'This $44 mask has been hailed as "better skin in a bottle" so I put it to the test.'

I’ve always thought pimple-popping videos were the most satisfying type of content on the internet. 

That was until very recently when all the grossly addicting puss-exploding footage on my TikTok feed was replaced with videos of people literally peeling giant layers of dead skin off their faces to reveal the shiniest glass skin I had ever seen.

What I initially thought was dead skin was in fact the result of a very viral Korean overnight mask taking over the beauty world. Obviously, I needed to get my hands on a tube of this skincare product to see if it was worth the hype or just another social media fad.

Here’s what went down when I tried Medicube’s Collagen Night Wrapping Mask.

Watch: Show me how to apply eyeliner. Post continues below. 

What is the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask?

While traditional sheet face masks are normally worn for 20 minutes, the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is a lightweight, non-pore-clogging gel that’s meant to be applied 15 minutes before heading to sleep and is worn throughout the night. 

Image: Supplied.

As you snooze, the mask dries down and works to hydrate, soothe and strengthen your skin barrier. In the morning, you’re meant to peel it off to reveal firmer, healthier, hydrated and baby-soft skin. I repeat: Baby. Soft. 

@nikkietutorials the @medicube_official Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is giving me the skin of my dreams! now I can finally do that plastic doll makeup challenge - #medicube #tiktokshop #tiktokshopfinds #tiktokshopreview #kbeauty #koreanskincare #jellyskin #jellylujah @Medicube Global @Song Of Skin ♬ original sound - nikkietutorials

The formula is made with a concoction of all the buzzy skincare ingredients we've come to adore. For starters, collagen extract reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyaluronic acid plumps the skin and niacinamide brightens and improves uneven skin tone. It's also chock-a-block with ceramides to repair damaged skin and prevent moisture loss. 

Image: Supplied.

The mask also promises zero discomfort, transfer (meaning you can roll around in your bed without it getting on your sheets) or irritation, making it suitable for those with even the most hyper-sensitive skin. 

How to use the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask. 

After applying all your evening skincare products (you can choose to use or skip your final moisturiser), you’ll want to take a generous amount of the transparent gel formula and spread it evenly over your skin using your fingers or a silicone skincare brush. Ensure you avoid the area around your eyes (eyebrows included), lips and hairline. Then, leave it for 15 minutes or until it’s completely dry before heading to sleep. 

The next morning, gently remove the mask by peeling the edges (don’t worry, I can assure you it’s completely pain-free and won’t hurt like a waxing strip!). 

Then, you can either wash your face with your regular morning cleanser or skip the cleanser completely and go in with a toner pad instead. Then, proceed with your regular morning skincare products. 

Where can you buy the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask in Australia?

Several online Aussie stores sell this viral product (you can also find it on Amazon), but my go-to place is Lila Beauty, where you can purchase a 75ml tube for $44.50. 

Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask review. 

After cleansing, toning and applying all serums and creams to my face, I applied a thin layer of the mask over my face using my fingers. It was instantly cooling and the formula easily adhered to my skin without slipping and sliding off. 

Less than five minutes later and I could feel the mask already drying. A few minutes more and it had hardened down to a tight second-skin veil, making it difficult to smile or make any facial movements. It's safe to say that my smile and forehead lines were in for a well-deserved rest over the next few hours.

After a slightly restless night (more on this below) I woke up the next morning and rushed to the bathroom mirror, eager to see the peeling action IRL. 

I started peeling the mask off from my jawline... was that soft and shiny skin really mine underneath? 

Image: Supplied.

I pulled it back even further until the entire mask came off in one piece. 

No, I wasn’t seeing things. 

My skin looked shiny, hydrated, plump and healthy just like all those skincare girlies had shown me in their TikTok videos. 

Image: Supplied.

Moreover, the pores around my nose were visibly reduced and even my hyperpigmentation looked like it was better. 

24 hours later and my skin still looked and felt hydrated. This was the IRL beauty-filter product I had been searching for. 

The final verdict.

As incredible as the results were, there is a massive downside to the mask… I found it incredibly uncomfortable to have a tight, foreign object enveloping my face throughout the night, which meant I didn't get the best sleep. So, be prepared if you’re a light sleeper like me.

In saying this, trading in one night of disturbed snooze for days of glossy, hydrated skin is a sacrifice I’m more than willing to sign up for. Plus, a little tiredness is nothing an espresso shot can’t fix, right?

Image: Supplied.

I’m also keen to see if, after several uses, I become accustomed to wearing the mask at night without it interfering with my sleep. As they say, practice makes progress!

Would I recommend this product? Well, it has weaved its way into my top three glass-skin picks, which is a big call coming from a highly selective skincare critic. 

Have you tried the popular Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask already? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied.