It’s festive season and you’re living the party life, which means you’re surrounded by lots of scrumptious food, a tonne of great alcohol and a wonderful celebratory atmosphere – but you’re also absolutely tired, lacking sleep, energy and time to yourself. The best way to prep your skin in this case? Use one of these deeply hydrating masks every night, or on alternate nights if you really don’t have the time. Your skin will feel comfortable at bedtime, and is plumped and smoothed when you wake up the next morning – the perfect prep for makeup application. Effects are pretty long-lasting – and we promise, no rinsing required.
Containing minerals, proteins and amino acids derived from abalone extracts and moisturising properties, this sheet mask is designed to intensely hydrate and soften skin.
Verdict: Although the mask is a little longer and wider than my face is, I like that the material is thin and translucent so it’s not that obvious that I have a mask on. It also hugs the contours of my face very well, as if it’s melting into the skin. I like the smell of this mask as it almost smells like a mild, fruity scent. Skin looks very radiant and feels super bouncy and smooth immediately after removing the mask, and surprisingly my skin felt less oily the next day.
This organic gel-cream mask is formulated with rose otto (Bulgarian rose oil) to provide moisture to dry skin.
Verdict: The scent of this mask may be a little overwhelming for those who are not a fan of floral fragrances, but can be very calming to those who enjoy it. I like that it’s super easy to use (just apply like a moisturiser), and that you wake up to skin that looks fresh and well-rested.
You’ll have to apply an ampoule on your face before layering on a 2-piece rubber sheet mask to seal in the active ingredients and prevent the serum from dripping. Leave on for 30 minutes to allow ingredients to penetrate – it can be kept on much longer because the rubber doesn’t dry out like other sheet masks.
Verdict: The ampoule has a unique jelly, beancurd-like texture that I found interesting. The rubber mask is a little fragile, especially if you have sharp or long nails, so make sure you handle it with care to avoid tears or breakage. Although it doesn’t cover the face completely (it leaves about half the forehead and a little of the cheek area exposed), it provides a soothing, cooling effect once applied and stays on the face very firmly.
This is your cheap drugstore option if you want a fuss-free and effective solution (especially if you’re hoarding the masks to bring along for a long holiday). Antioxidants and hyaluronic acid help to protect and moisturise dehydrated skin while smoothening fine lines.
Verdict: The blue protective sheet makes this mask seem a little small at first, and isn’t very easy to peel off, but once removed, the mask fit my face very snugly so I could partake in my usual activities without worrying it would slip off. Immediately after removing, skin looked very even and radiant.
Not only does this range help to boost skin’s natural production of elastin and collagen, it also contains four types of hyaluronic acid to ensure that even the deepest layers of your skin are sufficiently hydrated.
Verdict: The mask is very straightforward and easy to use, and fits my face well. Skin feels fresh and a little tighter after removing.
A rich, creamy mask filled with nutrients from avocado oil, Java plum, banana and mango which work to hydrate, soothe and protect skin.
Verdict: Smells like an avocado milkshake! I love the way my skin looks in the morning – radiant and balanced. This is probably due to the cream-based nature of the product that hydrates and nourishes my dehydrated skin very well.
Formulated with peony extract, this hydration mask is designed to give your face an instant radiance and glow.
Verdict: Use this like you would your usual moisturiser – it works the same way, except it’s extra-rich and creamy. You might have to wipe off any excess after five minutes, but because I applied a very thin layer, and I didn’t need to do that. The mask just absorbed right into my skin.
This is a very lightweight overnight treatment that you can even use in a thin layer as a daytime moisturiser. It has a silky smooth texture, locks in moisture and is suitable for all skin types.
Verdict: It has a very pleasant and relaxing scent that made me want to slather on the mask over and over again. It feels a little sticky at first, but is definitely lightweight.
This cream-type sheet mask utilises ginseng root extract to strengthen the skin and target signs of ageing. It works to plump, firm and hydrate dry, tired and sagging skin.
Verdict: The plastic-like outer layer of this mask keeps its surface dry, so those who wear spectacles can put on their glasses without worrying about them slipping off. Since the formula is a cream, there is no drippy mess either. It carries a super soothing Ginseng scent and leaves skin feeling extremely calm and balanced after.
Main image: 123rf
This story first appeared on www.herworldplus.com
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