Why You Should Use a Dry Sheet Mask

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The global sheet mask movement shows no sign of abating but the brains behind some of the industry’s coolest brands have taken the technology one step further and unveiled a whole new category, the dry sheet mask. Where traditional wet masks are around 85% water, their dry counterparts are said to contain a whopping 94% active ingredients, making them a fast-track solution for filter-worthy skin. Make-up maven Charlotte Tilbury led the way with the launch of her Dry Sheet Mask last spring, and since then others have quickly followed suit.

What makes them different?
Unlike typical sheet masks, these new-gen versions use a clever dry delivery system that allows for micro-penetration of the active ingredients. Although dry to the touch, the mask works with humidity, temperature, pH and natural body movements to trigger the diffusion of the ingredients, which penetrate the skin over a period of up to eight hours. The result? A smoother, tighter and more radiant complexion.

Do they really work?
We were slightly sceptical upon opening a package and feeling a mask that was 100% dry to the touch, with seemingly no trace of product, but don’t be fooled – these sachets work their magic. Trish McEvoy’s hot-off-the-press Dry Mask gets our vote – it left our skin just the right side of dewy, plump and moisturised, and the game-changing dry technology means you’re not tied to the bathroom or hanging over the sink for a painstaking ten minutes. If you’re yet to try Charlotte Tilbury’s version, do – it’s designed to be used over make-up, making it ideal for the desk-to-dinner beauty scenario, and can even be used up to three times.

Who are they for?
If you’re prone to sensitive skin, dry patches or a lacklustre complexion, they’re well worth a try. However, those with oily skin types should steer clear – dry formulas have been designed to boost hydration and could leave oilier complexions with unwanted shine.

Anything else?
The hype doesn’t stop there – the Instagram-worthy Nannette de Gaspé’s dry sheet masks (find them on NET-A-PORTER) aren’t just for the face; there are versions for the eyes, hands, mouth, neck and bust, with word on the beauty vine she’ll soon be launching masks for the bottom, too.
 
Want in? Shop our edit of the cult dry masks right here...