Yahoo Lifestyle The Best Cloth Face Masks
Like a lot of new skincare innovations, sheet masks are an Asian beauty staple now making a splash in the rest of the world. These pre-cut, serum-soaked masks create a buffer that minimises ingredient evaporation, helping rapidly restore moisture, clarity and radiance, and maintain optimum skin barrier function. "The purpose of these masks is to enable intensive skincare," explains SK-II scientist Taro Yamaguchi. "Cloth masks help deliver large amounts of active ingredients onto the skin and, with some cloth technology, push these ingredients deep into the dermis for better results."
Face facts
For a beauty boost, apply a cloth mask after a long flight, or before a big event. For red or puffy skin, pop the sachet in the fridge for five minutes beforehand. Cloth masks are saturated with concentrated serum, so apply on clean skin and, after removal, "use your palms to massage excess serum into the face and down your neck", says Yamaguchi.
Higher quality masks are made from flexible fabric that moulds to the contours of any face shape, providing maximum contact between ingredients and skin.
THE KIT
SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, $28 each. "As far as we know, SK-II invented the sheet mask," says Yamaguchi. Steeped in 30mls of the brand's signature brightening ingredient, pitera, the mask is favoured by Japanese brides as a pre-wedding ritual.
Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Replenishing Stretchable Cloth Mask, $192 for 6 mask pairs. This two-piece mask utilises stem-cell technology to help rejuvenate the face and firm the neck.
Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask, $87 for mask pairs. Infused with retinol, plus vitamins C and E, this set helps soften the appearance of wrinkles.
WEI Gingko Leaf Repairing Face Treatment Pads, $92 for 6 pads. The natural, plant-fibre mask features a combination of gingko, hyaluronic acid and bamboo leaf to balance and soothe irritated skin.
La Mer The Hydrating Facial, $350 for 6 mask pairs. This dual-zone mask blankets dry skin with a nourishing dark green algae blend, plus melon and avocado extracts.
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