A sheet mask is a face-shaped, serum-soaked piece of cloth with holes for your mouth, eyes, and nose. Rather than applying a product and then rinsing it away, sheet masks for your face are infused with ingredients that are intended to soak into the skin. The physical mask also helps to prevent the evaporation of these ingredients as they sit on your skin. While a sheet mask shouldn’t replace a step in your skincare routine, it can be a great addition when your skin needs a boost or you’re feeling indulgent.

Face sheet masks can be formulated with a variety of ingredients, intended to hydrate, soften and brighten, as well as deliver anti-aging benefits, for younger, fresher-looking skin.

Face masks come in a variety of consistencies, including gel, clay, and cream masks. Unlike sheet masks, traditional face masks for skin are applied as a thicker coat on the skin. These skin masks generally come in a pot or tube and need to be applied evenly using your fingers or a mask application tool.

Both sheet masks and face masks have benefits, and can even be used together as part of your complete skincare routine. For a gorgeous, youthful glow, try the Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Night Mask, followed by the Advanced Génifique Light Pearl 360 Eye Mask.

A face scrub acts similarly to a cleanser, in that it is designed to be applied to the skin, gently massaged into the skin and then immediately rinsed off. Regular use of a facial scrub, like the Rose Sugar Scrub by Lancôme, as part of your skincare routine helps to give your skin a smoother and more even texture by removing dead skin cells.

The sheet masks available at Lancôme Australia are targeted skin care treatments, so your go-to sheet mask should be one with specific ingredients to address your skincare goals. But keep in mind, while a hydrating facial mask like the Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask can be used every day, a mask containing harsher active ingredients like retinol or glycolic acid should be limited to once a week.

Face masks should always be applied on clean, dry skin. Prep your skin with a clarifying cleanser like the Gel Eclat Clarifying Cleanser Pearly Foam and pat your face dry with a clean towel. After removing the face mask sheet from the packaging, remove the transparent film and carefully position it on your face gel side down, taking care to avoid the eyes. Remove the white protective layer and gently press the mask onto the face with your fingertips to ensure it sticks in place. Let the mask sit on your face for approximately 20 minutes before removing and gently massaging the skin to help the remaining serum soak in. Follow with the rest of your skincare routine, always finishing with SPF if using a sheet mask during the day.