Splurge or save: Facial masks

SPLURGE

DERMA-RX BIO-CELLULOSE FACIAL MASK
$20 each, from the DRx Clinic, 16-01 Tong Building

Made with a pulpy and highly absorbent material, this bio-cellulose mask is soaked with neuropeptides to reduce the apperance of expression lines, cerasomes complex to carry oxygen deeper into the skin, sodium hyaluronate to moisturise, vitamin C to brighten and firm, as well as other soothing ingredients.

It is also gentle enough for those who have just undergone aesthetic procedures.

REVIEW: I love masks which are made with quality bio-cellulose as they are elastic and I can mould them to the shape of my face.

This mask did not dry up easily. I left it on my skin for about an hour and it remained moist throughout. There was also enough extra serum in the pack for me to slather on my neck, decolletage, arms and legs. The next morning, my face was especially radiant and supple.

SAVE

BEAUTE FOREST HYALURONIC ACID & NATTO MOISTURIZING MASK
$10.90 for a box of six, from selected Watsons stores

This brand of sheet mask was recommended on the Taiwanese lifestyle and beauty show Lady First.

It is made with an absorbent pulpy paper material, and is saturated with a watery serum that contains hyaluronic acid, natto gum and job's tears seed extract.

REVIEW: The paper mask did not tear easily. It was also thin enough to wrap around the contours of my face. It stayed moist for about half an hour. The next morning, my skin felt bouncier.

DOUBLE INTENSIVE HYDRATING MASK BY GUARDIAN
$2.70 each, from selected Guardian stores

This two-step mask comes with an attached sachet of Enriched Ampoule to be used before the mask, which promises to protect, balance and refine pores as well as moisturise, soothe and soften skin.

The mask is soaked with an essence that contains hyaluronic acid and chia seed extract.

REVIEW: The amount of ampoule serum in the sachet is generous. There was enough of it for me to spread all over my face, decolletage and arms. I also liked the watery gel texture of the serum, as it helped to prepare my skin for the mask and gave it an extra shot of moisture.

The pulpy fabric mask was still damp after about half an hour. The next morning, my skin remained moisturised.

One gripe though: the mask stuck out at certain angles, such as around my nose, and I had to keep pressing it down.

This article was first published on Sept 12, 2014.
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