These Are the Face Masks Our Editors Can't Live Without

POPSUGAR Photography | Aimee Simeon
POPSUGAR Photography | Aimee Simeon

It feels like every day a wacky new sheet mask is born. There are unicorn masks, jelly masks, peel-off masks — the list goes on. But which ones actually work? Luckily, our editors have tested the good, the bad, and the trendiest facial treatments so you don't have to — and found a few along the way that qualify as holy grail formulas. If you're still haven't found "the one" face mask for you, we've rounded up our all time favorites to help you out. Whether you're looking for a boost of hydration or some help fading those pesky dark spots, these are the masks that will get the job done.

For Dull Skin

For Dull Skin

Skin Type: Tired!


Current Favorite Mask: "I'm exhausted, and my face has started to show it. My eyes look so sunken, I wouldn't be surprised if children on my street start a legend about how I became a witch. To bring me back into the land of the living, I use Oh K Egg White Sheet Mask ($3). It brightens me up, and when I want to un-chap my lips I call on its cousin, the Hydrating Gold Gel Mask ($12)." — Alaina Demopolous, beauty writer

For Lifting

For Lifting

Skin Type: Combination

Current Favorite Mask: "When I posted about CO2 Lift on Instagram, I had so many messages from people saying they've heard great things about the mask. Apparently Carrie Underwood's makeup artist is a fan, and if it's good enough for Carrie, it's good enough for me. CO2 Lift ($85) is used to plump and hydrate the skin; similar masks have been used to restore burn victims' skin because of its star ingredient, carbon dioxide.

The mask itself has a jelly-like consistency, which you spread onto your skin like you're icing a cake. I'm going spare you the dissertation about how carbon dioxide works, but what you should know is the CO2 ultimately calms inflammation and helps with blood circulation, two things which help plump the skin and give it a glow. The instructions suggest including your neck, hands and eyelids — which is a first for me and masking, given every product I've used gives you a Defcon 1 warning when it comes to applying to your lids. Overall, mixing the mask, applying it like you're a specialty confection and peeling it off is a blast, and the results will have you touching your face similar to the first time you ever shaved your legs: it's smooth, soft and looks brand new. I plan on stocking up ahead of big events, because at $85 a pop, they aren't cheap, but they're definitely worth it. (Cue the Fifth Harmony choreography.)" — Kirbie Johnson, host and senior video reporter

CO2 Lift

CO2 Lift

CO2 Lift ($85)

For Hyperpigmentation

For Hyperpigmentation

Skin Type: Combination Current Favorite Mask: "Hyperpigmentation is a pain the ass, so when I look for face masks, I always reach for formulas that brighten up my dark spots without making my face feel like cement. I came across Murad's Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel ($48) a few months ago and it's the unicorn of sheet masks. It comes with two parts: a retexturizing swab that you apply first all over clean skin, and a moisture mask, which you leave on for 20 minutes. The cotton swab is soaked in lactic, glycolic, and citric acids to stimulate cell renewal.

The sheet mask is drenched in hyaluronic acid, which hydrates like none other. I apply this whenever my skin feels dull and lifeless, and I'm always left with glowing, supple skin. My dark spots also appear visibly lighter after each use, which is a miracle in itself." — Aimee Simeon, assistant editor, beauty