Sheet Masks, Sleeping Masks, And How To Choose The Right One For Your Skin

Many of us have incorporated face masks into our beauty regimens, and it’s one of the easiest things to do — once you find the right products. Whether you prefer sheet masks, clay masks or something else within the whole masking umbrella, taking 10 minutes out of your day to focus on your skin can help you look good and feel good, especially after a long day. If you’ve been looking for new masks to try or you’re unsure about which mask is right for you, here are a few options you may want to explore.

For Dry Skin

1. Dr. Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Facial Mask ($33)
2. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask ($68)
3. Lancôme Advanced Genifique Hydrogel Melting Mask ($125)
4. THE FACE SHOP Beyond Intensive Ampoule Hyaluronic Acid ($35)
5. THE FACE SHOP The Solution Hydrating Face Mask ($29)
6. Saturday Skin Intense Hydration Mask ($43)

Face masks are quick, intensive solutions for dry skin, and can really boost your skin’s hydration on top of using your regular moisturiser. Sheet masks in particular are super-soaked with moisturising product, which saturates the skin once applied. If you’re looking to hydrate, sheet masks are the most convenient choice — just layer a mask on your skin and chill out while it soaks up the formula.

One of the most common hydration-boosting ingredients is Hyaluronic Acid, which not only plumps the skin, but also has skin repairing properties. For those with sensitive skin, don’t fret! Although the use of “acid” may sound a little harsh, hyaluronic acid is actually a substance that is already naturally present in your body, with high concentrations found in the eyes and skin — its main purpose is to retain moisture. The hyaluronic acid found in cosmetics is made in a lab, and the substance can reduce irritation from stronger ingredients that might dry out the skin — by using hyaluronic acid-based products, you’re simply giving your skin a little extra support of what’s already there.

For Acne-Prone Skin

1. Dr. Jart+ Dermask Clearing Solution Facial Mask ($41)
2. Caudalie Purifying Mask ($43)
3. Origins Clear Improvement® Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores ($39)
4. L’oréal Paris Pure Clay Anti-blemish mask ($12.72 U.P. $15.90)
5. The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Peel-Off Mask ($7.20 U.P. $9)

Off-the-counter acne medication can be quite harsh on the skin, especially since most are chemical based. However, there are quite a few naturally-derived ingredients that can combat acne, including tea tree oil and grape seed oil, which both have anti-inflammatory properties.

If you’ve been battling with acne and don’t seem to be able to find a solution, these masks may be able to help, and they all contain natural ingredients that can combat acne. Dr. Jart+’s Clearing Solution Facial Mask has become a cult favourite amongst skincare lovers — while it does help to target newly-formed pimples, it also lightens older acne scars and blemishes, with the help of tea tree oil.

Clay masks can also be more effective against pimples — any excess dirt and impurities can be absorbed through the drying of the mask, which can help to clear your skin. The Caudalie Purifying Mask is enriched with grape seed oil, while the L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Mask contains soothing sea algae extract. While most clay masks contain glycerin, which helps to retain moisture, you could use the clay masks as a spot treatment instead, targeting specific blemishes, if you’re worried about dry skin.

For Sensitive Skin

1. Dr. Jart+ Dermask Soothing Hydra Solution Facial Mask ($33)
2. Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Sheet Mask ($54)
3. Dr. Jart+ Shake & Shot – Soothing Shot Shaking Rubber Mask ($13)

For those of you with sensitive skin, you may be a bit wary when trying out new face masks — putting a new product all over your face sounds daunting, especially if your skin is prone to irritation. These soothing masks are gentle on the skin, and suitable for all skin types, containing natural soothing agents such as aloe vera leaf and reishi mushroom extract. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, these are great options for you to try out if you feel like giving your skin a break — your skin can get sensitive from over-applying certain harsh products, so remember to apply a gentle treatment once in a while.

Morning Masks

1. Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask ($21.90)
2. This Works Morning Expert Vitamin C Power Mask ($68)
3. Starskin 7-Second Morning Mask™ 7-in-1 Miracle Skin Mask Pads ($48)

While many associate masking as a night time step, there are actually a few masks that were made to be used in the morning, to prep your skin for the rest of your beauty regimen or even just as a morning pick-me-up. A refreshing morning mask can help to boost and brighten dull skin, along with creating a smooth base for makeup.

If you prefer a more simple morning routine, Saborino’s Morning Facial Sheet Mask promises to brighten, nourish and prime your face in just 60 seconds. Starskin’s 7-Second Morning Mask™ is another great option for those who are always on the go — each mask pad is soaked in a powerful, slow-release formula, which exfoliates, hydrates, plumps and preps the skin with every swipe. If you have the luxury of enjoying a more relaxed morning ritual, why not indulge in a 10-minute masking session? This Work’s exfoliating Vitamin C Power Mask will brighten and soften the skin in minutes, getting your skin ready for the busy day ahead.

Eye Masks

1. Estée LauderAdvanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask ($64)
2. Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Hydra Eye Patch ($145)
3. Glamglow Eyeboost™ Reviving Eye Mask ($7.70 U.P. $11)

While some may think applying an all-over mask is good enough, it’s important to pay extra attention to the eye area — it is the most delicate part of the face, after all. Most eye masks have been formulated to soothe and hydrate the skin, on top of brightening and lifting the overall eye area. If you want to give your eyes a little more care, apply your usual eye cream after using an eye mask.

Lip Masks

1. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($27)
2. Tarte Sea Jelly Glaze Anytime Lip Mask ($22)
3. Handmade Heroes Cocolicious Luscious Lip Mask ($9.90)

Many also neglect the lips when it comes to skincare — lip balm isn’t enough to protect your pout. While there is a variety of lip-specific sheet masks in the market, I personally have found cream or gel lip masks to be more effective. Apply these thick, creamy masks all over the lips right before bed, and prepare to wake up with luscious, moisturised lips. Your lips have all night to absorb these moisture-locking masks, and they’ll be extra hydrated throughout the day.

Overnight/Sleeping Masks

1. Origins Plantscription™ Powerful Lifting Overnight Mask ($113)
2. Laneige Time Freeze Firming Sleeping Mask ($56)
3. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask ($80)
4. Sigi Skin Dream Capsule ($82)

Like your lips, your skin can also benefit from applying a mask overnight. If you’re used to having to work late nights or you’re just too tired to go through your entire skin routine, overnight masks are a quick and easy way to treat your skin without giving up your precious beauty sleep. Applying your mask of choice will only take a minute, and you don’t have to set a timer or peel anything off — just wash your face in the morning and you’re good to go!