Consider face masks the ultimate therapy session for your skin. When your skin is getting all emotional on you, choosing to lash out with unwanted bumps and blackheads, all you need to do is spoil it with a soothing skincare regimen. And a good face mask is always essential. Plus, it's a cheap date for your skin. New and improved face masks come with formulas available for a fraction of the price of some of the spendier options—I'm talking luxury-level ingredients for all of $5. Of course, some beauty investments are necessary, but you don't have to sacrifice your entire paycheck for a mask that works wonders on your skin. New drugstore face masks are popping up every single day with impressive ingredient lists to solve all of your skin woes.
Whether you're looking for hydrating, acne-targeted, glow-boosting, or K-beauty masks, there's an option for you. Trust, you're going to want to buy these in bulk and incorporate these gems into your pamper sessions pretty often. To back up these unbelievably affordable options, Team MC reached out to celebrity dermatologists Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD and Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD of Schweiger Dermatology to share the drugstore face masks they recommend to all their patients. We also threw in a couple of tried-and-true favorites, so you can screenshot this list for your next drugstore run.
For Dry Skin
"This mask is super effective for moisturizing dry skin types and it’s cheap," says Mudgil. He particularly loves this formula because it has a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid, making it a super potent moisturizer for long-lasting hydration.
For Dehydrated Skin
This overnight mask is like a refreshing glass of water for your skin. The ultra-hydrating, cream-based product is formulated with avocado oil and nourishing fatty acids. It does all of the heavy-duty work while you get your beauty sleep on. In the a.m., you'll awake to soft and supple skin.
For Dull Skin
I've previously shared my testimonial about this glow-inducing overnight mask, and my sentiments are still the same, if not stronger. This cruelty-free formula is free of parabens and all of the yucky stuff, and it smells like fresh watermelon. The gel-like texture will sink right into your skin, allowing it to deeply hydrate the skin while leaving you with a lingering glow. Real talk: My skin radiates for a whole 24 hours post this overnight mask.
For Sensitive Skin
If Bioré strips were your preeten savior, this mask is your more adult BFF. It warms up on contact, making it a fabulous addition to your nighttime routine.
The Exfoliant
This was my favorite thing ever in high school, and it holds up: Not only does this exfoliating charcoal mask work beautifully on oily skin, but it smells fantastic.
For Dull, Tired Skin
This mask is designed to gently resurface the skin on your face to reveal the brighter, healthier layers beneath.
The Multi-Functional One
This mask is so fun! Each color of the rainbow represents a different ingredient, the wide range of which promises to banish breakouts without over-drying.
For Anti-Aging
A mask that firms skin and eases the appearance of wrinkles? Sign. Us. Up.
You should be wearing sunscreen every single day (yes, even on your face!). But if you forget, or if your SPF is no match for the sun's oft-harsh rays, try this soothing sunburn solution.
For Sensitive Skin
This hypo-allergenic, papaya-infused mask is ideal for sensitive skin in need of a clarifying reboot.
For Early Mornings
Much like a green juice will make you feel better about your choices, this reinvigorating mask will absolve you of your skincare skins (we fall asleep in our makeup too, okay?). Even better, this ginger-y option is only $3.50, so you can stock up in one go.
For Acne-Prone Skin
This thing has been an Amazon gem for years with wildly-positive reviews, and we've gotta say, we've get it. It decongests pores in just minutes, especially if you're dealing with an intent or stubborn breakout.
For Extra Oily Skin
This two-in-one cleanser and mask, if you choose to leave it on, acts as a deep-cleaner for clogged pores caused by oil build-up. "This mask contains benzoyl peroxide, which makes it great for acne-prone skin, especially for those on the more oily end of the spectrum," Mudgil explains.
For Acne-Prone Skin
It's a classic for a reason. This no-frills clay mask will take an angry, congested T-zone and turn it back to its flawless original state.
For Oily Skin
Cetaphil is the gold standard in gentle skincare, so a dip into the face mask pond was inevitable. This one is packed with absorbent bentonite clay that will clear out clogged pores without stripping the skin of hydration.
For Fragrance-Free Fans
Even when we're pampering ourselves, sometimes we don't want to be overwhelmed by fragrance. This simple yet smoothing option has powerful ingredients without the added perfume: soothing blue sea kelp keeps things supple, while cucumber seed powder gently exfoliates for added smoothness.
For Plant Lovers
Humans have looked to their gardens for nourishing skincare for years, and this affordable option seizes the power of two natural staples. Strawberry and rosemary eliminate impurities, while yarrow helps to clarify and cleanse the skin.
For Oily Skin
$7 for a clear T-zone? Sign us TF up. It has two types of clay to help exfoliate and absorb excess oil and sebum, so we like to spot treat and use this exactly where the shininess tends to take over.
For Blackheads
African black soap is a clarifying all-star, and this mask is given an extra boost of tea tree oil to unclog congested pores.
For A Hangover
So you went a little too far last night. Your face is puffy, your brain is moving at half speed, and your complexion is probably feels the driest it's ever been. Fear not, because if you leave this soothing sheet mask in the fridge to wake up to, its coconut and caffeine with take the swelling down and make you feel a little less miserable.
For Angry Skin
Bioderma is famously suited to sensitive skin—you've probably heard of the brand's classic micellar water—and this mask is just as iconic. It'll zap redness and take your skin back to baseline after a breakout.
For Dark Spots
Bubble, bubble, toil, and....brighten? That's how it goes right? Anyway, this fizzy delight of a mask contains vitamin C to spruce up a dull complexion and lift dark spots.
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Taylore Glynn is the Beauty and Health Editor at Marie Claire, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, wellness, and more. If you need her, she’s probably roasting a chicken, flying solo at the movies, or drinking a bad Negroni at JFK.
- Gabrielle UlubayBeauty Writer
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