Hydrogel masks are the new sheet masks - find out how the Innisfree Green Tea Hydro Gel mask lives up to expectations in our K-Beauty review.

According to BeautyBlitz.com, the main difference between a sheet mask and a hydrogel mask is the material: sheet masks are usually a thin, treatment-soaked piece of cloth, while hydrogel masks have a thin gel form, with a better ability to lock in moisture. Hydrogel masks also form to your face better than sheet masks because they are more pliable.

Description

The Innisfree Green Tea Hydro Gel Mask contains organic green tea ingredients from Korea's Jeju Island to replenish, moisturize, hydrate, and smooth to give the skin a dewy glow.

The product boasts a "moist jelly type gel" that adheres tightly to the skin, delivering the active ingredients without stickiness.

Innisfree also claims that this is a new type of gel mask because it is "temperature-sensitive water soluble," meaning the mask melts on to the skin when it comes in contact, allowing the active ingredients to better penetrate the skin barrier.

Packaging

Innisfree's Green Tea Hydro Gel Mask comes in a wide slip, with peaceful and colorful green tea leaves decorating the top. The instructions for the product are listed in both Korean and English on the back.

Application

The directions ask users to cleanse and tone the skin, remove the mask from the package, and remove the transparent film.

It advises users to place the top half of the mask first, position from the eye-area and then removing the white film before attaching the mask to the skin.

Repeat with the lower half of the mask, position around the mouth-area first before adhering it to the skin.

Leave the sheet on for 20 minutes, peel off, and pat remaining serum into the skin.

Product

I found the mask very difficult to put on. Because of Innisfree's new "temperature-sensitive water soluble" hydrogel mask, the product was very thin and gooey, like Jello. It was slippery and difficult to maneuver and position properly on the face.

However, once applied (with some difficulty), the mask fit very snugly. It was probably one of the most well-fitting masks I've ever used. It also felt very light on the skin and easy to wear - I was able to do some chores around the house while wearing it without fearing that it would slip off.

The mask was cooling at first and very soothing. Towards the end, it started to tingle on my face. Once the 20 minutes were up the mask had dried out a bit so there wasn't much serum left to tap into the face to absorb.

Results

My skin was certainly glowing after this mask. My pores were noticeably smaller around my nose, the redness on my chin had decreased, and my skin felt fresh and cool, like I had just spent a chilly afternoon on Jeju Island!

Pros & Cons

Pros: Real results, very refreshing, reduces redness, easy to wear

Cons: Hard to apply, very slippery, not hyper-moisturizing

Price & Availability

The Innisfree Green Tea Hydro Gel Mask are available on Amazon.com for $14.10 for five masks. They are also on KoreaDepart.com for $5.15 for 3 sheets.