As someone who has sensitive skin (and a bad history with acne), it was inevitable that I would obsess over my skincare routine. I've tried the 10-step route and then the glass skin trend. But since I'm also very practical and laid-back — add the fact that my skin gets easily overwhelmed when exposed to a lot of products — I realised that downsizing my routine works best. However, a fuss-free approach to skincare always poses the same issue: finding products that work well even without much aid from a million others. That's when I was challenged to try the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, which has been raved about by a lot of skincare lovers all over the world. (Did you know that it won in the Clozette Beauty Awards three times in a row?) After two months of using it nightly, here's my verdict.
Packaging, texture & scent
I've always liked Laneige products for their simple and no-frills packaging. This product has a glass jar that gives a nice, sleek feel that fits well on my vanity. It also came in sealed with a foil cover when it was new so definitely a plus for sanitary purposes. I actually still kept the foil intact so that I wouldn't expose much of the product when I'm scooping out of the jar.
As for the texture, it comes in a smooth water gel formula that feels light and cool to the skin and dries down matte when blended. It doesn't feel tacky or sticky at all and gets easily absorbed by the skin. Plus, its scent is just soft and fresh and I find it soothing, which is great because this product is meant to be put on before one hits the hay.
Left - initial application; Right - blended and dried fully matte
Application and overall experience
For the past couple of months, I trimmed down my routine to just a facial wash, a toner, a Vitamin-C serum, and a moisturiser and it worked out quite okay. But then I swapped my moisturiser with the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask for two months now and needless to say, my skin really improved in terms of reduced dark spots and overall smoothness. My dry patches have lessened as well and there are some days when I can step out of the house with little to no makeup on because of how healthy my skin feels. I can't give the product full credit for such an improvement, but I do feel like its hydration properties and the Vitamin-C derivative Ascorbyl Glucoside in the ingredients really amped up my routine and complemented the other products I had been using. Lastly, when I feel like I need some extra hydration, I'd use this under makeup even during the day and it doesn't make the base application weird in any way. Definitely a plus in my book!
Final thoughts
So do I think the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask deserves a place in your nighttime routine? Definitely. I feel like while it's not a stand-alone product, it's versatile and powerful enough to help level up your routine and complement the other products you are using. It's a great and somehow upgraded morning moisturiser, too, if you're looking for something that will keep your skin looking hydrated and plump through the rest of the day. My only downside for this is that since Laneige counters are no longer available in the Philippines, I'll have to deal with online shopping, waiting for shipping, and looking out for restocks.
Next, find out if we deemed the Artis Brush worthy of a splurge.
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