Nature Republic Snail Solution Mask Sheet review

(I saw this review sitting at the back of my drafts folder and forgot to publish it... this was written 5 years ago, 2016)

I picked up this mask at Nature Republic's store in Hong Kong a while back. I bought them because I heard lots of good things about snail solutions so I decided to give these a try. These were sold in sets of 10 and were wrapped up in a thin resealable bag, but the masks are individually packaged. I think these were around $58 HKD (which is approximately $8 USD for 10 sheet masks) which makes them on a more affordable side.

Each mask contains 20g (which is probably why it is more affordable because masks are usually 28g -30g)

net. wt. 0.71 oz.

This sheet mask contains 2000 ppm of snail mucus filtrated from a clean area, providing excellent moisture and adhesion. 

The brand's motto is Sheet Mask conveyed by the life of nature.

Details of mask:

SNAIL SOLUTION MASK SHEET (NN6202)

Brand: Nature Republic

Made in Korea

It is an ultra-moisturizing sheet mask with snail secretion filtrate. 

It focuses on moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

Ingredients:

I highlighted a few of the noteworthy ingredients

WATER, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENGLYCOL, SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, BETAIN, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) EXTRACT, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA(WITCH HAZEL) EXTRACT, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, ALOE BARADENSIS LEAF JUICE, HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN, MYROTHAMNUS FLABELLIFOLIA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-60HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, METHYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM, ALLANTOIN, TRIETHANOLAMINE, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM

details

Directions

1. After applying toner, pull out the mask sheet from the package and unfold it. 

2. Apply the mask sheet onto the face from the lower (chin) part of the mask and upwards to the forehead. 3. Remove mask sheet after 10~15 minutes. 

4. Gently pat any remaining formula into the skin. 

Caution

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.

Discontinue use if signs of irritation or rashes appear. 

Keep out of reach of children. 

tried to smile but the mask was falling off

The harsh weather conditions have made my skin very sensitive, red, and extremely dry, so I'm hoping that by using more skincare products, I can nourish my skin back to being moist and healthy. Since I have 10 of these, and I have lots of free time, I decided to try using them for 10 days. I was told that it is better to use the same mask and not switch between different masks during a shorter period of time, so I am committing to using this mask for 10 days.

Here is what I did to get the results (spoiler: my skin felt pretty darn good after this)

1. apply The Body Shop's Seaweed Clarifying Toner
2. apply Nature Republic's Snail Solution Sheet Mask
3. leave on for 10-15 mins (I usually do 15 mins) 
4. pat the remaining solution into skin
5. apply Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (as a moisturizer)

Impressions:

• sensitivity on the skin the first few times of using it
• has a nice soft and calming smell (can't pinpoint it since it is very light)
• the solution has a watery consistency (too watery)
• the mask had a hard time keeping the solution on my face (it kept dripping)
• the mask is very thin and lightweight (and a bit flimsy)
• the mask did not fit my face well (the nose flap was too short and didn't cover my nose properly, it was loose and tight in areas that didn't allow the mask to fully cover the surface of my skin properly.)
• mask leaves skin feeling very sticky :(

Since I had so many of these masks, I kept one and let it dry out after I used it and discovered that the mask is made out of cotton-like material.

Log

I was a bit unlucky. My skin immediately reacted negatively on the first day. There weren't huge issues, but I felt a slight burning sensation and my skin was a bit irritated.

I decided to attempt the mask again on the second day, there was less sensitivity and less irritation.

On the third day, the third time seems to be the charm. My skin was getting used to the mask, I started noticing how my skin is starting to feel a bit smoother after I removed the mask, I realized that my skin had absorbed a lot of the solution (especially my forehead). 

Fast forward to the fifth day, and it has become a habit. I still struggle with keeping the solution from dripping down my face and neck but my skin has started to appreciate having this mask. My skin feels softer and smoother. There is still a bit of redness on my skin but it feels less "fragile" and more resilient towards dryness (especially when I stand next to air vents). My skin does not immediately need a moisturizer right after this mask treatment. This is an indication that my skin is more nourished.

On the eighth - tenth day, I started noticing my skin becoming plumper. My skin feels even "stronger" (it is especially noticeable when I am standing in front of heaters and my skin is not bothered by the heat and making it feel drier than it usually is). 

I loved the results from using sheet masks and will continue to do so to maintain and even further improve my skin's healthiness. 

Verdict

I'm quite happy with the results of using a mask a day for 10 days. However, I can't say I am in love with this sheet mask. While it has certainly nourished and given enough moisture to my skin, I feel that other sheet masks might be able to achieve these results on the 3rd mask. 

I am glad the irritation stopped at day one and the benefits started kicking in on day 3. But there are other sheet masks that will not cause as much irritation as this one. (Next time, I will try this 10-day mask challenge with a different mask and will share the results).

Score: 7.0/10

Website: https://www.naturerepublicofficial.com/ (the product is no longer on their website)