Face masks are one of the most luxurious ways to give your skin some extra TLC. With all of the benefits that face masks can provide, are two masks better than one? With the technique of multi-masking, they definitely could be. If you’re looking to get glowing, radiant skin, pairing two masks together is a great way to get multiple skin benefits. Let’s dive into everything you need to know, including:

• What is multi-masking?

• Why should I try multi-masking?

• How to multi-mask

• What masks should I use together at home?

What is multi-masking?

Multi-masking involves using two or more different masks on different parts of your face. For example, you could use a clarifying mask for areas of your face that are acne-prone—such as your chin and forehead—and a moisturizing mask on your cheek and nose if those areas tend to be more dry.

Another take on the multi-masking trend involves applying one face mask for its full recommended treatment time, rinsing it off and then following it up with a second, different mask.

Why should I try multi-masking?

One reason we love multi-masking is that it emulates the multiple steps of a professional facial. Depending on their formula, face masks have a wide variety of skin benefits to offer, from clarifying masks that help absorb excess oil to exfoliating masks that use alpha hydroxy acids to combat dullness and reveal more glowing, radiant skin.

Hydrating masks are also a popular category containing ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help provide dehydrated skin with much-needed moisture. Using a multi-masking technique allows you to reap these multiple benefits all at once. Mixing different mask mediums—such as a clay mask and a sheet mask or a rinse-off mask with a no-rinse mask—is also a fun way to enhance a DIY spa night at home.

How to multi-mask

If you’re ready to give multi-masking a try, the next step is picking a pair of face treatments that will complement one another. One possible strategy when it comes to multi-masking is choosing two masks from the same brand. “Products from the same skin care brand are typically intended to be used in tandem, so you can feel confident in both the pairings and the results,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Mixing and matching two masks with formulas that complement one another can also work, as long as both masks have differing ingredients. “There’s really no need to double up on strong exfoliating actives such as AHAs, for example, so you wouldn’t want to use two exfoliating masks back-to-back,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “You could potentially overdo it and end up irritating your skin.”

5 multi-masking pairs to try at home

Ready for more glowing, radiant skin with multi-masking? Here are five of our favorite face mask combinations to try at home.

Eminence Firm Skin Acai Masque + Eminence Bamboo Age Corrective Masque

First step: Eminence Firm Skin Acai Masque. This creamy anti-aging face mask features an array of antioxidant-packed ingredients—acai berry extract, raspberry extract, brambleberry juice and sea buckthorn berry extract—to help promote collagen production and fight free radicals that can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains lactic acid, a gentle yet potent AHA that helps eliminate dullness for more radiant-looking skin. To apply, emulsify a small amount in your palm with a few drops off water and leave it to dry for five to ten minutes before rinsing.

Second step: Eminence Bamboo Age Corrective Masque. Give your skin the moisture it needs with this mask, which contains coconut water and aloe juice to hydrate skin and shea butter to help lock in that moisture. Kaolin clay helps absorb excess oil while green tea extract, vitamin C and calendula extract provide antioxidant benefits. Dilute with a bit of water and leave on for five to ten minutes before removing with a damp washcloth.

Bonus tip: If you want the benefits of multi-masking but are short on time, you can also mix a dollop of each of these two masks together in the palm of your hand. Eminence Organics products are meant to work together. It’s a practice the brand calls mixology. This technique allows you to use your favorite skin care products in new ways to provide even better results, like a double shot of nutrition.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Hydrating & Calming Mask + SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Hyaluronic Acid Gel Mask

First step: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Hydrating & Calming Mask. Go green with this emerald-hued face mask that targets redness and reactivity. A robust blend of botanicals—including thyme, cucumber and olive extracts—along with a calming dipeptide work to comfort and calm irritated skin. This formula is a great option to help rescue stressed skin after traveling, in-office procedures or too much time in the sun. Apply a generous amount to your face and rinse off with cool water after ten to fifteen minutes.

Second step: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Hyaluronic Acid Gel Mask. This hydrating mask makes a fitting follow-up to the Phyto Corrective Mask’s calming qualities. It contains hyaluronic acid to provide much-needed hydration, vitamin B5 to support your skin’s barrier repair function and a proprietary moisture complex to help keep your skin in balance. This is a no-rinse mask, so you can apply it to your face and massage in any excess product after fifteen minutes.

Erno Laszlo Multi-Task Serum Eye Mask + Erno Laszlo Hydra-Therapy Memory Gel Sleep Mask

First step: Erno Laszlo Multi-Task Serum Eye Mask. These hydrogel eye masks are shaped to fit the contours of the undereye area and deliver a potent dose of multitasking serum. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate your skin, while niacinamide brightens, allantoin soothes irritation and algae extract delivers antioxidant benefits to help smooth crow’s feet. Each box contains six pairs of individually wrapped gels, which you can leave on for ten minutes before discarding.

Second step: Erno Laszlo Hydra-Therapy Memory Gel Sleep Mask. Now that you’ve given your eyes some special treatment, this overnight mask will help moisturize and nourish your entire face while you sleep. Soothing vitamin E and hydrating prickly pear extract are the star ingredients in this formula, which features a unique gel texture that melts into your skin on contact. You can apply it before bed and cleanse per usual when you wake up in the morning.

afa Renewal Masque + IMAGE Skincare I MASK Hydrating Hydrogel Sheet Mask

First step: afa Renewal Masque. Ready to get your glow back? This mask combines oil-absorbing Bentonite clay with afaLUXE, an innovative dermatologist-developed molecule that gently exfoliates to help reduce breakouts, smooth rough texture and restore radiance in your skin. After applying this mask, you can leave it on for five to ten minutes before rinsing with cool water.

Second step: IMAGE Skincare I MASK Hydrating Hydrogel Sheet Mask. Now that you’ve exfoliated with the afa Renewal Masque, it’s time to hydrate with this moisture-packed sheet mask. Mineral-rich volcanic water joins with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe to deliver a hydrating boost, while squalane leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft. Each package includes five single-use sheet masks, each of which are good for a ten-minute treatment.

PCA Skin Detoxifying Mask + PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask

First step: PCA Skin Detoxifying Mask. A classic clay mask with the addition of Japanese white charcoal, this formula helps absorb dirt and excess oil and exfoliate away built-up dead skin cells to reduce future breakouts, helping skin to appear clearer and more radiant. To use it, just apply a thin layer and then leave it to dry before washing off with warm water.

Second step: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask. After you’ve exfoliated with a clay mask, this hydrating mask will help soften and smooth your skin overnight so you can wake up to glowing skin. Niacinamide helps reduce redness and fine lines while hyaluronic acid helps instantly firm your skin. It’s a no-rinse mask, so you can apply it before bed and let the nourishing benefits soak in all night long.

Now that you’ve got multi-masking down, check out the LovelySkin Blog today to learn even more about derm-recommeded skin care tips and tricks, including the difference between toners, essences, ampoules and serums.