When it comes to skincare, we’re all knowledgeable about the three big steps – cleanse, tone and moisturize. But, there’s one skincare step people don’t take the time to do often enough – one that makes a significant difference in the skin’s quality, tone and moisture level. And, that step, is the good old mask.

In recent years, the genre has gone well past the thick green goop your mother used to put on. And, whether you’re prepping for fashion week, or one last beach vacation, here are five masks – which you use once or twice a week – that are light, effective, and filled with enough science and technology to transform your visage:

Astara Biogenic Skincare ($39-48 depending on mask)
This line’s philosophy is to impart the skin with nourishment and health, by using natural, botanical products. Made with raw organic plants, flower essences, and fresh-from-the-sea ingredients, it’s like feeding your skin with the best health-food possible. Initially based in Telluride, CO, and now in Phoenix, AZ, the line has expanded from a cult favorite to a world-class force. While the line includes cleansers, toners and moisturizers, some of its most exceptional, effective products are the masks. Our absolute favorite is the Blue Flame Purification Mask, which has ingredients like Totara tree essence (with even more antimicrobial properties than tea tree oil), mandarin orange, red clover, Echinacea, lemongrass… and a lot more. It’s especially good for more oily skin-types or even people with acne, as this mask evens out texture without drying or making skin too shiny. (To boot, at $39, a 2-oz jar costs less than the tip at most high-end spas.) Also of note: Golden Flame Hydration Mask (great after sun, with ingredients like organic aloe-vera leaf juice) and the Activated Sea Mineral Mask, which combines sea botanicals, like algae, with other beneficial ingredients like Vitamin A.
Astara Skin Care

Orlane Bio-Mimic Hydrating Masque ($90)
The scientific system making up the first part of this mask’s name is what makes it so great – since your skin isn’t uniformly dry, it delivers more moisture to dry areas, by bio-mimicking the skin’s natural water reserves. And it works great – our skin felt and looked much more smooth and even-toned after a few applications – the dry areas around our cheeks and on the lower half of our face (likely brought on by summer sun) felt more “juicy,” and my oily area on our forehead was more matte. Amazing. Also helping was the Orlane-patented B21 Plant-Based Bio-Energic Complex, which stimulates cellular energy.
Saks Fifth Avenue

Sampar Pure Perfection – Clear Solution Mask ($45)
This Paris-based skincare line comes through with a mask that’s calming and mild, with sweet almond oils and limewater for a luxurious feel. And, living in the Big Apple, we were glad for Sampar’s proprietary Urban Active Complex, which revitalizes skin and removes pollutants. After we were done using it, our skin looked brighter and our pores weren’t as noticeable.
Sampar

Juice Beauty Green Apple Nutrient Mask ($35)
It’s well documented that fruit acids are great for the skin, and this mask (incidentally, the best-smelling of the bunch), proves that. Rich in nutrients, peptides, and natural apple and lemon juices, it’s hard to resist eating the stuff. You definitely feel this one – less mild, and quite a bit tingly going on – but the radiant glow left afterwards is well worth it.
Juice Beauty

Clarins “Truly Matte” Pure and Radiant Mask ($26)
This simple, elegant new mask, used two times a week, is great for combination or oily skin. The main ingredient is pink clay – other soothing ingredients like Tanaka powder, Alpine willow herb, white nettle, zinc, and linden do a great job of cleansing and purifying, without clogging pores. A 10-minute application left our skin pleasingly matte – no more shine! – without feeling tight. Also, at $26, it’s the value-leader of the group – Clarins is a great skincare line that deserves props for keeping their prices out of the stratosphere.
Nordstroms

~Stephen Milioti