Sleeping masks or sleeping packs would be something most of us are familiar with by now. It’s a popular skincare product in Asian, particularly Korean skincare ranges and can be found in all ranges, from the wallet-friendly budget priced ones to the higher end pricey ones. I find it interesting that few Western brands have hopped on this trend, because I think sleeping masks are the best thing ever!
The reason I often get lazy to use a mask (yes, I get lazy too!) is because I get lazy to clean my face twice (or 3 times) in one routine. Often, a hydrating or treatment mask comes in a cream form that you apply, leave on then rinse off before going on with the rest of your skincare routine. With a sleeping mask, you apply it, leave it on and go to sleep. HOW EASY IS THAT? Why aren’t more brands making sleeping masks? Who knows! But I’m glad the Koreans are.
And I’m especially glad to have picked this one up from department store (and slightly more luxurious) brand, Sulwhasoo. I remember a few readers telling me in the comments last year, just how lovely this mask is, and one day when I was passing by the counter, I decided to splurge. I can’t remember the price anymore. It’s been too long but it could be something close to RM200.
But man, do I love this! Previously I used to use the very popular Laneige Sleeping Pack, which is pretty good if you ask me, but this aging skin needs MORE! More attention! More treatment! More revitalizing goodness! And this Sulwhasoo Overnight Revitalizing Mask gives me all that 😀
Unlike other sleeping packs I’ve used, the Overnight Revitalizing Mask comes in a tube. The texture too is unlike most other similar products I’ve ever used.
It’s a cream. A fairly thickish cream that spreads very easily on the skin. I have read of people saying that this feels heavy or oily on their skin and if so, I’m going to venture a suggestion that it might be because they aren’t suited to this mask.
The Overnight Revitalizing Mask is meant to nourish, hydrate, treat and revitalize skin that is tired and dry or dehydrated. This then, isn’t just a hydration treatment and I might venture to say, isn’t meant for those who have combination-oily skin. But if you have drier, dehydrated or slightly more ‘mature’ (ahem!) skin, then I think you might enjoy using this as much as I do.
I don’t apply too much of the mask, because it’s quite pricey, and because I don’t think more is necessarily better sometimes. With a gel-based sleeping mask, I do find that I need more because it dries out quickly but with this cream based one, I just apply a thickish layer but not so much that I see a white layer on my skin. That’s too much.
I find that it absorbs into my skin quite easily, particularly when my skin is feeling tired or stressed, and does not feel sticky, goopy, heavy or uncomfortable. What I like even better is that it doesn’t leave a lot of residue on my skin, so I don’t mark my sheets or pillow case! When I was using other types of sleeping masks, that sometimes happens because I read in bed and it bothered me. With this one, it just feels like I applied a slightly thicker layer of moisturiser on my skin.
But what’s so nice about this mask then? Well, how about the way I wake up to calmed, supple, hydrated skin? I should be using this a little more often, but I particularly like using it when my skin is stressed. When I’ve had a late night, or if I’m feeling particularly stressed, or when I’d like to put a fresher face forward the next day, or just whenever I feel like the ol’ facial skin needs a bit of perking up, I use this mask and it always delivers. My skin looks better the next morning, my makeup goes on more easily and I use less foundation. Win, all around! 😀
I do have to mention the scent. Like most Sulwhasoo products I’ve tried, it has a herbal-ginseng scent that you will either love or hate. This one has a ginger-ginseng scent and I enjoy it. I find it calming. But then, I like Chinese/Asian herbs. If you aren’t familiar with scents like this then you may not enjoy it as much so do take note.
Otherwise, I have nothing but raves for this mask. I’ve actually had this for quite a while and it does last a fairly long time, if you don’t use it very often, or if you use it once a week. I use this after cleansing and after a spritz of rosewater. Apply this mask on, read a book and go to sleep. Sometimes, when I’m feeling a bit adventurous or I feel like my skin needs something more, I apply a thin layer of facial oil on my skin, work it in and then apply a layer of this mask. I think I’ve found my Holy Grail sleeping mask so no more gel masks for me! 😀
IN A NUTSHELL
The Sulwhasoo Overnight Revitalizing Mask is a cream based sleeping mask that you apply on your skin and then go to sleep. As the texture is a cream base, it can feel heavy if you apply too much or if you don’t have dry or dehydrated or mature skin, which I think suits this mask better. Apply a layer of product (it isn’t necessary to use too much) and go to sleep. My skin looks brighter, calmer, and more supple the next morning. I find it especially good when my skin or I am feeling stressed. There is a rather strong herbal-ginseng-ginger scent that may not appeal to everyone but I find it calming. Nothing bad to say about this mask. Definitely a repurchase for me!
PROS: Absorbs into skin without feeling heavy or oily or uncomfortable, Does not mark bed sheets or pillow cases, Leaves skin feeling supple, comfortable, brighter and more glowy the next morning, Tube packaging is hygienic and portable
CONS: Pricey, but otherwise none
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who has stressed or dry or dehydrated skin, Anyone who does not mind a herbal scented face mask
Here is the ingredient list and another glowing review which means I’m not alone in loving this excellent product, price not withstanding.
Ingredient List: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Squalane, DI-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Flower/Leaf/Steam Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Adenophora Stricta Root Extract, Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract, Honey, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, C14-22 Alcohols, Stearic Acid, Silica, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Palmitic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate-13, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, C12-16 Alcohols, Carbomer, Polyisobutene, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Polysorbate 20, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
Do you use sleeping masks regularly? Have you tried this one?
I have been using this one fairly regularly since I rediscovered it recently, so I try to use it once a week. Or sometimes, I cheat and tell myself that I need it (or I’m lazy to do my whole routine) and use it twice a week 😉
Paris B
Sulwhasoo Overnight Revitalizing Mask Price: RM200+ | US$50/ 120ml Availability: Sulwhasoo counters at Parkson stores
I should really use up my Laneige one. I usually chuck it into the fridge for a bit before I shower so it’s nice and cool when I slap it on and head to bed. I really do want to give this a go 🙂
You should try this! I think you’d like it but especially more in winter maybe 😉 Good idea on keeping the mask in the fridge before using! (I need a bigger fridge!)
It’s great to be getting emails telling me of new posts on MWS again! 🙂
Origins has a lovely overnight mask (Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask) which I like. I apply it on freshly cleansed skin and that’s it. No need to apply moisturizer. It sounds quite similar to the texture of the Sulwhasoo one here. I know those who dislike their skin care to smells delicious but I don’t mind and the Origins one smells absolutely fantastic!
Hi Isabel, it’s good to be back! In a manner of speaking 🙂 Ooh now that you mention it, I think I have tried the Origins Overnight mask but I didn’t have an opinion on it. I will have to go and look it up again! Oh and Clinique had one too, now I think about it *slaps forehead* but I didn’t like theirs at all. So far, Origins skincare seem to work well with me so I will be sure to take a look 😉
I love the photos Paris! Such apt photos with the night view backing the product as overnight mask 🙂 Sulwhasoo has piqued my interest and I think it is a matter of time before I succumb. I like the idea of herbal scent and it’s also fuss free – apply and off to bed! Currently I am using the Dior Capture Totale One Essential Mask. Next splurge would be this Sulwhasoo one!
Awww thank you for noticing, Jennifer! 😀 I thought it would be apt and I also learned that nighttime photography without proper equipment can be pretty hellish! I have thus far only tried 2 items from Sulwhasoo, one of which impressed me (this) and another which I thought was ok (the essence) The Dior One Essential Mask! I liked that one and used it all up (but didn’t repurchase because ouchies! the cost!) Do try this next or see if you can get a sample. Nothing beats convenience to keep us in a good skincare routine 😉
I have a feeling I’m going to like this. I use sleeping masks regularly. I’ve just finished a tube of Estee Lauder Resilience Lift. It worked for me, but it’s heavily scented. I’m glad I managed to finish it. I still have half of the Laneige Sleeping Mask. Thanks for the great review.
Happy to introduce a personal fave, Cecilia 🙂 I haven’t used the Estee Lauder Resilience Lift, but if it’s as fragranced as everything EL tends to be I may just steer clear of it. Somehow, my nose has gotten very sensitive to heavily fragranced products 🙁 The Laneige Sleeping Mask is a good one, but if you want to *ahem* use it up a little more quickly, slap on a thicker layer and use it more often 😉
Oh that looks good!! I’m buying more and more overnight masks/treatments.
It’s just annoying to double cleanse, apply mask, cleanse again and then do serum + nightcream. I love skincare but I can be lazy too.
The whole cleansing, apply this and sleep is bliss! Too bad we can’t get that Laneige easily here.
Yes! Someone who understands how it feels to be lazy (only when you have a crazy routine like we do hehe) I spotted this and Laneige on Strawberrynet that ships everywhere, if you buy from there, so try taking a look 😉
Ah, I wish I could get my hands on sulwhasoo more easily! I have the laneige sleeping mask but I feel like it’s not thick enough for Canadian winters. It’s really good for the summer though.
And this sleeping mask is thick! Thick is gooood. I’ll have to keep my eye on this online.
I’m currently using Origins drink it up sleep mask and I’m liking it a lot. From what you’ve explained it, origins and sulwhasoo seem really similar. Even down to the herbal ginseng scent!
I’ve seen Sulwhasoo on Strawberrynet if you’re interested 😉 I would tend to agree that the Laneige Sleeping Mask wouldn’t be suitable for winter, much less Canadian winters! It’s pretty light. This one is thicker and seems to keep my skin more nourished so you might like this one 😉 Isabel above has also drawn my attention to Origins which I think I’ve tried or own, so I’m going to dig it back out and try it again 😀
Lovely bokeh, Ms. P! I envy you your balcony. You know, being a person who has never lived above two floors from the ground, I’m jealous of all you skyscraping folk.
But I digress, it’s about Sulwhasoo today, isn’t it?!
I agree and have an inkling this mask won’t suit me. I am quite the Texas oil field skin-wise and the thought of adding more goopy stuff to my face overnight might not be a good idea.
That said, I’ve wanted to try this brand for the longest time. It’s very cult and the idea of that sits nicely with me. Sadly, the price for Sulwhasoo ain’t never going to make us as BFF as I’d like.
Aww thank you SG for noticing! (the word bokeh always cracks me up 😛 ) Oh, after living with my head in the clouds, it’s become very hard for me to put my feet on the ground, as it were. Condo living has its ups and downs (hur hur) but for me, it’s been definitely on the up (except when I forget something and am already in my car. grrr) As for this mask, you could be right that it won’t be the best fit for your skin. The lighter gel types might suit you better though – more comfortable, delivers moisture and doesn’t oil you up further! I have to admit also being quite intrigued by this brand, especially their ginseng cream which comes very highly raved. But their luxury price point does make me balk. I do notice they sometimes have trial sets during the festive seasons – that might be the best time to give them a go 😉
A post explaining how the whole cleanse, mask, cleanse, rest of the routine works would be brilliant as this is very different to the whole cleanse, tone, serum etc that you’re taught in the UK! Sleeping masks sound genius! A few brands just started offering them here, but at the moment the big Asian trends we’re just catching up on are cushion foundations and grainy cleansers
Thanks for the post suggestion, Tubbs 🙂 Generally though, what I mean is cleanse -> cream mask -> clean off mask -> tone -> moisturise etc is the ‘normal’ way we have been taught because a lot of cream masks are the tissue/rinse off type. Leave on or overnight masks or sleeping masks just take it one step further I believe. I’m actually fascinated that cushion foundations are picking up momentum. From my recollection, the Koreans market their cushion BB creams and while I quite enjoyed using the Laneige one (there are so many brands offering this now!) I wasn’t happy at how quickly they tend to dry out (a common lament) Can’t say I won’t try more in time to come though 😉
Love this mask. Going to repurchase it again. They have a mask which is similar to Kose’s (the black color mask where you have to peel it off after drying). I find both of them are good combination. For me, that is.
I haven’t tried the other mask you mention, but it’s intriguing! I don’t quite like peel off masks though so I might pass but I have to admit that I am quite interested in trying more of Sulwhasoo. Thus far, it’s the only Korean brand that’s truly got my attention with pretty decent products.
Skin Clarifying Mask. It works well with the Overnight Revitalising Mask. Love both. The herbal scent is rather strong, but I’m fine with it.