Korean skincare is all the rage these days, and the easiest way to experience the wonders of Eastern pampering rituals is to use a sheet mask. They come in a vast variety of materials and formulations, and are targeted to address multiple skin concerns while providing instant effect.
I had the opportunity to try four really unique sheet masks that are sure to peak your interest. And best of all, you don’t even need to hunt them down on various websites – all four are available at Glow Recipe, an online retailer of natural Korean cosmetics.
Rubber masks are crazy popular in Korea right now, and you won’t find an Asian celebrity that hasn’t raved about one of these at some point. Knowing that, I decided to try Lindsay Modeling Rubber Mask first. It looks like a medium-sized plastic cup filled halfway with finely milled powder; and I can totally see how someone would be utterly confused what to do with it, but it’s actually easier than it looks. Simply add water to the cup, stir everything thoroughly together until you get slightly runny consistency, and quickly spread the mixture over your face. The mask will then solidify and turn “rubbery” [hence the name], conforming to every nook and cranny of your skin, sealing in all the nutrients and ensuring the best possibly absorption.
Lindsay Modeling Rubber Mask comes in six different formulations, and I got to try the Calendula variety designed to hydrate, soothe, and calm irritated skin. Fall hasn’t been kind to my face, so I welcomed this much-needed nourishment with open arms and was not left disappointed. I tried this type of masks before, and it reminded me just how much I loved the result last time I used one. My skin was left glowing, supple, and really clean [that rubber must have sucked out a whole bunch of gunk from my pores]. I seriously can’t recommend Lindsay Modeling Rubber Mask enough! I think it will make a thoughtful little gift to yourself or to someone who could really use some quick pampering without having to invest a lot of time or money into the process.
While rubber masks are a modern invention, fermented cosmetics have been around for centuries. Korean beauties applied fermented plants, tea, and even certain foods to their skin in order to achieve bright and luminous complexion, and guess what? It worked like a charm. Whamisa is a well-known Korean beauty brand that combines those time-tested natural recipes with the latest scientific innovations to deliver a truly luxurious experience.
I have not tried any of their products before, but I heard a lot about the company after reading glowing reviews from Korean skin care bloggers whose opinion I know I can trust. So when I had a chance to try Whamisa Organic Hydrogel Sheet Mask, I jumped right at it! Glow Recipe stocks three varieties of this mask: Seeds & Rice, Fruits & Tomato, and Flowers & Aloe Vera. While all of them sound amazing, I was happy to have received the latter, since my skin has been in dire need of hydration lately.
Oily-skinned girls, take note of this one! Many hydrating treatments can be too intense for someone with oily or combination complexion, but I thought this mask thoroughly quenched my face without making it feel sticky or clogging a single pore. After I removed the mask my skin still had some of the serum left on it, so I just patted it in and followed up with some sunscreen. Also worth mentioning that this mask didn’t make my makeup pill and flake off, so I would definitely recommend it for someone who wants to achieve quick glow before a special event.
Cel-Derma Cosmetics is one of the leading sheet mask manufacturers in Korea, and I’m pretty sure most Korean women used their masks at some point. This company was the first one to develop a multi-step sheet mask packaging that includes three different products for a complete all-in-one treatment.
Glow Recipe sells three mask varieties, and I got to try Cel-Derma Cosmetics 3-Step Sheet Mask Aqua, formulated to plump and moisturize dehydrated skin. There are three steps to this treatment, and all of them are numbered. You start by prepping your face with special paste-to-foam cleanser that creates thousands of tiny bubbles. Second step prompts you to apply a thick clear-colored ampoule all over the face, which has the consistency and feel of something between petroleum jelly and aloe vera [note: these masks are petroleum-free]. Finally, as a final step spread the sheet over the ampoule and relax for 15-25 minutes allowing the ingredients to soak into the skin. By the way, in case you closely watch the pH in your skin care products you might want to skip the first step and use your regular cleanser instead – this one scored around pH10.0.
Finally, the mask I am most excited to tell you about, because it’s definitely unlike anything you’ve tried before! Whamisa Organic Sea Kelp Sheet Mask is made with real sea kelp, as in it’s literally carved out of a slice of kelp. How cool is that?
Each mask pack contains a whole bottle of vitamin-packed sea kelp & bamboo serum, and its promises to rehydrate the skin, brighten the complexion, and minimize the appearance of fine lines were clinically tested. The formula is free of common irritants, including alcohol, which is very unusual for Korean sheet masks, so it might even be suitable for people with very dry and sensitive skin types, as long as they don’t have allergies to other natural ingredients in the serum.
Pardon my serial killer-esque selfie, but I thought you guys just had to see it in action, because it looks pretty awesome! First of all, I had this sheet on my face for maybe an hour and it didn’t dry out, which is very impressive. The serum is yellow in color, and yes it does stay yellow on the skin, so I definitely recommend using it in the PM when you don’t have to go anywhere. The results are simply amazing – my skin felt like I just came from a SPA, it was simply exquisite, pure luxury. I am totally amazed at how effective it was, and I’m definitely going to stock up if I ever find a good sale, because individually these masks are a tad pricey.
COUPON: Use this link to get $5 off your first purchase. No minimum. That’s right, it’s basically a free mask!
WHERE TO BUY:
- Lindsay Modeling Rubber Mask – $6 USD for one cup. Available at Glow Recipe.
- Whamisa Organic Hydrogel Sheet Mask – $9 USD for 1 mask. Available at Glow Recipe.
- Cel-Derma Cosmetics 3-Step Sheet Mask – $7 USD for 1 mask. Available at Glow Recipe.
- Whamisa Organic Sea Kelp Sheet Mask – $14 USD for 1 mask. Available at Glow Recipe.
Have you tried any unusual facial masks before? Do you have a favorite product that delivers instant results each time? Have you tried Korean skin care? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: This post features products received for editorial consideration and may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to Disclosures & Content Use page.
I had never heard of the rubber masks before. Truth be told I’m too lazy these days to do too much mixing and applying but I must say I’m impressed with the results you said you’ve been getting. I love the photo of you in the Sea Kelp mask. Though it sounds fabulous, $14 would be a splurge. I guess compared to going to a spa, it’s definitely worth it. I enjoyed learning about all these masks!
I am definitely not spending $14 for a daily mask, no way Jose! But I totally see myself using these for a special occasion, like a girls’ night in or a once a month me-time. The rubber mask you really have to try though, you are going to love it Allison!
i want that green mask :O
It looks so awesome, doesn’t it? They literally carved it out of a piece of real kelp!
I love deep hydrating sheet masks. I always leave them on longer than the instructions say. I like to let my skin suck every last bit of goodness out of them.
Me, too, I just slap them on and go about my business 🙂 5 hours later I scrape them off with my skin. Just kidding, but yeah, I can probably walk with one on my face for an hour or so.
I had never heard of rubber masks before. Now, I want to try one. I’ve been a sucker for masks as of late.
It’s definitely a new experience, and a very very pleasant one at that. I haven’t gotten that effect from any of the sheet masks, because it’s a very unique feeling.