$2 indulgences – my top 5 affordable sheet masks
Written By Jenny Wu on
Yes, these sheet masks totally exist and no, you definitely should not have to pay $30 a sheet, unless you’re ballin’ like that.
For the rest of you who want to indulge your skin with regular sheet masking sessions but don’t want to declare bankruptcy while doing it, I’ve got 5 sheet masks you need to check out:
Common Labs Ggultamin C Real Jet Mask – Vitamin C*
- Selling points
- Comes with a gentle exfoliating pad and the sheet mask is drip free thanks to the gel essence. Also contains a buttload of great ingredients!
- Where to buy
- $20.99 for 10 on Amazon (with Prime shipping), $2 per sheet on Althea (free shipping for orders $50+, plus new members get 20% off!)
I wrote an in-depth review on this a while back, and the more I use the Vitamin C masks the more I enjoy it. It’s really great at hydrating and giving you that chok-chok plumping effect, and the best part is the effect actually lasts. If you have oily skin you might find the gel essence on the stickier side, but personally my combo skin loves it.
My Beauty Diary Imperial Bird’s Nest Mask
- Selling points
- Hydrates, brightens, smoothes, softens, this mask really does it all for a great price
- Where to buy
- $14 for 10 on Amazon (with Prime shipping), $17 for 8 on YesStyle (free shipping with orders over $35), $9 for 8 on BGO (free worldwide shipping for orders $100+)
My Beauty Diary was one of the first sheet masks I started using, and to this day their masks are still one of my favorites – especially now that they’ve made each mask thinner! My favorite flavor will always be this one as it really gives my skin the best results, and I must have gone through at least 5 boxes of these over the years. For just $1/mask (I always buy from BGO), you seriously can’t beat the value.
My Scheming 7-in-1 Brightening Essence Mask
- Selling points
- Really brightens your skin, like damn dat glow
- Where to buy
- $14.89 for 8 on Amazon (free shipping), $13.9 for 8 on YesStyle (free shipping with orders over $35), $9 for 8 on BGO (free worldwide shipping for orders $100+)
My Scheming is another Taiwanese brand I love, especially this particular flavor. It contains 7 different brightening ingredients – from arbutin to vitamin c – and the results show. Their thin masks are drenched in essence and very comfortable on the skin, which makes using them a delight. This flavor also comes in the black mask version, which is slightly thicker but works just as well – so pick whichever version you prefer.
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Sheet Mask
- Selling points
- One of the few products that my irritated skin can tolerate, plus it really does soothe any redness + irritations
- Where to buy
- $9 for 5 on Sokoglam (get 20% your first order here), $11.54 for 11 on Wishtrend (free worldwide shipping for orders $69+), $18.3 for 10 on Amazon (free Prime shipping),
I’ll admit that I hate the thick cotton material and fit is questionable, but these masks are God-sent when my skin is irritated. You can probably get similar results by lotion masking with the Klairs Supple Toner, but these masks are so affordable on Wishtrend, especially during their Black Friday sale! While I don’t use these as often as my other masks, I always have some around, just in case.
Moksha Dear. Honey Mask*
- Selling points
- Excellent hydration + soothing capabilities. Plus it’s the most affordable out of the 5.
- Where to buy
- $10/12 on Amazon or $5.90/3 on eBay
I discovered this gem of a mask during my first Althea haul and it was love after first use. First of all the ingredients are friggin’ fantastic, and second (and most importantly), it just works. I love how hydrated and soothed my skin feels after using this, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing this particular flavor as well as trying out other flavors from this brand.
So obviously these are my personal favorites that have stood out for me in one way or another. As for the sheet masks I didn’t list, it’s not because they’re bad, it’s because they provide just the essential hydration + nourishing effects, which is perfectly fine, especially at the $2/sheet price range.
- Runner-ups:
- My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask, My Beauty Diary Alps Edelweiss Ultra Repairing Mask , My Scheming Raw Job’s Tears Brightening Black Mask, Naruko Snail Essence Intense Hydra Repair Mask, and Naruko Hyaluronic Acid Hydro-Lock Moisturizing Mask
Hope you found this post helpful, and let me know what your favorite affordable sheet masks are! :)
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Emily
All of these sound great! I've been getting in to masks a little bit more lately, and most I think are just okay. I really want to try the My Scheming one, as it sounds right up my alley! I tried a Karuna one the other day ($$) and didn't think it was anything super special. I just feel like the results never last long!
-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
Jenny Wu
Most of these masks take consistent use to see long term results, hence my reluctance to buy the really expensive ones. It's crazy how much some of them cost and you're right, a lot of them don't really do anything special (at least not any more special than these $2 options!)
Shireen L. Platt
I have never thought of buying sheet masks through Amazing before! Actually I have never bought beauty stuff from Amazon but I'll check Amazon.ca later today and see if I can get some good deals. It's unfortunately .ca and .com is not the same, we don't get as many stuff through Amazon.ca :-(
Jenny Wu
I never used to buy beauty products on Amazon either but then the free prime shipping got me, haha. Plus the prices are comparable to other retailers so why not? :P hopefully amazon.ca has the same great deals!
Camilla // Gracefulface.com
Awesome picks Jenny! I haven't heard of the vitamin C mask before so I think I need to pick some up! Especially at such an affordable price!
Jenny Wu
Thank you Camilla! The price of the vitamin c one surprised me at first because the mask itself feels much more expensive!
Face to Curls
These all sound wonderful and I love sheet masks. A little while back I was looking at some sheet masks on Amazon but I just wasn't sure if they were going to be any good so I passed on them. Now I'm gonna go back and look again. Thanks for sharing these. xo
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Jenny Wu
No problem! I think it depends which sheet masks you get, as I do see some unfamiliar brands on Amazon too. It does make me curious to see how those brands compare!
Katherine
I love sheet masks and can't believe I haven't tried any of these yet, thanks for sharing them!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Jenny Wu
You're welcome! Hope that you'll love them as much as I do if you do try them!
Amy
This was a great post, thanks for sharing! I have only really dipped my toe into the world of sheet masks but have been disappointed by the cost of some. I need to try some of the ones you listed!
Amy - http://amyevans.blog
Jenny Wu
You're welcome Amy! Some sheet masks are ridiculously expensive and it's hard to justify paying that much for a 1-time use product. Hope you'll enjoy these more!
Deborah
As much as I love sheet masks, I've only heard of a few of these! I need to get on that!
I really want to try out that Vitamin C mask - my skin needs it!
Jenny Wu
The vitamin c mask is fantastic, the exfoliating pad it comes with is really nice too!
Abigail
thanks for sharing these sheet masks! i definitely prefer them to normal masks now!
Abigail Alice????
Jenny Wu
You're welcome! I do love that you don't need to wash these off!
Amy
OMG!!! $2 face masks?!?!?!? BUYING THEM ALL RIGHT NOW.
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Jenny Wu
YES!! Hence why I rarely pay more for sheet masks now, it's just not worth it! :P
Maroon Caludin
I've never tried masks, but might have to sometime!
Jenny Wu
You really should, they're great!
Elise L
yay for sheet masks and a $2 one at that! not to say i'm against people who splurge on a $30 mask but for me, even if i have the budget for it, i think it's not worth my money ^^;; when you think about it, sheet masks are more of a one-time thing. it's not meant to be used as primary masks so yeah. tbh, even though i always buy $2 sheet masks from the drugstore, i don't use them very often. it's like, again...sheet masks just make you spend a lot more than you think!
still, i agree that a $2 mask is way more worth than a $30 one :P
Jenny Wu
Preach girl! I've always been used to affordable sheet masks (living in Asia spoiled me) so when I saw how much they were selling for in the US I had to do a double take. The markup is insane!
Marina Rosie
I love the sound of the dear honey mask Jenny - it being so affordable yet so effective makes me want to buy it. I love that soothing effect on the skin - I will definitely look further into that. Thanks for sharing Jenny! x
Lots of love,
Marina Rosie x
Jenny Wu
Thanks for reading Marina! The dear honey one is really nice, just a shame that it doesn't really smell like honey :(
Heather Noire
It is good when you can try and get the same concept for less. I saw some gold masks that were pricy. If you find similar ingredients you don't have to overly spend. This was such a great post :)
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/05/marissa-webbs-modern-nyc-woman.html
Jenny Wu
Totally agree Heather! It always baffled me to see single sheets selling for $6 or more, and they contain similar if not almost identical ingredients to these much more affordable masks!
LindaLibraLoca
AM I still allowed to read here if I confess that I am not the biggest fan of sheet masks? I do use them every now and again, but I prefer regular face masks.
Maybe I have simply not found the right ones.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Jenny Wu
That's a good point, maybe the right one will change your mind? There are times when I prefer regular masks but usually I find sheet masks just as effective and much easier to use :)
Gloria
Yes to $2 sheet masks! While I love indulging in $5+ sheet masks, they're simply not economical. Also my wallet can only handle so much (I may just have a stash of fancy sheet masks lying around because I don't have the heart to use them ????).
I actually have quite a few Moksha and Klairs masks that I never got to, so after reading your post I'm really excited to give them a try! Another affordable sheet mask I really like is the Papa Recipe Bombee Honey Mask- it leaves my skin extremely well moisturized and glowy. Also it smells like honey! ????
Jenny Wu
Totally agree Gloria! The cost of sheet masking can really add up, so if I can find more affordable alternatives I'll definitely stick to those! :P
I actually haven't tried the other Moksha flavors, though I'm definitely curious now! The Papa Recipe mask sounds lovely, but I recall them being on the pricier end? If they're in the $2 I'd love to try them out!
An Dang, TheBeauParlour
Great choice of sheetmasks my dear! I love to try out the My Beauty Diaray (never ever used a sheetmasks of them, shame on me) and the Dear Honey ( because everything related with bees is life). It is funny taht we think the same about the Klairs sheetmasks, it works great but just a booo that the cotton is so thick. I can't leave it for a long time because I start to get annoyed and also i think the thick cotton also dries quicker than the other materials that sheetmasks have. Thanks for sharing your tops!
<333 An | http://thebeauparlour.com/
Jenny Wu
Thank you An! Good point about the cotton drying quicker, it also feels like it has less essence to begin with (or is it just me)? If they can only switch to a thinner material it'd be perfect!
Stephanie | thefantasia.com
Is it really sad that I'm not into face masks? Whether sheet or facial masks, I'm clearly averse to anything that adds an extra step or two in my routine haha!
Jenny Wu
Aww, well at least you'll save lots of money in the long run because even these affordable sheet masks can get expensive if you use them regularly! It all comes down to what works best with our skin, so I totally understand that sheet masks aren't for everyone :)
Mary
When i apply foundation my t zone gets very patchy/blotchy, whether i use a beauty blender or brush it just clings onto dry patches. I used the klairs toner, Cosrx aha, snail mucin 97, Argan oil, and 97% aloe Vera gel. My whole skin looks fine, its just my t zone that "dehydrated" if I must say. Is there anything that you suggest. Serum? Ampoules?
Jenny Wu
Hmm, you can try exfoliating using a peeling gel (I really like the Cure Natural Aqua Gel, review here) once a week or every 2 weeks to gently remove any dead skin. I also noticed that you don't have an occlusive in your routine, so you might want to add a cream moisturizer at the end to seal in the hydration.
Mary
I use the cure peeling gel as well! I thought my aloe Vera gel would be enough to take the place for my moisturizer. I feel like after my oil a cream or lotion feels like too much.
Jenny Wu
If you feel like an moisturizer all over your face is too much, you can spot apply it to areas where you notice the dry patches. Or if you don't want to invest in a moisturizer you can try applying a second layer of oil over the drier parts of your face.
Also, I just went back and re-read your original comment. You can also try applying multiple layers of the klair toner on the dehydrated areas to add more moisture - aka the 7 skin method :)
Alyssa
I'll be honest, I'm too lazy for a face mask. I prefer those that you leave on for the night and wash off in the morning. But I still buy them and use them when I have the time :D These are really nice recommendations, the only thing I've used from this list is the Klairs.
xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
Jenny Wu
I actually find sheet masks the easiest to use since you don't have to wash them off, and I usually just wear them while watching TV or reading before bed :) And they come in so many great varieties! :D