpensive (I use this one from Revolution), and it's so much less messy when you apply, and helps you to get an even layer of product on your skin and it lasts so much longer.
2. Use lukewarm water to rinse off - I can't tell you how many years I spent assuming I had to use hot water to wash my face but nope. Using hot water dries your skin out and heightens sensitivity, which sucks if you've spent the last 15 minutes trying to deal with dryness! Lukewarm water is best!
3. Pat skin dry - It's almost a natural reaction to rub at your skin with your towel once your skincare is done, but don't. Patting your skin dry avoids irritation, so try to get in the habit!

And that's it! You're now fully-versed in multi-masking! It's a lot more simple than you thought, right?

I really hope you found this post helpful. I'm hoping to do more of these beauty trend posts, let me know in the comments which topics you'd like to see next! I'm thinking contouring, or eyeshadow looks? What do you think?

Love,

Sian xo