GEMs Of Beauty:
Masked Beauty
Want to start the New Year off right with a glowing complexion? One of my favorite tricks for age-defying beauty comes in the form of sheet masks, long popular in Asia and now becoming increasingly trendy in other countries. No, they’re not bed linen draped on your face, but an innovative way to ensure that essential ingredients can be easily delivered to your skin, all with much less fuss and mess than goopy masks you apply with your fingers and then have to scrub off. They’re also great revitalizers after a long flight (and since they’re individually wrapped, they’re super-portable) or when your skin is particularly stressed. “Since sheet masks are closer to serums than your typical regular face masks in a jar,” explains Ling of Ling Skincare, “this allows the smaller molecules to absorb into your skin to treat your skincare concerns. The ingredients are delivered continuously for 15-20 minutes without evaporation.” So sit back, relax, and take a selfie while you’re masking. You’ll look amazing afterward.
1. KARUNA AGE-DEFYING FACE MASK
You’ll feel like you’re in a spa when you use one of Karuna’s sheet masks, made from ingredient-infused wood pulp. Simply peel off the backing, apply to your face, and go lie down for 10-20 minutes. When you’re done, peel it off, rub in any excess serum, and you’re good to go. Trust me, you’ll have the glow. Use once a month or once a week for more intensive treatment.
Buy a set of 4 for $28 at karunaskin.com
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2. LING SKINCARE GINSENG COLLAGEN INFUSION MASK
When you want a super-boost of vital nutrients, try the LING Skincare Ginseng Collagen Infusion Mask. It’s a luxurious cotton mask loaded with ginseng to revive and tone, collagen to firm, and hyaluronic acid for soothing and extra hydration.
Buy it for $18 at lingskincare.com
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3. REME + G HOME PEELING 3-STEP KIT
This is a multi-purpose mask kit that is ideal for anyone who is feeling blotchy or wants to lessen the look of age spots or hyperpigmentation. The first step is an AHA-laden swap to swipe away dead skin cells; the second is a serum to brighten skin; and the third is a moisturizing and soothing mask saturated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Have fun!
Buy a set of 10 for $28.99 at eBay.com
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4. WHAMISA SHEET MASKS
The Korean brand Whamisa has two unique sheet masks. The Organic Sea Kelp mask is made from sea kelp and bamboo serum—don’t worry and don’t be squeamish about putting kelp on your face; the mask might be bright green (and although it contains no fabric at all, it will stick to your skin) but it smells faintly of tea and is fantastic for brightening, smoothing, and hydration. You’ll definitely notice a glow. The Organic Flowers & Aloe Vera Fermented Hydrogel Facial Mask is formulated with fermented organic flower extracts and aloe vera for calming and moisturizing dull and blah skin. This brand is the bomb!
Buy the Sea Kelp mask for $14 and the Flowers & Aloe Vera mask for $9 at glowrecipe.com
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5. LINDSAY MODELING RUBBER MASK
Technically not a typical sheet mask, this is still one of my favorite masks ever, and you’ll see why. Inspired by cup noodles, this mask comes as a cup full of powder. Add water, stir, and apply. It quickly turns into rubber and easily peels right off when it’s dry. The Charcoal mask is super for deep cleaning and getting rid of impurities, and the Calendula is anti-inflammatory and healing (especially for acne). It’s a great way to get your teens to use a therapeutic mask because it’s so much fun.
Buy it for $6 (a set of 3 is $15) at glow recipe.com
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6. GIVENCHY LE SOIN LACE FACE MASK
Okay, okay, I couldn’t end this month’s entry without mentioning this absolutely drop-dead gorgeous mask with the absolutely drop-dead price. It’s infused with black algae sap concentrate to rejuvenate cells and reduce signs of aging. Would I ever pay this much for a beauty product? No way. But it sure is glam.
Buy a set of 4 for $330 at net-a-porter.com
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A helpful hint: Masks that are hydrating are usually super-wet as they are drenched in their essential ingredients, but you still don’t want them to dry out once you put them on. “Sheet masks create a barrier to intensively infuse the skin with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients,” Ling explains, “but when the sheet mask dries out it will start sucking moisture out of your skin.” Be sure to set a timer and follow instructions carefully. And don’t forget to use all the extra serum in the packet—either rub in into your skin first, or apply it later in the day. It’s too precious to waste!
