Lo and behold, I’ve found (probably) the only bubble tea in the world that is good for you. The Bubble Tea Sleeping Pack (S$19.90) from Etude House is a mask designed just like the sweet cold beverage that is held dear to many Singaporeans’ hearts. Remember how crestfallen everyone was when Gong Cha briefly left Singapore?
Sleeping masks are super popular in Asia and are even better than moisturisers because as overnight treatments, they plump up your skin while you’re getting your beauty sleep. I’ve been using the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask but it is on the pricier side (S$42), so I am trying out these masks in the hope that they are a cheaper alternative and of a decent quality.
When I saw the masks on the shelves in the store, I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful packaging. They are wrapped in plastic and have pretty pink ribbons at the top. Each product comes with a spatula and a box for storage.
I decided to try all the flavours available — green tea, strawberry tea and black tea. The green tea mask provides intense moisture for combination skin to restore the skin’s natural balance, so go for that one if you struggle with oiliness in your T-zone and dryness at the other parts of your face. Your skin will become clean and clear.
The strawberry mask is brightening so it will leave your skin looking healthy and dewy. The black tea mask is fantastic for anti-aging as your skin will plump up and glow.
The moment I lifted the lid, the sweet fragrance of the strawberry mask wafted to my nose. This mask certainly looks and smells good enough to eat.
The pearls would have settled at the bottom of the bottle so you have to use the spatula to fish them out. They are actually moisture capsule bubbles that will release additional moisture for your skin.
After checking out the products, I was all ready to try out the masks with my gal pal.
To use it, simply scoop some of the gel out and place it onto your palm.
I’d recommend that you store the masks in the refrigerator beforehand for extra shiok-ness during the application because the gel will be cool to the touch. Apply it on your skin evenly and massage your face while you’re at it so that your skin can absorb the gel better.
Once you’re done applying the gel onto your entire face, it is time for you to have fun with some pearls. Just like how the pearls are the best part of drinking bubble tea, this is the most interesting part of the sleeping pack.
Use one pearl if you have normal skin. If you have dry skin, you should use two pearls. Etude House recommends that you skip them entirely and just stick to the gel if you have oily skin.
If you decide to apply a pearl or two, gently rupture the pearls with the spatula onto the palm or between your palms to activate the ingredients. Next, rub the pearls on your face until they disintegrate.
Since it’s a sleeping mask, you’re supposed to leave it on overnight, and then wash it off with lukewarm water the next morning. I carried out the masking for three consecutive nights at home to compare the three masks.
The masks were stickier and took a longer time to settle into my skin than what I was accustomed to with the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. However, my skin did feel supple to the touch each time I woke up.
There wasn’t a noticeable difference between the three masks but the supposed effects are likely to only take place after constant application over a longer time span (from weeks to months). Overall, it is a pretty good deal if you are looking to try out sleeping packs, but I would suggest that you only purchase the most suitable one instead of getting all three types.
Etude House’s Bubble Tea Sleeping Pack has been out in stores since 2016, but it never garnered much hype. I wonder why because who can resist such an adorable skincare product? It is relatively affordable and the quality is decent, making it great as gifts to your gal pals.
My bubble tea cravings have been activated and as soon as I finish typing this post, I will be off to get an iced green tea with pearls and 70% sugar. What do you think of this unique skincare product? If you’ve tried the products, do share your thoughts on them as well in the comments section below!
Price: S$19.90 per pack