Bargain to Bougie: 4 Hydrating Sheet Masks to Winter-Proof Dry Skin (2024)

This time of year can be a nightmare for us dry skin folks.

It’s barely winter and already we can feel our skin quite literally cracking under the pressure. Not cute.

Even those who don’t typically have dry skin can’t escape the onslaught of dehydrated, itchy, irritated skin that often comes with the change of season.

And while switching up your skincare regime with richer formulations proves helpful, it only goes so far—which is where sheet masks come in.

Beyond drenching your skin in hydration and skin-sweetening ingredients, sheet masks are a one-way ticket to the glowy, glass skin of your dreams.

They make for pretty hilarious selfies too, just quietly.

Being our resident dry-skin girlie, I selflessly volunteered my face as tribute to road-test a handful of hydrating sheet masks to work out which hit and which are a miss.

Below, you’ll find four of my faves as well as said hilarious selfies for your viewing pleasure.

Scroll on for my top sheet mask picks to quench your thirsty skin, from bargain to bougie.

1. Hada Labo Moisturising Facial Sheet Mask.

What: Hada Labo Moisturising Facial Sheet Mask 20ml

Fast facts:

• Hado Labo Moisturising Facial Sheet Mask is exactly as its name suggests; a super hydrating mask. And by super, we’re talking an entire bottle of serum in each sheet super.

• It’s infused with a unique blend of three forms of hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturise the skin on multiple levels.

• It’s the ultimate pick-me-up for dry, dehydrated or dull skin in need of some TLC.

• Plus, it’s fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

My Hada Labo Moisturising Facial Sheet Mask review:

Part of the sheet mask allure (and in particular the Hado Labo one) is their ability to create a glowy, hydrated base for makeup application.

With that in mind, I decided to give this one a go a few hours ahead of a dinner reservation where I’d planned to wear a full face of makeup.

My first impression of the Hado Labo mask was wowzers, she’s juicy. I knew I was in for some serious hydration.

I was pleased to find the actual fit of the sheet mask perfect for my face. The slits around the corners of the mask made it easy to secure it into place.

By the directed 10-minute mark, my dry skin had soaked up all the dewy goodness of the mask and it was starting to lift so it was time to come off.

I patted in the sheet mask’s residue and immediately noticed my skin looked more radiant and felt soft and bouncy. My skin tone was also more even and less red looking.

As for my makeup, well, I think my selfie speaks for itself.

2. COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask.

What: COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask

Fast facts:

• COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask harnesses the power of snail secretion—yes, you read that right—to plump and firm the appearance of skin and protect its barrier.

• ICYMI, snail secretion is a popular Korean skincare ingredient made famous by COSRX that delivers deeply hydrated, glowy skin that looks like glass.

• Its lightweight texture absorbs fast to leave skin feeling smooth and supple, while also improving elasticity.

• It’s made with a naturally-derived cellulose sheet that hugs your face for 10-20 minutes.

My COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Sheet Mask review:

There are sheet masks and then there’s the COSRX Snail Mucin Sheet Mask.

It’s been on my must-try list for quite some time, having heard about the magical powers of snail mucin for the skin. And let me tell you, it lives up to the hype.

The sheet mask is incredibly hydrating and soothing, giving this beauty writer’s skin a bounce like never before. Example A:

It's drenched in the same sticky snail secretion filtrate the original COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is known for, which I must admit, I was a lil’ icked out by at first.

But once I applied the mask, all doubts vanished.

The stickiness of the mask feels soothing on the skin and keeps it firmly in place throughout the treatment without needing to pat it back into place.

Afterwards, my skin felt soft and supple and had the most glorious, lit-from-within glow that even caught the attention of my usually unobservant partner.

I’ll be moving this to my buy-forever list.

3. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask.

What: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask 25g

Fast facts:

• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask is the sheet mask version of the endlessly popular Cicaplast Baume B5 best known for its ability to soothe skin discomfort and quench extra thirsty skin.

• Like the Baume, the sheet mask is enriched with vitamin B5 (aka panthenol) and La Roche-Posay’s antioxidant-rich thermal water to hydrate, soothe and care for the skin.

• It’s made of 100% biodegradable cotton to ensure the absorption and gentle delivery of ingredients.

• Its restorative properties make it perfect for post-procedure and post-treatment skin recovery.

My La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask review:

I kept this soothing sheet mask up my sleeve to try on a day when my skin was feeling tired and thirsty.

So after a jam-packed weekend showing my partner’s family around Melbourne (which included copious amounts of wine, wind and chocolate), it was time.

What sets this mask apart is its unique texture. Unlike other sheet masks, La Roche-Posay’s doesn’t feel overly wet or sticky. The biodegradable mask has a tissue-like texture that’s super easy to apply.

Although it didn’t stay on my dry skin for as long as the other masks, the results were impressive. After removing the mask, my skin had noticeably improved!

My weary under-eyes appeared plumper, my complexion looked more even and there was a natural glow that shone through my makeup.

I’ll definitely be reaching for the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Sheet Mask when my skin needs a pick-me-up or when it's feeling more sensitive.

4. Cosmedix Micro Defense Microbiome Sheet Mask.

What: Cosmedix Micro Defense Microbiome Sheet Mask 5 pack

Fast facts:

• Cosmedix Micro Defense Microbiome Sheet Mask takes out the title of most bougie sheet mask, but for good reason; it’s a glow-giving, juicifying, plump-upper of a mask that feels like a big ol’ drink for the skin.

• Sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) and almond and coconut oil work together to draw moisture to the skin and keep it there for hydrated, firmer-looking skin.

• It’s infused with a moisture-rich prebiotic—a good bacteria-boosting serum—to replenish dry or dull skin for a healthier and more radiant complexion.

My Cosmedix Micro Defense Microbiome Sheet Mask review:

Sadaf wasn’t exaggerating when she said the Cosmedix Micro Defense Sheet Mask is "juicy-skin-on-steroids".

I mean, just look at that GLOW.

I decided to give it a go while feeling sorry for myself the morning after a long weekend and have since decided this newfound ritual shall live on forever.

Not only did the sheet mask make my skin look like it had just awoken from a long nap, but the entire experience was pure luxury from start to finish.

From its comforting floral scent to its cleverly designed outer net layer that ensures a mess-free application, every aspect of this mask has been carefully considered, as you’d expect for its exxier price tag.

Plus, it leaves a generous amount of product residue on the skin which sinks in for a radiant glow that lasts throughout the day.

Final Verdict...

Which sheet mask did I like the most?

Well, if money was no object, I'd slap the Cosmedix Micro Defense Sheet Mask on my face every. damn. day.

In a close second is the COSRX Snail Mucin Sheet Mask. Who knew snails could make our skin look so deliciously dewy!?

But honestly, all four of these sheet masks provide much-needed relief from the harsh winter elements, earning them a prime position in our dry skin routines.

Tune in to watch me try these four hydrating sheet masks in real-time below.

After more dry skin product recommendations and advice? Check out these Beauty IQ articles:

• 5 Under $35: Hydrate for Less With These Cult Face Creams

• Our Resident Makeup Artist’s Verdict on DIOR's New Multi-Use Skincare Balm

• My Aspect Skincare Routine for Dry Skin