Discussing the different types of masks in the Korean Beauty World is a serious thing. One can easily get lost in this world of masking because there are just many of them.

To alleviate some of your confusions, and to answer your how's and why's, let's discuss each kind of mask.

SHEET MASKS: these by far are the most famous masks. They are usually made of soft fibers like 100% cotton or the higher end kinds, the hydrogels, with eyes and mouth holes in them to accommodate the shape of your face. The mask is soaked in tons of essences that deliver your skin lots of moisture with other side benefits like skin firming, soothing, brightening etc.

These are great emergency hydration bombs when your skin just feels so tired and dry. Can be used 1-3 times a week or daily.

BoOonPicks:

Tosowoong Pure Propolis Mask: Skin lifting

Etude House I Need You Mask Sheet – Vita Complex: Radiance:

WASH OFF MASK: These are masks that come in a tub, containing thick paste that you either rub first all over your face, then let it sit for a couple of minutes,  and then wash it off; or apply first over face to get soaked up, and dry for few minutes, massage and rinse off. Either way, these kinds of masks are most effective in removing dead skin cells by polishing your skin and get your pores unclog in few minutes. Give skin instant result by turning skin baby soft, clean and clear.

Recommended to be used 1-2x a week. But more than that is too much, as your skin needs to regenerate and you don't want your skin to be stripped off of it's natural oils, which would only make your skin rough.

TIP: always follow with great moisturizer.

Best used in combination with a sheet mask. Since pores are clear, they could absorb much essences delivered by the sheet mask! You'll notice how wonderful your skin turns out!

BoOonPicks:

Skinfood Black Sugar Wash Off Mask – scrubs off dead skin cells

Skinfood Egg White Pore Mask – unclogs pores by pushing your whiteheads out the pores

PEEL OFF MASKS: These masks have pasty and sticky consistency that you let it dry in a given period of time in the skin and peel it off. To avoid any pain when pulling them out, remember to apply a thicker layer and start pulling from the bottom going upwards. And avoid applying over eyebrows or near hairlines :) Great in pulling out blackheads and whiteheads. 

Use once a week.

BoOonPicks:

Missha Misa Cho Gong Jin Peel Off Mask – contains traditional medicine and natural herbal extracts that removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores and at the same time soothes skin irritations and diminishes fine skin lines.

PEELING GELS: These are quick masks because you only need to leave them over skin for 2-3 minutes then afterwards massage your skin until grains of dirt come off. Real easy and convenient to use and bring skin back to life! To grab when you are in a hurry and give your skin a quick exfoliation!

Use 2-3 times a week.

BoOonPicks:

Tony Moly Appletox Smoothe Massage Peeling: softens skin by gently exfoliating dead skin cells

Missha Pure Source Pocket – Rice: hydrates and brightens skin

SLEEPING MASKS: these kind of masks are the easiest and most convenient to use. Apply as the final step of your skincare routine in the evening, get a beauty sleep and wash them off in the morning. The idea of these masks is to give your skin extra hydration and protection while sleeping. 

Find one that adds additional benefits to your skin. Use as much as you want to daily. Can be a substitute of your moisturizing cream.

BoOonPicks:

COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask: soothes, firms, brightens, hydrates

Missha Pure Source Pocket – Green Tea – revitalizes, soothes, hydrates. Contained in a small pouch to bring anywhere you go!

OTHER KINDS OF MASKS:

EYE PATCH/SPOT PATCH: usually hydrogels with special and different sizes, used in a specific part of the body like under your eye to draw away puffiness, dryness and to diminish fine lines. The spot patches are used to any part of the face that needs more hydration.

Use as needed or daily as you wish. Can be cut to accommodate your need. 

BoOonPicks:

Petitfee Black Pearl and Gold Hydrogel Eye-Spot Patch: for a radiant, hydrated, well rested eye

Etude House Collagen Eye Patch – smooths, firms, hydrates skin

ACNE PATCH: comes in different sizes adopting the size of an acne. Protects, heals and soothes blemishes. These are transparent patches which you can also wear under make at daytime.

Use when needed.

BoOonPicks:

COSRX Pimple Master Patch

Missha Speedy Solution Anti Trouble Patch

FOOT MASKS: these are actually no masks, because they they come in a pair of socks. You soak your feet in the essences for some minutes and that's it! Though you won't see the results immediately, the wait is over satisfactory, because within 5-7 days, the thick calouses, and dry parchy skin in the soles of your feet will peel off like crazy! No pain and no irritations expected.

Use when needed, every 2-3 a month

BooonPicks:

Holika Holika Baby Silky Foot One Shot Peeling

There you see, there are many different kinds of masks. Remember that these masks are there as supplements to your regular skin routine and not as a replacement.

OTHER TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• When selecting Sheet Masks, look for a mask that benefits your skin the most. Try different types, with different benefits to boost more of your skin needs.
• When using Wash Off Mask, never let it sit more that what it is recommended in the package, or too long that it dries out. Once it ends up too dry, it would only draw away moisture from your skin, instead of giving it more hydration
• When applying Sleeping Mask, apply at least 30 minutes before going to bed so that it has enough time to dry out and won't end up in your pillows.
• For an even and smooth application of your Wash Off Mask or Peel Off Mask, try applying it with Innisfree Eco Beauty Tool Pack Brush. This will surely give no mess to your hands.
• Make sure you tie up your hair to not interfere with your masking time. Or better yet, use Etude House's super cute and soft headband that will hold your hair away from your face and makes you look super adorable with the funny masks. :)

Enjoy and have fun with your home spa with  these great Korean Masks!