My Disappointing Experience with MOOYAM's 4-Hour Melt Hydrogel Face Mask

I've been searching for decent skincare products that actually deliver, and MOOYAM's hydrogel face masks caught my attention. To be honest, I'm not a fan of regular hydrogel masks - they drive me crazy with their slipping and sliding, and I just feel uncomfortable with them. Give me good old-fashioned cotton masks any day. But what really drew me in was the 'taunting' part. I'd never seen anything like it before.

It all sounded too good to be true - just slap on the mask and let it melt away for 2-3 hours. The comments were raving about the results, and I was hooked. I mean, who wouldn't want a glowing, smooth, and supple complexion?

Of course, I immediately ordered a pack of these masks on Wb - a set of 4 for 600 rubles. While I was waiting for them to arrive, I went ahead and bought another pack, because I was that convinced by the reviews and promises.

And here's the description:

Each hydrogel mask in the set is infused with moisturizing ingredients that deeply nourish and refresh the skin. The mask adheres snugly to the skin, allowing for maximum absorption of the active ingredients. Regular use of MOOYAM masks will help you regain a healthy, radiant complexion and a smooth, elastic texture. The convenient format of the set lets you enjoy a spa-like experience whenever and wherever you want.

The masks arrived in a cardboard box. Inside, I found 4 masks in individual packaging, each with two parts that were protected by a transparent plastic sheet. I liked that the masks weren't solid, but rather split into upper and lower facial parts.

Just peel off the protective sheet, slap on the mask, and you're good to go for several hours. I won't drag this out any longer - let's get to the downsides.

MINUSES:

1. I found it really tricky to apply the mask evenly, so parts would end up overlapping. Either you'd have to cut the mask to fit your face or, like me, just deal with it. I do trim them, but I don't want to go through the hassle of cutting them out, and the shape just isn't that comfortable for me – it's too bulky and wide. I'm still wondering why they didn't go with a standard shape like fabric masks.

2. This leads to another issue – the mask absorbs unevenly. If parts of the mask overlap, the top layer won't even start to dissolve. So, I end up 'reapplying' the non-dissolving areas of the mask.

As an added bonus, the areas where dryness is really pronounced will start to absorb the mask faster, leaving you with dry, non-hydrated patches on your chin and forehead, while your cheeks are still waiting for the mask to dissolve.

3. It's impossible to forget you're wearing a mask and do anything. Even though the mask adheres really well to your skin and nothing leaks out, the moment you lean forward, it starts to slide off. So, in an ideal world, you'd just lie down with it, but mine takes about 4 hours to fully dissolve, which means you'd have to spend 4 hours on the couch – not exactly what I'd call convenient in today's world. Some people use it at night, but that's not exactly feasible for everyone, especially since you're not in control of your movements while you're sleeping, and the mask might end up on your pillow by morning.

4. I could have lived with all these drawbacks if it weren't for one thing – no hydrating effect like in the reviews. That's exactly why I ordered these masks in the first place – when I first saw the videos and photos of people's glowing skin, I just had to get them. But I didn't get that effect at all.

Yes, the mask does hydrate, but for me, that's something I can achieve with a basic moisturizer containing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

I have to say, I was expecting this effect! I got it from the Avene cream, but I was supposed to get it from the mask. My skin looks radiant, hydrated, and smooth, it's like it's a bit oily, but trust me, it's not oily at all. And how beautifully makeup sits on top of this cream! My skin looks like it's glowing from the inside.

1. No radiant, glowing skin effect

2. Uneven absorption

3. Not all activities can be done with a mask on your face

4. Standard moisturizing like a good cream

PLUS

1. You can use it as a nighttime mask. This is interesting, but I already mentioned that it's not convenient for everyone. If you don't toss and turn at night and can sleep on your back, then this application method is for you. I fell asleep, slept well, woke up looking beautiful with well-hydrated skin, and in the morning, I didn't need to spend time preparing my skin.

2. Self-care. I'm a true girl who loves all these extras, they really boost my mood and help me relax. It's great just to lie in a robe with a mask on your face, watching your favorite series. If only the mask absorbed in 1-2 hours, like promised, not 4...

FINAL VERDICT

My opinion is that masks have their place, but my hand isn't reaching for them. I used up one pack, and now the second one is just a dead weight, probably I'll give it to my friends to try. Yes, it moisturizes well, but there are products that can give you the same hydration much faster and without all the fuss. And if your skin is very dry, this mask will be a weak spot.

I was curious to try a new format for myself, I've never used melting masks before, but I can confidently say that there's nothing special about them. It's a luxury, and that's it.