After immersing myself in a full Sulwhasoo skincare routine, I couldn’t resist exploring their popular face masks. As a devoted user of sleeping masks, the Sulwhasoo Overnight Revitalizing Mask instantly piqued my interest. I was also intrigued by the the Clarifying Peel-Off Mask and got a my hands on a travel size. While peel-off masks haven’t been as trendy lately, the Sulwhasoo formula might just be the one to spark them back into hype again.
Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
This Overnight mask promises to nourish and hydrate the skin while strengthening its moisture barrier throughout the night with Sulwhasoo’s Nutritive RED Elixir™, a blend of jujube and pomegranate extracts. Rich in extracts of medicinal plants used in traditional Korean medicine, this mask is a perfect introduction to Hanbang skincare.
Application
Different from most sleeping masks on the market, the Sulwhasoo overnight mask’s formula is designed to be layered on top of your regular nighttime moisturizer. It’s got a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a heavy residue. I find that, even if one had oily skin, this could go on top whatever moisturizer without disturbing and feeling too heavy.
While some influencers promote using a generous amount, I find that a small, pea-sized application is sufficient. You’ll get the same benefits without wasting product.
Recommended use is two to three times a week or whenever your skin needs a “pick-me-up”.
Experience
As a longtime user of overnight masks, I often found them a bit disruptive to my routine; having to replace my usual night cream and the occasional heavy feeling it might leave. The Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing mask has been a game-changer as it’s lightweight enough to be layered on top of my regular moisturizer without leaving any discomfort.
While many rave about the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask (check my review here), the Sulwhasoo formula delivers superior revitalization and soothes tired skin more effectively in my experience. Its silky texture and gentle herbal fragrance are also more pleasant. When it comes to hydration neither of them aren’t very good at it in my opinion. However, I do find the Overnight Vitalizing Mask to be slightly better at it compared to the Jet Lag mask.
Results
The morning after using the mask, my skin appears well-rested and radiant. I also noticed a subtle lifting and tightening effect. However, when it comes to intense hydration, this mask might be better suited for rebalancing rather than providing a deep moisture boost. At least, during colder months I experience some dryness even after incorporating the mask into my nighttime routine.
Conclusion
The Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing mask is a fuzz-free sleeping mask with a gorgeous formula and texture. The herbal fragrance takes you to a day at the SPA without being too overpowering. I’ve enjoyed this mask so much that when I got a travel size of it to gift to my mom, I couldn’t resist keeping it for myself! Which should tell you how much I like it.
Due to the generous 120ml size and the minimal amount needed, this mask offers long-lasting use. Additionally, it falls within the more affordable range of Sulwhasoo products, typically priced between $45-$55. This sleeping mask joins the ranks of my favorite Sulwhasoo products, alongside the Comfort Balancing Emulsion, Concentrated Ginseng Cream, and Gentle Cleansing Foam. (read full brand review here) Especially when it comes to cream products, Sulwhasoo knows their game.
If you’re interested in Hanbang or incorporating ginseng into your skincare routine, this mask serves as a gentle introduction thanks to its pleasant scent and lightweight formula.
For sensitive skin: While I personally have not felt any discomfort using this, it does come packed with different herbal extract that can potentially cause irritation.
Where To Buy
Related Articles: Sulwhasoo Whole Routine Review
Sulwhasoo Clarifying Peel-Off Mask
The Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask promises to give clearer, brighter complexion by targeting skin impurities and dead skin cells. This peel-off mask is formulated with Solomon’s Seal powder, known for its antioxidant properties, and Korean Honeysuckle extract, which aims to improve skin cell turnover. According to Sulwhasoo, the mask helps to visibly clarify the skin. To be used once to twice a week.
Application
Unlike most face masks, this one is designed to be the final step in your skincare routine, applied after your emulsion or moisturizer. Initially, this instruction surprised me, wondering if I’d been using peel-off masks incorrectly! However, after researching similar masks, I haven’t found this application method elsewhere.
Despite the lack of widespread use, applying a peel-off mask as the last step does have some potential benefits. The remaining moisture from your moisturizer can help prevent the mask from becoming excessively drying and could also contribute to easier removal. Additionally, peel-off masks are primarily focused on removing surface impurities and thightening rather than deeply delivering nutrients due to their viscous consistency.
Experience
The mask’s thickness surprised me. It has a rich, paste-like texture that requires a generous amount for the recommended full coverage. It takes some effort to smooth out evenly and does feel messy. Compared to the Overnight Vitalizing mask, this one requires significantly more product, perhaps five times as much. I’ve reserved it for special occasions when I want to spoil myself with a pampered evening or morning to maximize its use.
Getting an even layer is a bit tricky if you don’t want to waste a lot of product. A layer that’s too thick will extend drying time, while a very thin layer can be difficult to remove. I will admit that in the picture I’ve put on a slightly too thin layer.
The texture reminds me of thick honey, While I find it functional, a slightly creamier formula would be even more enjoyable to apply. The Clarifying Mask also has this herbal ginseng scent to it, but a bit more pungent than the Overnight Vitalizing Mask. Personally, while the scent is growing on me, I’m not a huge fan. It’s a little too “rustic spa” for me.
Results
After 20 minutes, the mask dries completely and peels off easily. The results are impressive: my skin feels wonderfully soft, appears more even-toned and radiant, and my pores look noticeably minimized. I’d say that it truly delivers on its promise of clarifying and brightening the complexion.
Conclusion
For peel-off mask fans, the Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask stands out! It effectively clarifies the skin, living up to its claims and working well for both oily and dry types. While the application process could be smoother, I find it enjoyable to use, and the results are effective. My skin feels instantly brighter, more even-toned, and noticeably softer. An added bonus: it’s designed to be the final step in your skincare routine, streamlining your process.
With that said, when comparing cost per use, the Clarifying Mask is significantly more expensive than the Overnight Vitalizing Mask. This is because you need a much larger amount of product to cover your face. Although it’s about $10 cheaper, you’ll likely use it up much faster. The Overnight Vitalizing mask is just a way better investment if you’re wondering which one to go for first.
For sensitive skin: It’s worth noting that this mask caused a slight itch while drying on my skin. While it didn’t cause redness for me, individual experiences may vary.
Where To Buy
What are your favorite overnight masks, and why?
Have you considered incorporating ginseng into your skincare routine?
Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
Products Mentioned
Related Articles: Sulwhasoo Whole Routine Review
