Have you ever wanted to try a Japanese sheet face mask, but had no clue where to begin? With literally hundreds of varieties out there, we don’t blame you! Japanese beauty brands have formulated sheet masks for nearly every skin type, concern, and ingredient you can think of, so you’re bound to come across your holy grail if you know what to look for. Let’s take a closer look at the many options.
Daily masks
Daily care sheet masks are designed to be used daily after cleansing and before applying your moisturizer. They can be used in lieu of your essence toner and emulsion steps. Affordable yet effective, they’re the perfect add-on to your skincare routine to upkeep beautiful skin. Daily masks tend to include select ingredients that target specific skin conditions. For example, dry skin types may choose an intensive hydration mask, while oily skin types may choose a clarifying mask for translucent and clear skin. There are masks specially designed for mature skin types, whose skin tends to lose elasticity due to hormonal changes and a decrease in skin function. These masks are usually loaded in anti-aging ingredients such as royal jelly, collagen, retinol, hyaluronic acid and iris root extract.
Weekly masks
Although similar to daily masks, weekly masks tend to be more concentrated for a more intensive facial treatment. Some even contain essential oils such as yuzu, rose, and lavender, for an aromatherapeutic effect, so you can think of it as a nice way to wind down the week.
Luxury masks
While many Japanese sheet masks are easily found in drugstores and cosmetic shops, the exception would be luxury masks, which are sold at select department stores and other high-end retailers. These high-performance masks tend to be soaked with essence to even out skin tone and texture, firm the skin, and deliver a boost of moisture in one use.
Overnight masks
These are fast-acting masks that act as a nice rescue and perk-me-up for tired, dull skin. They restore the skin to a more beautiful, hydrated state during application and continue to work while you sleep, so they’re perfect when used the night before a special occasion. There’s usually enough product included to slather on your neck and hands, too. Overnight masks come in several varieties, including brightening, firming, clarifying, and hydrating varieties.
Travel masks
Ever received a sheet mask souvenir from a friend who just got back from Japan? It was probably a travel mask. These type of masks are usually enhanced with Japan’s most iconic ingredients – think Kyoto green tea, Hokkaido lavender, and Tochigi strawberry. Travel masks can be found in airports, train stations and local souvenir shops, and they tend to be limited edition, so there’s always something new and exciting to look forward to.
Worthy mentions
There are so many different kinds of Japanese sheet masks out there, that it’s nearly impossible to compile an entire list. But just know that there is a holy grail for every skin type and every skin concern under the sun. There are masks where the sheet itself is technologically enhanced to increase product absorption into the skin, and masks that take care of your cleanser, essence, emulsion and moisturizer steps in one minute! There are even masks that extend over the lip region to treat chapped lips and dry skin all at once.
We love Japanese sheet masks because they simplify life. They can be used in place of your regular skincare steps, so they’re super easy to incorporate in your routine. And the best part? Many are available in drugstores and cosmetic shops in Japan, so they’re an easy way to switch up your skincare routine without breaking the bank!
If you're unsure where to start with Japanese sheet masks, check out our Clear Turn Beautiful Skin Artisan Coix Seed Brightening Mask, Clear Turn Beautiful Skin Artisan Japanese Sake Moisturizing Mask, and our Megumi no Honpo Hot Spring Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Mask for a luxurious, at-home spa experience.
The Clear Turn Beautiful Skin Artisan Coix Seed Brightening Mask is formulated with Hatomugi (coix seed or Job’s Tears), amino acids, and natural Japanese hot spring water, to brighten and moisturize the skin. This mask is a soft hand-made material similar to traditional Japanese washi paper.
The Clear Turn Beautiful Skin Artisan Japanese Sake Moisturizing Mask is formulated with sake and natural Japanese hot spring water, to hydrate and moisturize the skin. This mask is a soft hand-made material similar to traditional Japanese washi paper.
The Megumi no Honpo Hot Spring Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Mask is with serum made from Okayama Prefecture’s Yuhara Hot Spring water, ceramides, and collagen to hydrate the skin and increase elasticity and firmness. This anti-aging mask works to minimize the appearance of pores, reduce excess oil and sebum, and to strengthen & repair the skin barrier.