Once you have your clay mask of choice in hand and are ready to go, it’s time to apply. Follow these instructions to apply your mask and remove it with no mess. Your skin will be glowing in no time! STEP #1: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN Your skin type will dictate the clay mask you should buy, and if you should be using one at all. Clay masks are usually drying, meaning they aren’t great for those with dry or super sensitive skin, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel. My skin feels more moisturized than before and hydrated enough that I don’t have to apply a cream after,” our tester adds. Though, be warned, the formula dries very hard and can be tough to remove. We recommend applying this mask 20 minutes before entering the shower for the easiest rinse off. L’Oreal Paris’ Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten might look dirty, but it works hard to draw out built-up impurities, dirt, and pollution. If you want to illuminate dull and tired skin, while removing dirt and other impurities from the skin’s surface, look to the Brightening Treatment Mask with clay and charcoal. We like to use this mask after a long work week to help to detoxify our pores and give ourselves a clean canvas for the weekend ahead! After one use, expect to see skin that looks brighter and with a healthy glow, improved skin tone, and a smoother appearance. Pure-Clay Mask Exfoliate & Refine

Have multiple skin concerns? There's a mask (and a method) for that! We review L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask range and share how to use these clay masks to multi-mask, below! Using L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay masks are simple. Apply an even layer of product to clean skin, avoiding the eye and lip area. Relax for 10-15 minutes while the mask gets to work, then rinse off with water. Follow up with the rest of your skin care routine, and as always, don’t forget to moisturize! For best results, reach for your L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask, or carry out your multi-masking routine of choice 2-3 times per week. This clay mask utilizes real-life hardened volcanic lava from South Korea’s Jeju Island to unclog your pores (how cool is that?). Together with lactic acid, these two ingredients absorb excess oils and restore your complexion to smooth brilliance. “There’s an immediate improvement in my pore size and the mask helps remove dry and dead skin. It also speeds along the healing process of residual scabbing from previous breakouts,” shares our tester. Expect a cooling sensation and slight tightening, but not to the point of tingling or burning. The formula feels creamy, yet light, and spreads easily across the entire face for an overall brightening effect. Specifically formulated for melanated skin tones, but recommended for use by all skin tones and types, the smooth consistency and easy application set this product apart. Easy to spread with two fingers, our tester notes that it goes on seamlessly, but does produce a light tingling sensation that isn’t too strong — which might not feel great for those with especially sensitive skin. She explains that clay created from volcanic ash (known as bentonite clay) is particularly effective for oily skin as it absorbs more than its mass in water and oil. Meanwhile, she advises, “Those with drier or sensitive skin types should choose kaolin clay because it doesn’t absorb as much water as other clays.”

STEP #2: APPLY AN EVEN LAYER

Thoroughly cleanse skin to remove any build-up of dirt, oils or makeup. This allows the mask to penetrate deep into your pores and really work its magic. Inspired by the rejuvenating powers of a Scandinavian cold plunge, this turquoise OleHenriksen mask actually creates a cooling effect through a blend of active botanicals and clarifying acids. “There is a tingly, minty, and cooling sensation with this mask, but it doesn’t sting or burn — it feels comfortable and refreshing,” says our tester. And as someone with sensitive skin, she was pleased to find that the product isn’t irritating and doesn’t leave her with any redness. “My skin is smoother than before, and my enlarged pores are also visibly reduced,” she says. Once your mask has set and dried, wet a clean face washer with lukewarm water and rub away the clay in small, circular motions. Repeat until all mask is removed. Next, reach for a clean towel and lightly pat your skin until dry. For oily and congested skin reach for the Mattifying Treatment Mask with clay and eucalyptus to help purify the appearance of the skin and remove excess oil from the skin’s surface creating a clean, mattified look. Purify & Mattify helps refresh the skin, allowing it to breathe better while improving the appearance of pores. Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask: Enhanced with seaweed, this face mask also helps draw out buildup of impurities like dirt and oils while visibly reducing the appearance of imperfections, clearing congested pores, and gently cleansing skin. When you’re finished, your skin will not only be clean but also refreshed. L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Face Mask: Day after day, impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oils build up on the skin, which can leave your complexion looking a little too oily. This clay mask formula is enhanced with eucalyptus leaf extract to help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and reduce the look of excess shine. Skin will look less shiny immediately. This clay mask boasts a blend of powerfully detoxifying active ingredients (activated charcoal powder and bentonite clay) with nourishing restorative ingredients (shea butter and argan oil) for an overall balancing effect. “The formula is perfect to balance your skin without stripping moisture or being too harsh,” explains our tester.

STEP #3: WAIT 10-15 MINUTES

Make sure you don’t use this mask if you’re in a hurry, though, because it’s meant to be left on for 15 to 20 minutes — we recommend saving it for low-key self-care nights. Yes, so long as you use them correctly (in moderation!) and in accordance with your skin type. “Clay masks are composed of rich minerals that offer various protective properties, such as balancing water levels in skin, fighting excessive sun damage, and assisting in skin healing, especially for those that struggle with acne,” says Natalie Aguilar, aesthetic nurse practitioner at Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr. Kami Parsa's practice. Though inducing glow isn’t the main function of a clay mask (detoxing and clarifying are), this one from Glow Recipe pulls through with the added benefit. “After removing the mask, my skin looks brighter than usual and dewier than I would’ve expected with a clay mask,” explains one of our testers. The hyaluronic acid in the formula goes a long way to provide a boost of hydration, while the detoxifying ingredients (including watermelon enzymes and BHAs) completely clear out skin. Though, she notes that removing the mask was a bit of a hassle. “It required a lot of tugging to fully rinse off and took over five minutes to remove,” she says. For a more seamless removal process, we recommend using a sponge to gently scrub the mask off.

This blue-hued mask is not only perfect for scary selfies (Halloween is right around the corner!), it’s also an ideal choice for drawing out built-up impurities, dirt and oils. Its effective yet gentle formula, enhanced with seaweed, helps visibly reduce imperfections, clear the look of congested pores, and cleanse stressed areas. After one use, expect your skin to feel refreshed, comfortable, clean, and rebalanced. With continued use, the complexion will appear more even, decongested, and any marks due to imperfections will look visible reduced. L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask: Day after day, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of your skin, leaving your complexion feeling rough. This clay mask formula is enhanced with red algaeextract to help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils. It also exfoliates dead skin cells, smooths the look of imperfections, and allows skin to breathe. Skin texture will appear refined immediately after use. Depending on your needs, you can use one at a time or mix and match the masks for a no-brainer multi-masking session at home! During our review of the Pure-Clay Masks we discovered that our favorite multi-masking recipe for the masks is to use the Purify & Mattify Mask mask on our foreheads to help to remove excess sebum, the Detox & Brighten Mask (or Clarify & Smooth Mask) down the bridge of our nose, the Exfoliate & Refine mask on our cheeks to help to refine the appearance of our skin and remove any buildup of dead skin cells, and the Clear & Comfort mask along our jawline. Do you have a favorite way to use the L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay masks? Snap a pic and tag us @skincare! When it comes to using a clay mask, you don’t need to slather your face in a ton of product. A thin, even layer of whichever mask you’re using will do. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty, use your (clean) hands to spread the mask over your face. If you’d rather keep things tidy, try using a mask brush or repurpose a foundation brush. By dipping the brush into the mask and painting it onto your face, you’ll not only avoid a mess but also be able to apply a perfectly thin layer of your mask of choice. STEP #3: WAIT 10-15 MINUTES Before putting on your clay mask, cleanse your complexion to help remove dirt, oils, and makeup from the surface of your skin. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser. Each of these cleansers lifts dirt and impurities out of your pores without drying out your skin.Starting with a clean base will help the clay masks reach their maximum level of effectiveness. STEP #2: APPLY AN EVEN LAYERMeanwhile, Aguilar adds, “regardless of skin type, it’s best to space out your masking in the beginning to see if your skin agrees with more frequent use of clay masks.” She also advises testing out a new mask on a smaller area of skin rather than the full face. “By testing the mask first, you can decide whether it’s suitable for your skin.” For rough-feeling, clogged skin turn to the Refining Treatment Mask with clay and red algae to help exfoliate the surface of the skin for a more refined look. This orange-toned mask helps polish the skin, minimize pores, and smooth the complexion, for a healthier, more beautiful appearance. Pure-Clay Mask Clear & Comfort Clay masks are a trusty old friend — they’ve been around forever and utilize fairly simple ingredients to extract impurities and restore skin to its smooth, soft radiance. Though clay masks work best for people with oily-prone skin, all skin types can use them in moderation to achieve a glowing, clear complexion. It has a somewhat strong peppermint scent. (We think it adds to the overall experience, but several online reviewers find it to be overwhelming.) The range includes three creamy and cushiony masks (all with gorgeous fresh fragrances) which help to cleanse and beautify your skin in as little as ten minutes—so even the busiest schedules are no match for these multi-masking go-to masks. Each mask is formulated with a combination of three mineral clays: kaolinite, montmorillonite, and ghassoul. Each of the fivePure-Clay masks uses this combination of clay plus its own unique ingredient selected for specific skin needs: Pure-Clay Mask Purify & Mattify

Keep showing your skin love by applying a water-based moisturizer for your skin type. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin, and L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration. These moisturizers will complement all the work the clay mask did, leaving you with a hydrated, healthy complexion. STEP #7: REPEAT THE PROCESS A FEW TIMES A WEEK url": "https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/skin-care/skin-care-essentials/how-to-apply-and-remove-a-clay-mask" This mask has a rich, dark hue. Be careful not to stain your towels during application and rinsing. description":"Want a smooth and hydrated complexion? By adding a weekly clay mask to your skincare routine It helps to cleanse and add moisture without leaving an oily residue. Here's how it's done!" The results we get from a clay face mask are unparalleled: Smoothing without drying and hydrating without leaving skin feeling oily. But the removal process for clay masks sometimes leaves something to be desired. On the other hand, one of the best parts of a sheet mask is that when you’re done you just toss the sheet in the trash can. While that may seem like the most appealing way to finish with a face mask, you don’t have to sacrifice function for ease or start weighing pros and cons to determine which types of face masks you should use. If you want to use a clay mask, just make sure you’re applying and removing it correctly. If you remove a clay mask the right way, you’ll go from covered in clay to completely clean in a pinch. Ready to streamline the best—not to mention the most relaxing—part of your entire skin care routine? Scroll down to find our best clay masks (including our best face mask for dry skin), and learn how to choose the one that’s right for you. Plus, find out how to apply and remove this go-to skin care product from your face. Once you see just how easy using a clay mask is, you’ll want to do it as much as possible. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! OUR BEST CLAY MASKS FOR EVERY SKIN CONCERNThough the mask will feel dry in about 9 minutes, the brand recommends keeping it on for 15 to 20 (on the longer end of products we tested).