Sheet masks are like mini-facials you can do at home. They come in sealed packages, and usually consist of a soft cotton or fibre sheet that’s soaked through with skin-loving ingredients. They’re convenient to use and often offer instant results like brighter, more well-hydrated skin. Here are some top tips on getting the most out of your sheet mask. 

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#1 Soften skin first

Needless to say, only ever use a sheet mask on clean skin. After cleansing, prep with a toning lotion. This will help soften and hydrate your skin so that it’s primed to better absorb the mask’s ingredients. Think of skin as a sponge – when you drop water onto a dry sponge, it won’t be able to spread or channel the moisture as well as when it’s wet. When skin is moist, the sheet mask will adhere better too.

 

#2 Max out the essence

All the vitamins, minerals and goodness are in the essence, so don’t let it go to waste. Even after your sheet mask is fully saturated, there will be leftover essence in the packet. Slather this all over your neck, legs, arms, elbows… you get the drift. After removing the sheet mask, I also like to leave the remaining essence on my face. It might feel slightly sticky initially, but your skin should absorb the remaining essence within the next 10 minutes or so. You can gently pat in the essence on your face to help it be absorbed quicker. 

#3 Watch the time

Flip to the back of your mask packet – if it suggests leaving the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes, do so. In this case, more is not better as leaving the mask on for longer than stipulated can actually start to dry out your skin instead.  

#4 Customise your sheet

Sheet masks aren’t always a perfect fit, and there’s really no harm in tearing yours a little so that it will mould to the contours of your face better. I always find that creating a slit on the mask where your nose bridge will be makes for a more comfortable fit. This also makes it easier to press out any air pockets there might be so that your mask is flushed against your skin. 

#5 Cool your mask

Sheet masks already do wonders in terms of soothing and cooling the skin, but you can up this “shiok” factor by popping your sheet mask into the fridge for 30 minutes before application. So refreshing!

#6 Keep your lips safe

I’ve got very sensitive lips, and the essence in some sheet masks actually sting or dry out my lips. To combat this, I always apply a thick layer of lip balm prior to masking. This helps to condition and hydrate my lips, and also protects them so that they won’t react to the essence. 

Text: Dawn Chen, SHAPE / Additional Reporting: Arissa Ha

READ MORE: 
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