With the holidays right around the corner, I've got gifts to shop for, suitcases to pack and deadlines to meet—and the stress of it all presents as tired, dull and lackluster skin. Luckily, it's nothing a good sheet mask can't fix. Sheet masks offer a quick and effortless way to pamper and rejuvenate your skin and if luxuriating with one on sounds like the kind of "me time" you're into, allow me to introduce you to the Karuna Skin Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask ($10).
The Benefits
Karuna's Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask is a two-piece sheet mask made with water-soluble gel fibers that transition from translucent to opaque as it delivers active ingredients to your skin. (If you've been on social media at all lately, you've seen these texture-changing masks everywhere.) Karuna's formula blends green tea, peptides, cica, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen to soothe and calm skin as its formula targets an array of age-related concerns.
First, antioxidant-rich green tea leaf extract helps boost the skin's defenses against harmful environmental stressors like pollution and sun damage. Then, nine types of peptides pack a punch to restore the skin barrier, smooth visible lines and wrinkles and firm lax skin. Hyaluronic acid infuses skin with hydration; cica soothes and heals skin irritations. Finally, the titular hydrolyzed collagen nourishes skin and locks in moisture, leaving behind a healthy glow.
How to Use the Karuna Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask
Let the pampering begin by gently unfolding the first piece of the mask and placing the hydrogel on your face. Next, remove the backings and adjust as needed. Simply repeat the process for the second piece and let the magic work. The brand recommends wearing the mask for 10 to 20 minutes, but it's safe to wear it longer for a more intense treatment. For optimum skin benefits, I suggest reading a book, laying in bed, meditating, watching your favorite TV show, painting your nails—anything that'll emphasize your "me time" and put your mind and skin at ease.
My Honest Thoughts
I'm going to give it to you straight: I didn't want to take this mask off. The gel texture feels so comfortable on the skin and the cooling sensation is beyond soothing. Placing the mask on and adjusting it to fit my face was easier than I thought it'd be (albeit unsurprisingly slippery to handle at first). Once I applied each piece to the skin, it never slipped—historically, my biggest issue with sheet masks. But the best part came when I finally removed my mask (after about an hour). This is the closest my skin has ever come to looking like glass: glowing, smooth and firm. The Karuna Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask has jumped from an occasional treat to a permanent spot in my skin-care routine.
Immediately after applying Karuna's collagen mask
45 minutes later; still in place
Immediately after removing mask
