February 2018 Sheet Mask Favorites: The Saem, Papa Recipe, Ultru

I went through eight (8) sheet masks this February, but only three stood out as favorites and worthy repurchases (well, kind of). Read on to find out why!

Above are all eight of the sheet masks I used, accumulated from my trip to Cambodia last December, from Shopee, and BeautyMNL.com. I did a #sheetmaskgraveyard post with capsule reviews of each mask pictured above on my Instagram page, so give that a go if you're interested.

I got the Saem and Papa Recipe Masks from The Facial Mask Shop on Shopee, while the I'm Sorry for My Skin mask was a random buy from uCare Pharmacy in Siem Reap City, Cambodia.

In the photo above, the masks are arranged chronologically from left to right and top to bottom. But for this post, I will listen them from third to first in rank! For reference, I have combination-oily and acne-prone skin. I am not particular to alcohol nor fragrance in my skincare.

#3: Papa Recipe Bombee Whitening Honey Mask Pack

Claims and Price: I got this for P115 from the aforementioned shop.

Key Ingredient/s: Honey, propolis, and royal jelly extracts. Honey is a natural antibacterial,full of antioxidants, and extremely moisturizing and soothing for the skin. Propolis is very similar and also boasts anti-inflammatory properties and oil-balancing. Royal jelly also does all these while being most geared towards anti-aging. Other good ingredients include diamond powder and glutathione, which work to purify and brighten the skin. The mask is not alcohol-free.

Sheet Material/Fit: The sheet was very thin and fit just like skin. It came with a plastic backing to make it easier to unfold the mask.

Essence Type: The essence was thin, but remained on my skin for quite a while and I do not recommend this as a morning or pre-makeup sheet mask simply because it takes so long to absorb, unless you are alright with blotting or even lightly rinsing off the excess essence from your face. Less than a tablespoon of essence was left in the packet.

Effects: I can attest to its deep moisturizing, nourishing, and soothing properties. As for anti-aging and brightening, I did not notice any improvement except perhaps slightly more even skin tone.

The wonderful ingredients list makes it an easy repurchase, but the price and lack of immediate stellar after-effects will have me waiting for a sale before I buy this again.

#2: The Saem Natural Blueberry Mask Sheet

Claims and Price: This sheet mask claims to richly nourish, intensely moisturize, and provide anti-aging care to the skin. It cost me P45 from the above-mentioned shop.

Key Ingredient/s: Blueberry Extract, which is a naturally-derived antioxidant. It fortifies skin and prevents the appearance of wrinkles, making it look plump, glowing, and revived. It is also ideal for sensitive skin. Blueberry extract came fifth in the ingredients list. Other skin-loving ingredients include sodium hyaluronate (a humectant to keep skin hydrated) and licorice root extract (a skin-brightening extract). The mask is not alcohol-free.

Sheet Material/Fit: The sheet material was a bit thicker than most masks I have used and was not exactly skinlike or perfect in fitting my face.

Essence Type: The essence was thin and water, but not to the point that it dripped down my face. My skin quickly absorbed it, and it dried to a non-tacky finish. There was almost two (2) tablespoons of essence left in the pack, which I applied generously on my face and neck.

Effects: Aside from immediately making my skin plumper and feel firmer, I noticed smoother and easier makeup application the next morning, which is an effect I do not get from all sheet masks.

This alone is reason enough for me to repurchase, because healthier-looking and glowing skin is always desirable and I wear makeup almost every day!

#1: Ultru I'm Sorry for My Skin Jelly Mask (Pore Care)

Claims and Price: The mask claims to "rehabilitate" stressed skin and smooth out large pores, fortify the skin bariar, and deliver an intense dose of moisture. This was $3.50 from uCare Pharmacy in Siem Reap City.

Key Ingredient/s: Chamomile extract and chestnut shell extract. Chamomile is a hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial that reduces skin irritants and heals damage. It is also a natural skin lightener and aids in the absorption of other skincare topicals. Chestnut is another antioxidant at par with Vitamin E. It shares in anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and is loaded with flavanoids, which have skin-protecting properties. It also boosts blood circulation and has anti-aging properties.

Sheet Material/Fit: The actual sheet was made of a very thin material drenched in the essence, and it was quite hard to unfold. That said, it adhered perfectly to my skin.

Essence Type: As specified on the label, this was a "jelly mask," so the essence was literally thick and jelly-like, yellowish, and fully enveloping the sheet and allowing for perfect adherence. There was also quite a lot left inside the packet, almost one tablespoon of the thick, almost gel-type essence. It was very rich and if I remember correctly I did not apply anything else on my skin afterwards.

Effects: I woke up to plump, hydrated, and matte skin the next morning and noticed my skin felt smoother and softer. I was not fully amazed at the mask until that night - almost 24 hours after masking - when I was taking off my makeup and noticed for the first time in my life a "minimized pores" effect, especially on my cheeks which are my true problem areas.

The area really looked tighter, smoother, and - dare I say it - poreless! I know it was because of the mask because the following day my skin was still smooth but my pores became a bit more visible again.

A 100% repurchase-worthy mask, if only it was available locally!

Thank you for dropping by and reading these reviews! If you have any suggestions as to how I could improve my reviews (which aspects of products, more focus on ingredients, etc.), please don't hesitate to leave a comment or reach me on Instagram. Stay tuned for more reviews and beauty articles, including my next Sheet Mask Favorites, March 2018 Edition!