I'm not someone who has an addictive personality but I might just have a slight addiction to sheet masks. I've been using them on and off for a number of years but lately sheet masking has become more of a frequent step.I prefer them to wash off type facial masks because you can skip the washing afterwards. I follow a multi-step Asian skincare routine and usually apply sheet masks 4 - 5 times a week. The positive results on my skin encourage me to keep it up because better skin equals less makeup. I use a variety of sheet masks and definitely have some favorites which are mostly from Korean brands with specific functions and natural and nourishing ingredients. I'm also attracted to unusual ingredients like snail mucin, propolis and horse oil. When Masks had caught my eye at Sephora so I was thrilled when I had opportunity to try them out.
About the Brand: J.C People is the Korean based company behind the When brand. When Masks were launched in July 2011 as premium face masks using advanced bio-cellulose technology for superior adhesion and hydrating effects. The company maintains a philosophy that "Beauty is skin deep." and their mission is to develop and deliver sustainable, high value, effective and reliable products with innovative functions and creative design.
Product Claims: When Masks are made with an all-natural bio-cellulose sheet from coconuts. The bio-cellulose is super lightweight and gentle enough that it can be used to treat burn patients. The bio-cellulose sheet can also hold 100 times it's weight of essence which is 10x more than fabric or paper mask sheets. The bio-cellulose sheet delivers essence to skin with minimum wastage by maintaining exceptional dermal contact. When Masks are vegan and gluten-free and formulated without any parabens, sulfates and phthalates.
There are currently five different When Masks available that address various skin concerns:
Travelmate
Best for refreshing and restoring moisture to skin on the go.This mask is infused with a serum containing hyaluronic acid, saccharide isomerate, and ginseng extracts to restore skin health and chamomile and Swiss Alpine herb extracts to soothe.
10:00 PM
Best for restoring and rejuvenating tired and worn out skin. This mask is infused with a serum containing hyaluronic acid and ginseng extracts to keep skin healthy, and watermelon extract and collagen to improve skin elasticity.
Snow Magic
Best for brightening dull skin and adding a glow. This mask is infused with a serum containing hyaluronic acid and ginseng extracts to keep skin healthy, and niacinamide for brighter, glowing skin. Moisturizing aloe vera and arbutin extracts help create and maintain a beautiful glow.
Glamour Base
Best for prepping skin for makeup. This mask is infused with a serum containing hyaluronic acid and ginseng extracts to keep skin healthy, and adenosine, collagen, and peptides to help improve elasticity and create even toned and supple looking skin.
The Last Choice
Best for extremely dry and dehydrated skin. This mask is infused with a serum containing hyaluronic acid and saccharide isomerate to deeply hydrate, and ginseng extracts to keep skin healthy and soft.
Packaging: When Masks are packaged in standard single use sheet mask packets.
Price: $7 per mask (23 mL / 0.8 fl oz) , $28 for a pack of 4, $35 for special set with all 5
How to Use: Use after cleansing and drying your face. Unfold the three layers of sheets. Remove the paper and the film, and place the mask sheet on the face. Adjust and smooth out the mask. Leave on for 30 minutes. Remove and discard the mask and massage remaining serum into your face and neck. Let dry and follow with your usual skincare routine.
My Impressions: I received a special package with all 5 When Masks. As a longtime sheet mask user, I was excited that these made from bio-cellulose which I'm a big fan of since the coconut gel material feels like second skin and stays put so that the benefits are continuously delivered to your skin while you have it on. I tried The Last Choice and the Snow Magic. The mask sheet is thin but substantial and generously soaked with serum. When I took it it out of the package there was still a decent amount of serum left inside which I patted onto my face before applying the mask. Some people save the extra serum to use at another time and some people apply it after removing the mask. The overall size and the cutouts were a pretty good fit for my face. The eye area could've been a little smaller but this didn't really bother me.The mask adhered well so I was able to move about freely for the duration I had it on my face without it slipping or moving at all. This is a big must for any good sheet mask as far as I'm concerned because I can't always stop what I'm doing when I have one on. Both masks had a barely discernible herbal/floral scent which I didn't even notice after i put them on. There was still a thin layer of serum on my face after removing the mask which was easily absorbed with a light massage. It didn't feel sticky which is the worst. And I experienced no sensitivity or irritation while using them. The two masks I used did match up to their claims. My face felt deeply hydrated and supple after using The Last Choice and radiant and refreshed after the Snow Magic. I could also see visible results from both the next morning. These are well made masks that deliver on their claims. When Masks are mid range in terms of price. I've paid anywhere from $1.50 to $18 for a single sheet mask so these are reasonable considering they're pleasant to use and actually work. I look forward to trying the other 3.
When Masks can be found at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Birchbox, Anthropologie and Ricky's. To learn more you can visit the brand's website or connect with them on social media.
Do you use sheet masks as part of your skincare routine? Any favorites?
