I HAVE AN ADDICTION
Sheet masks are the perfect lazy woman's at home facial, but with so many on the market these days, how do you find the best sheet mask?
Hopefully today's post will help guide you in the right direction next time you're shopping for the best sheet mask for your skin type. While we all have different needs and skin, there are a few things to look out for when shopping for a sheet mask. Last year I did a 30 day sheet mask challenge. I used a sheet mask a night for 30 days. Testing out so many masks, I started to learn not all are created equal. Once I knew what to avoid, my skin was in the best shape ever!
FIVE EMPTIES
Last week I announced my new series here. Weekly empties, where I share my trash. What better review can I give than after finishing a product? Check out last week's post HERE on mascaras.
QUALITIES FOR THE BEST SHEET MASK
When looking for sheet masks, I like to keep an eye out for two things.
Does it contain Alcohol?
Most do because alcohol softens the skin to allow the essence to absorb faster. Not a big deal occasionally, but if you use a sheet mask a day or often enough, it might not be the best thing for your skin especially if there is alcohol in the rest of your skincare.
**There are other types of alcohols, known as fatty alcohols, which are absolutely non-irritating and can be exceptionally beneficial for skin. Examples you'll see on ingredient labels include cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol.
Fragrance?
I really wish companies would stop putting fragrances in skincare. It is one of the most irritating things for the skin. Fragrances is also where brands can hide a lot of the nasties without disclosing to the consumer. Unfortunately the beauty industry is just not regulated enough, but that's a whole other blog post. While all sheet masks have some sort of fragrance, I prefer essential oils, or sensitive skin friendly brands. You can still have a reaction to essential oils, but it's definitely not as harmful as synthetic fragrances. This is really where it gets dicey as a consumer. I'm lucky enough to be able to speak with brands and grill them on where they source their ingredients and the type of fragrance they use. This is not always information that is easily accessible to consumers.
PERSONAL PREFERENCES FOR SHEET MASKS
After looking at ingredients, I'll decide whether or not I'll test a sheet mask. When I'm wearing a mask, I want there to be plenty of essence on the mask and in the packet. The mask should apply and stay put so that I can do chores or answer emails. Remember this is the lazy woman's at home facial. Does the mask dry out quickly? At anywhere between $3-$10 a mask, sometimes more, it better last the full 15-20 minutes. Finally how does my skin feel? Do I feel hydrated, plump, radiant? Does the remaining product absorb? I hate the feel of a sticky face, so I want the product to absorb quickly once the cloth is removed.
E NATURE Cicaherb Restore Sheet Mask
Alcohol free and natural fragrance, this sheet mask is perfect for daily use and sensitive skin. E Nature does an overall wonderful job at creating sensitive skin friendly skincare. The masks and the packaging are also biodegradable! I found this mask hydrating and brightening.
Would I Repurchase?
YES! At $2.50 each, this mask is not only good quality, but affordably priced in the market. Click HERE to shop.
E NATURE BIO-ZEUP SHEET MASK
Like above this is a great sheet mask with no alcohol and only natural fragrances. Biodegradable and great for sensitive skin. To be honest I don't see a huge difference between the two sheet masks, but both offer hydration and radiance almost immediately.
Would I Repurchase?
YES! Click HERE to shop
Murad Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel
A two step exfoliant and deep hydration treatment. I love this mask for my super dry skin days. There is alcohol and acids, specifically Lactic Acid in step one. The idea behind this treatment is to prep the skin with step one by exfoliating the skin chemically. Step 2, you apply the rich hydrating sheet mask. Step 2 has fragrances, but I haven't had an issue with it. While I love how hydrating this treatment is, I wish they didn't use alcohol in step one. On occasion, I think the mask is fine to use, but I do not recommend it for weekly or daily use.
Would I Repurchase?
Yes, to have on hand for those extreme dry times. The treatments are sold in packs of 4 at $48. Click HERE to shop.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Mask
Alcohol free and essential oil fragranced to help balance your mood, this is one of my favorite luxury sheet masks. Rich with Sulwhasoo famous JAUM Balancing Complex, this sheet mask balances your skin tone, texture, and overall mood. A real treat when I'm feeling down or just want to pamper myself.
Would I Repurchase
Yes, I love everything about these sheet masks. Retail $60 for a pack of 5. Click HERE to shop.
Leaders 7 Wonders Kalahari Melon Moisturizing Mask
My all time favorite sheet mask brand is Leaders. They make great quality sheet mask at a fair price. There's a huge range for every skincare concern and need. Alcohol free and lightly fragrances, great for all skin types. I've gone through probably close to 100 Leaders sheet masks since discovering them last year. If you try any sheet mask at all, I recommend starting with Leaders. This particular one is am advanced bio-cellulose mask, which to me is a jelly like texture compared to the traditional paper or cloth texture. Contours perfectly to my face, lasts the full 20minutes and leaves my skin ultra hydrated and radiant. Perfect for on the plane or right after a flight.
Would I Repurchase?
YES! Retail at $6 each. Click HERE to shop.
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DO YOU MASK?
Have you tried any of these sheet masks? What do you look for when shopping for the best sheet mask? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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xoxo
Serein
Thank you so much, I have been struggling to find sheet masks that won’t irritate or break out my skin. It has been a struggle.
Author
Hi Mallory! Thank you so much for visiting! Hope the ones reviewed here help you out 🙂
I have problem with my skill it’s greasy. This mask suitable for oily face?
Author
Yes, these should be good for oily skin as well.
Yes! I would really like to check out those E Nature masks! I think that having a natural fragrance or even no fragrance is really important. The ones that are so strong in scent tend to give me a headache. Not to mention it has your stamp of approval! Thanks Serein for the info Ill have to add that to my shopping list 😛
Author
Aw thanks Ashley! Yes, I have a sensitivity to certain synthetic fragrances and get headaches really easily. It’s the worse when someone wears perfume and is in a tight space with me.
Hi Serein…i too love using sheet masks however, I haven’t found any that I feel actually give me any results. I have very dry, dull aging skin. I will definitely look for ones without alcohol and give some of your faves a try. Thanks for sharing this information , always so helpful.
Author
Yes, please try ones without alcohol especially if you have dry skin!
I LOVE sheet masks!! My biggest complaint would be when they dry out too fast or when they leave my face feeling sticky. Sheet masks have definitely amped up my skincare since they really save me time, but still allow me to feel pampered. As a single mom of two kids under the age of 5, time is at a premium for me 😉 Thanks for the review Serein, I will definitely be checking out these brands!!
Author
So happy to hear you love sheet masks as much as I do. Totally agree, they have to not dry out and also not feel sticky. As a mom sheet masks are your little facials!
Thanks for reading!