You possibly look forward to the time you get to spoil your skin with a mask. Masks are probably one of my favorite beauty satisfaction—I unabashedly and obsessively mask three to four times a week with different formulas depending on how my skin is feeling that day. Most of the time my skin comes out looking its best post-mask in my tiny apartment bathroom and there's one thing I credit with making my masking session feel even more legit: by using a face mask brush.
Face masks are one of my favorite skin care treats. There's nothing quite like purging your pores after traveling, drenching dry patches with a hydrating mask, brightening dull spots with a peeling mask, or sloughing off dead skin with an exfoliating mask. Face masks are one of the easiest ways to get the feel of a spa treatment at home. Plus, they're great for filling in skin care gaps or fighting specific issues that aren't attended to in your daily routine.
Whether you go high-end or with your masks, you want to get the most out of what you spent on a nonessential (technically, but I'd argue otherwise) part of your beauty routine.
Turns out all along, and the germaphobes out there are about to kick themselves for not thinking of this one. Before you go dipping into that jar or squeezing out that tube of brand new masking magic, think about how you're going to put it on your face. If you're like me, you spread a face mask on with your hands, then awkwardly try to turn on the sink without getting black, green, or grainy goo on the faucet.
I know we're all sanitary people here, and if your face is properly prepped for a mask, you just cleansed it. But did you wash your hands afterward? And did you touch your bathroom cabinet handle to grab the face mask before putting it on your face? Then you're probably transferring dirt and germs from your hands onto your face while putting on your mask, which hinders it from reaching its full pore-cleansing potential.But like any beauty concern, there's a fix.
You might not realize face mask brushes exist, but they do. Spoiler: They're amazing.
Not only does putting on a brush eliminate the need to touch your face, but there are plenty of other benefits. When you apply a mask with your hands, you're probably sending a good bit of it down the drain when you wash your hands off. We know if you invested in a splurge mask, you don't want to waste a bit of it. Applying masks with a face mask brush will drastically cut down on product waste, as you can get every last bit of it onto your face instead of down the drain.
Plus, you won't get that pricey mask stuck under your fingernails. After applying, you can immediately sit back and relax instead of ridding your hands and sink of face mask leftovers. Face mask brushes also spread a more even layer of the mask over your face. By using a face mask brush, you won't waste a drop of that precious skin care, and it will be more evenly distributed over your pores.There's another obvious positive that comes with using a face mask brush—it feels undeniably luxurious.
Gently applying a face mask with a brush feels even more like a mini spa treatment than the mask alone. After smoothing a mask on with a soft brush, you'll feel pampered, soothed, and refreshed before the max even does its work.If you don't want to purchase a mask brush, a large foundation brush will work well.
However, I would use one solely for face masks rather than switching back and forth, and be sure to thoroughly wash it after each use. Silicone brushes, like some of the ones below, make cleanup easier than bristle brushes. There's a face mask brush for every price point, so there's no reason not to treat yourself to a little skin care upgrade.
Face mask brushes and mask applicator tools are now popular staples in many home skin care routines. It’s no surprise that face mask brushes have become mainstream because they can make your life and skin better in so many ways.
Similar to makeup and foundation brushes (many makeup brushes can be used as a mask brush), a face mask brush is made out of silicone wands or fiber-based bristles and aids in the application of certain facial treatments.
Each has their own Advantages and Disadvantages.
- Brushes: Face mask brush bristles are made with either synthetic or animal fibers. Synthetic fibers are typically better at preventing bacterial growth than animal fiber brushes. Brushes can be used to mix and apply just about any skin treatment. A good mask brush is so soft on the skin and should feel like you are using a paintbrush. Because of the tiny bristles, face mask brushes require a little extra work to completely clean after each use. To make cleaning easier, you can leave your brush to soak in an organic makeup remover, organic cleanser, or DIY organic soap solution overnight.
- Silicone Wands: Silicone wand face mask applicators come in single or dual-sided varieties. The main applicator is typically a flat piece of silicone shaped like a 2D brush. Some silicone brushes also have a massing end which helps stimulate the skin; not only a great stress reliever, but also collagen boosting. Silicone wands are much easier to clean than face mask brushes and are better at fighting bacterial growth. Because of this, they are better choices when multi-masking (applying 2 or more masks to different areas of your face) or using the wand to apply different skin care treatments in a single session. The biggest downside of silicone wands is that they simply do not feel as luxurious on the skin as face mask brushes.
Not only do face mask brushes make the application of facial treatments such as masks and moisturizers a breeze, they also help to mitigate bacteria growth inside of your skin care products.
TIPS: Store face masks in the fridge for a cooling effect that may help de-puff and calm inflammation.
Before you roll your eyes at this extra step in your masking routine, hear me out. Have you ever thought about all the dirt, oil, and grime you're transporting onto your skin when you apply a mask with your hands? If you’ve been applying your masks with your bare hands, you’ve been doing it wrong!
Applying your mask with a clean brush lowers the chances of any of that gross stuff sticking to your skin, you assure a more evenly distributed slather—which is better for your face and makes your process even more pure with special spa-like feels. With a face mask brush, you'll find yourself using way less product because it's so much easier to distribute an even, thin layer onto your skin and that’s more hygienic.
Not to mention that it cuts your cleanup time in half because it's not all over your hands and sink. Plus, it makes your masking session feel so zen. There's something about applying a mask with a brush that feels 10 times better. The next time one of your masks comes with a brush, don't throw it out.
We have decades of experience reviewing and testing beauty products. To compile our list of the best face mask brushes, we considered reviews and complaints, market research, ease of use, sturdiness, affordability, materials, and other factors:
Price: There’s truly no need to spend a boatload of cash on a face brush—
Bristles vs. Spatula: You can use either to apply a mask, there’s no evidence that there’s any real benefit to a pricier model. So all of our picks are also affordable.
Design: Length and flexibility of the handle is crucial when it comes to ease of application. If the tool is too short or too flexible, it can be hard to maneuver.
Cruelty-Free Construction: With so many vegan options out there, we evaluated only soft-bristle man-made options (as opposed to styles made with animal fibers).
**Benefits and detriments to both depending on what type of mask you’re using.
The Best Face Mask Brushes and Applicators money can buy:
Foundation & Mask Brush
The expertly designed synthetic fibers make this the ideal bush for both applications. Begin by dipping the ends of the brush into foundation or mask, applying evenly to the face in outward motion. For more coverage, use a stippling motion, applying product where needed.
Bamboo Mask Brush & Bowl Set
A high quality, yet affordable mask brush and bowl set. This set includes a durable bamboo mixing bowl, a bamboo measuring spoon and a bamboo brush applicator, all of which are vegan. This eco-friendly bamboo utensil set takes the mess and hassle out of your skincare routine. The bamboo mixing bowl is ideal for mixing your mask, while the bamboo brush makes application a breeze. If you have any mask left over, you can cover and store your mixing bowl for up to 5 days in your refrigerator.
Pore Refining Brush & Mask Tool
This pore-cleansing brush is an affordable, yet effective dual ended multitasking tool that’s perfect for applying moisturizers, masks, cleansers and scrubs while also gently cleansing the skin. This face mask brush provides mess free application so you can save more of your mask for later use. The silicone spatula can also be used to apply foundation, and the pore refining brush can be used for blending color to create a flawless finish. To deeply cleanse pores, massage the face with the bottom brush using circular motions.
Face Mask Applicator Brush
A lovely fan face mask applicator brush that makes mixing and applying a mask a breeze. It's well designed, beautifully crafted, and won't break on you over time. The fan brush can also be used to apply serums, facial treatments, and even a touch of blush. It's not too big, not too small, and very easy to use. While there are certainly other mask brushes out there, MV Organic Skin Care is a reputable organic brand that has a history of making top quality products.
Silicone Pack Brush
ed this silicone jelly brush to make masking feel good. This bendable, spatula-shaped tip makes masking so quick, mess-free application and super-easy cleanup. Plus, this super-chic packaging is a nice added touch.
Fan Brush Face Mask Applicator
A wonderful fan face mask applicator brush for easy mask mixing and application. It's well-made, well-designed, and won't break down on you over time. Serums, face treatments, and even a hint of blush can all be applied with the fan brush. It's the perfect size, not too big, not too small, and very simple to use. While there are various mask brushes available, this is one of the best.
Facial Mask Paint Brush
Made with vegan-friendly synthetic bristles, this face mask brush is lovely and strong. This mask brush aids in the exact and smooth application of product for an even and sanitary application. The bristles are ultra-soft but stiff enough to paint on thick masks. The brush enhances the pleasure of applying peels and other treatments, making it feel like a true self-care routine. It's also breathtaking! The rose gold hardware, burnt orange bristles, and eggshell handle are all eye-catching!
Dual Face Mask Brush
A soft and luxurious dual mask brush that will transport you to the spa. The bristles on one side of the brush are larger, making it ideal for applying product evenly to your face, while the bristles on the other side are smaller, making it ideal for gently distributing product around the eyes and lips. The synthetic bristles are easier to apply and less likely to harbor bacteria. With this gorgeous face mask brush, you'll be inspired to start a zen-like ritual. Clean the brush and allow it to air dry.
Double Ended Treatment Application Brush
We credit this mini dual-ended brush for the onset of my undying love for mask brushes. Its super-soft bristles make application a breeze.
Herbivore Mask Brush
A brush made of super-soft Taklon bristles, which are both vegan and cruelty-free. Gentle on the environment, the animals, and your skin. A vegan and cruelty-free taklon bristle brush that is as strong as it is beautiful. Some Brands aim to modernize and elevate your skincare routine with a modern and elegant aesthetic. This face mask brush has a thick wood handle that allows for easy mask mixing and precise application so you can enjoy a soothing and mess-free mask. When applied to the skin, the brush measures 6 inches long by 1 inch wide and feels soft. Apply the mask in smooth strokes to the face, neck, and chest area.
TIPS: Use makeup removing wipes for a quick and easy way to clean your face mask brush in between uses.
We promise mask brushes are worth the extra step in your self-care routine. They save product, time, and a future mess.