SHEETMASKING 101: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SHEET MASK

If there's one K-beauty product most skincare enthusiasts are familiar with, it's the sheet mask. They provide the instant gratification we all want from skincare. Over-exfoliated? Pop on a sheet mask! Sunburned or haven't slept? Try a sheet mask. Spa night with the girls? Sheet masks for all! But how do you make the most of that little sachet of goodness? Read on for some tips to take your sheetmasking to the next level.

Make sure you start with a clean face

While this pointer seems obvious, it's still worth mentioning! Before starting your masking sesh, double cleanse to make sure all makeup, sunscreen, dirt and grime from the day have been removed from your face. Bonus points if you really want to make it into a facial night and exfoliate too. This will help all that lovely hydration absorb faster, and result in super soft, plump skin.

A post shared by Shani Darden (@shanidarden) on Jan 20, 2018 at 11:10am PST

Put it in the fridge

... or run the (unopened) sheet mask package under warm water. Changing up the temperature can super-charge your sheet mask. Plenty of studies have indicated that cooling down your face aids in diminishing inflammation and puffiness, and has anti-aging benefits. This is one of my favourite things to do in the summer heat - nothing is more refreshing than some iced tea (or wine...) and a cooling sheet mask during a heat wave. On the flip side, one of my friends hates to sheet mask in winter due to how cold the mask can be, so a solution for that is warming it a little by running it under some warm water while still in the sealed package. Masking bliss!

Don't waste a drop of that skin-boosting essence

Most sheet masks have around 30mls of essence in the package, which is the same amount as a standard size serum. You can make the most of this leftover goodness by massaging it into your neck, décolletage, hands and arms, all areas that age just as fast as the facial skin but don't get nearly as much skincare love! Massaging these areas can also improve circulation, help with fluid retention, and is a wonderful way to de-stress and relax after a busy day. You can also extend the wear time of your sheet mask by lifting it and adding the extra essence while still masking, or massaging it into your face once you've removed the sheet mask.

Shower with your sheet mask on

This not only helps shorten your routine at the end of the day if you're eager to get to bed or binge your favourite netflix series, but the steam from the shower will also help you get maximum absorption of all that hydrating goodness from the sheet mask. This works well in the sauna too. Glowing, plump skin is guaranteed!

Sheet mask after your serums and oils

Many people tend to use a sheet mask straight after cleansing or exfoliating skin, and follow up with serum and moisturiser afterwards. While this does work well, the alternative is to use a sheet mask after serums and ampoules. It is easier for all that goodness to absorb on damp skin (think of a slightly damp sponge and how much more easily it absorbs water than a bone dry sponge) so your result will be hydrated, healthy, glowing skin. Another option, if you have very dry skin, is to apply a pure plant oil such as rosehip or argan prior to your sheet mask for next level glow! If you do have dry skin, remember to seal it all in with moisturiser or a sleeping pack once you've removed the sheet mask.

A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Jul 29, 2015 at 1:11am PDT

Prep skin before a night out with your favorite sheet mask

One of my favourite ways to ensure flawless makeup application is to use a sheet mask for 15 minutes before I apply makeup. Your base products will go on so much more smoothly if their canvas is hydrated and plump, and will last longer too.

First step towards a better skin, masking. 😎

A post shared by Aimee Song (@songofstyle) on Jan 1, 2018 at 8:42pm PST

Have you tried any of these sheet mask hacks before? If you do try them, let me know how it goes in the comments below!