How to use a jelly mask at home
A jelly mask takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, and 15 to 20 of those are spent lying back while it sets. Here's the whole routine, and the small things that make it peel off in one satisfying piece.
What you need
- Jelly mask powder (one jar makes about 8 masks)
- The silicone spatula that comes with it
- A small bowl, a tablespoon and some cool water
Step by step
- Cleanse. Wash your face and neck and pat them dry, so the jelly sits on clean skin.
- Mix. Stir 3 level tablespoons of powder into 2 tablespoons of cool water until it's smooth, lump-free and about as thick as yoghurt. This takes about a minute, and it starts to thicken soon after, so have everything ready.
- Smooth it on thickly. Use the flat end of the spatula and lay it on in a generous, even layer, about 3 to 5 mm deep. Keep it away from your eyes, eyebrows, hairline and lips.
- Lie back for 15 to 20 minutes. It sets from a paste into a cool, rubbery jelly. You'll feel it firm up.
- Peel from the jaw upward. Loosen the edge under your chin and lift it off in one piece, then rinse off anything left behind. Put the used mask in the bin, not down the drain.
Tips for a clean peel
- Too thin won't peel. A thin layer sets into a film that tears. If it's breaking apart, use more next time.
- Cool water, not warm. Warm water makes it set before you've finished spreading it.
- Don't over-mix. Once it's smooth, start spreading. Stirring longer only loses you working time.
- Tie your hair back and keep the jelly off your eyebrows. It doesn't stick to skin, but it grips hair.
Afterwards
Put on your moisturiser while your skin is still a little damp, and leave retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs for another day. More in what to do after a face mask.
Before your first mask
For external use only. Patch test first: smooth a little on your inner arm, peel it off after 15 minutes and wait 24 hours before your first full mask. Stop if you get any irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid contains retinol, kojic acid and arbutin, so wear sunscreen the day after using it, and don't use it on the same day as other retinoids or exfoliating acids. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor first.
How often
One to three times a week suits most people. At two masks a week, a jar lasts about a month. More in how often to use a jelly mask.