The 8 Best Korean Face Masks To Try Now
This story is brought to you by Olay
Koreans really take their skincare very seriously. They introduced the 10-step skincare routine, and popularized the use of face masks. But in case you haven’t used a Korean face mask before, these are products that you apply and leave for a certain amount of time, then remove or wash off. They are used two to three times a week and are usually intensive treatments for your skin type or skin concern. Face masks can have a wash-off formula like a clay mask, or be in the form of sheet masks. Here at PV, we LOVE our face masks, and since K-beauty is the fountain of face masks, we are sharing with you the best Korean face masks to try!
Product Photography by Perkin Gohio
Best for anti-aging: Olay Skinfusion Korean Black Ginseng Mask (P179 or P537/pack of 3 at Lazada)
The Koreans are masters in harnessing ingredients found in nature and incorporate them into their skincare. Korean black ginseng has so many skincare benefits that it’s such a shame that we don’t use it more! Korean black ginseng synthesizes ginsenomides, which stimulate collagen production. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help promote glowing skin. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps regulate sebum production. It also has niacinamide, a powerful active ingredient that has a lot of skin benefits and hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture 1000x its weight. All of these ingredients work together to smoothen lines and wrinkles and achieve plump skin.
Product image via innisfree.com
Best Korean face mask for oily, acne-prone skin: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X (P650/100 ml at Lazada)
This volcanic mask remains as a favorite of those with oily and acne-prone skinned because it contains volcanic ash, kaolin and bentonite clay, which are all highly absorbent ingredients. They work to give the skin a deep cleanse and control sebum. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) to exfoliate the skin and help avoid clogged pores.
Product image via laneige.com
Best overnight mask: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (P940/70 ml at Lazada)
No list of best Korean face masks is complete without this cult favorite, and with good reason. It has a light gel texture that makes it suitable for different skin types. Apply it as the last step of your skincare and leave it overnight. Rinse it off in the morning for moisturized skin that is smooth and supple.
Product image via Instagram/saturday_skin
Best Korean face mask for brightening: Saturday Skin Spotlight Brightening Mask (P345 or (P1,645/5 at sephora.ph)
With bilberry, licorice and lotus extracts, this face sheet mask helps diminish dark spots and brighten skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes and immediately notice glowing and hydrated skin!
Product image via us.drjart.com
Best Korean face mask for firming: Dr Jart+ Shake and Shot – Elastic Shot Shaking Rubber Mask (P530 at sephora.ph)
This is a unique mask because it has a cream-to-sheet-type formula, similar to what I experience at a Korean facial spa that I frequent. It contains a booster and an ampoule that you combine and shake together, slather on your skin and wait for it to solidify. This mask contains alpha lipoic acid and a botanical complex to moisturize and firm the skin. Plus, it’s fun to shake in its cute cup container.
Product image via Instagram/klairs.global
Best Korean face mask for sensitive skin: Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask (P160 at theskincarecurator.com)
This sheet mask is intended specifically to calm the skin down and decrease sensitivity. It contains erythritol, which lowers the skin’s temperature and reduces irritation. It also contains bamboo charcoal and centella extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces redness and soothes the skin.
Product image via Instagram/elizavecca_
Most fun face mask: Elizavecca Milky Piggy Bubble Clay Mask (P450/100 ml at althea.ph)
This mask is a concoction of charcoal, carbonated water, collagen and green tea to deeply cleanse the skin, clear the pores, refresh, hydrate and help achieve plump skin. Apply it to your face, wait for a few minutes and watch it bubble by itself!
Product image via bentoncosmetics.com
Best Korean face mask for dry skin: Benton Aloe Soothing Mask Pack (P130 or P1,100/10 at theskincarecurator.com)
This hydrating face mask works particularly well for dry and tight skin because it contains aloe vera, camellia sinensis and sodium PCA to soothe and drench the skin with hydration and nourishment. It’s also alcohol and fragrance-free, so it won’t irritate the skin as well.
Product Photography by Perkin Gohio
I love face masks because they are in a way like skincare “shortcuts.” Meaning that even if you have a simple or even no skincare routine, you still get a lot of benefits just from the face masks alone because of how intensive the treatments are. Even though they are only used a few times a week it can make a difference to your skin. However, if you really want to maximize its benefits, then it’s best to use this face mask with as part of a complete skincare routine. After cleansing, prep your face first by using an essence like Olay Regenerist Water Essence, and then a treatment serum like Olay White Radiance Essence. Then go on to applying a face mask like Olay Skinfusion Korean Black Ginseng Mask.
Product Photography by Perkin Gohio
I had a good experience with previous Olay Skinfusion masks but this new Olay Skinfusion Korean Black Ginseng Mask is now one of my favorite masks of all time! Not only does the mask cling well to the skin because it is made of biocellulose, but I’m so amazed because after taking off the face mask, I found that the essence was completely absorbed by my skin. I’ve never experienced this in any face sheet mask before. There was absolutely no sticky feeling left whatsoever. Just my face feeling refreshed. Olay Skinfusion has two other new variants: Olay Skinfusions Korean Yuzu Sheet Mask for a brightening face mask, and Olay Skinfusions Jeju Lava Sea Water Face Mask for a hydrating face mask. After that, apply a moisturizer like Olay Renegerist Micro-Sculpting Cream to seal in all those wonderful skin-loving ingredients. Try Olay Skinfusions today!
Olay is available in leading supermarkets, drugstores and department stores. It is also available online in Shopee and Lazada.
