Hey Beauties!  Today I have for you a trio of Masks from Korean Beauty Brand, Holika Holika.  Holika Holika is a very popular Kbeauty retailer founded in 2010, with a market that has been expanding all over the world.  Their focus is producing unique, eye-catching, high quality products at affordable prices, made with the finest ingredients.  Because of these attributes, it’s no surprise that Holika Holika and the Asian Beauty industry as a whole, have gained such popularity in the US, and throughout the world, over the past couple of years.  I for one, am a huge fan, as I am sure you will see if you follow my blog and Instagram account.

While I’m no stranger to sheet masks and use them nearly every evening; I do use other masking products as well, in their place, but often in addition to or during morning or day time hours.  However; I am relatively new to the newer 3D versions, only trying one other brand’s version prior.

I received these masks from Skin18 (USA) free for review purposes as part of a newer review program they recently launched in/for the US.  The program selects 1 blogger from each state to represent them and review products from the many brands that they carry at skin18.com  You can also check them out on Instagram  and give them a follow If you love Asian Beauty products.  I urge you to check them out if so, as they have some really great deals as well as a ton of ways to snag freebies.  (plus other reviewer programs you can sign up for) I’ve found them to be an excellent company to work with, a friendly group with a lot to share and a huge selection of products to chose from, including a personalized, detailed beauty subscription…so check them out and I’ll get on with my review!

The Masks:

Holika Holika 3D Medi Ampoule Masks: (5 available varieties) $1.32 ea.

I received 3 of the 5 mask types: Whitening, Aqua (moisturizing) & Soothing.

First I’ll describe the basic structure and characteristics of these mask types and then I’ll describe the individual mask properties.

Sheet masks are available in various materials, thickness and textures with essence/serum/ampoule solutions for the masks to soak in, that vary as well, designed to do different things for your skin, just as these 3D versions are.  The idea of the 3D fit is to be a better one, with better skin adherence & less slipping, allowing for the maximum absorption of their concentrated ampoule solution. (as opposed to the standard masks which are typically a flat sheet with some slits to help with fitting or a two piece version of the same in which you apply a sheet for the top half of your face and then the bottom.  I suppose the idea of the 3D mask is good in theory; however, said theory is greatly inhibited by how different our faces are.  Some might find a better fit with this mask type where another may not at all.

I chose this mask trio after having tried a 3D type mask from another popular brand and wanting to test an additional offering.

As far as the basic characteristics of this mask trio goes:

-The mask is a bit thicker than most which I assume is necessary to help the mask maintain its structure and allow for the seam in the center which gives it its ‘3D’ shape

-This mask is also textured (think quilted Northern) which is likely also a reinforcement component as well as one that may help absorb the ampoule solution

-There is a sufficient amount of ampoule solution, but I wouldn’t consider it ‘drenched’ and there was very little left over in the package.

-They all had a unique scent, which were light and pleasant

-The fit was, well, a bit weird (I’ll build on this, don’t worry.)

Now for the photos:

This somewhat creepy photo was included to show the thickness and texture of the mask.  You can also see why I wouldn’t describe this mask as ‘drenched in product’

This photo was intended to show the things I do like about the fit of the mask.  There are very minimal gaps with this mask, while some leave quite a bit of space open around the mouth and nose areas.  Because the area around my mouth gets the most dry and I am constantly fretting over the little smile lines, it bothers me when my mask doesn’t completely cover that area.  I also love the way the eye area fits on these 3D versions.

This photo I included to show the things I did not like about the fit.  The obvious protrusion of the chin area due to the seam would not allow this part of the mask to completely adhere to my skin.  The large neck area flaps at the bottom of the mask would not stay anywhere that I tried to place them, despite thinking they would be beneficial at first.  And lastly, the mask was beginning to get quite dry before I could even finish the photo documentation.  I prefer my sheet masks absolutely drenched in product.  I feel like they are doing more for me this way, but they also remain intact better when they have this quality.

As far as the skin benefits of each mask go:

The first mask version I tried was the green, soothing version, which was also my favorite of the 3.  The mask’s active ingredients are Aloe, Tea Tree Water & Green Tea Extract.  My skin is often reddened, especially after cleansing and often has annoying red splotches throughout and can feel irritated in the evening.  This mask also had the most amount of ampoule solution out of the 3.  The mask gave me a minimal amount of moisture but was ultra soothing on my skin and did a really great job of minimizing the redness and the blotchy red spots.  It didn’t leave my face very sticky and b/c there was little of anything left over on my face it would likely have suited me for day time use as well.

The second I tried was the blue aqua mask, for moisture.  This mask’s active ingredients are hyaluronic acid, Glacier Water, Betane, Portulaca, Oleracea Extract, skullcap extract, fermented bean extract & Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract.  My skin was seriously dehydrated so I was really hoping for a mask that would drench my skin in some much needed moisture, but it fell totally flat for me.  While it was a tall order that I’d placed on this mask, I’ve found many that have delivered in this department.  It did soften my skin some and gift it a slightly more smooth, glossy look, but it didn’t last long.

The final mask I tried was the whitening variety.  This mask’s active ingredients are: Vitamin C, B derivatives and B6, designed to brighten the skin. This mask delivered a slight moisturizing effect and a temporary brightening effect as well.

Has anyone else tried these or any other 3D mask versions?  What were your thoughts?

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my review, do check out Skin18 via one of the many links I’ve provided above!

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-Kelli xoxo