We put 9 sheet masks to the test to combat puffiness and fine lines – the £3 winner transformed our skin
WITH silly season almost behind us, your skin might be suffering as a consequence.
Sleep, healthy food, and booze-free weekends have become distant memories – all things we know can help our skin stay glowy.
We find an at-home sheet mask is an essential item to keep us looking our best, or at least, somewhere to start!
Whether we’re looking puffy, tired, spotty, dry, or showing some fine lines, we’ll whip one out to see if it can make things appear a little better.
We have tested nine sheet masks to see which ones actually make a difference to our skin.
Here are the results…
1. For puffiness
Hydropeptide Polypeptide Collagel Mask for Face, £45 for 4
Lucy says: This mask comes in two parts – one for the lower face and the other for the upper face.
It did keep coming loose, which was annoying, but while it was on it felt so good.
This mask was also thicker than any other I’d tried and felt like it was really infused with goodness. Although, I should hope so for the price!
I loved the gel-like feel of it and the effect lasted for ages rather than drying out fast.
Afterwards, my skin felt clean, smooth and yes, it did feel and look less puffy, particularly around my jawline.
2. For fine lines
PMD Hydrate Energising HydratingPeptides Sheet Mask, £10
Lucy says: This mask is filled with collagen and hydrating peptides, which apparently work to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while deeply hydrating the skin.
This felt great and stayed put for ages. I actually forgot I had it on at one point.
When I took it off, I’m sorry to say, my fine lines hadn’t gone.
But let’s be honest, it’s going to take more than a mask to get rid of fine lines.
However, I definitely had plumper, smoother and more hydrated-looking skin.
3. For a dewy look
Youth & Earth’s Hyaluronic Acid Gel Face Mask, £29.99 for 5
Lucy says: The dewy look is all the rage right now.
But my skin is more oil than dew, so I figured this might help.
I loved the feel of this thick, gel-like mask.
The only issue I had was that it did rip a bit as I was putting it on (see pic), but it stayed put for a good 30 minutes until it got a little dry as my skin had been infused with juicy goodness.
An hour after taking the mask off, I took a selfie and although I most definitely have fine lines, I do think my skin was left with a nice bit of glossiness.
Plus, later that day, I actually received a skin compliment which let’s be honest, is always appreciated.
4. For tired skin
Tropic Skincare Hydrogel Face Mask Ultra-Hydrating Skin Treatment, £8
Lucy says: Late night? I broke my ‘nothing good happens after 12’ policy and continued drinking into the early hours, so this mask was my go-to the next morning.
I love that this mask is clear so it doesn’t scare anyone, unlike the usual white sheet masks which look like something from a horror movie.
The mask is in two parts and has a gel-like feel. It’s also really cooling when you put it on.
My skin was a bit red and had that slightly haggard appearance, thanks to the late night.
When I took it off after 30 minutes, my skin felt a little more ‘together’, almost like it had undergone a nip and a tuck, which was nice.
Plus, I definitely looked a little more glowy.
5. For hydration
Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Ageing Sheet Mask, £3.29
Lucy says: This mask is packed with four different types of hyaluronic acid, also known as skin’s hydrator, to help fight against ageing.
I’ll do anything to minimise signs of ageing, so I was keen to try this.
The mask applied easily and stayed stuck to my face as I worked; I even managed to sip on my coffee.
Afterwards, I was legitimately quenched.
And my skin looked hydrated and glowy for the rest of the day.
This mask works and it’s a total bargain!
6. For all-round skin goodness
Beauty Pro Squalan Nourishing Facial Sheet Mask, £6
Lucy says: I did this mask straight off the back of a long haul flight.
My skin, despite being tanned, looked a bit lifeless after 17 hours in the air with just three hours of sleep.
So I whipped this out to see if it would live up to its promise of ‘smoothing the skin, improving texture and reducing fine lines, wrinkles and pores’.
It was easy to apply and it just felt so juicy. Plus, there was lots of liquid left in the packet – perfect for slathering over my chest which had just been savaged by Aussie sun for two weeks.
After 20 minutes, I took it off and upon first inspection, I actually thought this made my skin look more pimply.
But, in hindsight, this can be a good thing to clear out those pores.
My skin definitely looked more glowing and I certainly looked less sleep-deprived.
I will also add that three days later, I didn’t have a single pimple left. Coincidence? I’m not sure.
Foods to boost skin health
Shona Wilkinson, lead nutritionist at ethical nutrition and supplement brand DR.VEGAN, says you can give your skin a helping hand by turning your focus to what you eat.
“Many people underestimate the role your diet can play in maintaining healthy, glowing skin,” she told The Sun.
In general terms, packing your diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats can prevent all sorts of issues with our skin, Shona says.
It can “reduce the risk of premature ageing, and leave us with a consistently radiant complexion”, the nutritionist explains.
The foods she recommends are:
1. Kiwi
Shona says: “Not only are they rich in vitamin C, which is essential for healthy collagen production, but they’re also great for improving gut health, which has direct implications on our skin.”
2. Berries and cherries
The red fruits are rich in a natural plant-colouring agent called proanthocyanidin, which helps impart their dark colour.
“Proanthocyanidins are potent natural antioxidants – meaning they protect the skin from harmful oxidants that come from the sun, pollution and poor dietary choices,” Shona explains.
“Proanthocyanidins particularly help to protect the collagen in your skin, which helps to provide your skin with structure, strength, and elasticity, reducing wrinkles and providing a general layer of protection.”
3. Chia, flaxseed and fish
Foods like white fish, chia seeds, and avocados are fab for your skin as they’re rich in omega-3 – “a flexible fat used in skin cells to keep the skin healthy, moisturised, and less likely to crack or flake”, the nutritionist explains.
“Importantly, omega-3 fats also help with the production of anti-inflammatory hormones in the body, decreasing any excess skin inflammation or face redness,” she adds.
4. Brussels sprouts, broccoli and mustard greens
Shona says: “Vegetables such as Brussel sprouts, broccoli and mustard greens are rich in isothiocyanates, which support the function of the liver by protecting it from damage from toxins, especially alcohol.
“Research shows that reducing alcohol intake and increasing the consumption of cruciferous vegetables can help your liver to function properly and leave your skin toxin-free.”
5. Oranges, red peppers and strawberries
Shona says: “In order, to produce all the collagen your skin needs to keep you glowing every day, the body needs a substantial amount of both Vitamin C and protein.
“This is because vitamin C is used in a process called hydroxylation, which converts protein into collagen.
“Try incorporating lots of citrus fruits such as oranges, red peppers, strawberries, or tomatoes into your diet.”
7. For dull skin
Beautypro Cica + Niacinamide Blemish Control Sheet Mask, £3.74
Eliza says: I have oily, acne prone skin and tend to get sore, lingering spots under my chin and jaw – especially if I’m stressed or I’ve been reaching for sugary snacks.
My skin has been blessedly clear over the past few weeks, though it’s certainly feeling the effect of winter.
It looks a bit duller and feels drier to the touch, and I noticed some slight texture to my cheeks before I put the mask on.
It was cooling and soothing as I lay it on my face, and I ended up keeping it on for about 30 minutes instead of the recommended 15 as I cleaned my kitchen.
My skin felt visibly moisturised as I took it off and I certainly looked brighter – there was a subtle glow to my skin.
After five minutes, the film on my skin had dried down and felt a little tacky and sticky, so I decided to wash off the mask.
There are no instructions on the pack on whether or not you’re supposed to wash off the mask, so I decided to rinse my face and do my usual skincare routine.
The subtle dew to my skin seemed to last into the next day as I got told by a couple people that I looked glowy!
8. For enlarged pores
SOME BY MI – Real Super Matcha Pore Care Mask, £0.66
Eliza says: I tried this mask after a Pilates class so my skin had a bit more of a glow to it than usual – or was it just sweat?
The residue clinging to the sheet was very thick and gloopy – quite similar to the homemade flaxseed mask I tried last year – and had a slight tinge of green.
It also had a strong, fresh matcha-like smell.
This mask felt even more cooling than the first and I massaged the extra goo down onto my neck.
After 15 minutes, my skin looked glowy and soft as I peeled the sheet off. The pores across my nose and cheeks also looked less noticeable.
The instructions recommend that you don’t wash the mask off, so I kept the residue on to sleep and just added some spot cream to a couple of zits under my chin.
9. For acne
Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Clarifying Plastic Free Sheet Mask, £3.50
Eliza says: My skin was definitely in need of some TLC when I got round to trying this Boots face mask, as a few small spots had popped up along my jawline and under my chin.
I was surprised by the jet black colour of the sheet mask (though I should have been tipped off by the activated charcoal) and I took the opportunity to give my sister a bit of a fright as she walked in from work.
It didn’t feel as initially moisturising as the other masks, but I guess the point is to clarify rather than moisturise.
Nevertheless, when I peeled it off after 15 minutes my skin looked fresh and glowy, and my pores appeared smaller
I massaged the residue into my face and neck as advised and didn’t apply anything else for a couple of hours.
I was afraid the mask would dry out my face but my skin felt really soft and looked really glowy, even without the helping hand of my moisturiser.
I’m not sure how much of a difference it made for my spots, but they thankfully didn’t linger for much longer.