Mask of the Week: Holika Holika Pure Essence Rice Mask Sheet Review

Rice in skincare isn’t new and an ingredient I love (both to eat and use on my face). Skin softening, collagen-boosting, texture-smoothing, and brightening, rice does it all! 

I bought Holika Holika’s Pure Rice Essence Sheet Mask because 1) I like rice and 2) I liked the packaging. I’ve said it so many times before, but I’m a sucker for good packaging. I’ve previously tried a Holika Holika sheet mask and wasn’t that impressed by it. Sure, it was hydrating, but that was it. I was hoping this mask was different, and it was! 

The Specifics:

Condition of my skin: Textured and dry from using retinol the night before. 

Skin Prep: Double cleansed and prepped my skin with a tea tree toner. 

Brand: Holika Holika

Claims: “A brightening sheet mask. Lightening dark spots, Pure Essence Mask Sheet Rice brightens the complexion and fights pigmentation. Suitable for sensitive skin, the nourishing sheet mask soaks the skin with gentle, moisturizing ingredients for increased elasticity and smoothness with reduced irritation.” (x) 

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Arginine, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, PVM/MA Copolymer, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed, Viola Tricolor Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Disodium EDTA

Affordability: I paid under $2.00 CDN for this mask on eBay, and I think it’s worth the price. For what it did for my skin, under two dollars was a steal. 

Smell: This is where the mask betrayed me. The essence smelled very strongly of medicinal herbs. I found it overwhelming, and the scent didn’t dissipate. 

Texture of the essence/serum: The essence was clear and slightly viscous. The essence was non-tacky and absorbed into the skin. The mask held a lot of essence but wasn’t dripping with it, and there was essence leftover in the pouch. 

Texture/material of the sheet mask: The material of the mask was thin and almost translucent fabric. It contoured my face better than other sheet masks I’ve used and didn’t need to be readjusted. It held the essence well. 

Duration: I wore the mask for 20 minutes. 

Does it meet its claims: Once I took off the sheet mask and looked in the mirror, I was in awe. Sure, the results weren’t miraculous, but they were still impressive. The texture of my skin was smoother, plump, and well hydrated, and my face was radiant. Regarding dark spots, I’ve never met a mask or skincare product that immediately lightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation so I wasn’t expecting it to address those issues. 

What I like: I like how effective the sheet mask was. My face was so smooth, soft, radiant, and supple. My other skincare products glided on effortlessly, and the essence wasn’t tacky. 

What I don’t like: The scent threw me off. I didn’t like it. It was too strong and overpowering; I’m not a fan of medicinal herby smells. Though the scent was strong, it wasn’t irritating on my skin. 

Repurchase: Yes, I would gladly repurchase this mask and would love to try out the other varieties in the lineup. I’m curious to see if they’re as effective as this sheet mask. 

Recommend: I highly recommend this sheet mask. Regardless of your skin type, I think this mask will suit everyone. It was hydrating without being heavy, and it smoothed and softened the skin and left it radiant. It was a wonderful sheet mask to use. 

Final thoughts: I went into using this sheet mask with no preconceived notions. I was tired and looking forward to relaxing for twenty minutes before getting on with my day. At first, I was going to rate this mask a 4.5 because the scent was so overpowering. But after seeing the effects it had on my skin, the rating got bumped up to a 5. 

Rating: 5/5

• softened the skin
• left the skin more radiant
• very hydrating
• mask contoured well to the face
• layered well under other skincare products 
• didn’t leave the face tacky
• strong medicinal herbaceous scent 

Mask of the Week: A’PIEU Real Big Yogurt One Bottle Strawberry Sheet Mask

I haven’t felt like using a sheet mask in a few days. Shocking and not a great idea, considering I have two large boxes filled to the brim with sheet masks to use up before they expire. But this morning, I woke up and decided to treat myself and have a slow morning. With an iced latte in hand, I laid back and let the sheet mask do its magic. 

I love A’PIEU. They make sheet masks with super gimmicky and cute packaging. But are they effective? Yes! Every single sheet mask I’ve tried has worked wonders for my skin, and it’s why A’PIEU is one of my trusted brands for sheet masks. 

I’m always hesitant to put anything dairy near my face. I once used a strawberry yoghurt cream mask (store-bought) that broke me out instantly and burned my face. So I was a little apprehensive to use this one because of the lactobacillus present. But once again, A’PIEU changed my mind. 

The Specifics:

Condition of my skin: One healing blemish. Otherwise, dehydrated skin. 

Skin Prep: Double cleansed and prepped my skin with Belif’s Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner. 

Brand: A’PIEU

Claims: “The A’pieu Real Big Yogurt One Bottle masks contain star ingredients yogurt and lactobacillus to nourish and hydrate the skin while strengthening the skin’s barrier by increasing cell regeneration. It’s formulated with an L-cell sheet, which offers a soft Tencel to provide full adherence to the skin. This ensures your skin is absorbing all the benefits of the mask! The Strawberry fruit extract is full of antioxidants and Vitamin C to brighten the skin.” (x) 

Ingredients:  Aqua, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glycerin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tromethamine, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Yogurt Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Oligopeptide-29, Nonapeptide-1, Parfum

Affordability: I paid $2.00 CDN for this sheet mask. I think it’s affordable since A’PIEU makes great sheet masks. 

Smell: The essence smells so delicious! A creamy strawberry milk scent that is very light and not overwhelming at all. It’s faint and non-irritating on my face. 

Texture of the essence/serum: The essence is watery and clear. The mask is drenched in essence and there was a lot of essence leftover in the pouch. The essence is instantly absorbed into the face and doesn’t leave the skin tacky or sticky. 

Texture/material of the sheet mask: A thin fabric mask that holds the essence well. It contoured my face and didn’t slip or need re-adjusting. Like Dr. Jart+ sheet masks, there is a plastic film folded along with the sheet mask that prevents the mask from sticking together and makes it easier to peel apart. 

Duration: I wore the mask for 20 minutes. 

Does it meet its claims: While it didn’t brighten my face as it claimed, it was very hydrating and it plumped my skin. It didn’t leave my face tacky and the essence left my skin hydrated and supple. 

What I like:  I liked how refreshing it was to use and how quickly the essence sunk into my skin. It didn’t leave my skin tacky and left it supple and hydrated, making it easy to layer the rest of my skincare on top. I love the smell. It reminds me of the strawberry Pocky snacks I buy. 

What I don’t like: I liked everything about this mask. 

Repurchase: Yes, I will definitely repurchase this mask. I never hesitate to purchase A’PIEU masks and will spend more than I usually spend on sheet masks because I know they’re going to be great. 

Recommend: If you haven’t tried out the rest of the Big Yogurt One Bottle varieties, I recommend you do. If you have dry skin or are just looking for more hydration in your routine, you have to try this sheet mask! I recommend keeping it in the fridge before using it so it’s extra refreshing. 

Final thoughts: A’PIEU sheet masks always smell amazing, their packaging is always A+, and the masks are effective. It’s been a few hours since using this mask and my skin is still hydrated and soft. I don’t know why I’m always shocked and impressed every time I use one of A’PIEU’s sheet masks but consider me happily impressed using this one. 

Rating: 5/5

• smells faintly of strawberry milk
• very hydrating
• fragrance is non-irritating
• mask drenched in essence
• lots of leftover essence in the pouch
• leaves skin smooth, soft, and supple
• doesn’t leave skin tacky

Mask of the Week: Nature Republic Real Nature Chamomile Sheet Mask

I’ve been feeling awful lately, so anxious and worried about everything that I’ve been struggling to function. Last night, I couldn’t sleep and stayed up most of the night just worrying about things I couldn’t change. It’s a bad habit, I know. 

This morning I woke up exhausted and groggy and almost skipped my morning skincare routine. But I dragged myself through it, and now I feel more awake and functional. 

I love chamomile; I love it in my skincare and in tea. It’s relaxing. I used this sheet mask to prep my skin, and while it was relaxing to lie down for twenty minutes, a part of me was bored by it.

The Specifics:

Condition of my skin: A few blemishes that are healing. 

Skin Prep: Double cleansed and prepped my skin with my homemade green tea and witch hazel toner. 

Brand: Nature Republic

Claims: “Mild soothing delivered by Egyptian chamomile. Comfortably smooth rough skin with chamomile extract.” (x) 

Ingredients:  Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Trehalose, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Arginine, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PVM/MA Copolymer, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Leaf Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

Affordability: I paid $1.99 CDN for this sheet mask. 

Smell: Upon opening the pouch, I got a faint whiff of fresh florals that was overtaken by a strong scent of alcohol. The alcohol was almost overwhelming but dissipated once the sheet mask was on my face. 

Texture of the essence/serum: The essence was clear, watery, and non-sticky. There was a lot of essence drenched in the mask and at the bottom of the pouch. 

Texture/material of the sheet mask: Thin cellulose material that held the essence well and contoured my face without slipping. 

Duration: I wore the mask for 20 minutes. 

Does it meet its claims: I found the mask to be hydrating and plumping. It smoothed the texture of my face. 

What I like: The mask had a slight cooling effect that I found to be refreshing. I liked how much essence was in the mask and in the pouch. I liked how there was chamomile and honeysuckle extract in the essence too. 

What I don’t like: I found the alcohol in the essence to be a little harsh on my senses and overwhelming. It tingled on my face which I didn’t find soothing. The essence also left my face tacky for a few minutes. I continued with the rest of my skincare and it took around ten minutes for the tackiness to dissipate. 

Repurchase: If I’m in a bind and I can’t find other (better) masks to purchase, I would repurchase this one. That being said, I wouldn’t hunt this sheet mask down or pay more than $2 CDN for it. 

Recommend: Yes but don’t break your bank buying it. 

Final thoughts: I did find this mask relaxing and refreshing to use. I thought it had a nice cooling effect and it left my face plump, smooth, and hydrated. 

Rating: 3.5/5

• nice cooling effect
• plumps, hydrates, and smoothes the skin
• chamomile and honeysuckle extract
• the essence contains alcohol
• essence leaves the face a little tacky

Mask of the Week: MEDIHEAL Acai Berry Vita Sheet Mask

I’ve been feeling anxious lately (for a variety of reasons). It has come to a point that sometimes I’m so anxious I feel sick. It’s pretty terrible. To offset the anxious thoughts, I’ve been trying to do more skincare self-care. Focus on taking care of myself, even when I don’t want to. 

I’m hoping things will start looking up (I keep saying that and so far, nothing yet), but if things get worse, I’ll just have to offset the negative with trying to be more hopeful. Even if it kills me. 

Today’s sheet mask had gimmicky and flashy packaging, and even if it was a terrible mask, I was going to use it to treat myself. Thankfully, it wasn’t terrible. Read below for my thoughts on it!

The Specifics:

Condition of my skin: I have a few blemishes on my cheeks. 

Skin Prep: Double cleansed and prepped my skin with my homemade green tea and witch hazel toner. 

Brand: MEDIHEAL

Claims: “Moisturizing, Illuminating. Euterpe Oleracea (Açaí Berry) Fruit Extract and Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract nourish, revitalize, and moisturize skin.” (x)

Ingredients:  Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Betaine, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Wheat Amino Acids, Natto Gum, Fragrance

Affordability: I paid under $3 CDN for the mask. 

Smell: A very subtle fresh berry scent. It smells refreshing and light and dissipates on the face. The fragrance did not irritate my skin. 

Texture of the essence/serum: The essence was clear and watery. On the face, it sinks well into the skin and doesn’t leave the face tacky or sticky. 

Texture/material of the sheet mask: The material is a transparent and thin fabric. Despite the thinness of the material of the mask, it holds the essence well and becomes almost jelly-like. 

Duration: I wore the mask for 20 minutes. 

Does it meet its claims: I found the mask hydrating and refreshing. It plumped my skin and made it more radiant but I didn’t find it moisturizing. 

What I like: I loved the jelly-like feel of the mask and how much essence was soaked in the mask. I liked how the mask contoured my face and didn’t need to be readjusted. I know I’m anti-fragrance (for the most part) but I enjoyed the scent of the mask. It was very light but refreshing. This mask layered well under other skincare products and didn’t leave my skin tacky. I loved the packaging of the mask. I’m all for flashy and bright packaging and sure, the whole ‘acai berry’ trend is gimmicky too but I liked it. 

What I don’t like: I wish the mask was more moisturizing. 

Repurchase:  Yes but I wouldn’t pay more than $3 CDN on the mask. 

Recommend: I would definitely recommend this mask to try out when you want something to plump your skin and make your face more radiant. Just be warned that it’s not as moisturizing as it claims. 

Final thoughts: While this mask didn’t overwhelm me, I did enjoy using it and am glad I bought a second one. It smelled nice, toned my face, and left it radiant and plump. Though it wasn’t moisturizing, it layered well under my nightly skincare products. Since it left my skin so plump and hydrated, I found my other skincare products were easily spreadable and absorbed well into my skin because of this mask. 

Rating: 4/5

• smells of fresh berries
• hydrating and plumping
• tones the face
• mask heavy with essence
• not moisturizing

Mask of the Week: Dr. Jart Vital Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Sheet Mask

If I could lament on my skin for just a self-indulgent second, I would say “why am I forsaken with broken capillaries, pigmentation from acne scars and sun damage, and rosy cheeks?” My skin isn’t terrible but at the moment, it’s not too great. 

I started to incorporate retinol in my routine again and though it’s a gentle percentage of retinol, my skin still hates it. I tried a 1% retinol oil and my skin instantly revolted. Now I’m using a .5% and it’s gentler but still, the purging is nonstop. I’m convinced retinol is trying to do me in and ruin me but I’m just being overly dramatic and paranoid. 

I also used a new toner last week with the hope that my skin would love the honey and propolis but it did not. I’m still unsure if it was the new cleanser or the toner. Yes, I know. Don’t try two new products at the same time. But I was impatient. So now I have some red spots that refuse to fade to deal with. I’ve also been slacking on using my AHA toner to help with the pigmentation and cell turnover. 

Overall, my skin isn’t at its best. That being said, I learned more about my skin and fine-tuning my routine over the past month of skin troubles. 

Enter Dr. Jart. 

A trustworthy brand and one of my favourites that I often don’t reach for but rely on when my skin is rebelling. It’s not an affordable brand, by any means. But it is about quality and results. So when I have reactive or dehydrated skin, I reach for Dr. Jart. I trust the brand because I know I’ll get reliable and good results. It’s not a flashy brand with gimmicky packaging (I do love gimmicky aesthetics) but it’s about the contents within. And I respect that. 

I plan on using retinol tonight and one thing I’ve learned about retinol is that it is harsh and drying to my skin. So when I do use it, I always make sure to prep my skin with hydration and moisturizers. Sheet masks are so important when I use retinol but with my skin healing right now, I need a sheet mask that isn’t filled with fragrance that will irritate my sensitized skin. 

Vital Hydra Solution deep hydrating sheet mask by Dr. Jart is exactly what my skin needed. 

The Specifics:

Condition of my skin: Dry after using retinol the night before. 

Skin Prep: Double cleansed and prepped my skin with my homemade green tea and witch hazel toner. 

Brand: Dr. Jart

Claims: “A cellulose sheet mask that deeply hydrates and replenishes skin’s moisture levels. Aquaxyl: Derived from plant glucose; replenishes and protects vital moisture in your skin. Xylitol: Hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier by preventing water loss. Oligo-hyaluronic Acid: Supports moisturization.” (x)

Ingredients:  Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Panthenol, Betaine, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Algae Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Chlorphenesin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Arginine, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil.

Affordability:  I bought this mask on sale for $3.99 CDN. 

Smell: There was slight alcohol and floral scent to the mask. It was very faint but I did catch a whiff of it when wearing the mask. 

Texture of the essence/serum: The serum is thick, viscous, and clear. 

Texture/material of the sheet mask: A thin cellulose sheet mask that was translucent on the face. Though the material of the mask is thin, it was able to hold the serum exceptionally well and clung to my face without me needing to readjust it. 

Duration: I wore the mask for 20 minutes. 

Does it meet its claims: Yes! This was a deeply hydrating mask that plumped and smoothed my skin. It left my skin well moisturized. 

What I like: I like the slight cooling effect of the mask, it was refreshing. I also like how hydrating and moisturizing the mask was, how it clung to my face, how much serum was drenched in the mask, and how much was leftover in the pouch. I am also a fan of how well it plumped my skin. The sheet mask had a plastic liner folded with it so the mask didn’t cling together. I like the thoughtfulness of that. 

What I don’t like:  I’m not too keen on the smell of the serum. To be clear, it was very faint and I only caught a whiff of it when smelling the pouch and for a brief few seconds when applying the mask. It was faint but I could still smell a floral, alcoholic scent. 

Repurchase:  Yes! I’m glad I purchased the mask and I will repurchase it when my skin is dehydrated and in need of a hydro-boost. 

Recommend: Yes. If your skin is dehydrated, dry, or you just want a boost of hydration, I recommend this mask. 

Final thoughts: Though the mask left my skin slightly tacky when applying the rest of my skincare, the products I used glided on my skin smoothly and the tackiness went away. I find Dr. Jart a trustworthy and reliable brand that is in the middle range between high-end and low-end of the spectrum of affordability and luxury. Even the pouch the mask was in had a luxurious feel to it. This mask can be used under makeup and layers well with other skincare products. 

Rating: 5/5

• hydrating and moisturizing
• plumps and smooths the skin
• luxurious mask and pouch
• a ton of leftover serum in the pouch
• a slight cooling effect 
• layers well under skincare products
• alcohol is listed as an ingredient

MISSHA Airy Fit Lemon Sheet Mask

The Specifics:

Condition of my skin: Good condition (no issues). 

Brand: MISSHA

Claims: “Lemon extract brightens the skin with vitamins. ” (x) 

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene glycol, Sodium Carbomer, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Limon(Lemon) Peel Oil, Beta-Glucan. 

Affordability: If I recall, I bought it for $1.99 CDN. 

Smell: A very light citrus scent that you only smell if you smell the serum directly from the pouch. 

Texture of essence/serum: Clear serum; watery and not sticky.

Texture of sheet mask: The sheet mask is drenched with essence, making it feel almost jelly-like. The material is thin and slightly translucent. 

Does it meet its claims: My skin felt so soft, supple, and hydrated afterwards. My skin didn’t look noticeably brighter but it did look glossy and illuminated afterwards.

What I like: I love the texture of the serum and how well it hydrates and absorbs into my skin. I like the material of the sheet mask. It’s thin, smooth, and contours well to my face, and is so drenched in serum that it doesn’t dry out like some sheet masks. 

What I don’t like: Nothing. 

Repurchase: Yes. MISSHA’s Airy Fit Sheet Masks line is one of my favourites. I love the aesthetics and design of the pouch, love the material, and how well the mask works. 

Recommend: Yes, if you’re looking for a hydrating and illuminating mask, try this one out. 

Final thoughts: I love this line of sheet masks because I know they’re effective, reliable, and aren’t strongly scented. My skin loves them too. 

Rating: 5/5

Dr. Jart Dermask Water Jet Soothing Hydra Solution Sheet Mask

The Specifics:

Condition of my skin: Dehydrated and rough. I did an acid peel before using the mask, and my skin was sensitive and red. 

Brand: Dr. Jart

Claims: “This Soothing Hydra Solution Mask is made with fine cellulose fiber to help active ingredients penetrate deeply for ultimate hydration.” (x)

Ingredients:  Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Panthenol, Betaine, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Thuja Orientalis Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Chlorphenesin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium, Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Arginine, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglutamic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Oil.

Affordability:  I paid $20 CDN for five masks, which considering the brand is Dr. Jart, I think the mask is worth the price. 

Smell: Herbaceous and smells like thyme.

Texture of essence/serum: Gel-like and milky consistency. There was a lot of leftover essence at the bottom of the pouch. 

Texture of sheet mask: The cellulose sheet mask’s material is thin, translucent but drenched with essence. It stuck well and contoured to the shape of my face. 

Does it meet its claims: Yes, it hydrated and plumped my skin while not irritating it. 

What I like: I liked the texture of the sheet mask and how drenched it was with essence. The essence wasn’t heavy on my face, but rather, absorbed well. 

There was a thick plastic mask folded with the sheet mask that prevented the mask from sticking together and it made it easy to unfold the mask. 

What I don’t like:  I wasn’t too keen on the thyme/herbaceous scent but I do have to admit it wasn’t overpowering and I’m nitpicking. The sheet mask left my face tacky afterwards but the tackiness disappeared after I layered my serums and moisturizer atop.

Repurchase: Yes. 

Recommend: Yes, especially if you’re skin is irritated, dry, sensitive, and in need of hydration. 

Final thoughts: Overall, I enjoyed using this mask. I find Dr. Jart to be a brand that isn’t gimmicky and highly effective. I know what to expect when I reach for the brand’s masks since they’re reliable and consistent. 

Rating: 4.5/5

Mask of the Week: SNP Fruits Gelato Avocado Sheet Mask

 

Well, here it is, my first low rating review. I was hesitant to review this mask because I rated it so low but I want to be honest. And how honest would it be if I didn’t review products I didn’t like? 

So onto the review! 

Mask of the Week: Missha Airy Fit Red Ginseng Sheet Mask

Condition of my skin: Good but needed a boost of something. 

Brand: Missha

Claims: The power of energizing Red Gingseng to plump and revitalize the skin. 

Affordability:  I bought three of these for $5.80 CDN. I wasn’t expecting much but I was blown away. I think these masks are well worth the price and I would pay more because they are that worth it. 

Smell: Do you like the smell of ginseng? That herbaceous, strong, overpowering, spice scent? This mask was assaulting to the senses. The ginseng was that overpowering. It wasn’t an artificial scent. It was pure good stuff. The scent didn’t irritate my skin. That being said, the scent stayed on the face throughout the twenty minutes and after removing the mask, the scent lingered for most of the morning. For that reason, I do not recommend you use this mask before work or school. You’ll end up smelling like herbs all day. If that’s your goal, you do you. 

Texture:  The mask was soaking with a thick, creamy white essence. There was enough essence to use that evening. The essence is moisturizing (and hydrating!) but not greasy and the essence absorbed into my skin and didn’t leave a tacky feeling behind. 

Does it meet its claims:  Yes! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was so overwhelmed by the results! My skin was instantly plumper, smoother and energized. So far, this is the only mask that has given me that bright and energized look. 

Love or hate?:  LOVE. 

Repurchase: I’ve already repurchased this mask and buy them monthly. I am excessive though. 

Recommend: Go and try it out. I dare you. 

Rating: 

-energizing

-instant results

-drenched in essence

-is moisturizing and hydrating

-has a strong scent of ginseng

Mask of the Week: Skin 19+ Skin Therapy Relaxing Sheet Mask

Hey there, welcome back to another week of masking!

So, I have yet another confession to make. I didn’t wash my face last night. Cue gasping and yelling. I know, I know. I was exhausted and feeling queasy so I just went to bed. This morning, thankfully I didn’t have any breakouts but my skin was drier than the Sahara and rougher than sandpaper. Okay, I’m being a little hyperbolic but you get my point. 

My skin needed therapy and quickly. Plus, I couldn’t seem to get out of bed this morning. Do you ever have mornings where your limbs are heavier than cement and you could sleep the whole day away (if given the chance)? That was me this morning. 

This mask helped my skin tremendously and woke me up! Who needs coffee when they have sheet masks?