When it comes to skincare, masking plays an integral part in anyone’s regime. With Korean skincare setting its standards for innovation and quality, as well as spawning key trends such as the ever-so-popular glass-skin trend, it comes as no surprise that they’re the leaders when it comes to masking.
And so when SASA’s line of K-beauty brands started hitting the shelves, and our beauty desk got flooded with a bunch of incoming masks, we couldn’t help but find out which ones deserve top marks. From well-known brands to brands we’ve never heard before, we’ve rounded up the best and unique masks that got their seal of approval according to our own NYLON team. In addition to that, the team has also tried these masks everyday for a week and we’ve carefully divided and categorised them accordingly.
TEAM FAVOURITES
1. DR. G AQUA COLLAGEN MASK
“For a mask that looks so unassuming, I’d say it’s, hands down, the best one out of the bunch I’ve tried the whole week. And certainly one of the better sheet masks I’ve tried in a while. This mostly boils down to the sheet itself — low-quality sheet masks tend to be made with scratchy fabric that dries out quickly and doesn’t hold much serum, or they’re too thin, too stretchy, too wide. This 100% botanical cellulose material has the perfect firmness, silky comfort, and miraculously, fits all the contours of my face. No awkward eye gaps! Another key technology helps the mask adhere tightly, which then optimises the amount of active ingredients absorbed by the skin. As you can tell, my entire 25-minute experience of having the mask on my face was a thoroughly pleasing one!
As for the essence itself, unlike some more watery-textured ones, this felt suitably viscous, so I felt pretty good about it from the get-go. After taking the mask off, I can gladly report that my skin felt very ultra hydrated and dewy, which was an effect that lasted through the night and into the next morning, thanks to the strong presence of hyaluronic acid. Anti-ageing collagen also did wonders to my skin’s texture, leaving it firm and bouncy, with a more lasting promise to fight off looming fine lines. Now, I wished I’d had taken more samples.” — Amelia Tan, Deputy Editor
“I was having a couple of breakouts from my monthly period, and my skin was looking kind of dull after a long, tiring week. I figured this mask would be perfect to try on to save my skin.
First impressions: the mask had no fancy packaging — it was just a simple thin sheet mask (even though the smell wasn’t as pleasant as I expected it to be) but I was pretty impressed after leaving it on for a good half an hour. My skin was glowy and felt really hydrated. I’ve always had dry and sensitive skin around my T-zone area but after this mask, it instantly felt more moisturized than before (and it didn’t feel tight or dry either). Also, the annoying bumps and redness around my chin were significantly less obvious than before!” — Jane Lee, Media Sales Executive
2. VPROVE ALOE POLYPHENOL MOISTURISING MASK
“I don’t typically like sheet masks as they tend to make me break out, but this mask feels exceptionally thin and light on the skin! There was a slight irritation around my mouth, but overall, not a problem. My skin feels hydrated and soft after!” — Wylie Wang, Designer
“A sheet mask that finally fits my face well! I have to admit, Korean sheet masks tend to cover at least two-thirds of my face — it’s either a mask that doesn’t fully cover my forehead or it’s a mask that barely lets me peek through it. Ohh, the struggle. Thankfully for this mask, it fits like a glove. One other thing that I like about it is the fact that it doesn’t slip off my face — whether I’m standing, sitting or lying down — which is something you can’t really find in a lot of masks because they tend to usually be overloaded with serums. Although this mask wasn’t as cooling as the other masks I’ve tried, I have to say that it’s totally fuss-free; in the sense that there’s no second layer of sheet to remove. After using it, I found that it was really refreshing and my pores didn’t feel as clogged as I thought it’d be. In fact, it helped diminish the appearance of my large pores.” — Shazrina Shamsudin, Writer
FUN MASKS
1. SHANGPREE SPARKLING MASK
“It was my first time trying a bubbling mask and I was quite intrigued by it. The sensation that you feel when applying this mask is similar to that of pouring a gassy drink over your face (well, not quite literally) and it feels a little ticklish too. I left it on for about 10 minutes and washed it off after that. It felt really refreshing and it gave off a really sweet and fruity scent after washing it off as well.
After using this mask, I can safely say that my skin looks more glowy. It also has this mild tightening effect on my skin, however, my pores were still slightly visible. I believe if you’re looking for better results, I’d recommend using this mask consecutively. Overall, I enjoyed the bubbling sensation of the mask and it was a really fun experience. On the downside, the scent was a little too overwhelming for me as me as it was a little too fruity and sweet for my liking.” — Jane Lee, Media Sales Executive
2. SHANGPREE GOLD MODELING MASK
“I’ve always found face masking to be deceptive and tricky. (I mean how hard could it be, right?) But finding the right mask in a sea of masks can be paralysing at times; especially when you’re given an unlimited amount of choices to choose from. When I came across this Gold Premium Modeling Mask by Shangpree, I realised it wasn’t just like any other ordinary mask out there in the market — and of course, I knew I had to try it.
For a single mask like this, I have to say that it really required a lot of effort to prep. Nonetheless, I found it really fun to mix up my own concoction before applying it on my face. However, I have to admit that when it came to applying it on my face, it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. The mask doesn’t exactly glide on smoothly and after application, what I saw on my face wasn’t close to what you see on the box. In short, it looked like gold was melting off of my face (not exactly the kind of aesthetic that you were looking for, for sure). I could really feel how thick it was on my face and it didn’t seem like it had a cooling effect either. Nonetheless, I liked how the mask didn’t seem to crack and there was more than enough product to go around my face.
After waiting for what seemed like half an hour, I eventually removed the mask. To my surprise, for a peel-off mask, it came off pretty easily and it was oddly satisfying to see it all come off at one go. After using it, I felt like my skin was more firm, radiant and hydrated. Would I recommend it? Well, if you’re willing to go through the hassle of mixing it all up and applying it on your face (and if you have all the time in the world) then yes. It does its job as a mask and was somewhat satisfying to work with during my free time.” — Shazrina Shamsudin, Writer
PURIFYING MASKS
1. TSAIO TEA TREE PURIFYING MASK
“I love the scent of this mask (a combination of tea tree oil, eucalyptus and spirea), it gives a calming slight aromatherapy effect to your usual facial and it’s at the comfort of your own home! The mask is also rather thin, so it adheres to my skin well. After using it, my skin also feels really smooth.” —Cheryl Yip, Intern
2. SKIN’S BONI YOGURT BONIMINI WASH OFF MUD PACK (PINE NEEDLES)
“As someone who has oily skin, I have a natural affinity for mud masks, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to the packaging first. Upon viewing its contents at first glance, it looked like it’d be enough for a single use, however, when I started slathering the mud onto my face I realised that it was sufficient for at least two, if not three uses! Plus one for generosity.
I had left it on for about 10 minutes or so, letting it harden on my face. It wasn’t until I felt the mask crack and flake off did I feel the immediate need to get it off my skin. Looking in the mirror, I noticed that the thick cake of mud I had covered my face with had oxidised into a translucent layer that left my skin feeling rather tight and uncomfortable by the time I washed it off. However, the ill feeling was temporary, and the smooth skin left behind after was pleasing to the touch. Just make sure to follow up with a moisturiser!” — Patrene Mathieu, Designer
CUTE PACKAGING
1. SKIN’S BONI YOGURT MASK PACK
“This is a really strange one, so much so that I’m a little hesitant to recommend it — the good thing is that it does work! But first, we have to talk about the packaging. The whimsical outer casing immediately recalls everyone’s favourite probiotic milk drink (Yakult! Not Vitamin), and while that goes along with fond memories, you’ll probably be wondering — will this sheet mask provide as much nourishment for our skin as it does for our stomach?
In theory, a resounding yes. The key ingredient here’s lactic acid (good lactobacillus). Combined with the optimum pH level of 5.5, the mask contains a pH-balanced formula that doesn’t irritate the skin, as it gently exfoliates dead skin cells while promoting healthy cell turnover. Combined with other moisturising ingredients, as well as brightening and soothing ones, that makes it quite the A* star student.
When I first opened the mask though, I was hit with a rather cloying scent of fruit yogurt. That will take some getting used to if you’re not a fan, especially since you’re advised to leave this on your face the next 20 minutes. If you can get used to it though, the gel-like mask really delivers! I noticed my skin became more plump and hydrated, as well as less dull, while it definitely felt more balanced already. I’d go back to it the next time my skin’s in need of a little revival, or if I need to keep my breakouts at bay!” — Amelia Tan, Deputy Editor
“This mask not only sounds yummy, but it also smells delightful too. However, the mask was thicker than I expected it to be and it doesn’t really stay in place well because of the thick texture. I had to re-adjust the mask several times to put it back in place, so I would advise lying down for this one. It was extremely sticky after removing the mask, but after much patting, the essence absorbed well. My skin drastically felt more smooth after using this mask.” — Cheryl Yip, Intern
2. KINGIRLS FIRM-IT MASK
“I’m not a fan of scented masks but this mask was an exception because it smelled just like grape juice! This mask feels really light on the skin with its incredibly thin texture that’s almost transparent! It also has plenty of essence left over to use it on both your arms and neck, so there’s nothing left to waste.” — Wylie Wang, Designer
WIN! We’re giving away 3 sets of masks from SASA Singapore. The set includes Shangpree’s Sparkling Mask, Skin’s Boni Yogurt Mask Pack, and Dr. G’s Aqua Collagen Mask, that’s worth $114.90. To stand a chance to win, all you have to do is to visit us on our Facebook page and participate in our FB Giveaway by clicking on this link!
Products are available at all SASA outlets islandwide.
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