Winter Beauty Trick: Sleeping Masks

Don't you agree that keeping your skin hydrated and happy during the winter can be so challenging? This winter in Spokane has been bitter cold. The other morning, it was actually -1 Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius) when we got in the car. The cold and the dryness combined were making my skin red, swollen and blotchy. I had to do something, but what? After a little Googling, I discovered sleeping masks, or beauty packs. Have you heard of them? They're masks that you put on before bed and leave on overnight to work their magic while you sleep. 

I tried out three sleeping masks over the past few weeks. Here's what I discovered.

For each of the masks I tried, I first removed my makeup with Shiseido Instant Eye & Lip Makeup Remover. Then I cleansed my face with Chanel Lait Confort. Next, I applied Shiseido Ultimune Serum and Eye Concentrate. Finally, I used each mask in place of my usual nighttime moisturizer. 

After applying the masks, and in order to give them some time to sink in, I wrote in my Mom's One-Line-a-Day journal, took my vitamins, plugged in my phone and watch, and did my usual nighttime checking of doors and making sure the heat was turned down before going to bed. That took about 15 minutes, but I would give any sleeping mask at least ten minutes before hitting your pillow.

Shiseido Ibuki Beauty Sleeping Mask

This mask is a watery gel with little vitamin pearls suspended within it. The mask glided on smoothly and I loved the comforting, soothing violet scent. The vitamin pearls melted away almost instantly and the mask immediately began to sink into my skin. It felt very hydrating and soothing, like a burst of moisture. The next morning, my skin felt smooth and like it had taken a big drink of water. 

Lancôme'Absolue Precious Cells' Revitalizing Night Ritual Mask
This mask is ultra-thick and luxurious and contains Lancôme's precious cells anti-aging formula. It went on rich and creamy and within minutes, I felt a marked lifting and tightening. In the mirror, it appeared shiny and greasy, but it felt firm and warm on my skin. The next morning, it had all soaked in and my skin felt plumped and supple.

Dior'Hydra Life' Jelly Sleeping Mask
This mask is the same gorgeous blue color as its jar. It goes onto the skin effortlessly and has an immediate cooling effect. It was absorbed almost instantly and I worried it wouldn't be enough and that my skin would feel dry in the morning. But when I woke up, my skin felt unbelievably smooth and hydrated. This mask doesn't need to be rinsed off, making your morning easier. Because of the cooling effect, I would prefer to use this mask in the summer, but it did an amazing job of smoothing and hydrating.

Have you tried sleeping masks? How do you keep your skin hydrated in the winter?

(Photos via Nordstrom) 

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