Catchy title, isn’t it? It’s true though, because even as an avid supporter of Korean skin care, their most famous products – single use sheet masks – sometimes contain ingredients that tend to irritate my skin. Nothing worse than a “soothing” mask that stings your face, right? I’m not saying all Korean masks are like that [you know me better than that, I’m actually a huge fan], but I certainly used a fair share of bad ones throughout the years.
That’s where Biorepublic comes in. Their products were inspired by Korean skin care but formulated with American tastes and values, formulated without parabens, sulfates, pthalates, or triclosan and 100% cruelty-free.
The first thing you notice about a sheet mask if the sheet itself. There are many types out there: cotton, pulp, hydro gel, paper, coconut biocellulose – just to name a few. Biorepublic masks are made with eco-friendly biodegradable fiber, that’s very flexible and snugly fits on your face, without sliding off or creating awkward air bubbles [paper sheets, I’m looking at you].
The next thing about a sheet mask you must check is the amount of serum/liquid it’s swimming in. The best ones are drenched in liquid, but don’t drip when applied to the skin. Biorepublic masks have a moderate amount of clear liquid inside, enough that it doesn’t completely dry out by the time you take it off. By the way, the recommended wear time is 15-20 minutes, which is pretty standard for non-gel masks.
Korean women use sheet masks every day. Unlike in the US, where these are still somewhat a novelty, in Korea and all across Asia sheet masks are an essential step in every girl’s beauty routine. Due to their popularity, the prices are also very competitive – you can stock up on decent quality simple masks for as low as $0.30 each. Of course, it’ll be a while before we get to see those prices, first we have to make sheet masks popular in our neck of the woods 🙂 Capitalism! But I digress…
Biorepublic offers four types of masks for different skin concerns:
- Pomegranate Crush – illuminating
- Green Tea Detox – purifying
- Aloe Rescue – revitalizing
- Cucumber Breeze – soothing
After trying all of them, I think my personal favorite is the cucumber one, as it did feel pleasantly refreshing and moisturizing. My skin just loves cucumber – if I could use pure cucumber juice as a toner, I totally would [not that anything is stopping me, but it’s just not financially sustainable].
WHERE TO BUY: $4.99 for 1 mask. Available at Biorepublic, Birchbox.
Have you tried Korean sheet masks before? Do you have any favorites? 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 just received mine yesterday, and I haven’t tried them yet. But I was so curious about what “fiber” meant and why the masks were $5 a piece? I really enjoyed reading your review and look forward to using mine soon
Truth be told, in the US the brands charge for sheet masks whatever the heck they want, because the market isn’t overly saturated yet. But these are nice masks nonetheless, especially the cucumber one. I hope you like it!
I have never used a sheet mask before! My masks are always globbed on and rinsed off.
Girl, you are missing out! Sheet masks will be the next big thing, now that Korean skin care is slowly taking over the shelves 🙂 They’re pretty fun, too, and you can find them really cheap at stores like Forever 21, or even on Amazon.
I use to cut up cucumbers and leave them in the fridge. I would put them on my eyes before school hehe that was back in the day 🙂 I am sure I would love that mask the most too! Don’t you love how creepy you feel wearing sheet masks hehe
I used to do that, too 🙂 But these days I prefer to eat my cucumbers with skin on for more flavor, so I never get to have any leftovers to use for a SPA day.
I hope Korean sheet masks do catch on. They may look weird, but I find them very hydrating. I’ve tried a few different brands.
Agreed! My husband always makes a funny face when he walks into the room and I’m wearing one of these 🙂 I love the way my skin feels after a nice long treatment.
I need to try a korean sheet mask!
You really should, it’s a gamechanger for dry skin! I’m sure there are brands that make vegan and cruelty-free sheet masks out there.
I’ve tried some sheet masks and love how my face feels after. Since the ones easily available are so expensive I can’t imagine using one daily. I love it during a spa day at home though.
I know right? I use sheet masks 2-3 times a week at most, because they’re pricey and it adds up over time, but my skin absolutely loves them.
geez, you’re the only one I know who make sheet masks look fabulous in photos!
Haha, thanks girl! This one just happens to be made with material that sticks like second skin, so it doesn’t look as weird as some other masks 🙂
Okay – these sheet mask companies should all out sponsor you because I want to buy it just by looking at your photos… you make them look so perfect on your face… I love it!
lol, thank you Honey! You know me, I’m super passionate about Korean skin care and always welcome a good sheet mask 😀
I tried a Boscia mask – hated it, It made my skin sticky, and that hydrogel they make the mask out of felt funny. I’ll stick with the Karuna masks. They’re awesome!
Never tried Boscia masks, but I am just not a fan of that brand in general – most of their products irritated my skin for some reason. I heard nothing but good things about Karuna!
i really couldnt agree with you more. great post
Thanks girl!