Pxe Anti-Acne Trace-Free Repairing Essence Mask

On a recent work trip, I brought along this Pxe Anti-acne trace-free repairing essence mask because with all long flights, timezone change, and summer heat, I wanted to prevent breakouts.   This masks were one of the dozen boxes I purchased from Taiwan trip back in April.  

The Pxe brand is not available in the States and I was curious about its claim of "removal of acne".   First of all, the sheet mask has an opening for the ear and requires one to fit the mask over the ear as well.  The fit is extremely weird and does not cover the face well.   The sheet mask is also too thick and did not include sufficient essence.   Since I was using this mask for preventative measures, I was unable to detect whether it truly helped in the removal of acne.   However, due to the lack of essence in the mask, I would say this mask is a dud.

Where to Buy: Taiwan

Naisture Aqua Brightening Mask

I have yet to try a Naisture sheet mask and thought this mask was intriguing because it included a 3-step process.  Not only did it include ampoule, but it also had essence and sheet mask.  I usually put the essence prior to sheet mask so it was a worth a try to see the difference in changing up the routine.

The ampoule was quite light while the sheet mask was thick.  After getting used to the Taiwanese sheet mask, the Korean kind does not compare.   The mask did last a while, more than 30 minutes.   Afterward, I waited until the essence from the sheet mask absorbed into the skin before I applied step 3 - refresh essence.  

The whole process took longer than normal and although I'm not a big fan of the sheet mask, my face did feel brightened and full of essence.

Where to Buy: pharmacy in NYC

My Scheming L-Ascorbic Acid Whitening Mask

This is another find from my Taiwan trip.   My Scheming seem to be a big brand in Taiwan with a lot of choices.  I selected the L-Ascorbic Acid Whitening Mask because I want to target pigmentation.   L-ascorbic acid helps regulate uneven skin color while Arbutin enhances the protective function of skin.

This mask is truly invisible as it's thin and disappears into the skin.  Not sure if it's because I did a peeling mask prior to the mask but I do feel the tightness (and almost stinging sensation) of the acid in the whitening mask.   There is plenty of essence and the masks fits and stays on well.   Love this brand and this type of mask!! 

Where to Buy: Taiwan 

Beauty Love Diary Purity Mandelic Acid Skin Renewal Flawless Mask

This is another find from my recent Taiwan trip.  The Beauty Love Diary sheet mask reminds me of my fave brand, MBD.  This Purity Mandelic Acid Skin Renewal Flawless Mask is sheet is sheer, super light, and full of essence.   One mask can last over 30 minutes.  

My face feels plump, firm and glowing after.   Wished I had bought a bulk of these masks!!

Where to Buy: Taiwan

Banobagi Vita Genic Hydrating Jelly Mask

One of the mask I purchased in Taiwan was this Banobagi Vita Genic Hydrating Jelly Mask.  I was interested in knowing whether there were any differences between gel, jelly and regular sheet mask.

The jelly mask is like a gel mask in texture.  It's thinner than a regular sheet mask, although comparable to MBD (my favorite brand) sheet mask.   This jelly mask was full of essence and lasted 30+ min.   It was a good investment given it costed less than $1 in Taiwan.   Definitely a great buy and wished I had gotten more!

Where to Buy:  Taipei, Taiwan

Sexylook Black Mask - Cucumber

One of my beauty mask haul from Taiwan!!  I'm not sure about sexy look but this black mask has plenty of essence, silky and fits generally well.   The mask could be longer on the forehead and around the nose area.   The mask lasts for over 30 minutes and dries out well.   Face felt moisturized with a bit of glow.

Where to Buy: purchased in Taipei

Skinfood Secret Nature Blueberry Mask Sheet

This is the last of my Secret Nature series by Skinfood.  I chose Blueberry mask sheet for firming features.  The sheet mask is ordinary with not much to distinguish this from others.  I like the fact that this uses natural ingredient and has Jeju complex (not exactly sure what this means but anything coming from Jeju must be good, right?).  The mask is not as clear or smooth as others but it's a good deal if you can get it on a discount.  It's also good for daily use.

Where to Buy: purchased at SF Japantown Tony Moly

Bonvivant Sodium Hyaluronate + Lotus

I was so psyched to be masking on my last day in Barcelona that I forgot to take a before pic.  I saved this Bonvivant Sodium Hyaluraonate + Lotus mask sheet for a special occasion.  

The mask sheet fits really well, clear, and thin (you can barely see it on the face).  It has a lot of essence and can last over 30 minutes.   It was definitely a good ending to a great work trip!

Where to Buy: purchased from Memebox

Double Masking

When I travel for work, I like to mask as frequent as possible to combat the late nights, travel breakouts and different environmental conditions.

On a recent work trip to London and Barcelona, I bought some of my favorite face sheet masks - My Beauty Diary along with clarifying masks by Sulwhasoo.  I started with the Sulwhasoo clarifying mask to get rid of any dirt in my pores.  The mask is dark, very herbal and thick.  It's a bit hard to spread across the face and very sticky, feels almost like a thick sticky gelatin.  The smell is extremely herbal - like the herbal tea that is given when one is sick.  It tightens the face quite a bit so after 15 minute or so,  I washed my face to condition it with My Beauty Diary's Bird's Nest Mask.   The sheet mask is similar to others where there's plenty of essence (enough to last more than 30 minutes) and ultra moisturizing.  It feels quite refreshing after the clarifying mask.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply Sulwhasoo clarifying mask for 15 minutes.  Wash off and then apply the MBD sheet mask

Skinfood Green Tea Mask Sheet

Not sure how I came about this sheet mask but I love green tea.  It has a ton of antioxidants with very light caffeine.  As for skincare, its ingredients are soothing and moisturizing.   It's great for those who have sensitive skin and/or prone to breakouts.

This mask is thick in texture but with the right amount of essence.  It doesn't last as long as other masks but does the job.  Can be used as a daily sheet mask.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply sheet mask

Where to Buy: not sure...but should be available at Skinfood stores

Tony Moly Secret Nature Aloe Mask Sheet

In general I like the Tony Moly Secret Nature line.  The mask sheet is thinner with more essence and lasts longer.  This Aloe Mask Sheet was very soothing and felt soft to the touch.  After a week of intense work meetings and after work dinners, I needed something soothing to restore some moisture. 

In comparison with other mask sheet, I would say it's comparable to my fave, MBD.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply mask sheet (although my own little secret is to apply SK-II essence prior to the mask sheet for double the essence!)

Where to Buy: purchased at Tony Moly store in SF Japantown

Valentino Rudy Platinum Nancolloid Mask

As I was going through my beauty product stash, I came across this unrecognizable sheet mask.  I don't know whether this was gifted by a friend or received as sample from a recent purchase.  I ventured to try this and see if it's effective.   I don't recognize the brand and can't tell if the mask is from Japan or China

This sheet mask comes in two parts that are attached - one for the face and another for the neck.  It was not easy to apply as the mask is thick and the openings don't fit well. There's a place for the mask to go over the ears which seems weird and made my hair wet.  The portion for the neck did not stick very well and after only 5 minutes, dried out and stuck out.   The sheet mask dried out quickly and the material is too thick.  Overall, not very effective and will not be a re-purchase.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply sheet mask for 20 minutes

Tony Moly Lemon Mask Sheet

The last time I was in Japantown I picked up a few Tony Moly Secret Nature sheet masks.  Since I needed a bit of skin brightening, I was glad I picked up this Lemon mask sheet.   This sheet mask does not smell particularly lemonish and has a great texture and full of essence.  If I had to compare, this mask is similar to My Beauty Diary mask - fit, texture and essence level is about the same.  But value wise, My Beauty Diary is definitely a better value.

Where to Buy:  Tony Moly store in SF Japantown

My Beauty Diary - Imperial Bird's Nest

I'm pretty sure I've posted about the Imperial Bird's Nest sheet mask from My Beauty Diary because but I'll post again because it's Chinese New Year and the packaging of this sheet mask fits perfectly for this holiday.  I am truly a MBD addict as I love every one of their sheet mask.  I have not been disappointed by the ones I've tried (and I've tried many).  Each is full of essence, fits well, and have a great sheet texture.  Try one and you won't be disappointed!

Where to Buy: gifted by a friend

Cute Taiwanese Sheet Mask

This mask was gifted by my friend Betty and since I don't read Chinese very well, I can't decipher the name or brand of the mask.   Can someone please help??

The mask was very light, sheer and had a ton of essence.  I would definitely buy again if I knew the name of the mask.  The packaging does seem strange since it has merely a sticker with some Chinese words.  Should I be concerned?

Where to Buy:  Gifted by a friend

Coni Beauty Black Mask

I was gifted this unique Taiwanese Coni Beauty Black Mask from my friend Betty.  It's my first Snail Black Mask so I was super psyched!!  It touted the following results:

- Unique bamboo charcoal weaving technology

- Reduce fine lines

- Leave the skin refined and supple

- Enriched with hyaluronic acid

The mask fitted well and was quite unique.  The material is thicker than MBD and other sheet masks but texture was still soft.  Since it's a sheet mask, it looks less scary than a clay mask although my hubby was still not a big fan.   Let's just say I will not be taking any photos with this mask on.  =)  

Overall I was happy with the result.  My skin felt refreshed and a little sticky from the essence.  I used less moisturizer than normal.

Directions: after cleansing and toner, apply sheet mask and let it dry out

Where to Buy: gifted by a friend!

Tony Moly Coconut Mask

With the winter rain, my skin require more moisture to combat the dryness in the internal air.  I picked up a few Tony Moly Secret Nature mask sheet on my last visit to Japantown SF.  These masks were advertised as better because they are made in Jeju and made from real natural ingredients.

On opening the sheet mask, the texture did feel different.  The sheet mask feels softer and lighter.  There was a lot of essence, similar to the MBD masks.  The Coconut mask sheet did not smell like coconut, a bit more floral.  The mask did not dry out even after 30 minutes.  If it wasn't for getting some more beauty sleep, I would've left it on for another 15-20 minutes.  Face felt refreshed and I even used less products than normal from my night routine.

Directions: after cleansing and toner, apply mask for over 30 minutes or until mask is dried.

Where to Buy:  purchased at Japantown SF Tony Moly store

MBD Natto Sheet Mask

My Beauty Diary masks are one of my favorite brand for sheet masks.  I have not tried one that I didn't like.  One of my friend gifted me the MBD Natto sheet mask (which I didn't have and haven't tried before).   

Sheet mask was very milky, unlike the other MBD masks that are clear or white.  Because it was dripping with essence, the mask was hard to put on.  But it was still very silky like other MBD masks.   Good thing it didn't smell like natto because the smell alone would've put me off.  Instead, it smelled a bit fruity.  

Skin was definitely brighter and glowing after the mask.  I will need to add this to my collection =)

Directions: after cleansing and toner, put sheet mask on for 20-30 minutes or until mask has dried.

Where to Buy: gifted by a friend!

Skin79 Watermelon Girl Mask

Since the temperature is getting colder my skin has gotten drier.   Watermelon helps with moisture and thus I tried this Skin79 Watermelon Girl fruit sheet mask.

I was pleasantly surprised that the mask actually looks like the package - it actually has the rind of the watermelon and blush on the mask.  It was super cute - although not sure if I looked cute in it.   The mask was thin, fitted well and was full of essence.  I would definitely use again!

Directions: after cleansing and toner, apply mask for 20-30 minutes.

Where to Buy: purchased from MemeBox

Forencos Song Joong Ki Sheet Mask

My face has settled down enough where I've added back serums, essence, and masks.  My hubby recently traveled to Japan and had a layover in Seoul.  He was kind enough to purchase a face sheet mask set at the airport as omiyage.   

Song Joong Ki is one of my favorite Korean actors since his beginning days as the play boy in "Sungkyunkwan Scandal", Running Man and recently as the army captain in "Descendants of the Sun".   I would've gladly tried on any masks with him on the cover!  

I tried on this Forencos Friday mask - Gold Regenerating Silk Mask - this past Friday.   The mask did feel extra silky, had a ton of essence (but no drip) and lasted more than 30 minutes.   The mask fits well except for the nose area where the strip could be longer.   I still felt the mask essence the next morning. 

Directions: after washing and toner, put on sheet mask for 15-20 minutes

Where to Buy: purchased at the Seoul International airport terminal