Multiple masks for multiple skin concerns

I love a good mask.

A detoxifying mask after a long day. A moisturizing mask on the weekend. A mask that promises to reduce fine lines and wrinkles (could we be so lucky?) — that one is welcome anytime.

But the mask that you put on your nose (for many of us, an area prone to oiliness) may be too drying for your cheeks. A mask intended for the eye area may be too rich for another part of the face.

Enter multimasking.

Yep, it's just what it sounds like. You apply multiple masks at the same time to address multiple skin concerns. Chin oily? Use a charcoal mask like the Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask, $34 at Sephora. Could your skin look a little firmer? (Whose couldn't?) Apply the Glamglow Gravitymud Firming Treatment, $59 at Sephora, to areas that need a little tightening. Seeking extra moisture? Try the Fresh Rose Face Mask, $62 at Sephora.

Problem is, that's a lot of masks to keep on hand. That's a lot of money to spend on a lot of masks to keep on hand! And if you're using just a little at a time, can you even use up the mask you spent a lot of money on before the product goes bad?

Recently while buying things I didn't need at Target, I stumbled upon the Que Bella Multi-Mask Pack, $2.99. It includes a single-use portion of a charcoal mud mask for oily or acne-prone areas, a superberry mud mask for refreshing dry cheeks, and a coconut cream mask to nourish the undereye area. Also, it was $2.99!

Even better than that price is the fact that it works! I applied the gray charcoal mask to my T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), the pink berry mask to my cheeks, and the bright-white coconut mask under my eyes, then let them sit for about 30 minutes. Once they had hardened, I rinsed with water. My face felt great. My wallet felt great!

I will use this mask trio about twice a month and wouldn't recommend it more than once a week — the charcoal mask can be intense (in a good way), and using it more frequently could be drying.

And not drying areas we don't want dry is the whole point of multimasking.

Alison Smith loves a good beauty bargain. Got a burning beauty question? Email asmith@philly.com.