Face Off: 5 Must-Try Masks

Summer is winding down. You've spent your days in the sun and your nights in front of the campfire. Or maybe you've been chained (not literally, unless that's your thing) to an office desk -- bleary-eyed as the sun-filled days came and went. Regardless, your skin needs rejuvenation so you can show up fresh-faced to whatever may be on your calendar.

EDGE spent the summer slathered in muds and masks, looking for the best products out there. We narrowed it down to five -- and yes, even had a few breakouts and rashes along the way. But it was all worth it. Fresh-faced for a new season, we're buffed, scrubbed and ready to take on the world. Who's in?

Osmosis Healing Mud Mask
Are you sensitive? Consider therapy. But if you're referring to your skin type, then look no further than Osmosis Repair Healing Mud Mask, a calming face mask for sensitive skin types. Perfect for skin prone to sensitivity and redness, key ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and algae extract bind moisture to the skin to restore the skin's moisture content and improve softness.

We went straight to the source to find out what makes this rich mud formula so nourishing. "Repair is great for calming irritated skin especially after shaving. With a unique combination of healing ingredients along with Hyaluronic acid and algae extract for added moisture, this mask soothes wounded and inflamed skin," says Dr. Ben Johnson, MD, creator of Osmosis. "This makes it a great product for men to keep their shaved skin smooth and touchable. Men also have more sebaceous skin and require ingredients that can cross both the skin and the oil from their pores. Osmosis does this very well. Repair in particular penetrates through the oil to the deep layers of men's skin where the damage actually resides."

Osmosis Healing Mud Mask, $56, 1 oz.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque

Don't be confused. If you've ever had an ultrasound, you might have flashbacks when slathering a dollop of Kiehl's Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque on your face. The scent-free gel works wonders. A powerhouse of grooming products dating back to 1851, Kiehl's has been developing moisturizer products since the early 1970s. Those years of innovation have paid off in spades.

The masque is formulated with Ophiopogo Japonicus extract, also known as "Fountain Plant," and helps amplify hydration. The addition of glacial proteins and desert plant extracts help reinforce the skin barrier and retain moisture.

"Masques are important supplements that should be incorporated into one's weekly regimen to address more specific concerns or to provide additional benefits to the overall healthy skin barrier," shares Dr. Sherry Hsiung, Kiehl's Consulting Dermatologist. "Our skin is always fighting to retain moisture. Loss of moisture in the skin can cause premature lines and can make lines or wrinkles appear more prominent. Improving the moisturization level of one's skin and improving skin's ability to retain moisture provides for a healthier, more youthful appearance."

Kiehl's Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque, $35, 4.2 oz.

Skin Authority Calming Mask

If you're looking for a clay mask with subtle aromatic notes so it doesn't feel as though you're rubbing your face into an ashtray, Skin Authority's Calming Mask is packed with purifying power. The company forged the way in combining vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids together to deliver a combined effect versus individual ingredients to increase results and have trademarked it as AOX technology.

The clarifying mask combines eucalyptus, sulfur and purified clay to exfoliate dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, dry blemishes and calm inflamed skin. The product is popular among those dealing with adult acne and helps to control oil production, unblock congestion, hydrate and remineralize the skin.

Skin Authority Calming Mask, $52, 4 oz.

Innovative Skincare CoolMint Revitalizing Masque

If you're looking for advanced technology that combines the expertize of botanical pharmacology, molecular biology, biochemistry and medicine, then turn your well worn cheek to Innovative Skincare. Often found in the offices of dermatologists, plastic surgeons and skin care experts worldwide, you can give yourself some high power pampering without breaking the bank.

The CoolMint Revitalizing Masque launched earlier this year and is a treatment designed to reinvigorate, refresh and provide soothing hydration. This professional strength formula features natural botanical antioxidants, Centella asiatica, green tea, aloe vera and rosemary extracts, which are balanced with botanically sourced hyaluronic acid. The product's scent is a double whammy pick-me-up and offers an aromatherapy experience that will invigorate your body and mind alike.

Innovative Skincare CoolMint Revitalizing Masque, $56, 3 oz.

Duross & Langel Green Tea and Avocado Mud Mask

Co-founders Steve Duross and James Langel operate one of Philadelphia's best-kept (not so hidden) secrets, selling an array of soaps, scrubs, moisturizers, home goods... as well as our personal favorite, the Green Tea and Avocado Mud Mask.

One of the company's best-selling products, the mask contains volcanic freshwater peloids and avocado extract. Apply a light layer, let dry for five minutes then rinse. You'll be glowing and ready for a night in the City of Brotherly Love or wherever else you happen to be.

Green Tea and Avocado Mud Mask, $23, 4 oz.