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Masked Beauty

Treat your complexion to a mask and enjoy replenishing benefits that will be written all over your face

Every now and then your complexion could use some extra love and care. And unless you visit your facialist regularly, the best way to treat your skin—and banish that dull, sallow look that has taken over—is through an at-home face mask. We asked Skyy Hadley, owner and founder of As "U" Wish Spa in Hoboken, N.J., to share her wisdom on picking the best mask for your skin type. Follow her advice to see the glowing, gorgeous benefits for yourself!

Uplifting Effects
If you want firmer, plumper skin, opt for a gel mask that can be massaged into the contours of your face. Try the 10-minute H20 Plus Hydrating Marine Moisture Mask, which contains red marine algae extracts, sea plankton and sea botanicals and is designed to help slough away dead, dull skin cells, as it firms and plumps your complexion.

*Also good for: Hydrating skin.

Brighten Up
If you want an energizing mask, look for citric acid or oranges on the ingredient list. Try Formula 10.0.6's Deep Down Detox Ultra Cleansing Mud Mask. This 10- to 15-minute treatment will recharge your skin as

the clay helps to open clogged pores, detoxifying your skin.

*Also good for: Acne-prone skin and clearing up blackheads.

Take It Down a Notch
If you have dry, sensitive skin, look for a mask that contains oatmeal or honey. Try Dermalogica's Ultra Calming Relief Masque, which includes colloidal oatmeal to soothe sensitive skin within 10 minutes.

*Also good for: Rosacea and redness relief.

Insta-Energy
If you need a quick fix, your No. 1 priority should be the time it takes to apply the mask. If you don't have 10 or 20 minutes to spend on a mask, choose a quick fix option such as the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask. In just five minutes, this frothy mask will give you the effects of an hourlong facial. Use it before a night out for instant brightening and moisturizing.

*Also good for: Men! This fast-acting formula works for all beauty attention spans and is free of girly fragrances.

Written by Julie Seguss

Julie is a former beauty editor of Parents magazine. A New York City-based freelance writer, she contributes health, fitness, beauty, parenting and lifestyle features to a variety of consumer magazines and websites. Also a certified personal trainer and fitness fanatic, she prefers beauty products that benefit the body and the planet.