Show of hands, who else has fallen in love with sheet masks?
Not gonna lie, it's gotten to a point where I now I keep tiny stockpile on hand at all times. And I've got no shame about it. It's not that I use them every day, I just like to have options when the mood to pamper strikes. To me, sheet masks are like the bath bombs of the skincare world. Yes, it's a single use product, but you're paying as much for the experience as you are for the end results. And as the crazy beauty junkie that I am, I can't help but to hoard them both.
If you're feeling a little lost, don't stress. Sheet masks are a relatively new skincare trend that has completely blown up over the last year, and if you haven't had a chance to try one yet, it's never too late to join the party. A sheet mask is essentially a sheet of cotton, wood pulp fiber, or other cloth-like deal that is cut and shaped to fit your face and soaked in a serum solution. Unlike a traditional mask that you apply and wash off, sheet masks are designed to prep your skin for the day, no rinsing required. All you need to do is tear open the package, unfold the mask, throw it on your face and chill out for 20 minutes or so. After your sheet mask has worked its magical business, you can massage the remaining serum into your skin and be on your merry way. In terms of skincare, they're pretty goof-proof, but if you'd like a good laugh you can watch this ridiculous video of me demonstrating how to use one.
Sheet masks are essentially the perfect "special occasion" skincare product. They immediately hydrate, plump, and firm the skin, leaving you looking extra glowy and allowing your makeup to glide on effortlessly. Unlike a traditional mask or peel which might make your skin look worse before it gets better, sheet masks are the kind of thing you can do in the morning with zero fear of redness or irritation.
The first sheet mask I ever tried was the Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask ($7.50). It was one of the samples I received in a Birchbox many moons ago, and I distinctly remember hoarding it for months. At the time it was definitely the most expensive single use product I'd ever owned, and it didn't seem right wasting it on any regular Tuesday. To be honest, I have no idea what occasion I ultimately ended up deeming worthy, but I do remember feeling pretty amazed at how plumped and glowy my skin was afterward. And thus, the addiction began.
At this point I would still consider myself a relative sheet mask newbie, especially in comparison to a lot of other bloggers who have probably tried 30 different kinds. But I've at least been around the block enough times to know what's up.
The TonyMoly I'm Real Sheet Masks are a great affordable way to try out this trend. There are a TON of different varieties available (I've seen at least 12) and retail for only $3.75 at ULTA. Having tried some other more expensive masks, the most notable difference I've found is in the quality of the mask construction. These Tony Moly masks are very thin and can be easy to tear if you aren't careful. However, if you're gentle with the unfolding process, I think they're awesome for the price.
You can also imagine my excitement when I resubscribed to Ipsy, and in my first bag received two Bio Republic Sheet Masks. Individually these retail for $4.99, but you can also buy them in multipacks if you want to save a couple bucks. So far I've tried the Cucumber Breeze mask, and I thought it was really refreshing!
On the crazy ridiculous luxury end, I've had the opportunity to try two stupidly expensive sheet masks. The first was the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask ($17), which I was sent through Influenster. The quality was totally there, and I do think it made my skin look plumped and radiant, but the price tag made me cringe. If you're curious about my detailed thoughts, you can read my full review of the mask here.
But the Cadillac of all sheet masks to ever grace my face has got to be the NER:D Skin Repair Master Mask (which has currently been discontinued). For a whopping $20 a pop, I was kind of hoping it'd also cook me breakfast. This mask was part of a Limited Edition Birchbox that I purchased, and was (again) stashed away for a worthy occasion. This mask was definitely the most unique of all the ones I've tried. The serum it was soaked in was thicker and more creamy than anything else I'd used before, and was a little harder to work into my skin. The end results, though, were pretty amazing. I had to admit my skin looked glorious afterward. Would I repurchase it? Maybe only for a super special occasion. Like, I'm-getting-married-today special (speaking of which, this would be an excellent gift for a bride-to-be, if you happen to have any in your life).
As for what I've got in the queue, there are a couple of masks I've got at home and haven't tried yet. I've heard Karuna masks are supposed to be pretty bomb, and am looking forward to giving the Hydrating+ Face Mask a go. These retail for $8 individually or can be bought in a 4-pack for $28. I also got the Too Cool For School Egg Cream Mask ($6) as part of a Sephora Favorites kit and am thoroughly intrigued by the weird name. Something about "egg cream" sounds simultaneously gross and enticing and I can't wait to try it out.
If you're also addicted to sheet masks, I'd love to hear your recommendations. Is there a specific brand that is your favorite? Let me know in the comments down below. Maybe your suggestion will end up on my shopping list!
Would you try a sheet mask? Which one is calling to you?
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