Powder is a key feature in our makeup bags. We have loose setting powders, shine-minimizing pressed powders, powder foundations and a good selection of powder eyeshadows. Some beauty aficionados may even have lip powders. It’s less common to see powder in our skin care arsenal. It’s time that changed, especially on the mask front, because powder masks offer versatile, effective formulas and the chance to play beauty chemist.
Powder masks are mixed with a liquid (often water) until they form a paste that can easily be applied to your skin. The benefit of mixing the formula right before application is you’re getting a fresher, more potent mask because the ingredients are activated with the liquid. A dry, unmixed formula means most powder masks rely on natural ingredients and don’t require synthetic preservatives, which means they’re kinder to sensitive complexions. What’s more, the powder formula is better for traveling (no need to worry about TSA liquid guidelines) and storage.
Another benefit is powder masks can be tweaked depending on your skin’s needs and personal preferences. Users can play around with the quantity of liquid depending on their preferred mask consistency. You can also change up the base depending on your complexion problems. For example, some masks suggest using honey, apple cider vinegar, beaten eggs, milk, yogurt or even mashed avocado in the formulas. Each base will offer slightly different benefits along with the powder mask’s skin-nourishing ingredients.
Here are 10 powder face masks that offer countless customization options to address your skin concerns.
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10 Travel-Friendly Powder Face Masks That Can Be Tailored to Your Skin Care Concerns
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Captain Blankenship
Petal Gentle Flower Face Mask, $30 at Captain Blankenship
Pretty pink color? Tick. Trendy pink clay? Tick. Dreamy floral formula? Tick. This mask will delight all of your senses. Mix just half a teaspoon with an equal amount of water and apply the exfoliating product to your skin. It's packed with floral ingredients, including organic rosehip seed, hibiscus and rose petal powders, to lift away dead skin and soothe. Even better, it's suitable for all skin types, especially dry, sensitive and mature skin.
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Origins
RitualiTea Matcha Madness Revitalizing Powder Face Mask, $36 at Sephora
Open up the package and unsuspecting people could almost mistake this for straight-up matcha tea rather than a mask. The face mask has a blend of nourishing essential oils and hyaluronic acid to calm and balance skin. When mixed with warm water, the powder turns into a creamy product that dries in 10 minutes. The vivid green mask is suitable for all skin types so everyone can experience the purifying benefits of antioxidant-rich tea.
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Cocovít
Coconut Charcoal Face Mask, $38 at Cocovít
Coconut oil in powder form? Yup. This TSA-friendly powder mask combines the ingredient with activated coconut charcoal, antioxidant-rich neem powder, turmeric, bentonite clay and other anti-inflammatory powders to produce a purifying mask. Activate the formula with the liquid of your choice, then spread a thin layer over your skin. It only needs to be left on for five to seven minutes to work its detoxifying magic.
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Odacité
Synergie[4] Immediate Skin Perfecting Beauty Masque, $59 at Space.NK
There is some major science behind this mask. It works on four different levels to improve the clarity and tone of skin. The ingredients purify, exfoliate, brighten and support collagen production for a plumper, more youthful appearance. All you need to do is mix the powder formula with your preferred liquid and apply to reap the rewards.
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Salt by Hendrix
Activated Charcoal Mask, $21 at Anthropologie
There are just five ingredients in this powder mask. Given its sooty black color, you've probably correctly guessed it's formulated with activated charcoal. The other ingredients are kaolin black clay, organic bilberry powder, organic maqui berry powder and organic cacao powder. The plant-based formula is suited to those with acne-prone skin because it helps draw out pimple-causing bacteria while fighting the signs of aging and combating dullness. Just a few drops of water are needed to transform it so go slow when mixing the mask.
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Herbivore Botanicals
Pink Clay Exfoliating Mask, $22 at Herbivore Botanicals
Blend a half to one tablespoon of this pale pink powder with a few drops of water until it becomes a paste, then apply the mixture to skin. The natural, vegan mask is the brand's gentlest formula, but it still delivers obvious results. Besides the pink clay, it contains organic rosehip, chamomile and rose petals to leave skin baby soft. The floral ingredients give the mask an uplifting scent and its color plus there are no dyes or fragrances. It doesn't even contain synthetic preservatives.
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Yes To
Cucumbers Calming DIY Powder-to-Clay Mask, $0.82 at Ulta Beauty
This single-use powder-to-clay mask eliminates any mess. The little package contains the formula, a spoon and paper mixing bowl so maskers only need to add the liquid. This calming cucumber version is good to have on hand when skin is being reactive. At less than $1, you can stock up on the mask sachets during your next shopping run.
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Hannes Dottir
Marine Collagen Lift, $70 at Anthropologie
This mask doesn't come cheap, but just a pinch of product is enough for one masking session. The Icelandic skin care label utilizes the purifying ingredients of its homeland, including minerals, sea kelp and crystals sourced from the fjords. The powder has geothermally dried ingredients that activate with liquid. Use two parts mask to one part water for the best spreadable consistency. Leave the mask on for 20 to 30 minutes and all the mineral-rich ingredients will smooth and nourish your skin. You may not want to take it off thanks to the delectable vanilla bean scent.
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BYBI Beauty
Detox Dust Purifying Powder Mask, $19.99 at Urban Outfitters
Grab a nonreactive bowl and spatula and mix a teaspoon of this mask with your favorite base. It can be mixed with anything from oil to banana to milk to floral waters, depending on your skin concerns. Apply the resulting paste in an even layer over your face and the natural, cruelty-free formula will fight free radical damage and revitalize stressed skin.
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S.W. Basics
Hibiscus Mask, $22 at DermStore
One of the best things about powder masks is that a bit of product can last a surprisingly long time. This 2.5 ounce jar will last for approximately eight months with regular use. Just a teaspoon is needed with an equal part of liquid per application. The mask has three simple ingredients: French green clay, lavender powder and hibiscus (obviously). The natural and organic formula soothes skin as well as the senses. After use, redness and irritation will be less noticeable.
