As some of you may know… Korean skin care is growing to be more popular in the states every day. Unlike most people in the U.S., I was able to see it all up close. I lived in Korea for two years during high school and all I can say is, boy do they love their skincare. My mom, who still is living there, has quickly caught on with the trend and it seems like every time I call her, she’s raving about some new amazing product or tool she found to add to her long skin routine (which I’ll let you know is about 15 minutes long, day and night). Sounds crazy, right? But… I have noticed how young and healthy my mom’s skin looks and I admit that I have brought some of these Korean products back home in the states, and to St. Lawrence.
The most useful products I have added to my skin routine have been face masks, so I’ll mostly share with you my top 4 favorites. Some of these face masks are a little pricier than others, but I personally think it is so worth it every once and a while!! All of these masks are sheet masks, which means they aren’t the clay-like mixture you apply with your fingers/a brush. They are a sheet that is laid over your whole face, with mouth and eye holes. Before putting on any mask, I would suggest washing your face with whatever cleanser you use. Then, apply the mask right after. There is a fair amount of moisture in most masks so I personally skip my face cream all together (but that’s up to you). While you have each face mask on, you shouldn’t’ be moving around much because it will slide off your face. Therefore, this is the perfect time to take a break, sit/lay down and relax. You deserve it!!
- Tony Moly’s Gold Snail Hydro Gel Mask: This mask comes with two parts, a chin section (which I put on first) and then a forehead and cheek section (which I put on second). The mask is tinted gold and will feel super gooey to the touch. Leave the mask on for about 30-40 minutes and once it’s off, massage the extra gel into your face. It’ll feel pretty sticky on your face but that’s normal. One mask is about $8-10 in the U.S. and if you simply look it up online, it’ll tell you where you can get one (I get them in Korea still so I’ve never known exactly where to buy them here).
- SKII Facial Treatment Mask: These masks are actually from a Japanese company, but they are sold everywhere in Korea. You’ll do the same thing as you did for the Gold Snail mask, but there is simply one sheet, instead of two parts. This one is extremely goopy, which might throw you off at first, but I promise it does wonders. I’d suggest leaving it on for about 30-40 minutes and rubbing in the extra gel afterwards also. Since this one is so goopy, I used to rub in some of the gel and lightly rinse off the rest because I couldn’t stand the stickiness. But after time, you’ll get used to the feeling and rub all of it in because it’s doing great things for you face!! My mom suggests rubbing it down your neck as well, if you have too much left. One mask is about $17 in U.S. and you can get it at Sephora. I do suggest treating yourself at least once to try it out, but since it’s so pricey, I’d save it for a special day or night!
- Tony Moly’s I’m Real Rice Mask Sheet Clear Skin: Now we’re jumping into masks you can use more commonly. I’ve struggled with acne throughout high school and college, and although the previous two masks greatly help my skin, I just can’t use them as often as I’d like to. This mask is about $3.50 in the U.S. and I know you can get them at Ulta, Sephora, and Urban Outfitters. I personally love the “Clear Skin” mask but all of Tony Moly’s I’m Real Sheet Masks are great depending on what you need for your face. They have tons of different types like moisturizing, skin soothing, hydrating, brightening, and more. You also only need to keep them on for about 25 minutes so if you’re in a time crunch, it’s perfect!
- Dr. Jart’s Clearing Solution Sheet Mask: The brand Dr. Jart is not a Korean brand either, but is sold in multiple of their stores. These masks are about $9 in the U.S. and you can purchase them at Sephora. I personally love the Clearing Solution mask but just like Tony Moly, they have multiple other types for whatever you’re looking for. These masks should be worn for about 30 minutes.
Now I’m not going to lie to you, you’ll look somewhat crazy and scary wearing these masks. But if you’re confident enough, I would highly suggest doing them on any long plane flight. I’ve done one on every 14-hour flight to and from Korea and although I got some weird looks, it’s so nice to do and your face will thank you!! There are sooo many other face masks to try, whether they are Korean or not, and I definitely suggest finding the time to do them every once and a while. Your skin won’t magically change overnight, but they really can help it stay clear and healthy! And if you ever get the chance to visit Seoul, South Korea, make sure you explore their skin care, it’ll be worth it!