Avoid the Oops: 6 Sheet Mask Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making

So, you think you’re a face mask PRO, huh? Little did you know there are 6 very common mistakes you could be making when applying facial sheet masks. Yes, we're diving into the realm of skincare faux pas, but don’t let sheet masks intimidate you – they’re meant to be easy to use! 

Without realizing it, you could be applying your face mask for too long, wearing it incorrectly, or using the wrong face mask entirely.

6 mistakes you could be making when applying a sheet mask: 

Mistake #1: You’re wearing face masks for too long

Mistake #2: You’re wearing your face mask backward

Mistake #3: You’re picking the wrong sheet mask for your skin concerns

Mistake #4: You’re neglecting the under-eyes

Mistake #5: You’re washing the serum off (or missing your neck!) 

Mistake #6: You’re skimping on post-mask skincare

If you’re making any of these mistakes, there’s a chance you’re not getting your money’s worth. Let’s dive in so we can avoid these 6 facial sheet mask mistakes, shall we?

Mistake #1: You’re wearing face masks for too long

The most common mistake is wearing your face mask for too long. Yes, we all want the benefits of the mask to fully sink in, but too much of anything is bad and could cause your skin to increase in texture or become overloaded with oils. This could be the reason why your makeup is separating or slipping off after you apply your face mask. 

Every face mask is different, so make sure to follow the instructions on the packet every time. Specialty sheet masks like detoxifying face masks or exfoliating face masks might require longer wear times, averaging around 10 minutes. 

The trick? Only wear the face masks for the time it recommends.

If the face mask recommends at least 5 minutes but longer if desired like our FlashMasque Hydrate 5-Minute Sheet Mask, it can be tempting to keep it on for as long as possible to make sure all the benefits soak in. Instead of overdoing it, remember that less is more. 

According to Allure, the maximum recommended time to wear a face sheet mask is “no more than 20 minutes” to avoid dehydrated skin and unwanted irritation – “oh, and don't even think about sleeping with a sheet mask on”. Couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Mistake #2: You’re wearing your face mask backward

Sometimes it feels like face masks don’t come with enough instruction. Which side should touch the skin and which side should face out? If you’re not sure, make sure the flap designed to cover the nose is facing away from you. 

This makes it so much easier to slide the flap down and cover the tip of the nose fully. Our noses easily clog up with sebum so making sure they get proper attention is important. 

If you think your nose needs extra help, we recommend a Hydrocolloid Gunk-Absorbing Nose Strip to extract dirt from clogged pores and remove debris from your nose.

Mistake #3: You’re picking the wrong sheet mask for your skin concerns

At first, sheet masks start as a fun activity for self-care, ladies’ night, or a fun date idea. There’s nothing wrong with that – in fact, we encourage using face masks as a habit stacker to help you unwind or vibe out with your loved ones. But the moment you want to get serious about your skincare and see true results, you need to start picking sheet masks that target your specific concerns. 

What skin troubles do you have? What improvements would you like to see? 

Whether you’re hoping for more glowy skin, fewer breakouts, or deeper hydration, there’s a sheet mask for that! 

Check out this article about How To Choose the Right Mask for Your Skin Type. You can also take our expert quiz here and answer a few short questions to build the perfect skincare routine for your specific skin type and concerns.

We’re convinced there’s a sheet mask for everyone. It’s time to fine-tune your face mask usage and find one that works best for YOU! 

Mistake #4: You’re neglecting the under-eyes

If you haven’t noticed, your under-eyes don’t get much love in a face mask. There’s a perfect circle left open for the eye, often neglecting the gentle and sensitive under-eye area. If you’re not applying eye gels before laying your face mask on top, then what are you doing?! It's time to show your under-eyes some l-o-v-e.

We’re here to put you on to the concept of double-duty skincare – with this life hack, you’ll be multitasking eye care with face masks in no time! It's as simple as stacking your favorite face mask with matching eye gels underneath. Think of it as a power duo that can tackle every skin concern from dullness and puffiness to dehydration with finesse.

To make it even easier for you, we've whipped up a handy chart featuring some dynamic duos from our brand. Why not kill two birds with one stone by giving your under-eyes the attention they deserve while indulging in a full-face mask moment?

Full disclosure: your eye gels and face masks don’t need to match to be stacked! Feel free to slap a Chill Mode Face Mask on top of Happy Place Eye Gels if you want, the choice is yours. 

Mistake #5: You’re washing the serum off

So you've just finished indulging in a luxurious face sheet mask experience and you’re feeling like you've given your skin the royal treatment. But hold on a sec – don’t you dare reach for that cleanser to wash away all that precious serum! 

It's time to rethink your post-mask routine and start reaping all the benefits sheet masks have to offer. 

If you’re using a detox mask or exfoliating mask, chances are you’ll want to wash your face thoroughly after using it. However, a lot of sheet masks double as a potent serum that your skin will absorb long after the sheet comes off. 

If you’re not sure whether to wash your face or not, check the packaging of your specific sheet mask and it will clarify for you.

When it’s best to let the serum sit on the skin after removing the sheet mask, gently press the serum into your skin, allowing it to work its magic. 

Don't forget to bring the serum down to your neck! 

Yup, that's right—the often-neglected neck area deserves some serum love too. According to Real Simple, the neck ages first, making neck care important for a smooth and gradual aging process. Ironically, most of our skincare efforts occur from the chin up, so bringing your serum down to the neck is the least you can do! 

Here are some practical tips to make sure you’re optimizing serum absorption post-sheet mask:

1. Gently remove your sheet mask
2. Apply any excess serum from the sheet mask onto the skin as needed
3. Lightly massage any excess into the skin and neck
4. Use upward motions to encourage lift and defy gravity
5. Tap fingers across the cheeks and forehead to promote blood flow
6. Allow the remaining serum to dry down into the skin

Lightly massaging the serum into the skin using different motions helps stimulate circulation and encourages deeper penetration of the rich goodness left over by your face mask. 

Remember that less is more—there's no need to go overboard with the serum or massaging techniques!

Mistake #6: You’re skimping on post-mask skincare

Now that you’ve let that serum sink in and your skin looks dewy and radiant, don’t stop there. Seal the deal by finishing your skincare routine to lock in all the benefits. If you typically apply a serum, skip that step and assume the sheet mask is replacing it for today. Continue with the rest of your skincare routine, which can look something like this: 

Eye cream

Moisturizer 

Sunscreen (daytime only) 

According to Women’s Health, applying moisturizer after a serum will help increase absorption, just make sure your serum is fully dry first. 

Sunscreen is an especially important step as well because several skincare ingredients can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, and face masks aren’t excluded from that! Here are some common skincare ingredients that require sunscreen:

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) 
• Retinoids
• Vitamin C
• Peptides
• Hydroquinone
• Citrus-based Essential Oils

Face masks that require sunscreen in your post-skincare routine: 

• Exfoliate Mate 
• Beauty Sleep Mask
• Bubbly Sheet Mask
• On Ice Face Mask 
• Illuminating Face Mask 
• Rosé Face Mask 

Eye gels that require sunscreen in your post-skincare routine: 

• Restoring Night Eye Gels 
• On Ice Eye Gels
• Illuminating Eye Gels
• Rosé Eye Gels

At the very least, you should be applying daily sunscreen when using these ingredients or face masks. TBH though, we recommend wearing sunscreen daily as part of a well-rounded skincare routine. Daily sunscreen application helps protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and other sun-related damage such as skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for daily protection.

Skincare success: You’re navigating sheet masks like a pro! 

Congrats! You've successfully navigated through the maze of face sheet mask mishaps and emerged as a skincare-savvy soul. You’re now well on your way to achieving that coveted glowing complexion you've been dreaming of. 

The next time you indulge in a face sheet mask session, you’ll do it with confidence, knowing that you're giving your skin the care and attention it deserves.

Remember that skincare is all about understanding what works best for your skin. By avoiding these face mask mistakes and fine-tuning your skincare routine, you're not only maximizing the benefits of your products but also taking proactive steps towards healthier, happier skin!

Take our expert quiz and find what sheet mask works best for your skin concerns!