There ain’t nothing glamorous looking about these sheet masks, therefore I know you guys will have a chuckle, quite literally laugh out loud or even find yourselves rolling on the floor with laughter ,whilst scrolling through this post. BUT, non-glamorous looks aside, if you’re looking for that “I’ve just had a proper facial glow without breaking the bank”, than sheets masks are your answer. The affordable price of these products makes it more likely to be used more frequently, leading to increased hydration benefits overtime.
In this post I tried out the Swiitch Beauty Ultra glow mask. Swiitch Beauty is a proudly South African makeup and skincare company, run by a young girl boss by the name of Rabia Ghoor. Their makeup products are so affordable and of relatively good quality, that I didn’t hesitate to try out their skincare products when the opportunity presented itself. I purchased this sheet mask online, fortunately for me it was on sale, but the normal retail price is R150. Swiitch Beauty sheet masks are produced in sterile conditions using top quality ingredients. All masks are vegan as they do not contain animal ingredients and are produced using plant-based collagen.
The two main ingredients are coconut and vitamin e oil, which are both known for their highly effective skin benefits. When I tried this mask my skin was in need of a serious glow, because of the number of sleepless nights I had whilst Kwando was in hospital. I shot this look on a Saturday and a close friend came to visit me ( well Kwando )on the Monday and she could not stop complimenting my skin. I was on a fast during the time, so I kept telling her it’s because I was eating clean and drinking a ton of water, forgetting that I had used a sheet mask over the weekend. I probably heard the words “glow/ glowing” come out of her mouth about twenty times and yet somehow it still never registered that this had everything to do with the mask. So friends if you’re looking for a fresh face that beams with illuminance then this is your mask. BUT before you purchase a mask I’ll be sharing a few tips on how to effectively use them.
Sheet masks may seem self-explanatory, but here are some tips on what you should avoid:
Not prepping your skin properly
To ensure the sheet mask takes full effect on the face, the skin needs to be properly cleansed and prepared. The most essential part of this process is the removal of makeup, dirt and debris from the face. If possible, take it a step further by exfoliating the dead layer of cells lingering on the surface. This helps to clear the way for the ingredients in your chosen face mask to penetrate the epidermis (outer layer of the skin), ensuring they reach the lower layers where the real work can take place.
Incorrect application
This is probably the most annoying thing about sheet masks; the fit. Although they are designed to be one size fits all, it’s rarely the case as everyone has a slightly different face shape. So here’s the trick to getting the most out of a sheet mask. Make sure you press it gently onto the skin, focusing on the contours of the face such as the nose, and then smoothing over the larger area like the cheeks & forehead.
Excessive Movement
I’m guilty of this the most, trying to multitask and get through a list of things in the 20-3 minutes instructed, instead of doing what my images depict: relaxing. Sheet masks are both moist and flexible, making it prone to slipping ab sliding around the face. In order for it to stay on for the duration indicated, take that time to really just be and breathe. Find a comfortable spot to lie down, alleviate your head at an angle and enjoy some well deserved me time.
Leaving it on for too long
The indicated time on the package instructions should always be adhered to. Most people think that the longer a sheet mask is on their skin, the better the results, but the reality is actually a lot different. By ignoring the instructions you run the risk of potentially drying out the mask and it drawing vital nourishment away from the skin, in a process known as osmosis.
Cleansing your face afterwards
Washing/ rinsing your face after using a sheet mask defeats the whole purpose of the process. By re-cleansing the skin you’re not allowing the formula to fully absorb into the skin. Sheet masks are packed full with many actives. Actives are what change the skin, and not just temporarily improving the appearance. Many sheet masks contain whole bottles worth of ingredients and hydration, so please don’t wash your face once the mask has been peeled and discarded of.
Not patting down the excess product
Get all your monies worth of the product and doubt be shy about it, nobody is watching but you! Any residue that’s leftover should be massaged into the skin to encourage better penetration and uptake by the cells.
Tossing the sachet away
Most sheet masks come in a packaged sachet leaving plenty of formula hanging around at the bottom of the packet. If possible, try pour out the product into a container/bottle and apply it to your skin like you would a serum. Stretch it over a few days, it will help maintain the results of your treatment for longer. If you you’re uncomfortable with that idea, then make use of the excess product in the moment, by applying it all over your body, focusing on the neck and decolletage area.
General info
Sheet masks come in a variety of materials, feature different ingredients and target different skin tones. You can purchase a mask for any area of your concern such as the under eye, feet, hands etc. Clicks and Dischem are my go to stores when it comes to skincare products and you can purchase sheet masks from brands such as Sorbet, Skin Republic, The Body shop, Dermactin-TS, Freeman and even the Dischem brand.
Join me
This year I’ve set myself a challenge to try using two sheet masks a week for six consecutive weeks and document my skin results as I go along. Let me know if you’re interested in joining me and which masks you’re currently using. Look forward to hearing from you!
xx B
Photography by Mikayla Birkholtz
Wearing: Swiitch Beauty Ultraglow mask https://swiitchbeauty.com/collections/skincare
