Sheets masks are a huge thanks to the Korean skincare obsession but you also need to know about Korean modeling masks.
If you have tried a sheet mask, you are probably addicted to them. There are a variety of different sheet masks that help perfect your skin, whether you need a boost of moisture, something to calm your irritated face, or a mask to make your complexion less ghoulish. You can thank the Korean skincare craze for introducing us to sheet masks. However, sheet masks aren’t the only Korean mask you should know about. You are about to need to make some room in your bathroom cupboard for modeling masks. We spoke to Alicia Yoon, the founder of beloved Asian beauty site Peach & Lily, about these must-have masks.
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Like the name hints at, the masks have a rubbery texture, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “rubber masks.” Alicia explains, “These masks transform from a gel-like substance to a thick, rubbery mask that seals moisture deep within. They can be a bit goopy when you first apply them, but they solidify as time passes. Modeling masks, like other types of masks, can be found in different varieties that help to provide skin benefits to every skin type and concern.” There are generally two types of modeling masks: ones that mix with water and ones that mix with an active gel. To use them, you mix the ingredients together then apply them to your face. There is even a spatula tool that you can use to help spread the mask.
It’s worth trying out both types of masks to see what one you prefer but make sure you’re watching the clock when you apply the ones mixed with water. Alicia cautions, “They do dry out faster, so make sure to take them off before it’s too dry, or else reverse-osmosis happens, and your skin can actually dry out rather than be hydrated as the mask can suck the moisture back out of the skin.”
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If you tend to get distracted and worried about your water modeling mask drying out your skin, active gel masks tend to stay moist longer, and you can leave them on as long as you like, within reason, obviously. According to Alicia, some can stay moist up to a whopping 72 hours even if the mask has congealed. If you happen to like keeping your mask on over 72 hours, after this point, it will start to whisk the moisture back out of your skin.
The rubbery texture obviously differentiates modeling masks from sheet masks, but another key difference is modeling masks offer a more intense treatment. They give your skin some serious nourishment and hydration. Therefore, you only need to use them a couple of times a week. If you want to use them more often, Alicia says you can, “You can use them as often as you’d like, but there is no real need to use them more than 1-2 times per week as you’ll still see an extreme glow throughout the week.” Another difference is there is a massive variety when it comes to sheet masks in terms of type and the range of ingredients, while Alicia has found that modeling masks have a limited selection. However, she does point out that theoretically, modeling masks could include an equally diverse range of ingredients as sheet masks can. There are always new products coming out, so who knows what they will come out with next.
If you’re a fan of multitasking (wearing different skincare products on your face at once), save that for your other skincare products. The modeling mask can be goopy when first applied to your face, so it is best to apply it by itself. Furthermore, combining other products with the mask can actually decrease its effectiveness, especially if you use masks that you wash off your face. Alicia explains, “You do want to wash off a clay mask, for example, but you wouldn’t want to rinse off the incredible benefits of a sheet mask or modeling mask immediately after use.”
Ready to try out a modeling mask? The good people at Peach & Lily HQ love the ones that stay moist for up to 72 hours. Alicia explains, “We picked one created by a leading A-list studded spa in Korea that’s been dubbed as the ‘model spa’ by the Korean government for their super innovative and fancy treatments and products beloved by some of the most skin-savvy Seoulites. We offer three different types of modeling masks to address three different skin concerns.”
Their picks include:
1. Gold Premium Modeling Mask
Alicia says, “The Shangpree Gold Premium Modeling Mask is formulated to provide intense hydration and moisture to the skin. Using gold, hydrolyzed collagen, and botanical extracts, this mask is ideal for anti-aging and hydration.” Yes, there is actual gold in there.
2. Silver Premium Modeling Mask
According to Alicia, “The Shangpree Silver Premium Modeling Mask is created to even out skin tone and provide nourishment to the skin. Formulated with silk amino acids and white peony extract, the results include more radiant and supple skin.” You also look a bit like the Tin Man when you put it on.
3. Black Premium Modeling Mask
Their third pick features a popular skincare ingredient, charcoal. Alicia says, “The Shangpree Black Premium Modeling Mask uses charcoal and a multitude of fruit extracts (like blueberry and grapefruit) to purify the skin and leave it feeling soft and clarified.”
Modeling masks may not be as popular as sheet masks, but the words “extreme glow” are more than enough to make you want to try them. Furthermore, the idea of taking a solid rubber mask off your face is something that sounds too fun not to try.