“Do Drugstore Sheet Masks Actually Work? I Put 5 To The Test”
Sheet masks have dominated skincare trends for years, quickly becoming a staple in our beauty routines. But these single-use quick fixes often come with a hefty price tag. With premium brands charging upwards of £20 for a single mask, many of us are turning to the drugstore aisle for a more affordable glow-up.
But can a £3 alternative actually deliver the same results, or are they just a fun, self-care ritual for a bit of weekend R&R with friends? I put five leading drugstore sheet masks to the test to see if they genuinely perform… or if they’re just wet paper.
The lineup
1. L’Oreal Revitalift
Before
After
Starting things off strong, I tried the L’Oréal Glass Skin Hydrogel Glow Mask, and coming in at just under £5, it’s hard to have any complaints. This is one of those masks that you leave on for multiple hours and watch as it eventually turns clear.
Positioning itself as a cheaper alternative to the likes of Medicube and Biodance, I found this delivered some serious results. My skin felt and looked noticeably brighter and bouncier, and it left me with a glow which lingered for multiple days after.
Positioning itself as a cheaper alternative to the likes of Medicube and Biodance, I found this delivered some serious results. My skin felt and looked noticeably brighter and bouncier, and it left me with a glow which lingered for multiple days after.
Amelia, Culture & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
2. Garnier Moisture Bomb
Before
After
I consider the Garnier Moisture Bomb to be the absolute OG of sheet masks. Countless girls’ nights have started with me running to the local drugstore to grab one right before settling in. And for that exact purpose, it completely delivers.
My skin definitely felt instantly hydrated after peeling it off, though I wouldn’t say I noticed any dramatic, long-term results beyond that. Even so, you can bet that when the next girls’ night rolls around, this is the exact one I’ll be picking up.
3. REHAB. Collagen Sheet Mask
This was easily the most comfortable mask in the lineup, and coming from someone who finds the idea of wearing one for hours deeply unappealing, that’s saying something. I found it moulded to my face far better than your average sheet mask, making it the kind of thing you actually forget you’re wearing. I kept it on for a couple of hours without a second thought, and by the end, my skin felt noticeably bouncier, plumper and refreshed.
Yes, it sits at a higher price point, but it earns it. I’d repurchase without hesitation.
This was easily the most comfortable mask in the lineup, and coming from someone who finds the idea of wearing one for hours deeply unappealing, that’s saying something.
4. The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Sheet Mask
Before
After
The Body Shop has a whole lineup of sheet masks, which each target a different skincare needs. Among the masks to choose from are the soothing Aloe mask, the hydrating vitamin E mask and the antioxidant-rich Edelweiss Serum Concentrate mask.
However, I opted to try its vitamin C offering. With this being one of my favourite skincare ingredients, I was really excited to put this to the test, and after leaving it on the skin for roughly 20 minutes, I definitely saw a difference in my complexion. Overall, my skin looked more refreshed, brighter and noticeably glowier.
Would I say it rivals its high-end competitors? Probably not… but for the price point, I’d say it’s a strong contender for one of the best out there.
5. Trilogy Revitalising Hydra Mask
Before
After
I’ll admit, before becoming a drugstore sheet mask connoisseur, I wasn’t familiar with this brand, but its Revitalising Hydra Mask deserves a worthy shoutout.
Available to shop in Holland and Barrett, the mask comes in at £6 and simultaneously delivers on both the fun girls’ night activity front and also stands up as a great product.
The mask features a sealed chamber in the packaging, which you have to pop to release Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil Antioxidant +, which you then mix into the serum-infused mask. After popping, mixing, and leaving the mask on for around 20 minutes, my skin was left feeling super soft to the touch and looking considerably glowier. If you can get your hands on this one, I would definitely recommend trying it out.
The verdict
I’ll admit, I went into this as a sceptic, convinced that a drugstore sheet mask would do little beyond giving me a brief placebo glow. I’m happy to be proven wrong. The Garnier Moisture Bomb remains the ultimate girls’ night staple for a reason, and both The Body Shop and Trilogy genuinely impressed me with the glow they delivered.
But if I had to pick two to rush back and repurchase, it would be a tie between L’Oréal and REHAB. Yes, committing to wearing a mask for multiple hours isn’t exactly practical, but the results genuinely speak for themselves. My advice? Rope in your friends, pick a film, and let the masks do the heavy lifting. Your skin will thank you in the morning.
If I had to pick two to rush back and repurchase, it would be a tie between L’Oréal and REHAB.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
