Sheet Masks Vs. Regular Masks — Which Would You Choose?

You can never really go wrong with a good face mask. Personally, it’s always the first thing I reach for on a much-needed self-care day. According to my fellow editors, your favorite mask says a lot about your personality — which is totally true. While I can’t live without sheet masks, Assistant Editor, Caitlyn is partial to deep-cleaning clay masks. Needless to say, we both have strong emotions on why one mask is better than the other. Keep reading for our intense beauty debate and decide for yourself what type of mask reigns supreme. (Hint: it’s definitely sheet masks). 

The Case for Sheet Masks

My favorite thing about sheet masks is their simplicity. I don’t need any other products to apply or remove one — I can just peel away the packaging, stick it on and relax while it works its magic. What really sets sheet masks apart from their regular mask counterparts is the removal process. I appreciate that I can remove a sheet mask with the flick of my wrist. The whole rinse off process that comes with regular masks is too tedious for me — I always find myself missing a spot and frankly, I just hate washing my face. TBH, I prefer to only cleanse my face in the shower so I don’t make a mess at the sink. 

Plus, I’ve noticed that when I use clay masks my skin always feels irritatingly tight. I like that with sheet masks my skin feels refreshed and hydrated feeling long after the mask is discarded. As someone with dry skin, it’s important for my skin to feel hydrated throughout the day, and I don’t get that experience when I use regular masks.

In my opinion, sheet masks’ portability can’t be beat either. I’m not fully packed for any trip until I stuff the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask into my carry-on. This unique jelly-textured mask in particular helps keep my complexion radiant, hydrated and plump while in the air so I can land at my destination with vacation-ready skin — even if I’m not going on vacation. That dewy look just can’t be beat. — Mary Honkus

The Case for Regular Masks

I’ve always been partial to regular masks. Let me explain: traditionally, regular masks come in jarred form – which is great because I can get multiple uses out of one mask – and, once they’re on, I can really feel them working. In my mind masks are like a special treatment, so if I’m going to do one, I want to feel something. 

Because I have such oily skin, I need a mask that gets deep into my pores and absorbs excess oil. For that reason, I prefer clay masks, like the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask, which are a godsend for people with oily, acne-prone skin. Clay masks are formulated with ingredients like kaolin and bentonite clay that absorb excess oil and pore-clogging debris. For this reason, clay masks are a key component of my skincare regimen. Plus, I like that I can feel the wet clay drying on my skin; it makes me feel like it’s actually doing something (read: sopping up extra oil). In my opinion, you don’t really get that feeling from sheet masks that sit atop the surface of your skin. 

For me, the best part about masking is washing it off. Washing a clay mask off is like a big, satisfying reveal. It’s during this time that I really get to see how the mask worked its magic on my skin, leaving me feeling clean and refreshed. — Caitlyn Martyn

Photos: Chaunte Vaugh, Mary Honkus, Caitlyn Martyn

Read More:

The Benefits of Clay Masks, Plus 5 of Our Favorites

How to Remove Every Kind of Face Mask, From Clay to Sheet

6 Face Masks That Help Reduce the Appearance of Blackheads