My first favorite face mask | Hada Labo Gokujyun Mask

I wasn’t a firm believer of face mask. I’d always thought of paper mask as an indulgence or a relaxation tool that feels good, but doesn’t really produce any benefits that an intensive moisturizer couldn’t deliver.

Most masks made me feel this way until I chanced upon Hada Labo Gokujyun mask more than 5 years ago. It was the first face mask that I fell in love with, and I’m still loving it.   

I’ve recently brought it overseas where the climate was cold and dry (17 degrees). My face had started flaking. So I dug out Hada Labo from the hotel fridge. By the next day, I noticed that my skin was supple and hydrated. The flakes were gone too. Read on to find out the 6 reasons that kept me going back for more of Hada Labo Gokujyun mask. 

 

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What’s Good about Hada Labo Gokujyun Mask? 

1. Fits Asian Women or those with Smaller Face

Although the top portion of the mask was a bit wide, the rest of it fit my small Asian face well. 

The side didn’t go beyond my jaw and the length just slightly wrapped over my chin. I feel that it was a smaller mask as compared to other brands that I’ve used.

2. Multiple Slits to ensure Proper Fit 

The mask has six slits placed at the right interval to ensure that the mask locks firmly into position. I could walk around without having to worry about the mask falling off, even after 40 minutes, when the mask had dried up. The excellent fit also ensured good contact of the essence to my face.

3. Super moisturizing 

This is one of the most moisturizing masks I’ve tried. After 5 minutes of removing the mask, there was a warm sensation that lasted for a while. My pores appeared smaller almost instantly. By next morning, the flakes that I had developed under cold climate disappeared.  

For your info, this mask contains two Hyaluronic acid formulation, to provide intense moisture to the skin. For those who are interested, the full ingredient list is as follows:

Ingredients : Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Methylparaben, PEG-80 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum

4. No pimples

As sticky and moisturizing as it is, I have never developed pimples from the use of Hada Labo Gokujyun mask. If you don’t already know, I am highly prone to pimples, especially after using sun block, BB cream or the wrong mask.

5. No drip. No Mess

When I opened the package and took out the paper mask, there wasn’t any excess liquid in the foil. The folded paper was fully soaked up, but it didn’t drip at all. Hence, application was easy – you can apply it at the comfort of your bed or sofa.

6. Free of Potential Irritants

For those who have sensitive skin, you’ll be happy to note that this Hada Labo Gokujyun mask is free of fragrance, mineral oil and colorant.

 

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What’s Bad? 

1. Pricey

A box containing 4 pieces of Hada Labo Gokujyun mask costs about $22 from retail outlets, making each piece about $5.50. It isn’t the most expensive mask out there, but I’m sure we can easily find one at half the price, right?

One way to get it cheap is to load it up when you next visit Japan (yeah, why not? Yen has depreciated so much and sashimi is so yummy and fresh…go go plan a trip if you haven’t been there). This Hada Labo mask is included in my Japan Must-Buy list! Over there, a box costs only 860 yen (incl tax) – about SGD9.50 (USD7).

Alternatively, you can save on air fare and get it online (see latest price on Amazon HERE)

2. Sticky After-feel

The liquid of the mask is slippery and oily with a slight stickiness. The instruction says to place it on the face for 5 to 15 minutes (I had it on for 40 minutes). After removing the mask, it took another 30 minutes for my face to be completely dry. By then, the stickiness level went down, but was still present – see photo below. By the way, can you see how supple the face has become? 

3. Not suitable for those with larger face

This is a made-in-Japan mask, and designed to fit Asian ladies well. Hence, those with face larger than an average Asian lady may face some challenges.

 

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Recommendation

If you are looking for a moisturizing face mask, look no further. This is it. But don’t bother getting it for your boyfriend. It might not fit.  Rating: 4.5/5

 

To find out the latest price on Amazon, click HERE. 

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