The Staple - Sheet Masks!

If you read my "Who Are You?" page, you've discovered that my journey began with receiving my first sheet mask through my favorite subscription service, ipsy.  I was sent the Blue Lotus & White Tea mask from Pur-lisse.  Pur-lisse is an Asian American beauty company founded by Miss Jennifer Yen.  I'll let you read all about Miss Yen on your own, but I'll show you what I received:

Blue Lotus & White Tea Sheet Mask

I had never heard of a sheet mask.  I had no idea why I'd use one or how to, so I shoved it aside and let it sit on my counter.  After a few weeks had passed and I was poised to send ipsy a scathing email because they had forgotten an item in my subscription box, I happened upon my long lost masks (lucky for ipsy...).  My skin was cruddy.  I had hormonal acne breakouts around my chin and nose.  I was desperate to find something inexpensive that would tackly my breakouts and hydrate, nourish and moisturize without causing an over-production of oil.  I figured since my skin was already a mess, I had nothing to lose.  But I still didn't know how to use it.

A sheet mask is exactly what it sounds like.  It's a cloth or material mask that has been soaked (and I do mean SOAKED) in an herbal, vitamin, nutritional or other-based "essence", which is a concentrated liquid, gel or cream.  The masks themselves can be cotton, gel or even rubber.  The essence will differ from mask-to-mask, based on the skin concern it's designed heal.  And there is indeed a fomula for every type of issue: moisturizing, nourishing, hydrating, firming, pore tightening, calming, even cleansing!  The purpose of the mask is to increase the penetration of the essence into the skin, leaving you with an intensely treated epidermus.

According to the directions for this fiber-type mask, and as with most masks, you start with a freshly cleansed and toned face.  The mask is just dripping with goo and has almost a watery feel, but you can tell it's clearly not just water.  You place the mask on your clean face, tugging it into a comfortable position, making sure you can both see and breathe out of the pre-cut holes.  Then.....you leave it there for 15-20 minutes, or as long as instructed.

The masks are designed for one-time use.  When your time is up, gently tap your fingers across your face (as if playing scales on a piano).  This helps to aid in the absorption of any excess essence.  Toss the mask into the garbage (but hang on to that packaging - details to come).

This particular mask is designed to fight free-radicals, improve skin texture, brighten and fim skin.  Basically purify, renew, nourish and moisturize.  The mask was quite slick, so I decided to relax in the tub and let the mask work its magic - and, boy, did it ever!

How Was It?

The first thing I thought while removing the mask is, "this is going to be a sticky mess."  I mean, the mask was drenched in goo.  But after tap, tap, tapping the essence into my skin, the leftover liquid fully absorbed, leaving my skin feeling fresh and clean, not to mention soft.  I also noticed a dewy glow, and this was not the gleam of oil sitting atop my skin.  This was a glow located just beneath the surface of my skin, nothing that could be wiped away.  For the first time ever, my skin was RADIANT - no oil, no shine, just a lovely lighting of my skin.  My skin was also incredibly soft and smooth.  I was sold!  And there was no going back!  I just had to find out more about these amazing products that we Westerners were just beginning to uncover.

What Do I Love About the Sheet Mask?

Skincare for me basically comes down to 2 things:

1) What is the price point?
2) Does it work?

It's hard to find skincare for under $20 and item - and it's even harder to find good skincare at that price.  A large number of Western cleansers use artificial ingredients and chemicals.  They cause the product to be harsh which can strip the skin, causing even more damage, irritations and even allergies.  There are very few artificial ingredients in Korean skincare products.  Most ingredients are natural and organic, which contain vitamins and minerals that work with and not against our epidermis.  The products are designed to hydrate and moisturize while targeting the skincare concern as well.  The result is fresh clean skin that is younger-looking, nourished and unblemished.  Maintaining moisture is the key to beautiful skin, and it's an area where Korean skincare dominates.

As for the price point, Korean skincare prices can't be beat.  This particular mask from Pur-lisse sells for $8/mask.  In my opinion, the price point is high for this particular type of mask.  Korean masks can run anywhere from $0.50 to $15.  And the cheaper masks are just as effective as their pricier counterparts.  What brings the price up is the type of mask (rubber is more expensive than fiber) and any specialty ingredient(s) that is(are) used - from snail mucus to gold leaf!  Fiber masks are on the low end.  While this mask was a great sample to try, I have been able to find numerous masks that are similar for a LOT less!

One Thing to Remember...

The sheet mask is just one of the steps in the Korean skincare regimen.  It is designed to work in unison with its counterparts, so don't throw out your other products just yet!  Stay tuned and together we will work our way through the entire 10-Step Regimen.