Forget expensive facials — sometimes all your skin needs is 20 minutes with a really good sheet mask.
I flew to Korea last year with one goal in mind: stock up on skincare. I came home with a suitcase full of cleansers, serums, moisturizers and more sheet masks than I could count.
Since then, I’ve worked my way through what feels like an endless supply, and while I found plenty of good ones, only a handful have become repeat purchases. The Dr. Althea Aqua Blue Hydration Masks are at the top of that list, and right now you can grab four for just $10.
My skin is on the dry side all year, but it gets especially dehydrated after traveling, spending too much time in air conditioning or skipping a few nights of my usual routine. Whenever my complexion starts looking dull or feeling tight, this is the mask I reach for first. It gives my skin the hydration that makes it look healthier almost immediately, and that fresh, dewy glow sticks around long after I’ve taken it off.
The serum is incredibly lightweight, but don’t let that fool you. It delivers a serious dose of moisture without leaving behind a sticky or heavy finish. Instead, my skin feels soft, bouncy and comfortably hydrated. There’s also plenty of extra essence left in the packet, so I always smooth the leftovers over my neck, chest and even the backs of my hands.
The feature I appreciate most, though, has nothing to do with the serum itself. It’s the fit.
Now, if you’ve used enough sheet masks, you’ve probably dealt with the ones that slowly slide down your face until they’re practically hanging off your chin. These don’t, thank goodness. They *actually* stay put. I can walk around my house, answer emails, fold laundry or catch up on “Friends” (I’m on my sitcom rewatch, probably for the millionth time) without constantly readjusting the mask every few minutes.
The fabric is soft, comfortable and hugs every contour of my face without feeling tight or stiff. Even after 20 minutes, it still feels saturated instead of drying out halfway through my masking session, so I never feel like I’m racing the clock.
After trying dozens of sheet masks that I picked up in Korea, these continue to be some of my most-used. They’re insanely hydrating, comfortable to wear and one of the few masks I’ve found that actually stays exactly where I put it. At four for $10, they’re also affordable enough that I never feel guilty using one whenever my skin needs an extra boost.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
