There’s something deeply intimate about the ritual of applying a face mask. It’s not just about the ingredients or the science—it’s about the pause, the breath, the self-check-in. For me, slipping into a face mask is a declaration: I am taking this moment to care for myself. Over the years, through long flights, post-party exhaustion, hormonal breakouts, and endless dry winter days, I’ve come to rely on a handful of masks that truly deliver—not just in promises, but in results I can see and feel.
Below are eleven face masks I turn to again and again, each one chosen for its standout performance, sensory experience, and the way it transforms my skin and mood. From Korean innovations to dermatologist-loved staples, these are the ones that made the cut.
1. 111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask
Price: \$135 for 5 masks
Where to buy: Nordstrom, 111Skin.com
There’s something ceremonial about peeling open the slick, rose-gold pouch from 111Skin. The moment I lay the cool hydrogel across my face, I can already feel the shift—like my skin is exhaling. This mask has saved me before red-eye landings, weddings, and even one ill-advised post-peel night out. It clings with precision and never slips, flooding my skin with a cocktail of rose extract, colloidal gold, and peptides.
After 20 minutes, the transformation is undeniable: my skin looks dewy, lifted, and awake, as though I’ve just had a facial. I press the extra serum into my neck and décolleté—there’s no way I’m wasting a single drop.
Texture: Cooling hydrogel
Best for: Brightening, hydrating, calming irritated skin
2. Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Price: \$62 for a pack of 4
Where to buy: Amazon
This is my night-before-an-event mask. There’s a reason it went viral—it hugs every curve of your face like second skin and is soaked in a silky serum that doesn’t drip or sting. Its power lies in the combination of low molecular weight collagen peptides, niacinamide, and fermented yeast filtrate.
What I notice most is the bounce it gives to my skin. Pores seem tighter, my complexion looks even-toned, and there’s a plushness I can’t quite describe—it just looks healthier, glowier, alive.
Texture: Thin, bio-cellulose sheet
Best for: Firming, hydrating, refining texture
3. SkinCeuticals Bio-Cellulose Restorative Masque
Price: \$130 for 6 masks
Where to buy: BlueMercury, Dermstore
I first discovered this mask after a laser treatment, when my skin felt raw and tight. A friend handed me a packet of this gauzy, bio-cellulose miracle, and I’ve kept it stocked ever since. It’s soaked in soothing water and feels like slipping aloe ice onto a sunburn—instantly calming, cooling, and relieving.
There are no flashy scents or exotic ingredients here—just pure, clinical calm. I reach for it whenever I’ve overdone it with actives, when my skin is red and screaming for help.
Texture: Ultra-thin bio-cellulose
Best for: Post-procedure care, soothing sensitive skin
4. CosRx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Price: \$22 for a pack of 10
Where to buy: Amazon, Ulta
This was my introduction to snail mucin, and oh, what a gateway it was. It’s slippery, yes, but in a way that makes you feel like you’re drenching your face in hydration. CosRx has formulated this mask with 35,000 ppm of snail secretion filtrate, which sounds intense but feels like pure nourishment.
Every time I use it, I wake up with skin that’s visibly plumper and smoother. It works like a soft-focus filter IRL, especially when used in a weekly rotation. Pro tip: pop it in the fridge for a cooling treat on hot days.
Texture: Lightweight cellulose
Best for: Repairing damaged skin, boosting hydration, achieving that glass skin glow
5. Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask
Price: \$20 for 5
Where to buy: Amazon, Soko Glam
When my skin’s acting up—especially in the sweaty chaos of NYC summer—this tea tree mask is my armor. It’s not drying like many acne treatments can be; instead, it feels grounding and clarifying. Tea tree extract, tea tree water, and oil work alongside calming ingredients like panthenol and allantoin to decongest without stripping.
I use this one on Sunday nights when I need to press reset. By Monday morning, the inflammation has calmed, and my skin looks more balanced.
Texture: Bamboo-derived sheet
Best for: Acne-prone skin, controlling oil, reducing redness
6. Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Sleeping Mask
Price: \$14 for a pack of 4
Where to buy: Amazon
This is my overnight mask for nights when I want to wake up feeling like I’ve just been born. The jelly-like sheet is packed with 2,160,000 ppb of molecular collagen, peptides, and panthenol. It’s a little slippery to get on, but once you do, it stays put and works hard while you sleep.
The next morning, my skin looks juicy and deeply hydrated, like I’ve chugged a gallon of water in my sleep. I especially love it before cold-weather mornings when I know my skin needs extra protection.
Texture: Gel-bio-cellulose
Best for: Overnight care, smoothing fine lines, deep hydration
7. La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask
Price: \$195 for 6
Where to buy: Nordstrom, LaMer.com
This mask feels like a luxury spa condensed into a single-use sheet. It’s infused with nearly a full ounce of La Mer’s cult-favorite Treatment Lotion, plus marine-based hydrators and the brand’s signature Miracle Broth. The moment it touches my skin, it feels lush, weighty in the best way, and deeply saturating.
My skin literally drinks it up. It leaves me with a supple, radiant finish that lasts for days—not hours. I ration these like gold bars and use them only when my skin (or my spirit) feels especially parched.
Texture: Ultra-soft microfiber
Best for: Intense hydration, glow, plumping
8. SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
Price: \$100 for 6
Where to buy: Amazon, Sephora
Pitera is one of those magic words in skincare, and this mask is soaked in it. Made from fermented yeast filtrate derived from sake brewing, it’s like pressing a hydrating elixir directly into your pores.
I reach for it whenever my skin feels dull, uneven, or just meh. It brightens, softens, and gives me that taut, fresh-from-a-facial bounce I crave. I also love using it before photoshoots—it smooths everything out without any irritation.
Texture: Rich cotton sheet
Best for: Brightening, evening tone, plumping
9. Augustinus Bader The Face Mask
Price: \$32 each
Where to buy: BlueMercury, Nordstrom
Powered by their proprietary TFC8 complex—a blend of peptides, amino acids, and vitamins—this hydrogel mask is science-backed but never clinical. I use it when I want something fast and effective: 20 minutes to a completely reset face.
The gel texture adheres beautifully and stays cool, and the result is always a little bit magical: lifted contours, radiant tone, and calmed redness. This one is my go-to after travel or when I’ve been burning the candle at both ends.
Texture: Gel sheet
Best for: Hydration, calming, boosting radiance
10. Neutrogena Hydro Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask
Price: \$40 for 12
Where to buy: Amazon, Target, CVS
This drugstore find performs like a high-end mask. The hydrogel clings perfectly, and the hyaluronic acid floods my skin with hydration that lingers. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable—the kind of mask I toss into my carry-on, glove box, or desk drawer.
I often wear it while I answer emails or fold laundry. It’s my multitasking mask—low-effort, high reward.
Texture: Gel sheet
Best for: Dry, dehydrated skin; everyday use
11. Tonymoly Ready, Set, Glow! I’m Real Sheet Mask Set
Price: \$26 for 10
Where to buy: Amazon, Urban Outfitters
This set is a crowd-pleaser. It’s what I give to friends dipping their toes into skincare, and what I reach for when I want variety. Each sheet is tailored to a specific skin concern—from honey for nourishing to green tea for purifying.
They’re made of soft pulp paper and drenched in serum, and while they’re more playful than clinical, they absolutely work. My skin always feels happy and refreshed afterward. Bonus: they smell subtly delicious.
Texture: Paper pulp
Best for: Skincare beginners, variety, quick pick-me-ups
My Personal Sheet Mask Ritual
I never rush through a masking moment. It starts with cleansing—always. I’ll often do a double cleanse, especially if I’ve worn makeup or sunscreen. Then, I apply a toner or essence. I don’t want the mask serum just sitting on top—I want it pulled deep into the skin. Once the mask is on, I lie back, eyes closed, maybe a podcast or soft jazz playing in the background.
After about 15–30 minutes, I remove the mask and gently press in the remaining essence—not just on my face but down my neck, collarbones, and sometimes even the backs of my hands. If it’s nighttime, I’ll lock it in with a light moisturizer or sleeping pack. If it’s daytime and I’m heading out, I’ll follow with sunscreen and maybe a sheer tint.
Where to Shop the Best Sheet Masks in the U.S.
A good sheet mask doesn’t have to be hard to find. Whether you’re after luxury treatments or budget-friendly packs, here are the platforms I rely on the most:
- Nordstrom – A trusted spot for premium brands like La Mer, SK-II, and Augustinus Bader. Their customer service is impeccable, and returns are easy.
- Amazon – Surprisingly vast and full of K-beauty gems like Mediheal, CosRx, and Biodance. Just make sure to purchase from the brand’s official store or authorized retailers.
- BlueMercury – A skincare lover’s dream for brands like SkinCeuticals and Augustinus Bader, especially if you want expert advice.
- Ulta Beauty – Their K-beauty section keeps expanding, and you can snag CosRx and Neutrogena here during frequent sales.
- Soko Glam – My go-to for the best of Korean innovation. They often bundle masks for deals and curate thoughtful routines.
- Target & CVS – Perfect for stocking up on drugstore favorites like Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost, especially in a pinch.
A Few Tips to Maximize Every Masking Moment
- Refrigerate Them: Especially during summer, a cold sheet mask is a dream on the skin. It also helps depuff.
- Never Let It Dry Out: Once it starts drying, it can actually draw moisture out of your skin. I usually set a timer for 20–25 minutes, max.
- Use the Leftover Serum: Don’t throw away that packet! Use the extra on your chest, arms, or hands.
- Layer Wisely: If you’re masking at night, follow up with moisturizer to seal everything in.
- Be Consistent: One-off use is fine before a big day, but I see the best results when I use a mask 2–3 times a week.
Why Sheet Masks Will Always Have a Place in My Routine
There’s no skincare step that makes me feel quite as indulgent, present, or restored as using a sheet mask. It’s a pocket of calm in a noisy world. A pause button. And the results—glow, moisture, calm, firmness—are more than just cosmetic. They’re emotional.
Every mask I shared with you has been part of a story—an early flight, a late night, a tough month, a new start. I’ve cried into them, laughed while wearing them, and shared them with friends in hotel rooms across the world. They are more than skincare—they are small, powerful acts of care.
So whether you’re chasing radiance, rebuilding your barrier, or simply looking to feel something soft and cool against your cheek after a long day, I hope these masks find a home in your life, as they’ve found one in mine.
