As I was writing an encyclopedia of skin care recommendations, I realized I had another small volume to write about Korean face masks. The sheet masks, particularly—BIG FAN.

I started getting sheet masks when I was pregnant as a little treat to replace wine as my weekend evening pastime. And then I got hooked.

Since we’re currently stuck at home during the pandemic and exactly zero people have asked me about skin care, I thought it was a good time to share some of my favorite pieces of sheet to put on my face.

P.S. This post was not sponsored but there are affiliate links in this post, so I make a small commission if you buy something through those links. It helps me keep the lights on over here, so thank you!

#17VDerma Hydrating Sheet

Oh, I’ll admit it—I got this mask originally because of the cats on the packaging. Really though, it is a wonderful mask. One time, I used it in the morning and then later that day my cat-loving sister-in-law who taught English in Korea told me my skin was glowing… in the middle of winter… so obviously I had to give her one of these in her Christmas gift last year.

Jayjun Intensive Shining Mask

This mask is a brightening mask, so I trust it’s working on my hyperpigmentation. I’m the kind of person who gets a dark spot for months after even the tiniest breakout, so any little bit helps. I love that this mask comes in three steps and there’s always a lot of extra product left to use for several days. The first step is a soft gel essence, the second is the mask itself and the third is an eye cream.

Common Labs Ggultamin B Real Jel Mask

I stumbled upon THESE—my current favorite Korean sheet masks—in a Target clearance bin a couple years ago. They still have a few Korean brands in the store, but I think they were phasing this one out at the time and it was on sale. I am so glad I impulsively bought it from a random end cap bin! This mask is magic, like a $3 facial. Step one is a gentle exfoliation and step 2 is the super, super hydrating gel sheet mask. Bring it back, Target! In the meantime though, you can buy it on Amazon.

Skederm Snail Jelly Mask

I’ll let you draw your own conclusions as to the potency of snail secretion filtrate, but it’s probably the most iconic ingredient in Korean skincare products. It contains hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein, proteoglycans, and antimicrobial and copper peptides—all of which are apparently very beneficial to the skin.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

This is the only non-sheet mask I’m putting on this list. It’s an AHA sleep mask, so you put it on at night and let it do its thing while you snooze. It’s a very light gel, and you barely even notice it’s on after it dries. When you wake up, just rinse it off in the shower and you’re good to go—glowy AF.