Masks, masks, masks. They are still a thing. A big thing. A huge thing actually.
In fact, “Masks” was also the most googled beauty topic in America, Japan & France over the past year according to the Google Skin Care Trends of 2017. The South Africa figures are not available, but judging by the influx of face masks & sheet masks into our market, we can safely say that our local ladies & gents also love them.
Masks have literally been part of beauty routines for ages. Cleopatra is believed to have concocted her own masks from natural ingredients in Ancient Egypt. And apparently, Marie Antoinette had her own face mask made of egg whites. So essentially it is nothing new. What is new is the technology, applications, formulas & variety.
Multi Masking
In case you missed it: 2015 was the year of #MultiMasking which means a specific cocktail (or mask) is used to separately target particular skin concerns. For example: use a mattifying formula on your oily t-panel, some patches under your eyes & a hydrating masque on those dry cheeks. Get it?
It remains a targeted approach to skin concerns & makes for some fun fun fun Instagramable pics. According to Allure magazine this trend is not going anywhere soon.
The downside? It can be rather time-consuming & a bit pricey if you are going to purchase various masks & only use small amounts of each. There is also a small chance of having an allergic reaction because of all the different products used at one.
Masks to try:
The Annique Lucid Silky Skin Replenisher (Masque) with Rooibos Extract (R179, 50ml) has been one of my winter skin savers for a long time. It also contains AquaVital which acts as a “moisture reservoir” in the skin. This masque is fragrance-free & suitable for even the most sensitive of skins. I often use it overnight or when I feel my skin is in need of intense moisture. Ideal for mature skin. This mask is basically invisible, so you won’t scare your other half in bed!
Another local favourite of mine is the Africology Mask Grape Fruit Seed Extract for all skin types. It comes in three sizes: 10ml (R90), 25ml (R210) & 50ml (R380) from here. As it deep-cleanses it treats acne, eczema, rashes & even sunburn. Or try it as a spot treatment for pimples. The list of natural ingredients includes Grapefruit Seed Extract – a natural source of Vitamin C that stimulates collagen growth & reduces wrinkles; soothing lavender, coconut oil for hydration & aloe leaf extract with anti-inflammatory properties.
There has been lots of hype around the L’Oreal Pure Clay Masks (R150 for 50ml) & I can confirm that it doesn’t disappoint!
Use the Detox Mask – with charcoal – to detoxify & brighten areas prone to breakouts. Great for dull, tired skin. The green Purity Mask with Eucalyptus will mattify oily & shiny patches. And if a rough-textured skin is your concern, then look no further than the Glow Mask. It contains Red Algae making it excellent to exfoliate dead skin cells & refine your skin by unclogging & tightening. Perfect for dry, dull areas. Available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Foschini & Pick ‘n Pay. If you are confused about how to multi-mask with this range, then look over here or watch this fun post & video by Liezel Malherbe from 9lives.co.za.
The Sheet Mask
If 2015 was all about #MultiMasking, then 2017 can be called the year of the #SheetMask. And I, for one, am delighted! It is affordable, quick & fuss free.
This Korean beauty trend took off in 2016 & has taken the world by storm. “The global sheet mask market, which was worth US$160.4 million in 2015, is expected to grow to US$336.7 million by the end of 2024, according to a new report by Transparency Market Research (TMR).”
The downside? You will look really scary during the time that you have the sheet mask on your face, so best you stay away from children or your other half for those 15 minutes.
Sheet masks to try:
Filorga’s Hydra-Filler & Time-Filler Masks are all the rage at the moment & with reason. They are super moisturising – ideal for winter. Both retail at R175 per mask & are available at selected Edgars, Red Square & Clicks store. For more stockists visit here or phone (012) 548 0725. The Hydra Filler is a white sheet mask with low weight hyaluronic acid for (easy absorption) & Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs) is formulated to give your skin a revitalising moisture boost. I’ve also tested the black sheet Filorga Time-Filler Mask on my mother who is in her 60’s & it made her skin feel soft & pampered. This mask contains natural collagen, fucoidans & black fibre technology. Once-off use will not make you 10 years younger, but regular use will certainly help reduce wrinkled & stimulate skin regeneration.
The range of Sorbet Sheet Masks are affordable & works wonders. Try the Cleansing Spot & Oil control Face Mask (R46.00 at Clicks & Sorbet outlets) with a combination of tea tree & essential oils have antiseptic & anti-bacterial properties which make it perfect to address excess oil that causes spots & blemishes.
Are you looking for a clear, clean complexion? Then look no further than the Cettua Clean & Simple Pore Control Facial Mask (R35.95 from Clicks). My 20-something sister-in-law is a big fan of this one. It contains a five tea complex that reduces visible pores.
I love the two steps of the Skin Logic Skin Republic 2 Step Hyaluronic Acid & Collagen Face Mask. First, you cleanse, then use the microdermabrasion & peel. Rinse & then apply the mask. This is a real home facial for only R46.99 (Dis-Chem).
What’s next?
The popularity of masks can partly be attributed to the experiential side that plays out on You Tube, where beauty bloggers provide followers with hours of entertainment. Gel masks, peel masks & charcoal masks are of course still big news – especially if you look at the channels of beauty vloggers. You might have also noticed an increase in the rubber masking trend (not for claustrophobes!). I’ve tried this one & believe me – having your entire face & your eyes covered in a rubbery consistency is a strange feeling.
The mask trend is also set to grow to include masks for the rest of the body too. According to the Google report, the growth of body-related masks in Japan may be an indicator that this trend will soon take off in the US & France.
Come on, you know you want to start (sheet) masking. Even the stars are doing it. It might not be pretty while you’re doing it, but you’ll look great afterwards:
Happy masking!
Yolandi ♥
Multi masking graphic designed by Katja Cho via; Filorga masks featured image via; L’Oreal Clay Mask image via.
the global sheet face masks market was valued at US$ 13.14 Bn in 2016, and is expected to reach US$ 27.44 Bn by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 9.0% from 2017 to 2025.
Sheet Face Masks Market – Growth, Future Prospects, and Competitive Analysis, 2017 – 2025