I have a wonderful husband. When my Korean skincare “illness” started, he quietly and without complaints observed the growing mountains of jars and tubes on the sink, next to the sink, under the sink, in the fridge, in the closet… And for my last birthday, along with other presents, he gave me an Amazon gift card, saying with a hint of doomed acceptance in his voice “I know you’ll find how to spend it”. And I did :)
I have fair, combination skin with an oily t-zone and dry-to-normal cheeks, usually without breakouts. Slowly but surely, the aging process is trying to take hold. I am a strong believer in prevention versus reversal of age-related issues, so I’m already using anti-aging products.
Anskin is a Korean brand that makes multiple types of modeling masks - vitamin C, collagen, pearl, green tea, and so on. The masks are available on* eBay and Amazon. I chose the collagen kind for its lifting and tightening claims.
What is a modeling mask?
Modeling masks typically come in a powdered form that is mixed with water or other liquids to form a paste. This paste is then applied to the skin and becomes very rubber-like as it dries. If it were up to me, I would rename these “rubber masks”. Modeling masks, in addition to having beneficial ingredients, increase the effectiveness of any serums and ampoules. When you apply a serum and then top it off with a modeling mask, you are sealing the serum from oxygen, therefore ensuring its total absorption into the skin instead of partial evaporation into the environment.
Active ingredients:
Marine collagen - one of the main building blocks of youthful looking skin, it plumps up fine lines and wrinkles to make them less visible.
Hyaluronic acid - HA (sodium hyaluronate) attracts and holds moisture better than any other natural or synthetic polymer. It’s not abrasive like exfoliant-type acids and is completely safe to use in the summer. It doesn’t increase skin’s photo sensitivity (sensitivity to light). In basic terms, hyaluronic acid attracts environmental moisture to the skin.
Diatomite, glucose, betaine - moisturize, soothe, and improve elasticity.
The manufacturer promises 250% increase in skin’s moisture levels after using this mask.
How to use:
Cleanse and use toner.
Apply your favorite serum or ampoule.
Mix the mask. Let me save you some time here - the packaging only has instructions in Korean and they say to use 1 part powder to 0.8 parts water. I finally got this down to a science - use 3 tablespoons of powder and 2 tablespoons of water. After that, add water bit by bit until you get thick yogurt consistency. It will take almost 3 tablespoons of water total.
Apply to the face in a thick layer (and I mean THICK, too thin and it will crumble as it dries). No worries about eyebrows - once dry, the mask comes off cleanly without ripping out hair.
Lie down for 15-20 minutes or until the mask sets (you’ll feel it). I do recommend being horizontal during the process as the mask will start peeling off prematurely due to gravity if you are upright.
Remove the mask. Use toner, if needed, to wipe off any remaining mask around the edges.
Follow with emulsion, cream or a sleeping mask.
My impressions:
Guys (and gals), this is a true miracle. I was basically squealing in delight after the very first use. My skin has NEVER been this smooth. It immediately becomes visually tighter and firmer, looks more fresh and rested, and even my freckles become less noticeable somehow. I’m happy to report that the removal is completely painless and very fun - the mask comes off in huge sheets of rubber. If you have peach fuzz (I do), fear not - no pain and no unwanted hair removal. I apply it to the lips as well, and they become very soft and plump. The jar is truly huge and will last a long time. I’ve used it for months and am still not out. The price on eBay and Amazon is very affordable.
Other types of Anskin modeling masks:
Aloe - soothing for sensitive skin
Vitamin C - brightening and moisturizing
Pearl - lightening and moisturizing
Green tea - soothing and balancing
AC Control - for troubled skin
Charcoal - oil control and pore care
Aroma - firming and moisturizing
Cool-ice - soothing and pore care
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*Affiliate links
Anskin Modeling Mask Collagen Ingredients: Diatomite, Glucose, Sodium Alginate, Calcium Sulfate, Betaine, Zinc Oxide, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Collagen(1%) Tetra Sodium Pyro Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten, Licorice Extract, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid