Everything you wanted to know about layering sheet masks, and how to get started

It’s as straightforward as the name suggests: you take two or more facial masks, and you layer them! There are a couple of guidelines to follow so you get the most efficacious application, but first let’s tackle the ‘why’.

The idea of having to apply one mask for one skin concern, wash it off, and then apply another mask for another skin concern seems logical, but it is also really time-consuming and fussy. You have to budget at least an hour for both masks to go on, absorb into the skin, and then rinse off. Not to mention, think of all the wasted product being applied to a region of your face that doesn’t require the benefits of that particular mask. Mask layering lets you address this because you’re targeting the areas of your face that would really reap from your skincare products and you’re letting two masks work their magic simultaneously. We love an efficient skincare moment!

The other benefit is for those who have just one singular skin concern that sometimes feels unaddressed even after you’ve rinsed off a mask. Having two layers deliver different active ingredients to target the same issue can deliver more visible results post-cleanse.

Now about those guidelines, it’s really simple. Start with well-cleansed skin, obvi. This means facial cleanser with warm water, and a good exfoliator to really slough away the dead skin cells so your skin can absorb the goodies better. Balance the skin with a pH-balancing toner, and you may consider using a booster at this point if you’d like that extra bit of help.

Next, figure out the layers that you want to work with. Are you layering them one over the other, or using them in different spots of the face? When applying one over the other, remember a couple of things: exfoliating or surfacing masks go on first, then hydration or rejuvenation masks. Lastly, mud masks – once those harden, nothing else applied on top gets absorbed (read: the product is wasted).

What you need: Brightening + clarifying

What we recommend: Start with Sulwhasoo’s Clarifying Mask ($62), which helps to rid your skin of dead skin cells and reveal a softer and clearer complexion. On top of the brand’s signature ginseng, which helps address signs of ageing, liquorice root is added to the formula to help manage redness and inflammation, making this mask a safe choice for those with easily-sensitised skin.

Follow that with Susanne Kaufmann’s Glow Mask ($105), which is created with an active blend of papaya powder, antioxidant-rich red dates, as well as ginger root and caffeine to stimulate collagen production.

How to use: Use it separately, over different areas of concern.

What you need: Calming + Barrier Repairing

What we recommend: For those with sensitive skin, start with a calming and hydrating mask. The Rose Face Mask ($96) by Fresh is made with soothing rosewater, aloe vera gel and cucumber – all ingredients loved by sensitive skin types – whilst hyaluronic acid draws in and locks moisture to prevent excessive moisture loss.

Follow that with the Cica Sleeping Mask ($45) from Laneige. It helps to rebuild damaged skin barrier and improves your skin’s natural defenses, thereby withstanding external irritants more effectively. The best part is that both masks are gentle enough to be worn throughout the night without rinsing off!

How to use: Layer it together, or use it separately over different areas of concern.

What you need: Clay + Firming

What we recommend: Let’s first work with the signs of aging. Go ahead and smear on a layer of the V-Facial Intensive Wrap Mask ($90) from Clarins. It contains ingredients like barley and gingko to reduce puffiness and caffeine to increase the production of collagen. Then, follow that with Chanel’s Le Masque ($79) – a clay mask that helps draw out dirt and grime from your pores and reveals a finer and brighter complexion post-usage.

How to use: Layer it together, or use it separately over different areas of concern.

What you need: Exfoliating + Salicylic

What we recommend: Address your breakout-prone skin with these two targeted masks. Firstly, an exfoliating mask helps to purge your skin of the debris from daily pollution and dead skin cells, so that these things don’t enter a pore and trigger an inflammatory reaction that leads to a zit. The Exfoliating Enzyme Mask ($150) by Sisley ticks that box with the help of a natural enzyme called papain to gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it clearer and brighter.

Secondly, a mask that’s rich in salicylic acid will help break down existing acne spots and stave off future ones from happening. We love Indie Lee’s Clearing Mask ($76), which targets pimples and helps regulate oil production as well.

How to use: Use it separately over different areas of concern.

What you need: Hydrating + Plumping

What we recommend: Tackle dehydrated and dry skin with a one-two punch pairing that restores hydration levels and plumps skin for a dewier and more youthful appearance. Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Marine Mask ($120) harnesses the hydrating and restorative benefits of marine actives to give you the appearance of bouncier and plumper skin. Follow that with Dior Beauty’s Extra Plump – Smooth Balm Mask (price upon application) from the house’s Hydra Life range. Made with white pine oil, shea butter, and jojoba, it’s a rich balm-like mask that nourishes and smooths your skin’s appearance.

How to use: Use it separately over different areas of concern.

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