By now, sheet masks are nothing new. Every other day we see a snap of a celebrity gettin' their glow on with one and for good reason...
They're basically the "gateway drug" of Asian beauty products.
They're affordable.
They are packed full of nutrients.
And if you choose wisely, they don't duplicate any step you already have in your skincare routine.
It also doesn't hurt that slapping one of these babies on is an excellent way to destress for half an hour.
In this post I'll be talking about how to sheet mask, and presenting my top sheet masks priced under $2! If you stay tuned til the end, you can also enter to win 5 of my favorite masks in my giveaway!
What Are Sheet Masks?
Sheet masks are thin sheets doused in a liquid serum. The sheets can be made out of cotton, silk, kelp, coconut gel, and biocellulose, a gelatinous material (or what are known as hydrogel masks). The serum part of the mask can be made out of any number of good-for-you skincare ingredients; the formula of the serum can be targeted at moisturizing, brightening dull complexions, caring for acne, and even firming your face. They're a great way to keep your skin healthy. Sheet masks are in-home facials that I liken to a wheat grass shot to the face.
How Do You Use a Sheet Mask?
They're simple to use!
You apply them on a clean face after cleansing, any wash off masks or active ingredient serums you may have in your skincare routine. (retinols, acids, etc.)
You apply them on your face, starting with the forehead first, then the cheeks, and then your chin.
And leave them on for at least 20 minutes. You can leave them on as long as you like, if the mask hasn't dried out. Edit: I've been informed that there is an exception. If you are using a Japanese sheet mask, it is recommended to use look at the directions. Some of them to only be used for 10 minutes tops. PSA courtesy of asianskincareblog.
See below for more details on how to use them!
A Word on Advanced Sheetmasking
The Daiso silicon sheet mask cover, $4.50 at Amazon is a silicon mask with ear handles that you can slip on over your sheet mask. It keeps the mask from drying out as quickly, so you can wear it for a much longer period of time. Because it has the ear handles, it also makes it easier to move about the house, and get things done while sheetmasking. (though the only activity I do while sheet masking is lying down on the couch and snacking).
"Double fisting" refers to when you use a hydrogel eye patch underneath your eyes, and keep it from falling down by stacking a sheet mask on top!
What to Avoid While Sheet Masking
Sheet masks shouldn't sting. Don't stand for any stinging sensations when sheet masking! Sheet masks are supposed to instantly improve the appearance of your skin, not irritate it. If you are experiencing stinging, your skin may be reacting to an ingredient in the mask. A cooling sensation is okay, but stinging is not!
Don't fall asleep in sheet masks. Leaving a dry sheet mask on your face is counterproductive and could end up drying your face out!
How Often Can You Sheet Mask?
I sheet mask every few days, whenever I feel my skin is looking dull. Technically there is no limit to how often you can sheet mask. Some people use sheet masks only before a special event, while others use them multiple times a day! There is no lower limit, nor is there an upper limit! The only consideration would be that many sheet masks contain trace amounts of irritants like fragrance and preservatives. If you have sensitive skin, using sheet masks too often can cause your skin to freak out a bit because of those ingredients I just mentioned.
Hope you enjoyed my tips... Now, if you're looking to try sheet masks that don't break the bank, my top sheet masks under $2 include some awesome options that don't skimp on quality. Some of these are top shelf in my opinion.
My Top Sheet Masks under $2 (affiliate links)
The best sheet masks for MOISTURIZING have been the (1) My Beauty Diary Imperial Bird's Nest, $12.88 for pack of 10 (Ingredients) and the (2) Freeset Donkey Milk Skin Gel Mask Pack in Aqua, $2 for 1 (Ingredients). They're both made of cotton material, pack tons of essence, and fit really well. They're not too big, and not too small.
My favorite sheet masks for BRIGHTENING have been the (3) My Scheming Rose Dew Moisturizing Mask, $19.99 for pack of 10 (Ingredients) and the (4) Love More Rhodiola Antioxidant & Brightening Mask Sheet (Ingredients). They're both impossibly thin silk masks that feature the skin-brightening ingredients like rhodiola and arbutin. They fit on your face like a second skin and surprisingly don't dry out before 1 hour! I definitely have seen my face get lighter and brighter with these masks. They've also helped calm down redness and evened out my skin, including my little moles/freckles! They are both lightly scented, but the scent dissipates really quickly after you apply the mask.
I just found out that the Love More Rhodiola is discontinued or unavailable for purchase. :( I'll make sure to include one of these rare beasts in the giveaway. :D My next best pick is the My Beauty Diary Arbutin Whitening Mask, $11.87 for pack of 10 (Ingredients).
When I have a spot of TROUBLE (aka ACNE), I turn to my (5) My Beauty Diary Apple Polyphenol, $11.90 for pack of 10 (Ingredients) and the (6) My Scheming Snail Essence Hydrating Mask, $14.95 for pack of 10 (Ingredients). They have virtually zero acne triggers. Only one ingredient rates as a mildly comedogenic 2. The Apple Polyphenol (cotton) mask smells like candy apples which is a plus in my eyes and the Snail Essence (silk) mask is like a waterfall for your face! I don't break out often, but when I do.. I always turn to these.
GIVEAWAY! Try Them Out For Free...
I've chosen a set of 5 sheet masks for one lucky winner in the U.S. or Canada.
Click to go to giveaway
Good luck!
Thanks for reading. What are your favorite sheet masks?
If you're curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, see my disclaimer and policies.
No comments:
Post a Comment