Have you tried a hydrogel mask before? Instead of being made with cotton or paper, it's a sheet mask made of gel, often bio-cellulose. While this makes the application process a little tricky and a bit slippery, the benefits are manifold. The gel texture tends to have a cooling, soothing feel, adding a refreshing burst of hydration to your routine. Plus, it really sticks to your face, resulting in less slipping and sliding around.
The only (minor) drawback? Hydrogel masks come with a bit of a learning curve. Most of them are packaged similar to stickers, usually with a backing you peel off once you apply the mask. Some even have protective film on both sides, which can be a little confusing, but once you get the hang of them, you'll find they're worth the extra fumbling. Interested in giving hydrogel masks a try? Here are 11 of our favorites.
Image via @glowrecipe
Glow Recipe created this clear jelly mask to be used in public — you know, in the back of Ubers, on planes, etc. — since not all of us are quite up to the task of whipping out a sheet mask in a public place. Packed with soothing ingredients like watermelon and centella asiatica extracts, it nicely boosts your complexion, even doubling as a great, glowy makeup-priming mask.
This cooling, hydrating mask offers lasting effects — you'll get a glow as soon as you remove it and that glow sticks around. Plus, it's easy enough to use and won't slip and slide once you apply.
Between this new bio-cellulose mask and its color-changing clay mask, Farmacy is killing the mask game lately. This one comes packed with antioxidants and plant-based collagen, as well as refreshing coconut water.
This sheet mask is a pure dream — from the adorable pumpkin packaging, to the user experience, to the spa-like results. The mask itself is super thin and conforms to the contours of your face like a second skin. (Did Hannibal Lecter just pop into anyone else's head? Sorry for the visual...) It feels so cooling and calming, you'll want to take a nap — and once you take it off, the resulting megawatt glow is so good you might just find yourself skipping out on foundation.
