A good beauty mask is like a kimono.
Just like a kimono consists of multiple layers, a beauty mask needs multiple layers that can soak up plenty of moisture to deliver to your skin.
And just like putting on and wearing a kimono is a precious ritual, using a beauty mask turns your ordinary skincare routine into a pampering ritual that boosts your skin’s health and your mental wellbeing.
That’s the philosophy behind Skimono, a new range of masks for face, feet and hands. Skimono wants to make beauty masks so comfy and relaxing, you’ll use them every week.
And if they managed to convert yours truly, I figure they’ve got a pretty good chance of success. 😉
Here’s why I love Skimono Advanced Moisturization+ face mask and Total Conditioning+ foot mask so much:
Skimono Advanced Moisturisation+
Can I tell you a secret? I’m too lazy to use a sheet mask every week (or every day). For me, they’re a special treat for when I need a pick-me-up or have an important occasion to attend.
But I have a feeling I’ll be using Skimono Advanced Moisturisation+ every week when winter comes. The name doesn’t lie. It really is one of the most moisturising masks I’ve ever tried.
What makes it so hydrating is urea. Urea is a moisture magnet: it attracts moisture from the air and binds into the skin. Plus, urea has a very high water content itself. When you put it on your skin, you’re literally inundating your skin with moisture.
Add to that its exfoliating properties that get rid of dead skin cells and you’ve got a precious ally against dry and troubled skin. It can treat a truckload of skincare conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and itchiness.
Urea doesn’t play alone here. Skimono Advanced Moisturisation+ is also enriched with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, two fellow moisture magnets. Hyaluronic acid deserves special mention: it attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water!
All this moisture makes your skin so happy: it plumps up fine lines and wrinkles so they look smaller, makes skin super soft to the touch and gives the complexion a dewy glow. My skin looked so healthy after I took off the mask – and the day after!
I’m also impressed by the quality of the sheet itself. It’s made of bio-cellulose, a natural fiber that can hold a lot of moisture. Plus, it fits my face snugly and adheres to the skin so well.
Putting it on was a breeze and I didn’t have to worry about it falling down every time I moved (is there anything worse than a mask that won’t stay put?!).
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that banishes dry and flaky skin? Download your FREE “Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin” cheatsheet to find out. It features product recommendations and right application order:
Skimono Total Conditioning+
I’ve tried my fair share of foot masks before and they all had two things in common:
- They look like ugly socks you wouldn’t be caught dead walking around the house in.
- They exfoliate your skin, shedding all dead cells within 10 days or so (foot exfoliation takes time).
Skimono Total Conditioning+ is different. It doesn’t exfoliate skin. It “only” moisturises it.
(It still looks like a pair of socks – but sturdier and more comfortable than your average mask socks.)
I say “only” because moisturisation is just as important for your skin. Especially for the skin of your feet. I bet it doesn’t get much love unless it’s sandal season, right?
Just like Skimono Advanced Moisturisation+, Total Conditioning+ has glycerin, urea and hyaluronic acid to attract water into the skin. Plus, oils – like safflower – to seal it in so it doesn’t evaporate into thin air again.
You see, the face mask doesn’t need them. The moisturiser or facial oil you slather on afterwards does the sealing job well enough. But not everyone applies foot cream after a foot mask, so those oils are needed here.
I sealed my feet into the socks with the adhesive straps and left them on for 30 minutes. I’m very impressed by how sturdy they are. I was able to walk around my room freely without fear they’ll break – or worse.
When I finally took them off, my feet were as soft as a baby’s. I also had some dry patches on my sole and while I can’t say, the mask got rid of them completely, they certainly looked better afterwards. I guess I need a couple more treatments to finish the job.
Price & Availability
Advanced Moisturisation+, £14.99 and Total Conditioning+, £9.99 at HQ Hair and Look Fantastic
Skimono Advanced Moisturisation+ Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Urea, Trehalose, Glycerin, Rosa Rugosa Flower Extract, 1,2-hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Honey Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-51, Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance (Parfum), Sorbic Acid
Skimono Total Conditioning+ Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Urea, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Arginine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Allantoin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
The price for the foot mask doesn’t seem bad, but the face masks are pretty expensive! Not sure I want to spend about $18 US for one mask!
Rebecca, I hear ya! I think it’s pricier than most sheet masks because of the quality of the sheet. But I see it more as something to use for a special occasion than a regular part of your skincare routine. It’s worth it but it does get expensive!