A Mask a Day Keeps Your (Skin) Troubles Away

Give your skin a boost with these mask treatments from South Korea.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Give your skin a boost with these mask treatments from South Korea.

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For a facial at home

Caolion Hot & Cool Pore Pack Duo, $45.

There are two masks in this set. First is the Blackhead Steam Pore Pack that literally warms your skin to open up the pores so they’re easier to unclog, and removes dead cells from the skin surface. Next is the Pore Original Pack to impart a cooling sensation that is said to tighten pores. It has 100 percent Alaskan glacial water that hydrates and calms skin.

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For treating specific skin areas

Kocostar Lemon Slice Mask Sheet, $6.

Resembling slices of fruit and vegetables, these put a fun twist on regular sheet masks. Each sheet is about the same size as the cross-section of a lemon, so you can put it over different areas of your face like your eyes, on dark spots, or on specific dry spots. You could also just cover your entire face with several individual “slices”.

For clearer, more moisturised skin

Blithe Patting Water Pack in Energy Yellow Citrus & Honey, $54.

According to the brand, Korean women used to splash and pat rice water over their faces to cleanse the skin and boost circulation. Full of lactic acid and botanical extracts to remove dirt and dead cells, the Patting Water Pack is designed to enhance this tradition. Add half a capful of the water mask to 350ml of water in a basin, splash your skin with the mask-infused water, and pat it in. Repeat for 15 seconds. To avoid wastage, we suggest filling a spray bottle with a mixture of the mask and water – spritz it onto your skin after cleansing, and pat for five seconds before applying serum. Either way, skin feels suppler after, and easily absorbs skincare.

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For smoother skin

Dr. Jart+ Dermask Rubber Mask Clear Lover, $18.

First, apply the water essence ampoule (from the small tub included with the mask) all over your face before putting on the dry rubber mask to seal in the nutrients. To be left on for 30 minutes, this pore-refining Clear Lover mask purifies with green tea and grape extracts to make your skin feel smoother and softer.

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For calming irritated skin

Dearpacker Royal Black Black Tea & Black Rose Mask, $55.

This sheet mask calms skin and reduces redness with rose extracts, while antioxidant-rich black tea extracts fend off free radicals. You’ll find that it has a cooling sensation on the skin, and a pleasant, uplifting rose tea scent.

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