why aren’t you using reusable?

When I was first introduced to skincare, I discovered K-beauty and sheet masks. The quick burst of hydration and the sense of self-care that sheet masks provided was one of the many reasons why I loved them.

As I purchased more and more sheet masks and started using them more often, I quickly realized how wasteful the excess trash was. I tried making myself feel better about this by purchasing a box of sheet masks like these. However, it still didn’t make me feel better. In the end, I stopped purchasing sheet masks all together.

We’ve all heard: “reduce, reuse, recycle”. In this case, let’s reuse! Many of us have moved on from plastic straws and are now using reusable straws. Why not look into reusable cosmetic and personal care products?

Solution

I recently discovered Experiment’s Avant Guard. It is a reusable silicone sheet mask that reduces the mess and the waste of normal sheet masks. It currently comes in two sizes (small + large) for $22.00 USD.

The mask capitalizes on occlusion. It forms a layer (occludes) over your products so that your products can work harder for you. You can think of it as increasing contact time by forming a layer or reducing water loss, especially when using hydrating products.

Not only does it help your products to do more and reduce waste, it removes the guess work of whether you will like a sheet mask formula or not because you’re using products you likely already love (sometimes sheet masks fragrances are too pungent for me).

How I use Avant Guard

Depending on how my skin feels or my mood to occlude, there are two ways that I like to use Avant Guard — before or after my moisturizer.

• Cleanser

• Hydrating products

  • La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist

  • COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule

  • COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

• Moisturizer

  • KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream

  • Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask

Depending on what I have on hand or the products I want to layer, I will pick and choose from the above list.

When I use Avant Guard before my moisturizer, I like to use more of my hydrating products — when I say more, I mean MORE. By using more hydrating products and by sealing it with the mask, the extra contact time to my face and occlusion of the products helps my skin to really “drink up”. When I remove the mask, I layer this with a normal amount of moisturizer just to seal all that hydration my skin gained.

If my skin needs extra help, I will use the mask after my moisturizer. This is when I use a normal amount of my hydrating products but layer more of my moisturizer on. I do this because I don’t want any of my products to accidentally pill. This methods provides extra nourishment to my skin due to the emollients in my favorite moisturizers.

Conclusion

Sheet masks can be considered a luxury experience. It can also become rather expensive. Even if you get a “good deal” on sheet masks, you’ll typically only get 5-6 masks for $30.00.

With Experiment’s Avant Guard, I’ve been able to relive my sheet mask days with this reusable mask. By using reusable, you’re then reducing consumption and excess waste. Since I am combining it with products that I already love, it is more affordable and budget-friendly in the long run. I am also able to consume these products within a great timeframe from opening them, so I will likely reap the most benefits from these products.

The only question now is, “why aren’t you using reusable?”.