GLOW: with sheet mask tips and hacks. 
What do you do to treat yourself or relax?
The older I get, the more I realize I need to take better care of my skin. I recently updated and expanded my skincare routine in the hopes I can delay the impact of Father Time and prevent annoying breakouts. On many levels, my routine feels nourishing but skincare can get a little boring. Sometimes, even for 15 minutes, it’s nice to have a skincare step that feels like a treat or pampering session.
Enter, sheet masks.
For less than a cup of coffee and without the mess of a wash-off mask, I get to enjoy a few minutes of pampering that helps my skin feel and look great.
My love of sheet masks started about a year ago with my first order of Tony Moly I’m Real sheets masks. At that time, I was reading up on Korean skincare approaches and trends. That skincare philosophy intrigued for many reasons and sheet masks were my first step towards a multi-step skincare routine. Now, about 10 skincare steps later, sheet masks are important and frequent part of my skin care regimen. (I’ve heard of sheet masks referred to as the ‘gateway drug’ to Korean skincare products and I can vouch that it’s true!)
Have you ever tried a sheet mask? I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys a little pampering or added moisture for their skin. They are great to use regularly but are also fun to enjoy for sporadic occasions like a spa night.
The sheet mask trend, originated by brands from Korean, Taiwan and Japan, is becoming more and more popular across the beauty world. (Heck, even Walmart sells sheet masks now!) While you can spot a variety of them now in big beauty stores, I have a few favorite brands and online sources that work well for me.
SHEET MASK 101:
In this week’s video I’m reviewing some of my key sheet mask tips:
- WHAT are sheet masks?
- They are a face-shaped fabric soaked in a moisturizing liquid or essence. You place it on your face for a skincare treatment.
- WHY do I use sheet masks? (and why should you?)
- I LOVE using my sheet masks because I find them very relaxing. The added bonus is that they hold lovely moisturizing product up against your skin for a prolonged period of time. If it is a good mask, my skin feels plump, soft and may have a bit of a glow afterwards.
- WHEN should you use a sheet mask?
- As often or as little as you want! I prefer to mask several times a week to almost every day.
- HOW do you use a sheet mask?
- Open it up and place it on your face. You’ll see in the video that it is that simple. Sit, relax and enjoy!
- What are some TIPS AND TRICKS for getting the most out of a sheet mask?
- In the video I cover what I do extra liquid that may remain in the mask envelope… And some tips for what to do in the summer vs. winter with masks.
- What are my favorite BRANDS of sheet masks?
- Check out the list below and watch the video for detailed reasons why I love these particular masks (and where I find them).
WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEO TO LEARN MORE SHEET MASK TIPS:
FAVORITE SHEET MASK RESOURCES:
*This post contains affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure statement for more details.*
My favorite resource for sheet masks is Amazon! I usually use Amazon Prime. There may be a wait time if I’m ordering from an international source (I live in the US), but generally speaking I’ve had no concerns so far.
I’ve also had luck finding some great sheet masks at Marshalls/TJMaxx, too. In the video I go over my tips for shopping in those stores. (Spoiler alert: bring your phone and research before buying!) Target is starting to sell more sheet masks, too, including my favorite MBD masks, for a reasonable price.
My number one tip when shopping for sheet masks is to do a little homework before buying, especially if you are out and spot a cute mask in a store. Due to the high markup I see in stores, I often wait and buy my masks online. (It’s so hard though… those cute little packages are so tempting!)
FAVORITE SHEET MASK BRANDS:
Below is a list of all the brands mentioned and pictured in the video and a mini review of each one:
ALL TIME FAVORITE SHEET MASKS:
- Gosh. Where do I start? These masks have a lovely, thin fabric that hugs my face and the essence is light yet deeply moisturizing. I have my favs but as I mention in the video, except for one flavor, I love all the varieties of this mask I tried. Plus, you get SO much extra essence that it’s ridiculous (in a good way!). I go over what I do with all that essence in the video so it does not go to waste. (Aside from Amazon, my other favorite resource for this brand of mask is Target online. I’m especially fond of the Apple Polyphenol and Black Pearl varieties.)
- These masks have a comfy yet light fit, nice essence and are priced right for what you get. You can buy a variety pack of this line for about a dollar a piece. As I mention in the video, I’m not a big fan of trying different kinds of masks all at once, but these types of multi-mask sets from the same brand are the exception. I can’t say I noticed many big differences between the varieties in this line. While the masks don’t have nearly as much leftover essence as MBD, the product inside is pretty good.
Dermal Facial Mask Sheet Combo Pack
- These are basic masks with a basic fit and basic essence. But for their very basic price (about 50 cents each), they are a staple for me when I just need a mask for 10+ minutes or so. (i.e. When I’m tired and want to go to bed but part of me still wants to mask.)
LuLuLun – Balance Moisture Type Pack
- Another basic mask with a clunky fit that dries out even more quickly than the Dermal masks. WHY do I like these masks? Well, they are perfect masking in the mornings. Sometimes, I throw one on before I get in the shower. The mask and essence dry in enough time for me to apply my morning routine afterwards. I will say that buying in bulk is a commitment, but you can buy them in smaller packs to see if they are right for you.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Sexy Look Moisturizing Black Mask
- This mask has a black fabric that is thicker that some other masks but still fits nice and snug to my big face. The essence and end result was nice, but not memorable. I’d like to try a few more types of masks from the brand because the price point was reasonable.
Too Cool For School Egg Cream Masks
- It’s been several months since I used one of these TCFS masks. They have adorable packaging, comfy fit, nicely moisturizing and creamy essence. That’s all I can remember about them. (TLDR: nice, but not memorable)
Karuna masks
- Thin, comfortable fabric and fit with a lovely and moisturizing essence. While these masks are very nice, as I mention in the video, I definitely would not pay $6-8 USD for them (i.e. at Sephora or Ulta or even Amazon). BUT if I spotted them again at Marshalls/TJMaxx again for a great price, I would buy them.
Leaders masks
- I do love Leaders masks! The thin fabric come with front and back supporting layers and fits my face well. The mask is nicely moisturizing and gives me a little glow afterwards. I would prefer not pay $6-8 dollars for one (i.e. at Ulta) but if I saw another good deal again, I would grab them. The Clinic Line from this brand looks a little more affordable that the 7 Wonders Line I tried, so I may try that version some day.
JUST MEH:
I know I mentioned the Tony Moly I’m Real line above and also showed you a Tony Moly hydrogel in the video. I’ve used a couple hydrogel masks, but actually have yet to try that one (I needed an example of one for the video). Would I recommend the I’m Real line? Maybe. They are a very basic line of masks (with, admittedly, very cute packaging) and the price is decent (on Amazon, not at Sephora or Ulta)… but for about a dollar a mask, I think I’d rather get the Etude House masks or save my money and go with Dermal. But, that’s just me. I’m sure there are people out there that enjoy them.
So, if you can’t tell…. I’m a big fan of sheet masks! While I have my favorites, they all work the same way and are a nice little tool in my skincare routine at night. Plus, they are fun and super relaxing!
P.S. I’m a DIY girl at heart, so you may have guessed that I also tried to make my own sheet masks. Stay tuned for that future topic!
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