What Sheet Mask Should I Buy For My Skin Type?
Sheet Mask 101: Which Mask You Should Use For Your Skin Type
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I'm a sheet mask addict. On a recent trip to the US I brought home about 35 (probably more) sheet masks. As part of the famous 10-step beauty regime, a weekly sheet mask is a Korean beauty secret I've become mildly obsessed with. If you've seen the immaculate complexions of Korean ladies, then you'll want in on whatever they are doing to their skin. I began using a sheet mask weekly and noticed my skin felt more hydrated, I had very few hormonal breakouts, and I found myself not needing to wear foundation during the week. As well as all of these benefits, I also really enjoyed a weekly "spa session" at home.
From now on I've tried to make everyone I know convert to a face mask-lover, no matter what their skin type (just ask my reluctant boyfriend) Hint: there are sheet masks for everything.
If you're unfamiliar with a sheet mask, it is a thin piece of cloth-like material that has (usually) been saturated with serum full of skin-saving ingredients. After taking it out of the packet and unfolding, you place it on your face for 10-20 minutes and relax while the mask works its magic (there are holes for your eyes, mouth, and nose!). After removing the mask, you massage the remaining serum into the skin.
Sheet masks are available for those with everything from sensitive to acne-prone skin, with ingredients ranging from hyaluronic acid to 24K gold. There are "dry" masks, and even a self-tanning sheet mask. But where should you start looking? We've rounded up some of our favourite options for each skin type so you can stock up for your weekly spa session.
Dehydrated Skin
Verso Deep Hydration Mask (£65) is a must have for those who are in need of some serious hydrating. The hydrogel mask is infused with hyaluronic acid, grapefruit extract, and ceramide-3 for immediate relief from discomfort and tightness. Trust us, it's worth splashing out on if you can afford it!
Combination Skin
Tea tree is an excellent ingredient to reduce and soothe inflamed skin and calm redness. The huge Tony Moly range has a mask to suit everyone, and this tea tree mask (£5) is also infused with green tea leaf extract, rosemary, and jasmine for extra soothing (and a lovely scent).
Blemish-Prone Skin
If you have blemish-prone skin, don't think you need to steer clear of sheet masks. Dr. Jart Dermask Clearing Solution Mask (£16) helps to reduce redness and inflamed skin with active ingredients like glutathione, salicylic acid, tea tree extract, and niacinamide. Together, these control excessive oil whilst preventing pigmentation.
Ageing Skin
Starskin Silkmud Green Tea Clay Mask (£8.50) helps fight signs of ageing with clay and bentonite properties drawing out impurities in the skin without stripping the skin of essential moisture. The green tea extracts help to keep skin supple and hydrated.
Gradual Tanner
A first in the beauty world and must have for self-tanning-lovers, St. Tropez Self Tan Express Face Sheet Mask (£15) hydrates the skin whilst developing a natural, radiant tan to the face. The mask is left on for 5-15 minutes depending on the desired depth of tan.
"Feel Like a Queen" Skin
Give your at-home spa session royal status with a gold sheet mask! Skin Republic Hydrogel Gold Face Mask (£7) aims to boost moisture and stimulate cellular growth with its hydrogel material, leaving a refreshing, cooling effect.
Dull Skin
A personal favourite of mine is Boots' range of sheet masks. At an affordable £3, they are perfect for a quick midweek mask to add hydration and radiance to the skin. The range includes Lotus Flower and Tiger Lily, Hyaluronic Acid, Charcoal, Rooibos, and Safflower and Peony.
Congested Skin
Unlike the viral black peel-off mask, this 24K Charcoal Gold Sheet Mask (£6.50) does not stick to the skin and physically pull out impurities. Instead, it uses charcoal and 24K gold to detox the skin, drawing out dirt and oil from the pores in a more gentle way, leaving the skin free of impurities whilst nourishing.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be difficult to treat as even the most gentle of products can trigger reactions. My Beauty Diary has a wide range of masks including Aloe Vera (£14), which is perfect for those in need of a soothing product to combat the effects of harsh environments on the skin.
Tired Skin
If you're a party girl who notices the effects of this on your skin, an energy-boosting mask like Leaders What Happened Last Night? Mask (£5) will revitalise and restore skin, reducing redness and dull complexion.
Dry Skin
This hyaluronic-acid-packed Hydraluron Mask from Indeed Labs (£13) will provide hydration that penetrates beyond the surface of the skin to retain moisture for even the most dry skin types.
Oily Skin
OK, OK, it's not a sheet mask, but it is equally as fun. Much like the sheet mask, the bubble mask has gone viral. Wundertox (£20) gel to foam formula starts out as a treatment gel and begins to foam, clearing the skin of impurities in pores (by now you've probably seen those bubble mask photos). It's a fun, alternative way to switch up your skincare routine to combat impurities and environmental pollutants in the skin.
Enlarged Pores
You'll find a plethora of egg products on offer in Korean skin care, as egg is known to be great at eliminating pore-clogging dirt and oils. Skin 79 Egg-Veil Mask (£4.50) works well on combination skin and those wanting to treat their pores.
Ageing Skin
Rodial Pink Diamond Lifting Face Mask (£85) is as luxurious as it sounds. With pink grapefruit, diamond powder, and skin-tightening peptides, the mask cools, lifts, tightens, and brightens, perfect for those wanting a youthful, radiant skincare treat. The price tag is a little on the expensive side, but the box come with eight masks.
