Facial Masks For Clearer Skin

Let’s face it; we girls tend to put our skin through a lot. Between caking on makeup (and sometimes forgetting to remove said makeup before bed), washing, scrubbing, exfoliating, waxing, etc, it’s a miracle that our skin continues to be so resilient!

I’ve definitely had my fair share of skin problems. As a teen I suffered from pretty chronic acne, and not just white and blackheads, but the painfully large and “buried” cystic acne that can leave a nasty welt on your face if you’re not too careful. (Sorry if that was way TMI). Thankfully through routine visits to my dermo and a strict skincare routine I was basically pimple free by the time I was in college.

As the years have gone by I’ve stuck to a pretty basic skincare regimen using some of my favorite tried and true products that I know work for my sensitive skin. However, after moving to NYC I’ve noticed that my skin has now faced a whole new set of environmental factors that can trigger random breakouts, leave my skin looking dull and… well, aged. AH! Ok, maybe I can’t blame city life for the last one, but it’s definitely something I’m noticing as I’m entering my late 20’s.

That’s why I started a quest to find new products that would make my skin look and feel brighter, softer and acne free, despite the harsh (and dirty) elements of living in a crowded metropolis. I’ve sampled plenty of products since moving here, but fell in LOVE with the “I’m Real” facial mask collection by Korean cosmetic company, Tony Moly.

It’s my first experience with sheet masks – I usually prefer clay, and it took a little getting used to, but now I can’t go without using these at least once a week. My current favorites are the Rice Mask for clear skin and Lemon Mask for brightening.  And side note, I’m obsessed with the packaging! Aren’t these adorable?

So here’s the lowdown:

Pros 

• Easy to use (apply for 20-30 minutes)
• Non-sticky
• Super hydrating
• Mostly pleasant scents
• Super cost effective (under $5)
• Instant results

Cons 

• A little messy (the masks are soaking wet and tend to drip)
• Some scents are over powering

Overall, my skin always looks and feels super refreshed and more radiant after treating it to one of these masks. Although the effects aren’t super long lasting, they’re the perfect skincare pick me up after a long week at the office or a fun night out in the city! Not to mention infinitely cheaper than hitting the spa. 😉

If you want to try these facial masks out for yourself, check out your local Sephora, Urban Outfitters, or if you’re in NYC like me – visit their US flagship store in Koreatown! You can also find them online here or here.

Hope you love them as much as I do!