As far as instant gratification goes in skincare, you can’t really trump the transformative powers of a sheet mask. The K-Beauty concept is simple: cloth (or something similar) is soaked in a cocktail of ingredients designed to brighten, soothe and hydrate. You apply, wear for a short amount of time, and some of the product will have absorbed into the superficial layers of the skin, resulting in a dewier, plumper, more vibrant version of your former self.
For the most part, sheet masks run a pretty similar gamut, but every so often one comes along that makes the others seem, well… less than (think the iconic status of Dr. Jart+, 111Skin or Tatcha’s iterations). Estée Lauder’s Powerfoil is one such legend in skincare, loved by everyone from Pip Edwards to Victoria Beckham for its ability to smooth out fine lines and put light back into dull/red/stressed out skin.
The secret (or one of) lies in the foil backing. It acts as a seal and keeps ingredients from evaporating (as they can in typical permeable sheet masks, especially while flying), so they have no choice but to infuse into the skin. It also generates a teeny bit of heat, allowing pores to soften and take in more of the good stuff. The ingredients themselves are just as important: there’s a double dose of the brand’s iconic Advanced Night Repair Serum (hyaluronic acid, we see you) and uses the signature Chronolux™ Technology to support normal repair processes overnight. There’s a lot of liquid, so whatever is left on your face after 10 minutes of wear can be massaged in. It’s designed to be used overnight (thanks to the inclusion of ANR) but truthfully it’s so hydrating that it works a treat before big events, too. A tip from us is to apply to slightly damp skin after a warm shower when pores are softened and the skin is primed for absorption.
Shop The Powerfoil Mask Below
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery POwerfoil Mask, $120 for four. SHOP NOW
