Our Unfiltered Review: We Tried 10 Japanese Sheet Masks
If you know anything about Japanese skincare, you know how big a part face masks contribute to the whole routine! All mask addicts will understand how a true pamper session for your complexion can never be missing out on a special step: Sheet Masks. The All-in-one sheet masks are especially popular in Japan as they’re a great way to get the most out of your skincare regime when you’re pressed for time.
If you haven’t checked out our previous beauty post - we featured our 10 favourite Japanese drugstore products. In this article, we picked and reviewed 10 Japanese Sheet masks from Orchard Central’s Tokyu Hands within our light budget!
Read on to check out the team’s unfiltered, honest and straight-up reviews below!
Disclaimer: All masks are purchased from Tokyo Hands. However, this post is not sponsored/affiliated to Tokyo Hands. All product suggestions are independently selected and individually reviewed based on each skin reviewer’s skin type. Each individual’s skin type and each mask’s effects differs from person to person - we’re no skin experts/professionals - always check the ingredients for your skin before every purchase!
1. Quality All-In-One-Face Mask White - 5 Sheets/$9.90
Pardon my poor lighting but this is how it looks like inside (ft. my..terrible…tearing..)
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Combination (Oily & Dehydrated), 24
During my last trip in Japan, I’ve seen this brand everywhere especially in their drug stores! Personally - I’ve not tried any whitening Japanese masks so i was really excited.
Like most Japanese masks - this came in a zip-locked packaging, attached with 7 sheets. Upon opening…..if i’ve to describe first impression in one word - thick. Unlike most masks packed and soaked with serum, this mask is quite drying even before leaving it on my skin. Needless to say- during the application, the only significant thing i felt was the weight of the mask. No kidding.
After removing, not only I did not see any instant vast whitening effect as well, the mask absorbed the moisture from my skin instead. I had to spam my night moisturiser. Well, pretty disappointed…or maybe it’s not meant for my skin type? Will i re-purchase? A big no.
2. Utena Puresa Sheet Mask Rose Extract 5's - 5 sheets/$12.90
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Combination-Oily, 24
This pack of mask comes in 5 sheets and they’re all individually packed! From the loud and pink packaging, it’s pretty obvious that this mask contains rose extracts - formulated to repair dry and damaged skin with hyaluronic acid. It’s also said to be a moisture-rich mask for oily skin types.
This mask is soaked with the essence, and after removing the mask and patting dry the remaining essence on my face, my skin felt exceptionally smooth. The usual mask would give me a dewy look with a glow, but this gave me that additional touch of smoothness!
For the fit, the mask is also more tight-fitting than usual masks and slightly bigger, which is very rare because normally face masks would not fit on my face perfectly, but this did!
At an affordable price of only $12.90 for 5 sheets, I feel that this mask did a great job for me! If you are an avid mask or beauty enthusiast, I would recommend this mask as it’s is a good choice to help your skin (+ bank), as well as reducing the need to purchase higher-end masks which serves the same effect! If you are the type who mask at least 5 times a week, this mask does the job without bleeding your wallet!
3. Okome & Sakekasu Pack Facial Mask - 7 sheets/$8.00
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Combination-Oily, 24
As what it’s packaging suggests, i was greeted with a strong scent of rice wine and sake upon tearing the mask! It’s not really as soaked and damped like how a normal good piece of sheet mask would be - which explains the required application time is only 10 to 15 minutes instead of the usual 20 to 30 minutes.
For me, usually after masking, there would be excess essence which i could spread it out to my neck and pat it dry. But for this, i felt that my face was a little dry after application, and i had to apply my own serum to attain the moisture. I’m not a person who masks often, (once fortnightly or once in month), so when i do, i do seek and invest in a good quality mask that can serve my skin its purpose!
This mask is something i definitely would not use because it does not serves the purpose of giving me the moisture, radiance, and hydration that my skin needs from a sheet mask.
To end of with a personal opinion - I’m not really a fan of resealable packaging as well. I feel that it’s pretty unhygienic as each sheet is not individually packaged, but rather all clumped and layered together. Even though it is resealable and more environmentally friendly, i feel that this kind of packaging would cause the remaining unused masks to be full of germs.
4. Lululun Hydrating Daily Mask - 7 Sheets/$7.90
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Combination (Oily & Dehydrated), 24
This hydrating daily mask is available in 7 sheets ($7.90) and 42 sheets ($29.90), and share many similar ingredients to the deep moisturising mask. The ingredients in its list are; hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, rice ceramide and aloe vera extract.
The mask is pretty thin, packs nicely in the bag - and my application time was around 15 minutes. The essence on the mask is not thick or gooey, it has a nice watery consistency, which actually gets absorbed into my skin very easily and leaves it feeling incredibly hydrated and soft! Perfect for folks who masks everyday for a quick skin boost. Will I re-purchase? Maybe for it’s affordability and if i ever get on the notion of the daily mask routine - but not something in my “must-buy, must-try” list!
5. Minon Amino Moist Essential Mask - 4 Sheets/$18.90
Credits: Tasaki
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Combination (Oily & Dehydrated), 24
Comes nicely in a box of 4 individual masks, this popular highly-raved Japanese brand is known for making products for sensitive skin since their products do not include fragrance. Upon opening, the sheet mask is made of thin, mesh-like cotton material! It’s also pretty easy to unfold and layer on the face.
However, for the fit - it doesn’t fit well for my face! My eye and nose areas are too narrow - leaving excess at the chin area as well. It’s a pretty weird cutting. Aside from that, My skin felt hydrated, relieved and very smooth, there’s zero tingling during the process too.
The brand is mostly known for their range of products that are catered to sensitive skin, and their sheet masks are no different. Ingredients present are very gentle on the skin, so as to not aggravate it even more. For folks with dry & sensitive skin - you might want to give it a try as this mask is tailored to your needs!
Will I re-purchase personally? Maybe? It’s quite good but price is pretty steep.
6. Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask - 10 Sheets/$14.30
Credits: Shopee
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Combination (Oily & Dehydrated), 24
A highly rated Japanese mask - search “best japanese masks” in google - and you’ll definitely see this lady pop! This mask contains highly moisturising ingredients like rice milk, claims to gives you a soft and dewy skin. One of the main issues the Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask addresses is the large, visible pores on combo/oily skins and providing the hydration to rebalance the skin and thus minimize the appearance of these pores.
My first time trying a rice mask - the sheet mask is on the thicker side, after putting on, it does feel very soft on the skin. There’s a lot of essence in each pack, and each mask can carry quite a bit, probably due to the thicker material. Instructions say to leave it on for 5 minutes, but i left it for a good 20 minutes and there’s still alot of essence after!
It’s still a hydrating mask - but it also left a slightly sticky finish on my skin - which I have to apply my moisturiser to get rid of the feeling after. My pores also looked the same afterwards - which is not what they claimed to be.
Will I re-purchase? Not really - it feels like a normal mask to me, not something I will rave and recommend my friends with dehydrated skin to try too!
7. Kiku-Masamune Sake Face Mask - 7 sheets/$8.00
Credits: Donki
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Sensitive, Acne-Prone and Oily Skin, 20
(+) Points: The sake smell is quite strong upon opening of the package, may appeal to those who like it! The mask adheres to your face very well, you can feel the essence being absorbed into your skin.
There’s also an instant brightening and tightening effect after taking off the mask! Essence dries very quickly which I love! After the essence dries, my skin also looks less shiny/more matte compared to usual face masks (also probably because of the alcohol), which suits my oily skin type + my skin feels smoother when I apply cream afterwards.
(-) points - You’ll have to peel the holes for the eyes and nose in the face mask yourself which is an added inconvenience, face mask is a bit flimsy also so the holes can stretch till quite big and doesn’t cover certain parts of your face - A slight stinging sensation when I put on the face mask initially due to my sensitive skin, but it fades after a while.
Would I purchase? Yes! My skin feels smoother and tighter after a few uses.
8. Pure Smile Charcoal Mask - 1 sheet/$2.80
Reviewer Skin Type: Combi (Towards Oily)
Credits to: Donki
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Combination (Oily & Sensitive), 18
It’s my first time using a charcoal sheet mask, and the mask is quite thick as compared to other sheet masks i’ve used before. The mask has a light floral scent, which has the perfect consistency for essence! It’s not too much or too little for my skin. I left it on my skin for 15 minutes, and my skin absorbs the essence well, it felt moisturising and hydrating!
It gave my skin a “bouncy’ texture, ideal mask if my skin ever needs a perk-me-up! Good fit for my face too!
Would I re-purchase? Yes, for a weekly use.
9. Saborino Good Night Sheet Mask - 5 Sheets/$6.70
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Sensitive, Acne-Prone and Oily skin, 20
This all-in-one formula includes all that you need for a full skin care routine and it’s said that you only have to leave this face mask on for 60 seconds.
(+) points: This mask has a pleasant smell that it’s not too strong for me! It gives my skin that tightening, smoothing, soft effect after usage, and the size of is a huge (+) point as it fits well because most face masks are usually too big for me.
(-) points: I wouldn’t recommend this to people with sensitive skin - as there was a stinging sensation during application. However, my sister with dry skin tried it as well and it works perfectly fine. So for folks with sensitive skin, stay away! Apart from the sensation, the essence took quite long to dry after usage and my skin felt oilier, this mask might suit those with dry and dehydrated skin better.
Will I use it again? No - because the cons outweigh the pros. It doesn’t give my skin any much difference besides the immediate effects each usage which lasts less than an hour.
10. Pure Smile Half&Half - 1 Sheet/$6.70
Credits: Beauty Bistro
Reviewer Skin Type & Age: Combination (Oily & Dehydrated), 24
As what its packaging looks like, this mask comes in 2 different colours and it’s packaged differently as well. This half-half skin care mask serves two purpose - the blue layer targeted for tightening, yellow layer for deep hydration - best suited for combination skin like myself! Nicely wrapped around a net, it explains the steep price at $6.70 per sheet.
The mask fits easily on your face, and this thin mask is soaked with essence goodness - I love! There’s also a cooling effect upon application and I left it on for a good 20 minutes. After usage, I noticed an instant hydration glow like a quick skin boost! My skin feels extremely soft and supple after, and it stayed till the next day.
Will I re-purchase? Sure, if it’s sponsored! Jokes aside, I would, I think. In my opinion - it’s worth the buck but I would use it really sparingly, give it a try if you’re willing to invest in a good Japanese sheet mask.
While individually packaged face masks are found in Japanese masks, you’re more likely to encounter Japanese sheet masks sold in resealable packages or resealable plastic containers, which eliminates unnecessary waste. What’s your take on mask packaging? Does it matter to you? For myself - as long as it serves my skin well in terms of the value, i’m fine with any x Let us know what you think!
[GIVEAWAY]
We're giving away 3 SETS OF JAPANESE SHEET MASKS to 3 different winners!
SET A, FOR OILY SKIN (worth $65) includes
Kose Cosmeport Clear turn black sheet mask (5 pieces)
Labo Labo sheet masks (32 pieces)
Senka Perfect Aqua Soothing White Mask (5 pieces)
Pure Smile Half&Half sheet mask
SET B, FOR DRY SKIN (worth $60) includes
Lululun Face mask, Blue (7 pieces)
Minion Amino Moist Essential Mask (8 pieces)
Kose Princess Veil Mask (8 pieces)
Pure smile Half&Half sheet mask
SET C, FOR COMBINATION SKIN (worth $70) includes
Keana Nadeshiko rice mask (10 pieces)
DHC Bio Cellulose mask (2 pieces)
Saborino Morning facial sheet mask (32 pieces)
Pure Smile Half&Half sheet mask
To participate:
1. Follow us on Instagram and our Facebook
2. Like our instagram post
3. Comment which set you’d like to win, tell us why, and tag 2 friends!
Winners will be announced on 28th July, 5pm!
*This giveaway is not affliated or sponsored by Instagram or any brands mentioned above.
