They say face masks are a pampering treat. Lately, they’ve started to feel like a chore.
Like, who the heck has the time to squeeze 20 minutes for a mask in their skincare routine anymore? After a long day of blogging, meetings and errands, all I want to do when I get home is hit the pillow and sleep.
If only you could get that “my skin but better look” masks give you in a minute or so… Oh, wait, you can. Let me introduce you to your new BFF, splash masks:
What Are Splash Masks?
A hybrid between a toner and a booster, splash masks are concentrated liquids you leave on your skin for only 15/20 seconds.
You guessed it, they’re another Korean invention. Rumour has it, Korean women splash their face with water up to 100 times a day to keep it as clean as possible (bit of an overkill, if you ask me).
It was only a matter of time before K-beauty brands jumped on the trend. They packaged the water in fancy bottles, added a generous dose of active ingredients for extra benefits and boom! Splash masks were born.
FYI, not all splash masks are the same. Depending on what actives they contain, they can be moisturising, brightening or soothing. Take your pick!
P.S. You won’t find splash masks in Korea. They call them “patting masks” or “patting packs” there.
Related: 4 Things I’ve Learned From Korean Skincare
Don’t know which skincare products you can mix and match together and which ones deactivate each other? Download your FREE “How To Layer Actives Like A Pro” cheat sheet to get the most out of your skincare products:
How Do Splash Masks Work?
I know what you’re thinking, “How can a splash mask work if you leave it on the skin for only 15 seconds?!”
Remember when I told you splash masks are concentrated? I wasn’t kidding. They contain VERY high concentrations of active ingredients. Blithe Splash Masks, for example, contain around 30% lactic acid.
That will give you the benefits of a 20 minute face mask in 15 seconds! But is that a good thing? Let me explain…
You rarely see such high concentrations of active ingredients in skincare products – and for a GOOD reason. Too much of a good thing can sensitize skin, irritate it and dry it out.
FYI, it’s not just exfoliants you should be worried about. Sure, overexfoliation is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. But any ingredients could cause trouble when used too much/too often. Yep, even natural extracts.
Do NOT leave splash masks on your skin a minute longer than the instructions recommend!
Related: 5 Skincare Treatments That Can Ruin Skin (If Abused)
How Do You Use A Splash Mask?
You MUST dilute splash masks with water. A good ratio is 1:20. Just pour a capful of splash mask in a bowl of water and use it to splash your face. Pat the mask on – DON’T rub – quickly. Rinse off with water after 15/20 seconds.
Some splash masks can be diluted with running water in the shower. Be sure to read the instructions so you don’t accidentally overdo it.
Should You Use A Splash Mask?
It depends. If you’re too busy or lazy to fit a traditional 20 minute mask in your skincare routine, splash masks are a good alternative to consider. They give you the same benefits in just a few seconds. Sensitive skin? Don’t even think of going there. Splash masks are too concentrated for your skin type.
I have a bottle of “Blithe Patting Splash Mask – Energy Yellow Citrus & Honey” in my shower. I hardly ever think of using it, I don’t think it does that much.
Not convinced at all, wouldn’t re-purchase.
Maja, I guess that’s the trade-off with these highly concentrated products. They’re so powerful, you can leave it for the skin only for a few seconds and they won’t have the time to do much.
Gio, this sounds like a messy, messy undertaking! I can see me getting most of it on my sink and counter instead of my face. And I just can’t see much benefit to a 20 second treatment. Do folks see any benefits to these splash masks?
Tarheel, yes you see benefits … but it’s nothing that a leave-on exfoliation wouldn’t do. So need to use this if it’s too messy for you.