I Tried the $10 Mask Brand Celebs Love, and It Brightened My Skin in One Use

In my eternal quest to achieve bright, glowing skin, I have sampled hundreds of products. I'm talking about everything from cleansers and toners to moisturizers and masks. (The number of brightening serums I've tested is a category all its own.) 

While I have my favorites—namely Cosrx's Triple C Lightening Liquid ($27) and Peach Lily's Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask ($43)—I've come to the conclusion that I will always and forever continue to test new products because I'm that committed to finding the best and most effective out there. Plus, as a beauty writer, it's quite literally my job. Nevertheless, I carry on as a discerning critic.

That brings me to the other day when Versed's $10 brightening mask came across my desk (or should I say my Target bag?). While I usually don't discriminate between high-end and drugstore products, I must say that the $10 price tag had me questioning its brightening abilities. However, with many celeb fans (pics to prove it at the end of this post), I figured I'd give it a go. Spoiler alert: It worked. Keep scrolling to read my full review. 

PS: Versed is offering 10% off today, February 23, with the code VIPLOVE10.

The first thing I have to say about this mask isn't actually about the mask. It's about the packaging. The mask comes in a handy pouch, which makes application less messy than traditional clay masks, as you can just squeeze it directly from the package onto the skin. There's no scooping and smearing involved. I also like the fact that it saves on shelf space, which is a precious commodity in my house… I'm grateful, as is my tiny bathroom. 

Before the Mask

The reason I love brightening products so much is because my skin has an affinity for dullness. My dry, redness-prone skin lacks natural radiance. As you can see, without a lick of makeup on and despite my best efforts, my complexion looks rather, well, tired to say the least. 

During the Mask

Upon application, I was happily surprised to find that the mask was smooth and creamy. It lacked the coarse, grainy texture of other clay masks, which just so happens to be the reason I've avoided them in the past. 

I applied it all around my face and waited the full recommended 15 minutes for it to do its work. Again, I was happily surprised to find that there was no extremely drying feeling like there is with other clay masks (you know, when it feels like you just dipped your face in wet cement). This one felt, dare I say, comfortable. 

After the Mask

Once I wiped it off using warm water and a washcloth, my skin was a little pink, but that's nothing new. (As someone who has a moderate case of rosacea, I'm used to that.) Aside from the slight redness, I noticed a certain brightness had come back to my complexion—a lit-from-within look—that was almost akin to a post-workout glow. I also noticed that the sagging skin around my eyes and lips seemed to be subtly tighter and perkier. 

A half hour later, the brightness was still apparent, so all I needed was a light touch of concealer under my eyes and around my nose along with a coat of mascara to feel ready for the day. That's a big deal since most days I won't start Zoom meetings without applying my beloved Chanel Les Beiges Foundation ($60).

Before you click add to cart, know that there are two other iterations of this face mask, and they're all $10 a piece. One is hydrating, and one is purifying. You can rotate them in and out depending on what your skin needs at any given time. 

Other Products I'm Adding to My Cart

Next, The Absolute Best Hair Masks, According to Editors and the Internet