How to Apply and Remove a Clay Mask

We love the results we can get from a clay face mask, but removal sometimes leaves something to be desired. You can’t say there isn’t something appealing about just tossing off a sheet mask when you’re finished with it. Don’t worry, you won’t have to start weighing the pros and cons of effectiveness versus ease of use. If you remove a clay mask—the right way—you’ll go from clay-covered to clean in a pinch. Ready to streamline your favorite part of your skin care routine? Scroll below to find our best clay masks (including our best face mask for dry skin), plus out how to remove this go-to skin care product from your face.

OUR BEST CLAY MASKS FOR EVERY SKIN CONCERN

Before we get to showing you how to apply and remove a clay mask, it’s important to pick the right one for your skin’s particular concerns. Whether you have dull, rough, stressed, uneven, or dry skin, here are five options to choose from!

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten Face Mask: Over time, harsh environmental factors like pollution and debris can damage skin, leaving your complexion looking dull and tired. This clay mask formula enhanced with charcoal can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and pollution, reduce the look of dull skin, and even out skin tone. Skin will look brighter immediately.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask 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 algae extract to help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth the look of imperfections, and allow skin to breathe. Immediately after use, you’ll notice your skin texture appears refined. Skin texture will appear refined immediately.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask: Enhanced with seaweed, this face mask helps draw out buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils, visibly reduce the appearance of imperfections, clear the look of congested pores, and gently cleanse skin. When you’re finished, skin is not only clean but refreshed and comfortable.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Purify & Mattify Face Mask: Day after day, impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oils build up on the skin, leaving your complexion looking overly oil. 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.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask: The clay mask formula with enhanced yuzu lemon extract helps shed rough, dead skin cells from skin’s surface, clarify tone, and improve skin texture. Rinse off to reveal skin left with a clean glow.

Editor’s tip: Can’t decide on just one of the below? Multi-mask! This trend involves applying different masks to different areas of your face at the same time. How fun!

HOW TO APPLY AND REMOVE OUR CLAY MASKS

Have your clay mask of choice in hand and ready to go? Follow these application and removal tips and get to work.

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin

Before putting on your L’Oréal Paris Pure-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, which lift dirt and impurities without drying out skin.

Step 2: Apply an Even Layer

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 your L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask will do!

Step 3: Wait 10-15 Minutes

Take this time to sit back and relax! Listen to your favorite tunes while you leave your clay mask on for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse

And you were just starting to get comfortable, right? But now it’s time to take things off! Use water to gently rinse off your L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask in circular motions.

Step 5: Pat Dry

Take a towel and lightly blot your skin until it’s just slightly damp.

Step 6: Use a Lightweight Moisturizer

Seal the deal 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 formulate with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration.