I have a drawer full of masks, all claiming to do something magical for my skin. Over the past year, I’ve come across a few I really like but the beauty-junkie in me can’t leave well enough alone, I need to try them ALL.
I choose masks thoughtfully, favoring masks that moisturize (I have dry skin) over masks that claim to provide benefits that I don’t really need. The thing is, I’ve acquired a nice collection of masks from beauty subscription boxes (Sephora Play!, Beautycon…) and beauty counters, and I’m curious about them. Many of these masks claim moisturizing benefits, and most of them are from higher end brands (department store and luxury) than the affordable masks that I tend to favor. The beauty-junkie in me is excited to test these out. The following is my experience with a gel mask from Skin Inc.
Skin Inc. Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask
Last night I tested the Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask from Skin Inc. I prepped my skin for the mask by removing all traces of makeup. I used Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil (makeup removal) followed that with my newest scrub, Almond and Honey Face Scrub (scrub and cleanse) from Mario Badesco and rinsed with warm water.
Once my skin was cleansed and dried, I applied a thin layer of the clear, gel-like mask over my face and neck. Since I wasn’t applying face cream to my eye area, I decided to include my eyelids as well. It’s my understanding that you’re supposed to avoid your eyelids, but when I use gel masks, I tend to include them (I’ve never had a problem doing this). I have a habit of massaging gel masks into my skin, this wasn’t specified in the directions, this is just something I like to do. I want to make sure the product is really in my skin and not just sitting on top of it artificially. The other reason I do this, is because I find it far more comfortable. I hate the feeling of something wet or gel-like sitting on my skin.
The mask had a similar feeling and ease of use to other gel masks I’ve used. It was easy to apply (I used my fingers) and glided over my face and neck beautifully. It’s not sticky like many other gel beauty products (remember Dippity Do hair gel?) but it’s slightly tacky (hence my desire to massage it into my skin). You don’t get the sense that this is going to work, but like many gel masks, you just have to wait and see.
You have two choices on how to use the mask. You can leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water, or you can sleep in it. Since sleeping masks are my favorite, I will always chose that option. Why rinse and apply face cream when you can sleep in it and reap more benefits?
When I woke up this morning, I had forgotten that I had slept in a mask but when I touched my skin, it definitely felt softer. One other thing I should note, is that this mask never made my skin feel tight. I know that some people look for this quality in a mask, but I find it very uncomfortable, especially in a mask that claims to moisturize skin.
The real test would be after my morning routine. After cleansing and moisturizing, I evaluated my skin and felt that the mask, paired with my normal skin routine, worked well. My skin was softer than it had been in days and continued to maintain its softness and moisture throughout the day.
Overall, I enjoyed the mask, it doesn’t have any special frills (although algae extract is listed as the fifth ingredient) but it was easy to use and it worked for me. At the end of the day, a mask used (that works) is better than one with all the frills that is just too much work.
Pros
- Ease of application
- Can sleep in it (or wash it off)
- Good Results
Cons
- Slightly tacky (needed to massage it in order to be comfortable)
- Expensive
Cost
The Skin Inc. Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask can be purchased at Sephora for $45.00 (1 ounce) or $75.00 (1.7 ounces) and can be found at other areas online.
Ingredients
- Water
- Butylene Glycol
- Glycerin
- Pentylene Glycol
- Algae Extract
- Natto Gum
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
- Potassium Hydroxide
- Phenoxyethanol
- Tetrasodium EDTA
- 0% added paraben and scent