Famous for their Insta-worthy appeal, the popularity of sheet masks is not a gimmick; they have earned a place in your beauty routine; why? When you're skin looks dehydrated, dull or blotchy, a sheet mask will give instant gratification. Along with these clever hacks, here’s how to get the most out of these eco-conscious, single-use beauty buys, says editor Trudi Brewer.

There’s long been a debate on which is more effective, a sheet mask vs a topically applied serum. And while the jury is still out scientifically, New York-based dermatologist Dr Heidi Waldorf says, "The sheet mask provides an occlusive barrier, so theoretically it can improve penetration of active ingredients." So as far as active ingredients go, serum-soaked sheet masks are potent and portable, and while your favourite serum is still essential, the speed at which a sheet mask delivers goodness to the skin is unrivalled. "The longer something is in contact with the skin, the more effective it is likely to have on the outermost layers,” says Waldorf. Made to sit on the skin for at least 10 minutes per use, a sheet mask is primed to deliver better ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides for hydrating and firming the skin. So when you’re searching for the best on offer, experts agree, first be guided by the active ingredients and then, to be in line with sustainability, look for masks that are100 per cent cotton, made from bamboo or bio-cellulose so that they can be composted.

HERE ARE THE SHEET MASKS WE RATE:

For Brightening the skin

DR. LEWINN’S REVERSADERM BRIGHTENING VITAMIN C FACE MASK, $12.
The clever bio-cellulose technology of this sheet mask is biodegradable and acts like an ultra-fine second skin to stay put for as long as you need it. Infused with a potent blend of vitamin C and B3 (niacinamide), these skin-loving ingredients penetrate faster to brighten a dull-looking complexion.

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Infuse your sheet mask

Try multi-masking with a sheet mask. For example, press a serum on a freshly cleansed face and then place the sheet mask on your skin over the top of the serum.

100 per cent natural

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Sheet Mask Sachet, $11

In the same way, your body benefits from a daily dose of super greens - so will your skin. This mask is enriched with some of the best, including kale, spirulina, parsley and chlorella. That antioxidant-rich lineup of plants helps detoxify and revitalise dull skin from this single-serve mask made from bio-degradable,100 per cent natural cotton.

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Wear a sheet mask while you're in the shower or bath

Let the shower run to steam up the bathroom first; then apply a sheet mask and then have a shower. This acts like an intense steam facial to help the ingredients from the sheet mask penetrate deeper and faster.

To hydrate AND SMOOTH FINE LINES

DR. LEWINN’S ULTRA R4 COLLAGEN FIRMING FACE MASK, $12.

This biodegradable mask is loaded with a potent collagen-infused serum that will instantly plump and hydrate, smooth fine lines and wrinkles. But that is not all. It was made to boost dull, tired skin restoring its healthy glow, making it ideal to use before a special occasion.

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Sheet Mask Massage

Instead of just pressing the extra serum from the sheet mask into the skin, once you remove it. Try doing a five-minute facial massage rather. This technique helps push the ingredients deep into the skin and gets the blood flowing to your face.

Arrest dry skin

Sugar Baby GOODBYE TO DRY ULTRA HYDRATING FACE MASKS, $11.

The clean ingredients in this bio-degradable bamboo sheet mask are known as Flower Harvest AF. It’s a blend of free radical, hydrating ingredients such as red spider flower, Banksia and kangaroo paw. As well as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, mineral-rich organic coconut concentrates, aloe, cucumber, green tea, ginseng and rejuvenating caffeine. Together they will hydrate and brighten dehydrated skin, consider this your new BFF.

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Double down

Use two sheet masks back to back. Use one formulation in the morning to wake up and brighten the skin and another at night to deliver hydrating antioxidants. This technique helps to flood the skin with ingredients that help keep it hydrated while protecting it.

Under eye mask

Dr.Lewinn’s Line Smoothing Complex S8 Under Eye Recovery Masks, $12.

Targeting the thin skin under the eyes, this clever polysaccharide (sugar starch) non-slip sheet mask melts into the skin, taking with it hyper potent ingredients. These include peptides called Snap-8, Eyeliss, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and niacinamide. Together they address the look of dark circles and puffiness while boosting moisture. In short, these 100 per cent bio-degradable eye sheet masks are precisely what tired eyes need. There are three individually wrapped pairs in each pack.

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Keep Sheet Masks in the Fridge

Keep sheet masks in the fridge to soothe irritation, calm redness and nourish the skin. Ideal post-workout or cool the skin in summer, or brilliant after any laser treatment.

For the girl on the go

Sugar Baby EXPRESS GLOW SKIN BRIGHTENING FACE MASK, $11.

If you need that lit-from-within glow fast, the clean lineup of ingredients in this coconut concoction will deliver. From skin-plumping and line-erasing Kakadu plum and hyaluronic acid, super-boosted by coconut water, allantoin, aloe and cucumber, and skin-brightening green tea, ginseng caffeine. You can take this 100 per cent biodegradable bamboo mask anywhere and use it anytime.