You may give your nearest and dearest a scare if they walk in on you while you’re wearing one. But sheet masks can give your skin an instant shot of nourishment, leaving your face feeling smoother and more hydrated. In this article you find all the best sheet masks to give your skin a lift, no matter what your skin type.
In these times, when not only do we need to make sure we take a few moments of calm, but we are all much more conscious about hygiene, you may prefer one of these single-use sheet masks rather than a pot that you use a number of times.
What are sheet masks?
I’m sure you’ve either used a sheet mask, or you’re at least aware of them? But what are they made of? What do they contain? And what are their benefits?
Originating from South Korea and Japan, which are renowned for fantastic skincare, sheet masks have now gained popularity around the world.
If you haven’t used one yet, they are literally a face-shaped sheet – with eye holes – made out of fibers, cotton or gel and infused with serum to give your face an intensive moisturizing treat.
What are the benefits of a sheet mask?
Different sheets masks are designed to deliver different benefits, but they are primarily used to hydrate your skin. The sheet extends the time that the active ingredients sit on your skin, giving them time to penetrate and moisturize.
How often should you use a sheet mask?
If a sheet mask helps you to relax, there’s no reason not to use one as often as you like. But, generally once or twice a week should be enough, or whenever you feel your skin is getting a little dry, possibly from air conditioning, central heating, being outside in the elements, or just because you tend to be prone to dry skin.
The best sheet masks to choose
Below are some of my own favorite sheet masks and some recommended by 40+ women. I’d love to hear your own recommendations in case there are any of your favorites I have missed. You can let me know in the comments at the bottom.
Best sheet mask for fine lines
Infused with Vitamin A as well as rose extract, Skin Inc.’s Lines Be-Gone Gold Mask comes in two parts – one for your lower face and one for the upper half. It smells lovely, and leaves your skin looking smoother and feeling much more hydrated.
Reviewers say their fine lines and wrinkles were less noticeable after use.
Skin Inc. Lines Be-Gone Rose Gold Mask
Best mask for younger looking skin
I tend to use one of these Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask after a long plane journey.
I know non of us are likely to be going anywhere right now, but if you have dry skin, it’s one of the best masks for leaving the skin feeling much more hydrated and reducing the look of large pores, making it a good option to add to your weekly self-care ritual.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask
Best mask with retinol
Retinol can be a game changer for older skin, and this retinol intensive face mask from Shiseido is full of it. It’s definitely pricier than other options, so it’s one for a special treat, but does leave wrinkles looking less obvious while amino acids leave the skin feeling firmer.
Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask
Also take a look at what is retinol, and is it better than aha creams?
Best for face and neck
The skin on your neck can show age much faster than that on your face. But do you give your neck the same attention?
After independent scientists proved that Boots’ No 7 serum really did improve the appearance of wrinkles, it sold out within a heartbeat.
This mask covers both your face and your neck, and it is infused with age-deying serum, including calcium and amino acids. It’s recommended to use weekly along with your regular skincare regime for best results.
No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Face & Neck Serum Boost Sheet Mask
Best drug store sheet mask
You don’t have to spend a lot to get the pampering effect offered by a sheet mask. This Garnier sheet mask is formulated with hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract for a super hydrating effect in just 15 minutes.
Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask – Hydrating
Best budget sheet mask
Did you know Pond’s skin cream was first invented in the US way back in 1846 by pharmacist Mr Pond, and it’s still a great choice today, particularly if you are on a budget right now, but you still want to give your face a treat. These Pond’s face mask comes in a pack of two so they’re fantastic value.
Pond’s Hydrate + Firm Sheet Face Mask (2 pack)
Best Korean face mask
You will actually find that, as sheet face masks have their origins in South Korea, there are plenty of options available to you if you would like to try some Korean skincare and see what all the hype is about.
This 16-pack face mask has fantastic reviews and is great value. Plus if we do have to be inside for the near future, at least you’ll definitely have enough face masks to pamper yourself. They feel soft and strong, and they pack a punch when it comes to hydration. There’s plenty of variety, so you can choose from the likes of cucumber and green tea to suit your mood.
Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet (16 combo pack)
Best dry sheet mask
If you don’t actually like the feel of a damp, serum-infused mask on your face, this dry sheet mask from Charlotte Tilbury gives you a different option to try. Leaves skin hydrated and glowy, and you can reuse up to four times.
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask
Best cult face mask – Tony Moly mask sheets
TonyMoly is one of the best-known brands in Korean skincare. The TONYMOLY I’m Real Hydrating Mask Sheet comes in a huge variety, all with different active ingredients, but I love the idea of this red wine mask (below).
TONYMOLY I’m Real Hydrating Mask Sheet
Best face mask for pores
If you feel like your pores are getting bigger as you age, you’re definitely not alone. A loss of elasticity and a reduction in your skin’s natural exfoliation processes can leave your pores looking larger than you would like.
This LAPCOS sheet mask features charcoal, which is renowned for its pore-minimizing properties.
Best face masks for acne
You may think you left any days of acne behind as a teenager, but any hormone imbalance or changes can cause acne, which is why many women suffer from acne during peri-menopause or menopause.
The FaceTory Soothe Me Tea Sheet Mask has tea tree oil which is perfect for acne prone skin.
FaceTory Soothe Me Tea Tree 2-Step Sheet Mask
Best for brightening
If your complexion is looking a little tired then, the Rodial Pink Diamond Lifting Face Mask could hold the answer. Diamond powder provides an instantly-illuminating effect.
Rodial Pink Diamond Lifting Face Mask
Best for uneven skintone
As we get older, the complexion can become uneven as a result of age spots or sun exposure, for example. This mask (below) from Eve Hansen helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and age spots.
Eve Hansen Collagen Sheet Mask
Continue reading:
- Pamper Yourself At Home: 14 Self Pampering Ideas When You Can’t Get To The Spa
- What Is Retinol And Is It Better Than Aha Creams? Our Recommended Brands
- How To Dye Your Hair Roots Yourself
What are your own recommendations for the best sheet masks to use? I’d love to hear them.
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