We’ve been talking a lot about food lately, haven’t we? So today I’m going to chat about something unique in the Japanese beauty world — facial paper masks, or they are called “lotion masks”、ローシヨンマスク.

Basically, there is a skin-loving essence (toner-like or can double up as a toner) you soak your mask in and place on your face for 10 – 20 minutes as a face treatment. Some paper masks come packaged with their own lotion, or you can buy plain ones that you can play around with different lotions.

It’s a bit confusing as what can be used to soak a facial paper mask if you were to go solo. I understand that Japanese beauty brands tend to have toners which you apply directly to your face without a cotton pad. In which case, your skin absorbs the nourishment the lotion has, as opposed to a traditional toner where you use it to wipe off excess residue.

This is definitely one of those things invented by the Japanese that took the world by storm. Okay, maybe that’s exaggerating it a little, but I know that this is huge in Asia. I’m not sure how mainstream this is in other parts of the planet — it’s probably not because I don’t really see this being talked about in blogs from the Western world.

Some examples of lotions would be Sekkisei Lotion and SKII’s Facial Treatment Clear Lotion. Does anyone have any recommendations for similar “tonic” type lotions?

I wish I could call this my idea but I got this from The Daily Beauty Buzz. I’m not one to splurge on expensive skincare products, so her suggestion to use DHC’s humble but power-packed Acerola Lotion just seemed too appealing not to try.

Step 1: Place lotion mask tablet into the tiny plastic tub that came in the packet.

Step 2: Pour the lotion onto the lotion mask tablet and soak it thoroughly. You will be surprised how much this baby can absorb.

Step 3: Carefully unfold the mask and place it on your face for 10 to 20 minutes. The tablet will naturally expand so it’s actually super easy, even though it looks quite delicate.

Verdict:

Love it! My skin felt so hydrated and was the perfect finish to a facial scrub. The DHC Acerola Lotion certainly delivers — it contains no alcohol and is full of anti-oxidant power from acerola berries. The next day, my skin felt plump, like it was all juiced up, as opposed to dull and sallow (you know how it gets if you go on too long without any beauty-lovin’).

On the official US DHC site, it says, “Made from Caribbean acerola berries which can have up to four times more vitamin C than an orange, this enlivening formula can help your skin ward off the free radical damage that can cause uneven skin tone and wrinkles.”

You know, it’s such an affordable solution (500JPY for a 40ml bottle) that can do quite a bit of good for your skin. Beware that one lotion mask tablet can take out quite a bit from your bottle. I tried this twice and there’s 75 per cent left.

Note: I’m not selling this product in my shop! Just love sharing what’s tried, tested, and true.

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3. Kose Junkisui Emulsion Review: For Acne prone skin, but maybe not…