Sheet Masks & Skincare x Cyclicity

Note: I originally wrote this for my company’s blog, ChuMedia Hub.

I take my skincare seriously, but I wish I had started in my early 20s. I still have nice skin in my late 20s, but I do wonder if it would be even nicer had I begun my routine earlier in life. 

Ah, well. We can’t regret the past … 

I typically have a 9- or 10-step skincare program that I do twice a day. Mornings are the 10-step routine, while bedtime is my 9-step routine. (The difference? Sunscreen!)

My morning skincare routine typically consists of:

1. Cleanser
2. Essence
3. Toner
4. Japanese sheet mask
5. Serum
6. Eye cream
7. Daytime moisturizer
8. Oil
9. Glossier oil-serum hybrid
10. Sunscreen

My bedtime skincare routine typically consists of:

1. Cleanser
2. Essence
3. Toner
4. Korean sheet mask
5. Serum
6. Eye cream
7. Nighttime moisturizer
8. Oil
9. Glossier oil-serum hybrid

There’s a few differences to note between my two routines: sunscreen, moisturizers, and sheet masks. The addition of sunscreen for my morning routine is obvious; I will be exposed to the sun so I need to protect my skin from its harmful rays. The daytime moisturizer I use is Tatcha’s “Water Cream”, which is a lighter, oil-free cream that delivers a refreshing burst of hydration when applied to the skin. At night, I use a thicker, heavier moisturizer from varying brands. Recently, I ordered a watermelon sleeping mask that I’m very excited to try once it arrives.

In terms of sheet masks, I’ve noticed that Korean ones are more saturated than Japanese ones and usually take about 20 minutes; Japanese ones aren’t always as wet and take about 10 minutes. While I don’t mind a wetter face at night, having one in the morning creates more problems for me when applying makeup and putting on my (non-skincare) face mask (stay safe out there!).

Pro tip: I keep a jade roller in the refrigerator and use it when applying a mask. Once I’ve put the mask on, I roll it all over my face to make sure it is secure. Keeping it in the fridge makes for a relaxing, calming, cold ritual that helps to wake me up while working my skin.

Here’s a list of the different sheet masks I use:

Japanese Masks

Lululun Blue Hydrating

I like how stretchy the fabric is, especially because it doesn’t fit my face that well. Lululun is such a hit in Japan because it’s made more for smaller Asian faces and, while I always thought I had a Japanese-sized head, I guess my European side got in the way of its “petiteness”. I did notice that the more saturated masks were at the bottom of the box though, thanks to that ever-present force we call gravity. Because of that, it did make some of the top masks feel a bit dry. No thanks!

This mask is marketed as having extra moisturizer, which promotes softer, more hydrated skin. It is designed for daily use, and is supposed to increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture and enhance the absorption of serum.

Kose Clear Turn Super Rich Moisturizing Mask EX (Gold Bag)

First, I do not like how you have to punch out the eyeholes and they remain there, hanging below your eyes. What’s the point? Is it the eye mask? The material of the mask is thick though, and I’m able to pull and stretch it how I need. This is also the only mask I’ve used where I’ve been able to talk a bit, due to the large holes in it for your mouth, nose, etc. The scent is light and nice. It’s perfectly fine for the morning but I do think I prefer Lululun.

This mask is marketed as a super concentrated moisturizing mask that leads to soft skin and prevents dry fine lines and pores. Its highly penetrating essence is designed to deliver a deep balance of moisture and oil to the skin. It works as an all-in-one lotion, astringent, beauty serum, milky lotion, cream, face pack, and eye mask.

Kose Clear Turn Japanese Rice Sheet Masks (Blue Bag)

I was expecting these masks to be similar to the moisturizing ones, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised so far. These masks are a lot more saturated, unlike the moisturizing ones. There isn’t much of a scent but the mask feels gentle and calming. It works well for my morning routine. Between this mask and the Lululun one, I think I’m leaning more towards this one as my morning preference.

This mask is marketed as an all-in-one face mask containing premium rice extract that hydrates dry skin and minimizes visible pores. It works as a toner, serum, emulsion, cream, face pack, and eye mask.

Kose Clear Turn Royal Jelly Mask (Sakura)

I managed to get my hands on these during the vibrant sakura season. The scent of these masks is sweet and nice, but it’s strong. I reckon it could give me a headache if I was feeling sensitive at the time of doing it. The texture is interesting because it’s jelly, while also being a sheet mask.

This mask is marketed for people who want more moisture than usual. It has three times the highly-concentrated hyaluronic acid and provides ample hydration for both soft and radiant skin and fewer fine lines from dryness. It works as an all-in-one lotion, emulsion, serum, cream, eye mask, and face mask.

Clear Turn Themed Masks

These masks are purely for fun, with a touch of skincare on the side. They’re usually more expensive because of their themed nature and function more as souvenirs than serious skincare. I usually do these masks with my boyfriend as a fun bonding experience. But I think he’s over it now because he never wants to do them anymore. Oh well, more for me!

Keana Rice Mask

I’ve been wanting to try this mask for a while now but I’m not sure that it’s really done anything for me. It didn’t have any type of strong scent, which can be a good or bad thing (depending on your preference), but my face didn’t feel exceptional after. It was fully saturated, which I appreciated. This mask fit my face more like the Lululun masks—it was a tad too small for my face. The eye holes aren’t far apart enough to completely fit my face. This is where I have a sizing problem. 

This mask is marketed as a rice-derived skin care serum designed for dry skin with prominent pores. The rice serum is supposed to help with moisturizing, elasticity, adjusting skin condition, and adjusting skin texture.

Momo Puri Milk Jelly Mask

This mask smelled AMAZING. I loved it. It also had a really nice texture and my skin felt really lovely after. I did it at night and in the morning my face was so smooth, soft, and velvety. I would definitely recommend it. I did have the same eye hole problem with this mask as some of the other Japanese masks I’ve tried. I reckon there’s a different fit for Japanese masks versus Korean ones.

This mask is marketed as an updated, more moisturizing version of their original jelly mask, which makes it ideal for drier skin types. It is supposed to help create soft and hydrated skin, improve skin elasticity, moisturize the skin while maintaining skin barrier function, and tighten pores.

Pure Smile Snail Essence Mask

I was hesitant at first to try this mask because of the snail essence, but one of my friends here recommended it, so I decided to try it. I was happily surprised that it did not smell like what I imagine snail might smell like. It felt like a normal mask and I was happy with it. My skin did feel nice the next day, thank you snails! 

This mask is marketed as an anti-aging mask that reduces fine lines and wrinkles while also delivering antioxidants to the skin to create a smooth, hydrated, and moisturized complexion. The snail essence is supposed to help repair damaged skin from the sun, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.

Clear Turn Babyish

I find the packaging for this mask a little strange, but I get it. Why is there a white baby on it though? This mask was pretty underwhelming as well. It wasn’t very saturated and it didn’t make me feel much. I did it at night and my skin did feel nice in the morning, though. I”m not sure if I would recommend it or not. I’m up in the air about it. It also didn’t fit my face well. Maybe the idea of having a baby’s skin as an adult doesn’t sit well with me.

This mask is marketed for plump, baby-like skin. It is formulated for people in their 20s and is gentle on the skin. It is supposed to help with restoring skin and acne problems while delivering intense moisture to create baby-like skin.

Korean Masks

Innisfree

Oh man, do I love Innisfree. What a glorious—and affordable—skincare brand. I’ve tried almost all of their masks and I can’t even choose a favorite. Whenever I go to stock up, I always have to get a large variety. I prefer their “My Real Squeeze” masks, which come in three different levels of hydration: water, essence, and cream. The water base is light and fresh, the essence base is deeply hydrating, and the cream base is intensely nourishing. I’ve also used their “Skin Clinic” ones, which are my least favorite because they have a more clinical smell to them that I don’t find pleasant. They’ve also released a new “Root Vegetable” line that leaves your skin feeling great and only has a subtle scent. All of their masks are so saturated that they drip down my neck while applying them and there’s always a lot left behind in the packet! I save the packet for the next day so I can use it in the morning again. Waste not, want not. They’re even environmentally-friendly! (I’m looking at you, compost). These are my favorite Korean sheet masks.

Mediheal

I’ve heard that this brand is one of the most popular in Korea. It was recommended to me by my Japanese friend who loves Korean skincare. (Coincidentally, she is also the one who introduced me to Innisfree. Shout out, Aya!) I like their masks as well, and I also always purchase a variety. Sometimes my skin needs extra moisture, sometimes it needs a tea tree oil treatment. I usually go for the different kinds of moisturizing, hydrating, and tea tree oil masks. These are super saturated as well but don’t feel as “natural” and “organic” as the Innisfree ones. I’d highly recommend them.

The Solution

This one smells great! But I am not a fan of the plastic sheet that the sheet mask itself is attached to. I prefer the delivery of Innisfree because I sometimes struggle with removing the sheet mask from the accompanying plastic sheet. What’s the point of the plastic? I certainly don’t know, but I’m sure there’s a reason. Other than the plastic though, I do like this mask as well. I consider it equal to the Mediheal ones.

Dr. Jart Shake & Shot

Perhaps one of the more unique face masks I’ve ever encountered, this Dr. Jart mask arrives in a most curious packaging. Dr. Jart has a popular rubber sheet mask that I’m also including in this list, and I’m guessing that this is the new peel-off version of it. The lid makes up a creepy baby’s face with the spatula’s end protruding from its mouth. You open it up and there are two little packages that you combine to create the mask. You shake the ingredients up in the bottle like a cocktail shaker and then have 2-3 minutes to apply the entire mask to your face with the spatula. I had a few problems with this mask. The mask kept dripping down my face and I needed to grab a paper towel to catch the droplets while I sat on my bed waiting for it to dry. When the time came to peel it off, a lot of the mask found itself stuck in my eyebrows and hairline. My face also didn’t feel very special once removing it. While I’d recommend using this mask once for the novelty, I’m not planning on using it again.

Dr. Jart Sheet Mask

This mask reminded me of the Mediheal and the Solution masks. It had a pleasant, light smell and was deeply saturated. It did have the misfortune of containing one of those plastic sheets I so abhor, thus putting Mediheal at the top. This was definitely my favorite Dr. Jart mask, but because it’s not readily available in Japan like the others, I probably won’t be purchasing it again. I would recommend it though, because I had no issues with it and quite enjoyed my hydrating experience.

Dr. Jart Rubber Sheet Mask

Oh man, was I disappointed in this one. I was very excited to try this mask because of all the hype. I’ve seen these masks before on social media and was always intrigued⁠—well, the intrigue has gone and been replaced with disappointment. First, it comes with an ampoule (a supercharged serum) that you apply evenly to your face before putting the mask on. That was weird to me, especially because the mask itself didn’t feel like it had anything on it. Maybe it did, maybe it didn’t. I’m not sure. All I know is that applying the mask was fun at first but very quickly became problematic. The mask is divided into two parts—one for the top half of the face and one for the bottom. The chin section would not stay in place and would flop openly at the bottom, regardless of my attempts to make it adhere to my skin. At one point, the mask slipped down my face so much that I had to completely readjust the entire thing. But here’s the real kicker—this mask stays on your face for 30-40 minutes. That is the longest time I’ve ever seen on a mask before. Save yourself the money, time, and trouble, and choose a different mask. Or do choose it and try it out for the novelty.

Thank you for coming with me on this journey. I trust you’ve enjoyed yourselves and have hopefully learned something new! If not, I hope that you’ve enjoyed the many faces of my sheet mask selfies. And don’t forget to try out Innisfree!