Face Sheet Masks – The What, When, and How

Welcome back to my blog! Today I'll be talking about a face sheet masks - the what, when, and how to use them. This is not going to be a pure product review post, but a mix of many things sheet masks. I'll explain a 14 factors to consider when wearing sheet masks, how to wear a sheet mask, and my experience with six sheet masks of Korean beauty brands; Dr.Jart+, Innisfree, and Mizon. I would include mini face sheet masks reviews of each. Unfortunately, I used one of those masks quite a long time ago so I don't have it's image, but I'll let you know its name for reference. You'd learn from this post, every necessary information you need to know about using sheet masks. This would especially help the beginners to sheet masks. So let's get to it.

What You Need To Consider When Wearing Face Sheet Masks

1. There are a few things you need to know when using a sheet mask.
2. Don't put sheet mask on an unclean face. It should be dry and clean.
3. Prep your face before using a sheet mask. Cleanse your face, exfoliate, and use a toner to neutralize the pH of your skin.
4. If you want, you can nourish it with skincare treatment products such as an essence, serum/ampoule. Although, sheet masks are full of essences and serums, so you can also skip these treatment steps if you don't want to follow a long routine.
5. Once you've placed Korean sheet mask on your face, don’t hurry to throw away the packaging. You'd see that there is still plenty amount in it. Apply the remaining essence on your neck, décolletage, hands, feet, or other parts of the body.
6. You cannot asleep with a sheet mask on. Be sure to time your sheet mask on your phone, and remove it. Let me emphasize, before the closing time! Instructions would say to let it rest on the face for either 10-15 minutes, or 15-20 minutes. Don't forget to peel off a minute or two earlier! You need to do that, otherwise the mask would start to dry, and absorb back all the watery content it initially deposited on your skin.
7. Do not wash your face after using sheet mask. It provides your skin with nourishment, not something to be taken off.
8. You should moisturize your face after using a sheet mask. You need to lock up the nourishing goodness from the mask with a moisturizer, because this would act as a sealant.
9. The best time to use a sheet mask is at night. This way you'd be well rested but also, you'd wake up to a beautiful skin that is plump, and soft.
10. Sheet masks work. Relevance to this is linked to the purpose of sheet mask and its origin. Sheet masks originated from South Korea. These were made to address different skin concerns, and needs. Koreans use sheet masks for hydration. They believe that sheet masks reduce wrinkles if used regularly.
11. The step sheet mask occupies in Korean skincare is the 7th spot, according to the 10 step K-beauty routine.
12. There is more than sufficient quantity of essence in a sheet mask. Sheet masks come in either 20ml or 25ml sizes. The more ml, the more essence content inside. You'd find 1 tablespoon extra in a 20ml sheet mask, and 1.5 tablespoons in 25ml.
13. You can use sheet mask every day. But ideally, 1-2 times a week is enough. If you choose to wear it daily, then just be careful of ingredients. If your mask has ingredients such as AHAs, then you can't wear them every day. Also, keep a check on ingredient combination with your other products in routine, as a few combinations don't sit well. For instance, if you have vitamin C in a sheet mask as the main ingredient, then you can't wear another product with Niacinamide.
14. You can use sheet masks on acne. In case of acne, use a sheet mask that is meant for acne concern. It should support ingredients to combat acne. The ingredients should be antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Such as green tea, tea tree, centella asiatica, BHAs, snail mucin, niacinamide to name a few. However, I personally like keeping my skin lightest when I have acne.

 

How To Use Sheet Masks

The procedure on how to use face sheet mask is the same for every brand. The only two differences are, time limit specified on the packaging, and whether the mask is covered with a protective packing. Most of the masks come without an extra protective packing. Regardless, that doesn't matter.

Tear the packaging from the top, and take out the mask. Take off any protective packing it may be clinging to, then place it on clean and dry face aligning cutouts with facial features. Smooth it out to get rid of any air bubbles, so that it clings evenly. Leave it on for as long as the brand directs on the packaging. Peel off after the instructed time, and discard. Tap skin for absorption.

 

MIZON Enjoy Vital-Up Time mask (Firming) Review

MIZON is one of the first innovative brands of South Korea that came up with amazing, yet simple products. I tried their ‘Enjoy Vital-Up Time’ Firming Mask, 25ml that retails for 4.5 USD.

This mask comes in ten types to address different skin concerns. I got me the revitalizing sheet mask that makes the skin firm and resilient with powerful antioxidants, and beta-glucan. This mask is for all skin types. Highlight ingredients are pomegranate extract to fight off free radicals, Licorice extract as a natural brightener, and beta-glucan for skin vitality and firmness. The mask is made up of botanical fibers. It had a brilliant fit on the face, and adhered well. It feels a bit rough to touch, but that did not compromise on performance. After peeling off, I tapped the skin for absorption. This mask left my skin very hydrated, and moisturized. In fact, it was very nourishing. I then locked it up with a moisturizer. It’s the same one I’m currently using and reviewed in my previous post, the COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap.

 

Dr.Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Sheet Mask Review

Dr.Jart+ is a high performing skincare brand of Korea. I used their 'Vital Hydra Solution' Sheet Mask, 25g that retails for 6 USD, and is one of their best sellers. This sheet mask is made up of biodegradable cellulose, and has a very nice fit on the face. This mask is for dry, combination, and normal skin types. The ingredient highlights are Oligo-hyaluronic acid, and Algae extract. Together, these deeply hydrate the skin and supports collagen synthesis. Their patented ingredients Aquaxyl, and Xylitol strengthens skin's ability to retain water.

I had an interesting experience with its absorption in the skin. It absorb instantly, as if my skin drank it all up. My skin looked matte and clear with no residue after absorption. On touch, my skin felt soft and plump.

 

Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask Review

Innisfree is another innovative beauty brand of Korea. They have two ranges of sheet masks, and this is the first one. 'My Real Squeeze Mask', 20ml retails for USD 1.8, and comes in thirteen flavors, divided in three levels. The sheet mask is made up of biodegradable 100% eucalyptus fibers. The three content types are water based for a fresh feel, essence based for deep hydration, and cream based for nourishment. Its ingredients are plant based, and the main ingredient differs according to the flavors. All are good so use whichever one you want to, it wouldn't matter. I used four flavors from the three content types - cucumber, and green tea (not in the image) are hydration; rose is essence; and rice is cream.

Upon wearing, I felt the mask didn't fit well at all. I tried smoothing it out with fingers to get rid of air bubbles, but they kept appearing and it didn't adhere evenly. If I have any complaint from this mask, it is the fit. However, the inside content is great. It made my skin feel hydrated, plump, nourished, and even gave a dewy finish. The masks I chose from this range are also their top four across the globe. But if I choose my personal favorites, those are rose, rice, and green tea. These made my skin feel smooth, and glowy.

Do I prefer sheet masks?

Personally, I like sheet mask for a self-pampering session, like a home spa. But do I prefer them? Only when I need to attend an important formal event, or I notice my skin extra dry and in too bad a shape, that I’d consider wearing one. I don’t prefer wearing those products that I need to wear once or twice a week, or even once in two weeks to see results. I prefer products that I can use daily and notice it performing on my skin.

Verdict

I tried six sheet masks of six K-beauty brands. Out of those, Mizon; and Innisfree rice, and rose masks topped. I was surprised that although I liked Dr.Jart+ mask fit, I didn't enjoy the Vital Hydra sheet mask. But who knows you could like it more than me, because experience and opinion is subjective to each individual after all. I would further narrow it down that Mizon was an overall winner. Just a note, I'm not too sure if Mizon would be making this mask range again. But their masks are good quality if you'd like to pick any other from their ranges. For Innisfree, I didn't like the fit at all, but nutrient content is really good. I hope this helps you decide better.

That's all for now! I hope you enjoyed the post. If you did, share it on your socials, and sign up for upcoming content on my site. Check out my Pinterest beauty board. I would appreciate that very much! Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. Have a great winter! Bye.

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