PRODUCT: Real Tea Gel Mask - Rose

COMPANY: Skinfood (Korean)

DESCRIPTION: Wow! Where to start? I love this mask for a number of reasons.

This is the first hydrogel mask I've tried (as opposed to cotton or fiber, which the average sheet mask is made of). This leads to a slightly slicker, slimier application, but I found moisture locked in much better and the mask also conformed comfortably to my face.

It was also the first sheet mask I've done which came in two pieces, one for the upper half of the face and one of the lower half. I found this dual application also helped the mask conform tightly to my skin.

The third "wow" factor of this mask was the pieces of real rose petals suspended in the gel. Those, together with rose essence, made for a lovely scented sheet mask.

Now, all of these perks--the material, the two-piece application and the embedded rose petals--comes at a higher price than the average $1 sheet mask. These run about $4, so they're definitely not for every day use.

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Scutellaria Baicalersis Root Extract, Camellia Sinersis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Rosa Gallica FLower Powder, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Camelia Japonica Flower Extract, Rose Extract, Phenyl Trimethicone, Allatoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Water, Potassium Hydroxide 

You can see from the ingredient list that there are a lot of floral elements in addition to the rose. Cosmetic claims of rose ingredients range from "brightening" the skin to benefits for sensitive and particularly aged skin. Like most cosmetics, there seems to be little clinical evidence around the benefits of rose and floral elements on the skin, but the psychological effects of floral scents can be calming overall (I particularly find the rose scent relaxing and pleasant) and the cooling and moisturizing effect of the hydrogel pack calmed my reddened, sun-stressed skin.

Application of the sheet mask is pretty standard: apply to clean, toned skin and leave on for 20-40 minutes. Gently pat in (or wipe off) the excess liquid. As with all sheet masks and products in general, discontinue use if you have signs of redness, swelling, itchiness and do not use on troubled areas. 

SMELL: wonderfully rose fragrant but not overpowering

TEXTURE: cool and smooth, gel-like

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for special occasions, given the cost.

RATING: 3/3
Rating Score Sheet:
​1/3: Wish I could turn back time and get my money back.
2/3: Decent enough to buy again, especially if it's on sale.
3/3: Shut up and take my money!

LINK: It's hard to find this one as a solo purchase, but Skinfood often offers variety packs here   (this mask should run no more than $4 wherever you buy it).

PRODUCT: Snail Solution Mask Sheet

COMPANY: Nature Republic (Korean)

DESCRIPTION: This is hands down my all-time favorite snail sheet mask. I bought a pack of 20 on a whim in Seoul's airport with the intent to share some as gifts but found them hard to part with. I ended up keeping most myself--they are that good!

If you've read my earlier posts, you know that snail-based mask sheets are a huge trend right now and, even though it may sound gross, snail filtrate (the excretion that snails leave behind) is excellent for softening skin, at least from an anecdotal perspective.

After cleansing, wear this mask after for 20-30 minutes before bed. As with all sheet masks, avoiding getting the product into your eye and remove immediately if you feel any irritation (some will tingle a bit; this is normal). I personally like to pat my face dry after using a mask and find I get a better effect in the morning.
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INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Portulaga Oleracea Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber), Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Myrothamnus Flabelllifolia Callus Culture Extract, Propylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

This snail mask contains 2,000 ppm. This is important! A lot of masks and cosmetic ingredients don't list how much snail filtrate they have in them. Your first clue is how high snail filtrate or snail secretion filtrate is listed in the ingredients (generally ingredients are listed from the largest amount to least amount). But when it's listed the ppm, or parts per million, then you know exactly how much snail filtrate you're getting in the product. It's tell you the mass of a chemical or ingredient per unit of water (also listed as milligrams per liter, mg/L). 5,000 ppm would be great, but 2,000 isn't bad.

Overall, this mask is very pleasant and leaves the skin wonderfully soft the next morning.
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SMELL: lightly fragrant

TEXTURE: minimal

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for the best mask I've tested so far.

LINK: Amazon

PRODUCT: TONYMOLY Intense Care Snail Gel Mask

COMPANY: TONYMOLY (Korean)

DESCRIPTION: If you've read my earlier posts, you know I adore snail-based mask sheets and products in general, as it's an ingredient that actually results in skin healing. TonyMoly is one of the hottest cosmetic stores in South Korea, and has recently branched to the U.S. (you can spot their brand in Ulta and many other U.S. stores). This particular mask is unique as it's made of 100 percent cotton, yielding a softer face mask experience than other products. 

After cleansing, wear this mask after for 20-30 minutes before bed. As with all sheet masks, avoiding getting the product into your eye and remove immediately if you feel any irritation (some will tingle a bit; this is normal). I personally like to pat my face dry after using a mask and find I get a better effect in the morning. 
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INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, PEG-32/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Glacier Water, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Panthenol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Betaine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance

The ingredients don't list the amount of snail secretion filtrate and unfortunately it is pretty low down on the list. However, I found this mask to be highly effective, soft and enjoyable, probably because of the cotton texture combined with the moisturizing ingredients. According the the packaging, the mask sheet is made of non-bleached fabric containing cottonseeds, an extra bonus. 
 
SMELL: pleasant

TEXTURE: minimal

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for a comfortable, relaxing and moisturizing mask.

RATING: 3/3

Rating Score Sheet:
​1/3: Wish I could turn back time and get my money back.
2/3: Decent enough to buy again, especially if it's on sale.
3/3: Shut up and take my money!

More info: Amazon (note that most sheet masks in Korean are about $1 but can be marked up 3 or 4 times as much when buying in the U.S.)

PRODUCT: Green tea seed cream and green tea seed eye cream

COMPANY: INNISFREE

COST: sample

DESCRIPTION: Both moisturizing lotions are made from green tea from Jeju island (a volcanic island off the Korean coastline), reveled for its volcanic water and natural beauty. From the box: "an antioxidant mositure cream formulated with freshly squeezed Jeju green tea and green tea seeds to create a clear and dewy skin from deep within."

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Let's take a look at the ingredients, shall we? Camellia sinensis (the tree plant whose leaves produce a variety of teas) is the lead ingredient (56%), a good sign. Rice bran wax, tea seed oil and a variety of fruit extracts (citrus, orange, tangerine) suggest that this will be a pleasantly scented and smooth experience.

EXPERIENCE: I found the green tea seed cream to be an incredibly light moisturizer. Though I only had the sample pack, I was limited in quantity but just the sample was enough to leave my skin noticeably smooth in the morning and not greasy or prone to breaking out like some of the thicker face creams. I am definitely planning to order more of this in the future. 

SMELL: Very lightly fragrant

TEXTURE: Smooth, whitish cream that rubs on comfortably

YAY OR NAY: Yay, a thousand times yay!

LINK: Innis Free World

PRODUCT: Banana Lip Balm

COMPANY: Tony Moly

COST: ~4,000 WON ($4)

DESCRIPTION: A sweet fruit-flavored lip balm containing banana extract, coconut oil and milk protein extract with a small keychain attached.

EXPERIENCE: I have never been one for sweet/strong fruit flavor smells, so if this wasn't a K product I probably would have skipped it. That said, this cute little balm makes lip care on-the-go more fun and gives me a burst of entertainment and nourishment for the suckers. The banana scent and flavor is distinct but not overpowering. While adorable and moisturizing, it is not incredibly long-lasting.

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Banana extract is far down on the list, with the other 'good' ingredients, coconut oil and milk protein extract. However, cheap ol' petroleum is the lead ingredient.

SMELL: As expected, banana. If you don't care for the flavor, skip it.

TEXTURE: smooth, probably from the mix of petroleum and coconut oil

YAY OR NAY: Nay, unless you find it cheap.

LINK: Ulta (Several times the price)

PRODUCT: Ferment Snail Hand Cream Timeless

COMPANY: Tony Moly

COST: ~12,000 WON ($12)

DESCRIPTION: This hand lotion boasts the much-coveted snail secretion ingredient. This is called snail secretion filtrate (SFF) and is literal "snail slime," the mucus that snails leave behind as they move around. This is a HOT ingredient in Asian skin products and has been used for centuries. The be-all-end-all of cosmetic ingredients, SFF is proclaimed to solve every skin blemish and banish every wrinkle. In reality, there is no such magical ingredient but SFF has been shown to have a deeply moisturizing and healing effect. The box claims an "anti-wrinkle & whitening & moisturizing" in line with typical snail product advertising.

EXPERIENCE: This was not nearly as moisturizing as I had hoped, and I needed to use a lot to get a moisturizing effect. Snail secretion is super popular in k beauty products. This particular product, however, was disappointing compared to others I've used. Also you have to use a lot to get a moisturizing effect, which is not ideal given the cost/size.

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: This product has dozens of ingredients, with snail secretion filtrate and shea butter appearing several down, which may explain the less-than-awesome results. There are also traces of aloe, lemon peel/orange/lime oil, bergamot and eucalyptus. 

SMELL: None noticeable

TEXTURE: Slightly sticky

YAY OR NAY: Nay. There are better snail products out there I'm sure. 

PRODUCT: Nutrition Daily Sheet Mask

COMPANY: IT'S SKIN

COST: ~5,000 WON ($5)

DESCRIPTION: Seven sheets are made of organic cotton containing honey, rice ferment extract, olive oil and hydrolyzed collagen to "wake up the skin's own potential energy," according to the package. Tap the bag to distribute the "essence" (liquid) among the masks before applying one to a clean and dry face. Leave for 20 minutes for a one-time use after facial cleansing and toning.

EXPERIENCE: This delightful mask left my skin super soft the next morning. Bonus tip: the bag can go in the fridge for an extra cooling effect during hot weather.

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, glycerin and butylene glycol lead the ingredients list, before getting to the good stuff: mineral oil, honey extract, apple fruit extract, blueberry, rice ferment extract, olive fruit oil and more.

SMELL: Lightly honey

TEXTURE: cool and moisturizing

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for consistent moisturizing with a lovely smell and decent price point. 

PRODUCT: Panda's Dream Brightening Eye Base

COMPANY: TONY MOLY

COST: ~10,000 WON ($10)

DESCRIPTION: "Brightening" skin is a popular k-osmetic feature. This eye stick rubs on with a clear sheen and claims to freshen up dark or dull circles around the eyes and hydrate skin.

EXPERIENCE: This one wins stars for the design alone. Applying it felt like rubbing a bit of faint white cover-up under my eyes; once rubbed in I did not see a noticeable difference. For make-up effectiveness, it seemed too translucent and temporary to do much good to cover up my under-eye circles. 

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Really, nothing special (see below).

SMELL: none noticeable

TEXTURE: fairly smooth

YAY OR NAY: Nah...

LINK: Ulta