All I know, about MASKS.

Thursday, June 16, 2011
As the title suggests, this post is going to be all about masks.

Before i got into beauty blogging and started doing research for various products I review, I didn't have a clue what did different masks do. Mask sheets, peel off masks, pore packs, mask packs - I always thought they all only had one and only one purpose which is to give your skin an intense boost of moisture (or remove black/white heads in the case of pore packs), but only came in different form because different people has different preferences.


Boy was I wrong.


Not only that, I also didn't know where do i inject them into my skincare routine - whether or not I use them before/after my skincare routine, or before/after cleansing.


So here, I'm gonna dedicate an entire post to share with you girls (and guys) what i know about masks.
(Disclaimer: I may not be absolutely correct because this post is based on my own knowledge about skincare, or in this case masks, products. Refer to this post if needed.)




As above mentioned, I usually categorize masks into 4 different categories. Masks in the same categories usually have the same usage instructions, same effect (eg, remove blackheads or moisture boost) and you place them in the same timeline on your skincare routine.

1. Mask Sheets

These are the typical "old school" type of masks that we conventionally picture masks to be. Usually comes in a box (sometimes sold separately) and the packages are nicely sealed, with the mask packed with the essence it's soaked in.

An example will be Love More's Mask Sheets. Some newly designed mask sheets these days come with a 3D hook because everyone's obsessed with getting a slimmer and sharper face after seeing all the models out there with their puny and tight faces.


Usage:
Mask sheets are usually used for an instant boost of moisture. Usually, this types of mask are to be used no more than 3 times a week (even if you do have dry skin) and probably once a week for people with oily skin as it can be too nourishing for their skin type. I try to keep to doing it about twice a week whenever I'm free, and not lazy to have to worry about having a mask on my face. (For those of you who likes moving around while having your mask on, the ones with 3D hooks will be optimal for you.) Some may prefer to use their masks nice and chilled, so pop it into the fridge for 10~15minutes and they're ready to be used (super good on sunburned skin!).
Normally, masks sheets do no remove dirt and excess sebum therefore they're to be used after cleansing (referring back tomy night time skincare routine post which was done after cleansing.)

Where it goes in your skincare routine:
I would usually do mask sheets after my skincare routine (since i do masks at night), but before the lash serum and lipbalm because the essence the masks are soaked in are usually pretty thick and concentrated, and will therefore take longer to absorb into your skin. If you were to use the mask before your skincare routine, it will take longer for your skincare products to be absorbed as there will be a thicker "film" blocking it.


2. Pore Packs/Strips


Pore packs usually comes in a boxes with individually packaged strips. There are many different types in the market but i prefer to buy the black ones as I can see the dirt that's clogging my pores better because it gives me a sense of achievement (hahahah, secret fetish).

The little white bits are the dirt that are clogging your pores! (My nose area i usually pretty clean since my pores there are not enlarged.

The only bigger piece of dirt i found hahahaha.
Next time show y'all a picture of the boy's pore strip!)

Usage:
Main purpose of this type of mask is the cleanse your pores. Pretty simple, simply wet your nose area well, and stick and pore pack on. Remove it when it dries, in a slow motion from the sides to the middle because it will pull up the dirt more effectively that way. Domo mentioned to me that over time, pore packs will enlarge your pores but it doesn't seem to be that way in my case- probably due to the way i use them. Suitable for all skin types. I would recommend probably 2~3 times a week.

Where does it go in your skincare routine:
I use them before cleansing. So its pore pack, cleanser, skin care routine. If i'm wearing makeup it's going after makeup removal. This is because sometimes you will have residue from the mask on your face and you have to wash it off, and if you use it before your skincare products, you can tighten the pores that are opened while removing the dirt. And if you use it before your skincare products, you'll just be creating a film between the mask and the product, making it work less efficiently.


3. Peel Off Masks
Since this is the only type of peel-off mask i own currently,

Peel off masks are like the pore packs/strips for the whole face.

Usage:
Main purpose of the mask is to cleanse your pores for your whole face as they don't make pore packs for the face. Some people tend to have enlarged or clogged pores all over their face and this would be a very good choice for them besides just using pore packs. The only down side is that application does get a little messy. Apply the mask onto your face using your hand or a mask brush, leave on until the mask has dried thoroughly and then pull it off from the outer side of your face inwards. Suitable for all skin types. Also recommended to use 2~3 times a week.

Where does it go in your skincare routine:
(Same as pore packs/strips) I use them before cleansing. So its peel off mask, cleanser, skin care routine. If i'm wearing makeup it's going after makeup removal. This is because sometimes you will have residue from the mask on your face and you have to wash it off, and if you use it before your skincare products, you can tighten the pores that are opened while removing the dirt. And if you use it before your skincare products, you'll just be creating a film between the mask and the product, making it work less efficiently.


4. Mask Packs
The most versatile type of mask in my book.

These are the type of masks you leave on on your face (application is also messy), wait till its dry (or the time stated if the mask doesn't dry) and then wash off.
(Eg: the mint julep mask dries well, and removes blackheads, clogged pores, dry up acne/pimples and shrink pores while The Face Shop's Volcanic Ash Self Heating Mask is for deep pore cleansing, and Tony Moly's Tomatox is for whitening.)

Usage:
Very versatile, use as instructed on packaging. Mask packs come in many types that are suitable for different of skin types, and you will very well be able to find one that suits you. My best bet for one that will be suitable for all skin type would be Queen Helene's Mint Julep Masque (if the response is good enough, i might hold a giveaway for it since i can very easily purchase it).

Where does it go in your skincare routine:
I will usually do them before my skincare routine, and after cleansing, but do as instructed on the bottle or packaging.


Well, thats what i know about masks. If i have left out anything or there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to comment or email me :D. Hope this helps those who always have problems with masks!

4 comments:

  1. hihi!! am a new reader of your blog. i must say the pics r good in illustrating the review n product! :) just want to knw how can i purchase the Queen Helene's mask?
    Thanks!

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  2. @Gerri
    Hello dear! Thanks ^^. It's great to hear feedbacks, hehe. They're available at Ebay (i think), but i bought them at a store near Chinatown (:

    ReplyDelete
  3. thanks for the reply! :) ur blog looks rrly organised! looking forward to more reviews!! :)
    hope to see more updates abt the usage of elicinia's snail cream? i have started using it myself and have told my frens to see ur blog for reviews! hahah!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. @Gerri
    Welcome babe, and thanks for the support ^^. I've stopped using it currently because i have built up quite a lot of new products to try out, so i'll KIV your request, xoxo.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for dropping by my blog, feel free to leave a comment or leave a question about anything in my post. :). xoxo, Jamie

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