There's a reason sheet masks are having a moment. Not only are they loaded with powerful ingredients that target virtually any skin care concern, but the paper-thin sheets make clean-up a breeze. They're great for travel and seriously work.
If sheet masks don't already have a home in your beauty arsenal, it's time to reconsider. "Sheet masks offer a convenient way to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients to the skin," explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. "There are masks on the market for everyone — masks that help brighten, hydrate, detoxify and calm the skin, depending on your skin's need."
Because sheet masks are so targeted and easy to use, they're ideal for using before (or after!) a big night out. Whether it's a first date, important business dinner or your best friend's wedding, the right sheet mask can give you the extra boost of radiance or hydration your skin needs. Here are some top-rated sheet masks that work in a matter of minutes.
Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Mask, $35, might scare the crap out of your roommate, but they'll surely be amazed by its results. Infused with detoxifying ingredients like Korean charcoal, spearmint extract and arginine, it works hard over the course of just 15-30 minutes to clarify and unclog pores, improve elasticity, soothe blemishes and remove excess sebum. It's a favorite of New York dermatologist and Realself advisor, Dr. Michele S. Green, who says it's ideal for all skin types, even for those with dry or combination skin, since the ingredients are not too drying.
If you're battling breakouts just before a big night out, you don't have much time for heavy-duty extracting (which is best left up to an esthetician anyway). The safest bet is to target the blemishes with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, which plays a starring role in this single-use paper mask. "In addition to salicylic acid, which targets active pimples and keeps new ones from forming, Yes To Tomatoes Acne Fighting Paper Mask, $3.29, is rich in antioxidants, namely tomato extract," says Green. You can't argue with that price tag either!
Whether it's due to a long work day or a serious snooze deficit, even makeup has a hard time hiding tired-looking skin. That's where this mask comes in handy. The ideal pick-me-up for your complexion, Purlisse's Green Tea + Vitamin C Brightening Sheet Mask, $36, is infused with antioxidants, like green tea, vitamin C and restorative Asian botanicals that nourish your skin while fighting free radicals from the environment that cause dullness. In addition to smoothing and firming, it helps brighten skin for a more youthful, glowing complexion.
If you love the plump, hydrated look of your skin post-facial, Feel Beauty Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask, $35, is for you. It offers deep cleansing and detoxification by extracting excess oil, bacteria, grease and grime from your pores. The pack comes with four face masks that should last you a month, each saturated with charcoal and hyaluronic acid to yield spa-like results. Simply pop one on for 10 minutes and rub the essence into your skin to hydrate, plump and prep your skin pre-makeup.
