Facial masks

Face masks: sheet, gel and night masks for every skin

A face mask is an intensive treatment applied to the skin for a short time to hydrate, cleanse or nourish it more thoroughly than a daily cream. Here you will find sheet masks, gel masks, purifying masks and night masks, both for regular extra care and for special occasions.

The range suits anyone who wants quick hydration after a long day and anyone looking for a calm home spa moment. There are masks for dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin, and the formats are easy: a sheet mask is ready for one use and a gel mask pack gives several treatments.

How to choose the right face mask

Start with what you want to give your skin. Hydrating masks suit every skin type and help most when the skin feels dry or tired. Purifying, clay and charcoal masks suit oily and combination skin, and calming masks suit sensitive skin. Night masks are left on overnight, so they double as rich night creams.

• Sheet mask: quick and convenient, used once and soaked with the amount of serum needed for one application.
• Gel mask: cooling and hydrating, suitable for dry and tired skin.
• Purifying mask: helps cleanse pores and balance oily skin.
• Night mask: supports the skin during rest and leaves a soft, fresh complexion by morning.

You get the best result when you cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying a mask – see our facial cleanser range – and follow with your usual face cream afterwards.

Sheet mask, gel mask or night mask: what is the difference?

A sheet mask is a thin, leaf-shaped mask placed on clean skin for a few minutes. The fabric holds the serum against the skin so the active ingredients reach it evenly. Medicube’s peptide sheet mask and collagen lifting sheet mask are made for a single use.

A gel mask has a thicker, cooling texture. Biodance’s hydrogel mask is made for hydration, and the Medicube collagen gel mask set holds several masks, so you can treat your skin more than once. A night mask stays on overnight and works like a rich night cream, such as the Medicube collagen night mask.

Korean face masks

In Korean skincare the mask is a regular part of the routine and the choice is wide: sheet masks, hydrogel masks and gel masks made for single use. Our range includes masks from Medicube and Biodance, for example the kojic acid and turmeric gel mask and the collagen mask. More Korean products are on the Korean cosmetics page.

Choose by need

• Dry and tired skin: pick a hydrating sheet or gel mask, such as the Filorga nourishing and moisturising mask.
• Oily skin: a purifying mask helps balance pores; see the Clinique oil control mask.
• Mature skin: firming and restoring masks, such as the Dermalogica anti-ageing mask.
• Sensitive skin: a calming mask, such as the Gabriella Salvete Dragon Fruit soothing mask.
• Radiant complexion: a brightening mask gives the skin a fresh look.

How to build a routine around a mask

A mask is an extra step in the routine, not a replacement. Cleanse the skin first, then apply the mask and leave it on as the pack instructs. After taking the mask off, massage the remaining essence into the skin and continue with a serum and a cream. This way the skin gets deep hydration and a protective layer after it.

If you use a mask in the evening, choose a calm moment: put on some music, switch off the phone and give yourself ten minutes. For mornings a short sheet mask before makeup is a good fit, because the skin looks fresh and rested.

A face mask in the morning, in the evening and at the weekend

In the morning a mask is a quick way to give the skin moisture before the day begins: a sheet mask takes ten minutes, and you can drink your coffee or get dressed meanwhile. In the evening there is time for slower care, and richer gel masks and night masks that work while you sleep fit well. At the weekend you can make a longer ritual: cleanse, apply the mask, read a book and finish with serum and cream.

The season plays a role too. In winter, when heating and cold dry out the skin, hydrating and nourishing masks come in handy. In spring and summer many people prefer a lighter, refreshing gel mask that gives the skin a rested look. This way you can match your care to the time of year.

What can a mask give your skin?

A mask is stronger than a daily cream because it stays on the skin longer and is applied in a thicker layer. That makes it a good fit for three goals: hydration, cleansing and restorative care. A hydrating mask gives soft skin and a rested look, a purifying mask helps keep the surface clear, and a protective night mask leaves the skin feeling plump and fresh by morning. Pick one goal at a time and add others as needed.

If you keep several masks at home, make a weekly plan. A hydrating sheet mask on Monday, a purifying mask on Thursday and a night mask on Sunday is a simple, pleasant rhythm that does not take much time.

Popular brands

The masks include products from Clarins, Filorga and Clinique, as well as L’Occitane, Dior, Dermalogica, Estée Lauder and Vitamasques. You will also find the Korean brands Medicube and Biodance and the sheet masks from Gabriella Salvete.

A face mask as a gift and a break

A mask is a small and sweet gift: it fits in a gift bag, belongs to a girls’ night in and suits a birthday or a thank-you. Several different masks packed together let the receiver try which texture she likes. For bigger presents see the gift sets page.

Frequently asked questions