Compressed paper facial masks review

Skin sheet masks (like this one) work wonders, but they can get pricey at $2-5 each, which adds up considering you need to use them at least once a week for lasting results.  Then I found this pack of 100 compressed paper masks on Amazon.  They're basically vacuumed face sheets, but you add the liquid ingredients yourself.  Saves a lot of money and packaging plastic, and it's a good option for routine skincare.  I'm going to save the "sheet packs" for special occasions.

It comes in individual packs that look kind of like mints. 

1.  They're very small, but you can see all the little layers packed in each one.

2.  Pick whatever liquid that will benefit your skin.  We had some ginger tea on hand (chamomile or peppermint tea would also be good to use), so I steeped it and let it cool in the fridge.

3.  Plop the sheet mask in the liquid and it'll plump up right away.  Let soak for a moment.

4.  I got an aloe leaf (can be found at Asian supermarkets), cut off an inch segment, and directly swiped the gel over my face.  Aloe plants are used for healing cuts and burns, and so are a great natural skincare ingredient.  Make sure to wrap the remaining cut end with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for later use.

5.  Squeeze out excess liquid from the mask.  Carefully unfurl.

6.  Put it on for 10 minutes or so, depending on how long it takes to lose its "juiciness."  Rinse off any aloe residue and apply moisturizer.

P.S.  Shipping the masks from Hong Kong unfortunately takes around 3 weeks, just FYI.

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Etude House Red Ginseng skincare mask review

 On my trip to Malaysia, I got a variety of disposable skin masks from Etude House (a Korean beauty brand).  I use them sparingly - mostly for times like this when my skin gets out of whack.

Today I tried the Red Ginseng one, because I've been having a lot of white heads.

The package reads:  "6-year old red ginseng restores skin strength after being damaged by stress, pollution, debris and weather.  It helps skin to maintain firmness and smoothness."

Looks silly, I know - you better do this when you're alone, or when other girls with you are using one too.

The Red Ginseng felt a little "spicy" at first and feels more like a clarifying mask, whereas the Aloe Vera one I tried was more moisturizing.  It had a distinct, though not unpleasant, smell.  You could tell that it was the true ginseng extract in the serum, not just a bunch of chemicals.  The mask is very "juicy" and lasts 1-2 hours if you want to let it completely dry.  If not, rub the excess on the rest of your body.

Makeup-less and tired >_<  This is the BEFORE: you can see some bumps and redness.

 

AFTER:  The lighting is a little different, but you can tell that the redness is toned down.  My skin also feels very clean and bright.

 

I'd recommend masks for nighttime use - because of how long they take to work and also having the serum applied during the time of skin rejuvenation, which is when you sleep.

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