IN THE 10 years I’ve been working in the beauty industry, my opinions on many products have changed.
But one has remained steadfast: sheet masks are a waste of , not to mention awful for the environment.
So, what I’m about to say makes me potentially the biggest hypocrite in town – I’ve developed an obsession with Anua Peach 70 Niacin Brightening Collagen Mask, £16 for four .
You can use it as a mask and wear it overnight, but I find it goes from opaque to translucent in a couple of hours as the product is absorbed, so I tend to use it in the evening as I wind down.
This sleep mask gives the glowing results of a facial at home Credit: Anua
Anua Peach 70 Niacin Brightening Collagen Mask, £16 for four
My face immediately looks calmer, with the redness and size of breakouts reduced, while my skin overall is more glowy – an effect that lasts for days after use, not just hours.
A few weeks after I’d fallen head over heels for it, I landed a visit to Mina Lee , holistic facialist to the stars, including and .
Her 90-minute Bespoke Healing Facials cost from £700 a pop – and even if you can afford that, she has a two-year waiting list.
Award-winning facialist Mina Lee has a two-year waiting list Credit: Mina Lee
As well as working her magic through a combo of massage, LED treatments and a bespoke product ritual chosen to combat my skin issues, Mina also used breathwork and chakra healing, so I walked out feeling like I’d done six months of therapy.
Plus, she’s a Korean beauty expert, and I discovered she also rates Anua highly – unsurprising, as its K-beauty sheet mask is the closest I’ve got to recreating the glow she gave me at home.
In the past, sheet masks solely focused on hydration, and as far as I was concerned, they were no more than an expensive way to apply a serum.
However, this latest breed of sheet masks are a completely new experience, making a noticeable difference to a plethora of skin concerns in one use.
Since my Anua revelation three months ago, I’ve put at least 30 different masks to the test.
These are the ones I’ve returned to time and again…
Pioneers of the opaque-to-translucent format, Biodance has many variations, but this is Tara’s top pick Credit: Biodance
Biodance Refreshing Sea Kelp Real Deep Mask, £15 for four
K-beauty brand Biodance is responsible for putting the new generation of sheet masks on the map, and it has five variations to choose from, depending on your goals.
The balancing Biodance Refreshing Sea Kelp Real Deep Mask, £15 for four, is my favourite, as it doesn’t cause breakouts and gives a glow that’s not sticky or greasy.
The mask is super-thin, so you need to be careful when positioning it as it’s prone to tearing.
But once you’ve got it in place, it stays put, which is just as well because I toss and turn a lot in my sleep, and the brand advises overnight use.
L’Oreal’s Glass Skin Mask lifts and tightens in one use Credit: L'Oréal Paris
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Glass Skin Hydrogel Glow Mask, £4.99
For the price point alone, it’s worth trying L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Glass Skin Hydrogel Glow Mask, £4.99 .
It’s quite slippery at first, so best applied when you can sit still for half an hour while it sets in place.
After the 90-minute wear time, skin feels lifted and tighter – with a glass-like glow as the name suggests, making it great to use before a big event.
It’s not the most nourishing, but you can apply moisturiser to combat that if needed.
This clever Dr Jart+ hydro-gel masks absorbs within just one hour Credit: Dr Jart+
Dr Jart+ Hydro Firming Mask Hydrolyzed Collagen with Hyaluronic Acid, £8.50
If speed is your main priority, then Dr Jart+ Hydro Firming Mask Hydrolyzed Collagen with Hyaluronic Acid, £8.50 , is the quickest mask on the market – turning translucent in just an hour once all the product is absorbed.
It instantly makes my skin softer, creating a smooth base for that lasts for days, while also hydrating dry patches.
My conscience still has trouble accepting these are all single use – even when the mask is biodegradable material, there’s still the outer packaging to consider, which is mostly going to landfill – so I’m only going to use them before a special occasion or if I need some serious TLC.
Byoma’s Bio-Collagen Radiance Face Mask is the best multi-use sheet mask alternative Credit: Byoma
Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask, £16.99
The rest of the time, I’ll be relying on Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask , £16.99 – a gel that you apply directly to skin, which dries down over 20 minutes, going from opaque to translucent before you peel it off.
It’s just like the sheet masks, but with less waste, as you get around 15 uses from the one tub.
How’s that for a bit of compromise?
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
