First things first, I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of Laneige. Sure it’s a very popular Korean brand and has earned its reputation through its signature products such as the Water Sleeping Mask (the subject for this review), the Water Bank Essence and lately the Lip Sleeping Mask, but there’s one thing about Laneige that bugs me: its products are fragranced, and I’m afraid they’ll cause irritation on my acne-prone skin. Nonetheless, I consumed a whole bottle of Balancing Emulsion for my face a couple of years ago and it worked well, so I was hoping that things would also go smoothly for this renewed 2015 version of the Water Sleeping Mask.



Song Hye Kyo has been the spokesperson for Laneige since 2008.

This bestselling product from Laneige has undergone some transformations since it was first launched in 2002. Here’s a breakdown:

• 2002: Water Sleeping Pack

• 2005: Water Sleeping Pack PLUS (improved moisturizing and revitalizing effects)

• 2009: Water Sleeping Pack EX (improved moisturizing and brightening effect, improves quality of sleep using neuroscience concepts)

• 2015: Water Sleeping Mask (this product)

So how’s the new one different from the 2009 version? Though I haven’t tried the previous versions, I’ve heard that the new version is less sticky and more moisturizing. In terms of packaging, Water Sleeping Pack EX is in an 80ml glossy tub with rounded corners, while the new one has a bluer, matte exterior with angled edges. The formerly white spatula is now transparent.

Three patented technologies have been incorporated into the new product:

• Sleeptox: Helps to purify, detoxify and revitalize skin with Hunza apricot and evening primrose extracts

• Moisture Wrap: Acts like a porous film to lock in moisture

• Sleepscent: An aroma-therapeutic scent containing orange fruit flower, rose, ylang ylang and sandalwood oil that relaxes your mind and body to promote deep sleep



The packaging comes with a multi-language catalogue which is too wordy and lost in translation.

I read it so you don’t have to.



Okay, except for the ingredients, which may interest you.

After all this excess info, here comes the real thing.

The Packaging:

As mentioned earlier, the product comes in a 70ml matte blue plastic tub with a twist cap, a transparent spatula and a wordy catalogue, all contained in a paper box. The tub was sealed with foil which I’d normally keep on to prevent moisture loss.

The Scent:

The official instructions say to smell it for 3 seconds before applying. I’m skeptical as to how 3 seconds can help me unwind from a tiresome day but I did it anyway. The smell was pleasant and it didn’t linger.

The Texture:

One scoop (suggested size: 2.5cm in diameter) was enough for the entire face. As you can see, the mask has an aqueous gel-cream texture and a mint color. Lightweight and non-sticky, it spread smoothly and was completely absorbed in 30 seconds.

The Verdict:

I applied the product twice a day for one week, putting it on before sleeping and letting it stay on my face overnight. The instructions indicate to tip it on the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks before spreading it outwards, but I mostly just spread it on my face like butter on bread. (Come on, it’s already time for bed!) During that week, I had ample, good sleep, and I’m not sure if I should thank Sleepscent for that.

“Your skin will not remember what you did last night” is a line from the product’s TV ad in Singapore, which actually means you can go partying, watch soap operas, FaceTime and all, sleep for 4 to 5 hours, and still get radiant skin.



I know what you did last night.

Unfortunately, my skin did not forget. There was a mild breakout on my third application, and I was forced to discontinue usage. I blame this on the scented formula, which may do more harm than good to sensitive skin. Now I still apply it sometimes when I feel my skin is dry, but I rinse it off before going to bed. It still has considerable moisturizing and pore-refining effects.

Not that I’ll blacklist Laneige for the rest of my life, but perhaps this particular product is just not for me. If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin like I do, I urge you to do a skin test first before actually using it. I had no trouble with Laneige’s Balancing Emulsion, perhaps due to its sebum control qualities.

The Laneige website suggests the following skin routine: Multi Cleanser > Power Essential Skin Refiner (Light) > Balancing Emulsion (Light) > Water Bank Essence EX > Water Bank Gel Cream EX > Water Sleeping Mask

Apart from the Water Sleeping Mask, Laneige has also launched the Lip Sleeping Mask, the Two Tone Lip Bar and the Mini Pore Water Clay Mask for 2015. If you’re a Laneige fan, do look up these products in YesStyle!

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