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I tried a $3, Kate Hudson-approved hydrating face mask — here's what I thought
This affordable helper from Neutrogena left my skin plump, moist and glowy without a ton of effort.
Kate Hudson isn't afraid to shake up her skin-care routine. In a video for Vogue, the 45-year-old actress says, "I think because I love [beauty products] so much, that keeps me playing with my skin-care routine and I change it all the time. So what I'm using today will not be what I use next week."
That said, she did share that after she washes her face and before she applies her makeup, she loves to use a face mask. And in the video, she uses the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask, just $3 a pop.
This affordable face mask has 2,500 five-star fans at Amazon. "These are great to use before going to a special event," said one reviewer. "Really leaves your skin feeling moist and plumper. Feeling lasts for hours. Skin feels refreshed!"
- Affordable
- Gentle on skin
- Hydrating
- Has two pieces for a customized fit
- No additional anti-aging ingredients
- Slippery texture can make application tricky
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask contains hyaluronic acid, a nonirritating ingredient that hydrates, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and increases skin's elasticity. It's gentle even on sensitive skin, and it's noncomedogenic, which means it won't clog pores. The mask is made of a jelly-like material (instead of paper, like most other face masks) that holds more of the product, and it comes in two pieces for a better fit. To use it, apply it to clean skin and leave it on for 15-30 minutes. When you take it off, massage the rest of the hyaluronic acid into your face and neck.
I love skin-care products, so I had to try it! I was intrigued, because I normally only think to use a mask at the end of the day to relax before bed. But it makes sense to apply one in the morning to get skin hydrated and glowing for the day ahead. (I've heard Martha Stewart uses a mask each morning as well, and we all know how good she looks.)
After I got out of the shower, I applied the face mask and then went about my morning routine: made my coffee, fed my dog, made the bed. It didn't feel sticky or heavy — just the opposite, actually. I felt like my skin looked really plump and hydrated. Hudson also shares that she likes to layer eye masks underneath a face mask, but I didn't feel like I needed to double up.
In all honesty, I may not have the patience to use a face mask every single morning. I could see myself using one a couple times a week though, especially in the evenings or during dry winters. It's a relatively easy addition to a skin-care routine, and the glowy results greatly outweigh the effort. So while I ordered a single mask to test, I'll be going for the 12-pack next.
Amazon reviewers agree that this mask is worth the (very small) splurge.
"This is the best face mask I have ever used (and I've tried many, including expensive products that aren't all they are hyped up to be)!" said one fan. "Seriously, this one is so soothing and hydrating. I have dry skin and use a prescribed retinoid, not to mention live in a super dry climate, and this mask made me glow and really cut down on the peeling I've been having trouble keeping at bay lately. And that was after only one use."
"I clean houses and the chemicals are harsh and drying," wrote another. "This mask feels amazing when it's on and it leaves my skin soft and moisturized! I love the new top and bottom halves. I can now shape the mask to my face better."
A handful of reviewers note that the gel-like texture of the mask means it's very moist — a pro for the skin, of course — but that can make it a bit slippery.
"I used these when I was going through chemo, to treat myself and also try to treat my skin as it was going through so much," said a final shopper. "Unlike other sheet masks where it's just like putting a piece of wet fabric on your face, these are gelatinous. So they're a little bit hard to corral onto your face at first. But they leave my skin so hydrated it's incredible."
Dry skin? Try this hydrating face mask at the start of your morning skin-care routine like Hudson or at the end of the day, before bed.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
