We know that the oft-neglected skin on the body should be receiving the same care as the skin on our face, however our body care options feel limited in comparison to the vast and somewhat intimidating landscape of facial cosmetics.
Enter butt masks. A product formulated specifically to do exactly what you think they’d be formulated to do.
As their name suggests, a “butt mask” is much the same as a facial sheet mask in that they’re designed to deliver concentrated ingredients to the skin for a potent moisture hit. Ideal for dehydrated skin, sheet masks (and masks in general) are lauded for their ability to transform the appearance of the skin almost instantly thanks to their high concentration, unlike many topical skincare products that require a few weeks of consistent use before you start seeing the results. This in mind, I find sheet masks to be most beneficial when used immediately before applying makeup for a special event, or on mornings when the skin is crying out of moisture (more on that here).
Given that the power of sheet masks lie in their instant transformative properties rather than long term benefits, why would one need one for their backside?
Bawdy and Aceology, both formulators of butt masks, claim that their respective masks can work to hydrate and tighten the skin, boost circulation and smooth out lumps and bumps, and improve the appearance of inflammation and “butt-ne,” which is acne on the bum, and also is a phrase I will never use again as long as I live.
Enticed by the prospect of a tauter toosh, I have begun butt masking for content’s sake. You are most welcome.
Firstly, butt masks are cold. When a facial sheet mask is cold, I’m thrilled knowing that my skin will be depuffed and my fluid retention eradicated. I am less thrilled with a cold butt, but I promise you that feeling dissipates in less than a minute. Unlike facial sheet masks, the excess serum doesn’t drip everywhere which is a real plus (I find the Aceology butt masks to be a little more serum-y than the Bawdy option- not in a bad drippy way, in a lovely hydrating way). Physically applying the masks (they come in two pieces- one for each cheek. I can’t believe I’m writing this.) requires some level of contortion and was something I found quite difficult on my first try, but am now a seasoned pro at. Activities you can do while wearing the masks are limited, so I recommend lying on your stomach for 15 minutes and reading something. I hear glowjournal.com is good!
Once you’ve removed your butt masks, you can go about your day almost immediately- I find that the Bawdy masks will be completely dry by the end of the recommended time, while you should wait about a minute after removing the Aceology masks before dressing to avoid getting lovely excess serum on your underwear or clothing.
After masking, my skin does feel instantly smoother and more hydrated. I’ve found that feeling to last for around 24 hours, which is something I have sought a second opinion on and have had confirmed for me. Does my butt feel and look more taut? I can’t believe I’m writing this, as I am such a sceptic, but I honestly think it does. I highly doubt that any topical skincare product can really “firm” the skin a noticeable amount and certainly not “lift”, and that any such firming effect is more likely the result of the product physically being applied and massaged in, however I do think the anti inflammatory properties of the butt mask serum and of the cold have worked to temporarily firm things up in the very same way a facial sheet mask would. I also don’t believe that any skincare will get rid of cellulite- nor should it. Cellulite is entirely normal and should be treated as such.
Benefits aside, the masks themselves are very fun to use. Bawdy’s offering are brightly coloured and the name of each mask (Slap It, Squeeze It and so forth), emblazoned across the bum, while Aceology’s masks are metallic, sparkly and very very fancy.
While I have only butt-masked solo, I feel entirely certain that butt masking would be much more fun with company. Will company give you any added skin benefits? No, but it will make you laugh quite a lot, which is good for your health, and a healthy mind and body equate to healthy skin.
Science.
GLOW JOURNAL LOVES
aceology cheeky butt mask trio
Bawdy Butt Masks
Photography: Melissa Cowan
Hair & Makeup: Sophia Pafitis
Model: Amelia Noorani at Precision MGMT
Styling & Art Direction: Gemma Watts
This article is not sponsored and all views are the author’s own.
