The Best Sheet Masks (That Really Do Work)
Are sheet masks a sham? Debatable. I've tried some that literally do nothing, but there are others (like those below) that leave me hydrated and dewy and all the good things that fancy marketing copy promises. If you’re after a quick-fix hydration boost, a pre-makeup skin smoother, or a post-makeup skin calmer, sheet masks are one of my favourite ways to quickly hydrate, soothe, and calm skin. If you too have a favourite, please share with the class!
How to use a sheet mask
When choosing a sheet mask, gel or foil-backed ones are better (although often more expensive) than paper masks. These materials trap the moisture in your skin and prevent it from evaporating, and the mask won't dry as quickly.
_Cool the mask in the fridge for at least an hour before application if you want it to feel extra refreshing.
_Prep your skin for the mask by cleansing and exfoliating beforehand so that the ingredients can be properly absorbed.
_Apply the mask to damp skin (extra points if you use a hyaluronic acid-based serum).
_Use a roller over the mask to improve ingredient absorption.
_Take the mask off as soon as you notice it start to dry - if not before (otherwise it'll suck the moisture right back out of your skin).
_As you remove the mask, take note of the drier areas - this will help to pinpoint where on your face needs extra hydration.
_Finish by applying all the leftover serum in the packet onto your skin (if there's loads, apply it to your neck, chest, and hands too).
_Don't forget to finish your routine - seal it all in with moisturiser!
Oh K! Replenishing Jeju Mineral Hydrogel Mask
While not the most hydrating of the bunch, this is certainly one of the best in terms of soothing, cooling and refreshing skin - and it’s 78349 times better if refrigerated. It’s the kind of mask that you’ll want to take on holiday and use after a day in the sun because its very reparative (I’ve proudly not sunburned in years but if I did I’d use this).
Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask
If you’re experiencing dryness, dehydration, or suspect a compromised skin barrier, this mask is the one to reach for. It contains ceramides - lipids naturally found in skin which are essential to supporting the skin barrier and moisture levels. When ceramide levels are low the skin barrier is compromised, allowing moisture to escape and leading to dryness and dehydration. Although this really requires long-term treatment (Dr Jart+ helpfully has a whole range dedicated to ceramides), this mask is a good place to start and does make an immediate difference.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair PowerFoil Mask
For fans of the cultish Advanced Night Repair Serum, here’s another way to get your ANR fix - and this one will deliver instant results. Granted, this mask is expensive, but if you have a big occasion (wedding, party etc) upcoming, it’s worth it for a luxurious night-before brightening boost. In addition to being soaked in ANR serum, this is a foil-mask - which prevents the moisture from evaporating (and looks cool in selfies). Plus, you get a good two nights worth of serum leftover in the packet.
Holika Holika Redness Calming Cica Dressing Mask
This <£5 sheet mask from Korean brand Holika Holika is made from a dressing-like material which makes it quite different from any of the others featured. It’s soaked in a cica serum - an icnreasingly popular ingredient which is renowned for its ability to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation and redness. I love using it if I’ve got breakouts or if I’ve over-exfoliated because it calms my skin down like nothing else.
Oh K! Gold Foil Sheet Mask
If you like the sound of the Estee Lauder ANR mask but audibly gasped when you saw the price tag, try this one instead. The serum might not be as luxe but it does contain a cocktail of hydrating, calming, and brightening ingredients like cica, glycerin, argan oil, and allantoin - and best of all you’ll get the anti-evaporation benefits of the foil.
Dr Jart+ Hydration Lover Rubber Mask
I wish all sheet masks came in two parts because it makes them so much easier to fit onto your face - especially if you have a small face as I do. Plus, this is made of a thick rubber which adheres well to skin to prevent the mask from sliding off/moisture evaporation - definitely my favourite material. As usual, the mask is pre-soaked but also comes with a small ampoule of a separate serum designed to be applied beforehand for maximum hydrating benefits. This mask makes my skin look like a better version of itself.
Verso Deep Hydration Mask
While it is a paper mask, this mask never fails to give me the dewiest, freshest, softest skin every time I use it. I swear I still notice the results days later as well so this is one of my favourite masks to use when I’m ill or hungover and my skin is looking (and feeling) especially tired and dull.
Saturday Skin Intense Hydration Mask
I don’t know what it is about this mask that makes skin so glowy, but it’s truly the fastest way to get natural skin illumination (the sort that normally requires weeks of tactical serum layering or a really expensive facial). It’s a good one to apply before makeup because the hard work - bright, even, fresh-looking skin - has already been done for you.
Starskin Cream de la Creme Coated Sheet Mask
When I say that this mask is soaked in serum I mean it is SOAKED in serum. It must contain about a bottle’s worth. What’s more, the serum really is more of a thick cream then the watery liquid most masks are soaked in. For this reason, this is my favourite mask to use when flying because it lasts so much longer in the dehydrating cabin air. Again, it’s a two-parter, so fits well and there’s a tonne of serum left behind to apply on removal.
Patchology SmartMud Mask
As you’ve probably gathered from the above, the capabilities of most sheet masks are refined to hydrating, softening, and brightening skin - results which the typical form and function of a sheet mask lends itself well to. I’m therefore very sceptical of sheet masks which claim to do anything beyond this e.g. cleansing/detoxifying because for this, the primary ingredients of a product need to have cleansing/detoxifying benefits. The average sheet mask won’t do a lot for your blackheads and clogged pores, but this is not your average sheet mask - it is the world’s first mud sheet mask... It comes into parts and almost immediately upon application begins to adhere tightly to your face, almost hugging the contours as it dries to fit - there’s absolutely not chance of this slipping off since you have to peel it away to remove. Like a regular cleansing mask, it utilises the likes of kaolin clay and charcoal to detoxify, while glycerin and collagen keep skin moisturised. The results are instant. Goodbye blackheads.
