6 Extra-Soothing Face Masks from Vancouver Brands

Okay, I’ll say it: the March 10 mask mandate (or lack thereof) announcement is stressing me out. But this isn’t about face coverings. This is about hydrating skincare. Because—and this is the last time I bring this up, I promise—I’m sure as hell going to keep wearing my mask, and I’m also going to keep my skin happy and take care of my own mental health when other people stop wearing theirs.

Here’s an all-star lineup of made-in-Vancouver face masks that everyone can get behind.

1. Okoko Cosmétiques Beauté Majestique Gel-to-Milk Cleanser

This “cleanser” is actually a cleanser, mask and exfoliator all in one. It’s made with pumpkin and bamboo powder, slicylic acid and papaya, and designed to get rid of impurities gently without disturbing your skin’s moisture barrier. It’s an award-winning product, and we should know—we crowned it number 1 in Beauty in our 2020 Made in Vancouver Awards. $140, okokocosmetiques.com

2. Midnight Paloma’s Charcoal + Rose Detox Mask

My acne-prone friends, listen up: the Kaolin clay and activated charcoal in this mask was made for you. This mask actually comes in a powder that you can mix with water, yogurt or honey, which is pretty fun (and means you’re getting pretty good bang for your buck—you only use a teaspoon at a time, so it lasts). $29, midnightpaloma.com

3. Eventide’s Everything Mask

This mask also comes in a powder form (so again, you can be your own amateur cosmetic chemist with water, honey or yogurt—I usually use honey for the consistency, but you do you). It’s made with white clay, rolled oats, rose petals and a palmarosa and carrot seed essential oil blend. $30, eventidebotanicalchemy.com

4. Harlow’s Fruit of the Earth Botanical Mask – Boost

If you’re feeling sluggish, try this wake-up mask—it’s like an alarm clock for your skin (but it won’t make you hate your favourite song. Made with mango, pineapple, and rosehip, it’s a punch of much-needed vitamin C. $36, harlowskincare.com

READ MORE: THE CITY FIRST GREEN BEAUTY RETAIL HUB

5. Skwalwen Botanicals’ Kalkáy Wild Rose Face Masque

Skwalwen is based north of what we call Vancouver (on the unceded territories of the Skwxẃu7mesh First Nation), is Indigenous-owned and “honours cultural knowledge, Indigenous plant science and self care” in their work (learn more here). Their Kalkáy mask is named for the Squamish word for wild rose bush. It’s all kinds of calming, and made with rose and rosehip powder, French pink clay, mango seed butter and essential oils. $45, skwalwen.com

6. Peregrine Supply Co.’s Clay and Coal Face Mask

This mask is made with activated charcoal and bentonite clay, plus raw honey from the Fraser Valley. According to Peregrine, the honey opens pores so the charcoal can do its thing (drawing our impurities). $20, peregrinesupply.com