We’ve all heard the term “blushing bride,” and the radiance that comes from an impending joyful life event. But why?
The simple answer: endorphins.
Endorphins are the opiate-like chemicals within our bodies that create feelings of calmness and euphoria. Exercise, laughter, sex, music, chocolate and most-things spicy boost endorphins in the body to bring blood to the surface of your skin and create that well-known glow. Voilà!
In addition to a brisk walk or a snap of a bar of dark chocolate, you can enlist the help of one magic product to make sure your skin is in prime condition to show off that sheen: the face mask.
Made for every skin type, masks have the power to exfoliate, brighten, smooth, tighten, moisturize, repair … the list goes on and on. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite products for every skin type so you can find your favorites and treat yo’ self in the months leading up to your special day.
To tighten, there is nothing like Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay ($8). It will make your face bulge until your eyes pop out, but your skin will shine like nothing else.
Clogged pores? Use a charcoal mask—namely Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask ($26). Charcoal oxygenates the skin, and binds to foreign materials, pulling it out like a shovel to weeds. We know it’s science, but it seems like magic.
Dull or bumpy skin? This takes a few weeks of patience and dedication, but glycolic acid will smooth and prime your skin by gently removing dead skin. Try Nip + Fab’s Glycolic Instant Fix Mask ($13).
Scrubs too harsh on your sensitive skin? Enzymes work by gently “eating” the dead skin off of your face. Rely on Mario Badescu Enzyme Revitalizing Mask ($20), a safe and soft exfoliation without the abrasiveness.
After all of that hard work of exfoliating, drying, and tightening your pores, let that dewy glow show off your hard work. Plump up your skin with Avene’s Soothing Moisture Mask ($26).
— Audrey Fretz
