What is it about sheet masks that has everyone talking about them and new ones still pouring onto the the market?
Are they really so much better than trusty old traditional face masks?
Conventional face masks are obviously effective. Unlike sheet masks, they have an absorbent action that works in both directions, so clay and mud packs absorb dirt, impurities and oil upwards from the skin, while various botanicals are simultaneously deposited downwards onto the complexion to add zip, zing or conditioning benefits. One of their main disadvantages, however, is that they’re messy to use. They usually require application with your fingers (and, personally, I hate how the gunkiness ends up under my nails, not to mention all over the bathroom, as well as on my towels, my clothes, even my bed – yes, I’m a messy pup) and they also take time to set or dry. This drying action can make them feel tight and uncomfortable and many also come in seriously hideous colours. If you happen to be wearing Hulk-green goo or vampiric black slime when the postman rings your doorbell, you may have to call the paramedics. (It might also explain why my posties never last long…)
Sheet masks are different. Made of face-shaped sheets of cloth or paper with openings for your eyes, nose and mouth, they’re already saturated in a treatment serum and the transfer of ingredients only works in one direction, from mask to skin. The fabric format makes them incredibly easy to use – no measuring of doses or messy application. Each one contains exactly the right amount so you just open the sachet, slap it over your face, then let gravity help it soak into your skin. There’s no drying time, nor subsequent stiffness or discomfort. It doesn’t even need rinsing off afterwards. You simply throw the whole sheet in the bin and massage in any residue serum with your fingertips. Wearing the Hannibal Lecter-ish designs might confuse the family cat, but at least if George Clooney comes to the door, there’s no need to panic. (Not about the mask anyway.) You just whisk it off and go.
Overview: Like conventional masks, sheet masks offer different formulations for different issues, but their serum content makes them particularly suited to anti-ageing, rejuvenating, firming and hydrating formulations, while conventional clay and paste masks are best for deep-cleansing and sucking up dirt, blackheads and oil from younger or troublesome skins. Some sheet masks are also shaped to suit particular problem zones such as wrinkle-prone under eyes or sagging jowls. Both varieties work in similar 10-20 minute timeframes, but anti-ageing benefits and mess-free simplicity give sheet masks a clear advantage for older (age 40+) skins. Here are six of the best…
Filorga Hydra Filler Mask, £10
This is superbly hydrating and plumping, thanks to being soaked in a combination of hyaluronic acid and NMFs – Natural Moisturizing Factors. It also contains aloe vera, which is rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements, so it stimulates the repair of ageing skin cells, and helps restore a fresh. radiant glow.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Powerfoil Mask, £16 each or £58 for four
The foil-backed material claims to help ingredient penetrate much faster and better than a cotton mask, while the serum itself combines the revitalising benefits of their Advanced Night Repair serum with super-hydrating hyaluronic acid. In addition, anti-irritant botanicals help calm and soothe. The result is renewed, refreshed, translucent skin.
Dolce & Gabbana Skincare Aurealux Mask, £117 for six
It’s pricy, but delivers salon-worthy results. Its high-stretch mask gives great fit, while the serum itself contains gold silk sericin, Italian olive oil extract and stimulating vitamin B3. In a comparatively swift 10 minutes, it saturates skin with moisture whilst improving firmness, elasticity, brightness, colour, softness and plumpness.
Origins Flower Fusion Hydrating Sheet Mask in Rose, £5
Designed to leave the complexion petal soft, these masks are fortified with flower extracts, essential oils and flower waxes that provide mood-boosting feel good factors as well as look good skincare. In particular, rose oil is rich in anti-ageing antioxidant vitamin C and also renowned for its nurturing, hydrating benefits.
Decleor Aurabsolu Intense Glow Hydrogel Mask, £12
Ideal for dull, tired-looking skin, this features a blend of essential oils and jasmine absolute for their restorative, antioxidant and redensifying properties. Also packed with vitamins, amino acids and plant proteins, it provides anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, radiance-restoring, luminosity-boosting benefits.
Rodial Snake Oxygenating & Cleansing Bubble Mask, £7.50 each or £48 for eight
This detoxifying bubble mask generates O2 bubbles to remove dirt, dead skin cells and excess oil revealing a brighter-looking complexion. It contains Rodial’s famous Syn-Ake dipeptide (said to mimic the effect of viper venom) to freeze, tighten, lift and smooth lined, sag-prone necks and jowls.
Have you tried sheet masks? Tell which is your fave!
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