We know that having happy, healthy skin affects how your makeup looks as much as the base products you use, but there’s rarely enough hours in the day to slot in a quick facial or 7-step skincare routine. That’s where sheet masks come in; providing instant results with minimal effort, they are the quick and easy addition to your beauty bag.
Whether travel has dried out your skin to desert-levels of hydration or you want to give your complexion a boost pre-night out, sheet masks are as handy as skincare comes. The results are however temporary, and will usually only last up until your next cleanse, so for long-term changes you’ll want to invest in a skincare routine tailored to your needs.
While some sheet masks have suffered a bad rap due to being made from a blend of plastic microfibers, brands are now changing their habits and turning to materials that are biodegradable or compostable. Not all have made this change, so when you’re looking to shop sustainably, keep an eye out for more planet-friendly options, which will be made out of materials such as hydrogel, bio-cellulose or bamboo.
6 of the best sheet masks to stock up on
The best sheet mask for breakouts
For when unwanted spots decide to rear their head before a big night out, make sure to have these on standby. Not only does the jelly texture of this hydrogel mask have a cooling effect on the skin, it’s also biodegradable, and helps to push the blemish-busting cocktail of salicylic acid, glycolic acid and niacinamide deeper into the skin, allowing them to dispatch their exfoliating and decongesting properties to the problem areas and help to speed up the healing process.
The best sheet mask for brightening
Made from bio-cellulose (an all-natural material formulated in a lab), this sheet mask is the perfect antidote to tired, dull skin. Simply pop on, leave the skin to absorb the vitamin C, collagen and niacinamide, and peel off to reveal a glow so bright you’ll be able to fool people into thinking you had a full-on facial.
The best reusable sheet mask
As well as opting for a sheet mask that’s made from non-plastic material, you can score extra sustainability points with this reusable option from Charlotte Tilbury. If you’re not a fan of traditional serum-packed masks (they can be a bit slippery on the go), this one will be right up your street; its unique dry sheet mask design delivers smoother, lifted skin, with fine lines looking immediately less visible. You can use it up to three times, with the results lasting longer than your average sheet mask. Win win.
The best sheet mask for under eyes
While no mask is going to be able to remove genetic dark circles, this sheet mask from Garnier does a brilliant job at brightening the appearance of the skin around the eyes. Even better, it’s designed to hug the contour of your eyes without slipping and sliding, meaning you can get on with your to-do list while the mask works its magic. Simply pop it in your home compost when you’re done.
The best sheet mask for calming
Between oxidative stress caused by pollution and overdoing it on the acids, stressed out skin has pretty much become an unavoidable side effect of modern life. When your skin is feeling delicate, this hemp seed oil and vitamin E-infused sheet mask will nourish and soothe irritation. Not only is it biodegradable, but it’s also free from colour, perfume and alcohol, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
The best sheet mask for hydration and plumping
Containing edelweiss, a plant that harnesses the ability to protect itself from external aggressors, this sheet mask from The Body Shop does what it says on the packet. After just 15 minutes, the mask will flood your skin with hydration, leaving you plumper and smoother than a Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnut (and we definitely recommend using any leftover serum on your décolletage and hands). What’s more, the sheet mask is 100% biodegradable according to EU standards.
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