Sleeping Masks: Sleep Your Way to Better Skin
If you would’ve asked me what I though a sleeping mask was several years ago, the first thing that would’ve come to mind are those eye masks that you see people wear to bed. After some time of exploring within the Skincare Community, I discovered that a Sleeping Mask is a mask that you apply before you go to bed and then wash it off in the morning.
How I Use Sleeping Masks and Why???
In the last couple of months I really became interested in trying out different types of sleeping masks. Thanks to many Sephora compilation kits I’ve been able to snag 5 different sleeping masks. I’ll discuss each one in detail and let you know which one(s) I like the best. One thing I noticed is that many of the sleeping masks on the market have pretty similar consistencies. They all seem to be of a texture similar to heavy gel moisturizer. These textures are known to absorb well into the skin and are supposed to be hydrating.
I don’t feel like a sleeping mask is a necessary item and I don’t think its a product that should be used every single night- especially if the mask contains AHA’s or other actives. If you don’t already know, I love using face masks. I particularly like using sleeping masks on nights when I don’t have time to do a whole masking routine or if I feel like my skin is in need of additional hydration.
Size: 1 oz for $22 or 2.7 oz for $45
Description: The Watermelon Sleeping Mask is described as an oil-free, lightweight, glow-boosting hybrid that is formulated with ultra-soothing watermelon extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and gentle AHAs that work while you sleep to tone and clarify roughened, dull complexions.
Directions: To use as a sleeping mask: use two scoops or a generous layer on skin as the final step of the evening routine. For drier skin types, layer an additional dime-sized amount onto the skin. Be sure to gently pat, not rub, mask into skin until absorbed and wash thoroughly in the morning.
Scent: Faintly smells like watermelon
Texture/Consistency: Fluid Gel like
Review: What I don’t like about the mask is that it literally just sits on top of my skin. I feel that it doesn't really absorb into my skin. I’ve tried using the mask on clean with no other products and on my face after doing a whole night time routine (cleanser, toner, essence, serum and moisturizer). Each and every time the mask pilled on my skin. If the mask is pilling, how much of it is actually being absorbed into my skin?
Upon waking up, I don’t feel like my face is any brighter using the mask. After using it my face is soft, but not more than any other mask or cream that I’ve used. For these reasons I would never purchase the full size of this mask. However, I do have the Glow Recipe’s Avocado Sleeping Mask on my list to try out. I’ve heard pretty good reviews on that mask.
Ingredients: Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Caulerpa Lentillifera (Seaweed) Extract, Simethicone, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit, Silica, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract , Paeonia Suffruticosa (Peony) Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Ipomoea Batatas (Sweet Potato) Root Extract, Betaine, Beta Glucan, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Fragrance.
SIZE 2.3 oz/ 70 mL Price: $25
Description: The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is made with concentrated Hydro Ionized Mineral Water and Calming Sleepscent, which is infused with orange flower, rose, and sandalwood, and it relaxes and comforts while apricot and evening primrose extracts to brighten and purify fatigued skin.
Directions: Apply evenly across the face. Leave treatment overnight and rinse off in the morning. Use once or twice a week.
Scent: little to none - it smells light and clean
Texture: Cream-gel textured
Review: This was one of the first sleeping masks that I ever sampled years ago. At one point I was dead set on buying the full size, but never got around to doing so. I tried a couple of uses of the mini sample that I have and found it just be okay. The mask is a thick gel like consistency. I found that the mask absorbed well into my skin. In the morning my skin was hydrated, but not as hydrated as other sleeping masks that I’ve tried. I don’t hate the mask and I don’t love it. Being that it’s not a product I’m absolutely in love with, I do not plan on purchasing the full size.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Root Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Alginate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone / Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearyl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Blue 1 (Ci 42090).
SIZE 0.27oz/ 8 mL Price: $4.00 (on sale now for $2.00)
Description: The Sephora Collection Coconut Water Sleeping Mask is infused with active ingredients for relaxing the skin and achieving a brighter, more revitalized complexion.
Scent: Faintly smells like coconut
Texture: Cream-gel textured
Directions: In the evening, apply a fine layer evenly over clean, dry skin. Apply on the face, neck, and around the eyes.
-Let it work overnight. If necessary, rinse off any excess in the morning.
-Use twice a week for optimal results.
Review: This particular sleeping mask comes in a little to go container. In the past, I’ve tried the Rose scented sleeping mask. But I find the coconut water to be more hydrating and I’m partial to coconut scented products. These little containers are great for travel. I also find that this one little container can provide at least 2- 3 uses. The morning after I use this mask I find my face feeling hydrated. This is mask I find good for if you’re in a pinch or just getting started with sleeping masks. The price point is good and the results are good. I actually purchased another one of these that I’ll probably save just for travel.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Trideceth-6, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
SIZE 2.53 oz Price: $34
Description: The Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask is made to help revive dull, dry skin with explosive hydration for a dewy, radiant glow. It’s also made with ingredients like Scottish heather (moisturizing herb) and lady's mantle (herb for anti-inflammatory).
Scent: Clean like a spa
Texture: Cream-gel textured
Directions: -After or instead of moisturizer, apply a thin layer evenly across your face.
-Leave on overnight and rinse off in the morning for ultra-hydrated, nourished skin.
Review: The Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask is one the best sleeping masks that I’ve tried thus far. I wasn’t surprised as I’m pretty fond of the Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb. I stopped into my local Sephora a few weeks ago to sample the mask. I had my eyes on purchasing the Belif Sleeping Mask as soon as I decided that the Laniege mask was not for me.
I was given a sample packet (as seen above) that provided 2 generous size uses. The mask, like other sleeping masks, is a gel like consistency. I found that the it absorbed into the skin well. The morning after using this mask my face was super soft. Out of all of the masks that I mentioned, this mask is the most affordable and gives great results. I do planning on purchasing this full size in the months to come.
Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglycerin-3, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradecet-20 Ether, Polymethylsilsequioxane, Calluna Vulgaris Extract, Dispacus Sylvestris Extract, Crysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Avena Sative (Oat) Kernel Extract*, CAlendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Nepeta Cataria Extract*, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract*, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract*, Stellaria Media (Chickweed( Extract*+, Malt Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Sprout Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract+, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract+, UrticaDioicia (Nettle) Leaf Extract+, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract,Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Tumeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Trisodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil++, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil++, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil++, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil++, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool. *Napiers original formula. +Napiers aqua formula. ++Fragrances.
Dr. Jart Water Fuse Hydro Sleep Mask
Size: 1.8 oz/ 50 g Price: $48
Description: The Dr. Jart Hydro Sleep Mask is described as a sleeping mask that is supposed to enhance the skin’s moisture level and removes impurities overnight to restore optimal skin condition.
Scent: Faintly like aloe
Texture: Cream-gel textured
Directions: -After using moisturizer, apply generously to the face and neck every night before sleeping.
-Cleanse in morning with warm water.
Review: I was able to try out the Dr. Jart Water Fuse Hydro Sleeping Mask as it was in a Sephora Favorites Kit that I picked in the Fall. After trying this mask just once I knew it was special. I made it a point to try all the other sleeping masks mentioned prior to making my final decision. The mini size of this mask has lasted so long! A little of this product goes a long way. The mornings after using the mask I notice that my face was noticeably softer.
Every time I looked up this mask on the Sephora website it was sold out. A few weeks ago this was on Sephora Weekly Wow specials for $29. I like to think it was a sign and therefore I purchased it. I wouldn’t normally purchase a sleeping mask for almost $50, but the $30 price tag made the choice easier.
After I finish it I do plan on purchasing the full size of the Belif Sleeping Mask.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Carbomer, Sorbitan Olivate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Tromethamine, Dimethiconol, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Adenosine, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Amino Esters-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Mineral Salts, Onsen-Sui, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Glycerophosphate, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Magnesium Aspartate, Polysorbate 20, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid.
Why is there Dimethicone in most of these masks?
After going through the ingredients list of all these sleeping masks I noticed that most of them contain Dimethicone. For those that may be unfamiliar Dimethicone belongs to the silicone family. After doing some research, I came to the conclusion that Dimethicone is often put into sleeping masks as they help to provide a protective barrier and they also help to trap in moisture. This sounds good and all, but please keep in mind that not only moisture is being trapped in -bacteria, skin oils and other are things you probably don’t want to think about is in there too.
This is another reason why sleeping masks that contain these ingredients should not be used on a nightly basis. I also see this being problematic to those that have oily and acne-prone skin textures. With that being said, I will still continue to use sleeping masks as I have, which is on an as needed basis. Once a week or once every two weeks is fine for my normal-oily skin texture. But those with oilier skin textures you may want to look into a sleeping mask that does not contain any silicones or use these types of masks sparingly.