Of all the things January has going for it (a sense of possibility, ever-lengthening days, cocoa festivals) one major drawback is what the weather does to our faces. Dry air tends to siphon skin's moisture, leading to tightness, itchiness, and overall dullness. Not exactly the kind of fresh start to 2020 that most of us are looking for. The good news: 20 minutes or so with a sheet mask can hydrate, soften, and brighten your skin and restore it to top shape. To find one that works for your particular skin situation, first assess your need. Are you looking to hydrate dry skin [1] while treating dark spots? Or perhaps you want to address dryness while encouraging clear pores at the same time. No matter your needs, there's a mask whose active ingredients will give your skin a boost.
The best skincare ingredients for Winter [2] include hyaluronic acid (a lightweight ingredient that locks in water), vitamin C (essential for brightening), retinol (to reveal fresh new cells), and shea butter (a rich emollient). You'll find dozens of options with these ingredients, of course, at Sephora [3]. The beauty giant is impressively stocked with a wide range of sheet masks, from serum-soaked paper versions to essence-drenched biocellulose ones. Whatever your Winter skin goal, you can achieve it here — and we've highlighted our favorites at a wide range of complexion needs and shopping budgets. Read on to discover your next favorite, too.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask
For those moments when you're tired — and your face is definitely showing it — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask [4] ($46) is a genius choice. The contoured pads fit neatly under the eye, while a separate chamber isolates the highly concentrated serum until you're ready to put it on the pads. Ten minutes with these depuffing ultrahydrating pads, and it'll be as though you've had a full eight hours' rest.
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask
Leave it to one of the world's top makeup artists to develop a mask that's never messy. Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask [5] ($22) is loaded with moisturizing oils and butters, potent vitamins, and calming floral extracts — all of which add up to a photo-ready glow. Because this sheet mask is dry, you get all of the benefits without the drip. And the most brilliant part? It's reusable. No wonder this woman has an MBE after her name.
Saturday Skin Quench Intense Hydration Mask
Suitable for all skin types, Saturday Skin Quench Intense Hydration Mask [6] ($6) is soaked with youth-preserving peptides and hydrating hyaluronic acid — and the first ingredient, saccharomyces ferment, is loaded with vitamins and amino acids that keep skin healthy. Despite its name, it deserves to be in regular rotation any day of the week.
Dr. Jart+ Brightening Infusion Hydrogel Mask
For complexions with blemishes, dark spots, and uneven texture Dr. Jart+ Brightening Infusion Hydrogel Mask [7] ($7.50) is a transformative experience. Vitamin C and licorice extract brighten skin, while galactomyces ferment (a moisturizing byproduct of the sake-making process) helps balance combination skin.
Primera Sugar Apple Seed Sheet Mask Firming
Dealing with dry, dull skin that's lost its luster? Primera Sugar Apple Seed Sheet Mask Firming [8] ($6) has a plan for that. This softening, smoothing mask not only leaves skin feeling bouncy and hydrated, it also imparts a fresh-from-the-spa glow.
Origins Flower Fusion Rose Hydrating Sheet Mask
In the dry-skinned depths of Winter, Origins Flower Fusion Rose Hydrating Sheet Mask [9] ($7) is a burst of Spring. This soft bamboo mask is infused with rose extract to create a luxurious, fragrant experience. As for the moisture with which it drenches skin; well, it might just be better than one of those fabled April showers.
Laneige Water Pocket Sheet Mask Sleeping Mask
Korean brand Laneige is known for its expertise in hydrating even the most parched skin. See for yourself with Laneige Water Pocket Sheet Mask Sleeping Mask [10] ($6), which has proprietary technology to lock water into the skin. This never-sticky, lightweight mask has an impeccable fit, too, so more of the potent essence is transferred to your skin — not dripping on your outfit.
Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask
For those times when you need to have noticeably more radiant skin — and fast — there's Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask [11] ($70). This set of four top and bottom masks is infused with powerful retinol, which reduces fine lines and reveals the clear, glowing skin you're meant to have.
Sephora Collection Supermask — The Charcoal Mask
Sure, Sephora Collection Supermask — The Charcoal Mask [12] ($6) is black and cool and gothy, so you might want to do it for the 'gram. But the very charcoal extract that gives this mask its dark color also slurps up excess oil and dirt to regulate shine, clear pores, and calm blemishes. It's a win-win, no matter how you look at it.
Farmacy Coconut Gel Sheet Mask — Hydrating
Know how drinking coconut water after yoga makes you feel refreshed and energized? Farmacy Coconut Gel Sheet Mask — Hydrating [13] ($6) does the same for your skin. Loaded with coco-H2O, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber extract, the gentle serum makes your complexion look calm, cool, and dewy.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet Mask
Clean, cruelty-free, and unabashedly fancy, Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet Mask [14] ($12) is a worthwhile way to treat yourself. The mask itself is strong but delicate, and a blend of rice germ oil and other botanical extracts feeds skin with vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Wear it for 20 minutes, then just try to stop touching your smooth, soft, radiant skin.