Bargain vs Bougie: The Best Face Masks for Plump, Hydrated Skin This Winter

Dear friends, I have news for you.

We’re now officially in winter.

I know! Can you believe it?

It’s time to bring out the black puffer jackets and the turtlenecks as we hurtle towards frosty mornings and even colder evenings.

Now while I love the winter (you can catch me at the Aprés after a day of snowboarding), my skin… doesn’t.

From skin sensitised by air-conditioning to those dreaded, pesky dry spots, the changing of the seasons is always tricky to navigate.

So with that considered, here’s how you can incorporate some additional hydration into your skincare routine as we move into the cooler months.

And because skincare is personal, I’ve included a variety of options, from sheet masks to a rich cream; bargain to bougie.

You can’t say I don’t look out for you.

First up, we’ve got sheet masks - my personal fave way to amp up hydration in a targeted ‘Oh my god my skin needs it now’ fashion.

The amount of times I’ve banished the "Sunday Scaries" with a sheet mask is innumerable but that’s beside the point.

What we need to focus on today is that sheet masks are a great way to quickly give your skin some love if you’ve already got a ride-or-die routine and just want a quick add-on.

Bargain: INNISFREE Energy Mask - Acai Berry

When researching products for this article, I couldn’t help but get excited when I found such affordable masks made to hydrate your skin.

And I can attest to the fact that they work, because I’ve given both these masks a try, and they were great for my skin.

The Acai Berry Mask has been specially designed for dry skin to promote a plump, supple complexion whereas the Ceramide Mask has been formulated with five kinds of ceramides (along with a bunch of other goodies) to reinforce the skin barrier.

Mid: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask 25g

Next up, we have a mask from the legends at La Roche-Posay - the Cicaplast B5 Mask from the ride-or-die Cicaplast range.

I’ve bought tube after tube of the Cicaplast Baume and when your skin is in need of some gentle but effective TLC, this mask is a great option.

Bougie: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Face Mask 5pk

Last but not least, we have the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Face Mask that comes in a pack of five.

These masks are infused with their First Care Activating Serum that is iconic in its own right - so if you’re looking for a self-care treat to boost the glow, this is the mask for you.

Next up we’ve got the creams.

With gorgeous smooth textures and nourishing ingredients, you’re no doubt going to wake up glowier than when you went to sleep.

These can be used in place of your typical moisturiser or on a more topical basis a night or two a week, and are suitable for all skins, particularly dry.

Bargain: Skinstitut Hydrating Mask

Starting off with the Skinstitut Hydrating Mask.

This Aussie brand started in 2008 aiming to make high-end skincare accessible.

This mask includes shea butter and vitamins B and B5 to intensely moisturise. You smooth over your skin, leave for ten minutes, and then rinse off.

Mid: Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask 60ML

Next up we have the Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask, a gorgeously pink-packaged cream that you leave on overnight.

With a peptide complex and added Hydro-Melt Glow Capsules, this mask has been designed to drench your skin in moisture, leaving it radiant and bouncy by morning.

Fun fact about this product? It has a ‘Peony Floral’ scent with SleepScent™ which promotes a sound night's sleep.

Bougie: PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask 51g

This product is described as "The comfiest, coziest winter doona - but for your skin.”

And that’s all it takes to get me interested in it, but if you need a bit more, read on.

This product is the thickest moisturizer in the whole PCA Skin franchise, with powerhouse ingredients (hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and panthenol to name a few) to really show skin some TLC.

So with all of those ingredients plus a gorgeous texture, it’s got everything you’d need to really deeply hydrate your skin.

Winter doona not included, unfortunately.

Now with all of that being said, I’m off to go and hydrate my skin with a sheet mask while looking up how to not fall off the chairlift when snowboarding on TikTok.

I never said I was actually any good at snowboarding.