One of the hottest and newest trends in skincare is sheet masks, and I can’t get enough of them. Not to be confused with face masks, sheet masks are thin, single-use gel- or cloth-soaked films placed on the faced for 20–30 minutes. These moistened facial sheets are infused with hydrating, firming, brightening, or anti-aging serums such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, antioxidants, tea tree oil, and licorice extract. Sheet masks have been an Asian staple for ages, and their popularity is growing exponentially in the US. They are a quick and fun pick-me-up for the face. A single sheet mask costs between $4.00 and $12.00. Here are just a few I’ve tried.
Boscia Sake Brightening Hydrogel Mask This sheet mask is gluten-free, in case you choose to eat it or some drips into your mouth. (Just kidding.) Although it has a slight cocoa scent, so you might be tempted. This sheet comes in two pieces, which makes it easier to apply and less likely to rip. Although it said to massage the remaining essence into the skin, there was nothing to rub in because my skin absorbed it all. It says to follow up with a moisturizer. This sheet mask claims to brighten, firm, and hydrate and boasts a “high concentration of sake.” Rich in enzymes and amino acids, sake is known to boost hydration and brightening of the skin.
Le Mieux Moisture Infusion Mask This is a cloth sheet mask, not a gel. It was somewhat perfumy. It stuck to my face better than some of the others. I could stand or walk without it falling off. It claims to contain “the most stable vitamin C.” It also “provides a unique cooling sensation.” This is true; actually, my face was uncomfortably cold, although most sheet masks initially shock the face with a cold, wet sensation when first applied. But it was silky smooth after rubbing it in post-removal. It did not leave my face feeling sticky, as some of the others did.
Tony Moly Tea Tree Soothing Face Mask Sheet This sheet mask says, “I’m real.” I’m not sure what that means, but it sounded cute. This Tony Moly version (there are many) is a three-layer cloth sheet that “balances and soothes skin tones.” It offered excellent coverage and good clinginess. It had a slightly raw, musky scent, which was not unpleasant. I do believe it balanced my skin tone. I could swear I saw an evenness to my skin afterward.
Dr. Jart+ Brightening Infusion This hydrogel sheet mask immediately split in two upon removing it from the package. But then I realized that it actually came with a split across the face, which I wasn’t crazy about because it left a line from one cheek to the other, just under my nose, without coverage. I placed it on my face for 30 minutes, as instructed. It had a pleasant flowery scent. After massaging the remaining serum into my skin, as the directions indicated on all the sheet masks, it left my skin feeling sticky afterward.
Too Cool For School Egg Cream Mask My favorite of all the masks! This microfiber sheet mask was less flimsy than the others and came with a strong mesh backing, which ensured it would not rip upon opening. It fit my face perfectly. (Some of the others—especially the ones by 100% Pure—were humongous and seemed to be made for an elephantine-sized face.) This sheet mask boasted superb adherence to my face and smelled delish. The ingredients include collagen and egg yolk, so vegans beware. I used the “firming” version (it also comes in “hydration” and “pore tightening”), and it did firm my skin but did not leave it feeling tight.
Tip: After removing the mask, it will still be soaked with product. Before tossing it, rub the excess onto your hands!
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