Reviewed: Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

We put Glow Recipe'S Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

There’s nothing I love more than a multitasking skincare product, and sleeping masks seem like the ultimate example. Sleeping is already important for skin repair and renewal—couple it with a hydrating sleeping mask and you’re on the fast path to complexion nirvana. 

And few sleeping masks have received as much hype as the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask. The pink, bouncy gel-cream is lauded for its ability to brighten and illuminate even the dullest of complexions, all while you snooze. It’s a premise that sounds almost too good to be true. So I made it my business to give it a try and pass on my thoughts to you, dear reader. 

If your skin is feeling dull, or you just love a lazy beauty hack, be sure to keep reading for my detailed thoughts. 

About My Skin: Dehydrated and dull

Overall, my skin is pretty healthy. But it’s winter where I am (Sydney, Australia), and the cold, dry air is certainly taking a toll. I’m always on the hunt for treatment products that will plump up my complexion, soothe redness, nix flakes, and generally leave me glowing—all wishes the Watermelon Sleeping Mask promises to fulfill. 

The Feel: An absolute treat

The texture of this product is an absolute treat. The best way to describe it is a bouncy pink gel that melts instantly. It also smells like watermelon (yum) and feels slightly cool to the touch. If you love an experiential skincare moment, you will not be disappointed. 

The Ingredients: Watermelon and AHAs

Glow Recipe is known for championing fruit extracts within its formulations, watermelon being the Sleeping Mask star. Let's break down the ingredients a little more:

• Watermelon extract: Rich in amino acids, the watermelon extract hydrates the skin, while simultaneously protecting it against free radicals. 
• Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates and helps your skin to retain moisture for plump skin.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (lactic and glycolic): Gently exfoliate and improve cell turnover to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
• Glycerin: A great humectant to further boost hydration levels. 

How to Apply: Slather it on before bedtime

You can use the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask in two ways: as a sleeping mask or as a leave-on treatment. For overnight, I slathered it on as the final step in my skincare routine. It does absorb quickly, but I recommend giving it at least 30 minutes before bed—just so it’s not overly tacky. When you wake up, simply cleanse and go about your normal morning skincare. 

Because it contains a gentle AHA, I would suggest not pairing it with other chemical exfoliants or retinols, just so you don’t irritate the skin (mind you, I didn’t feel any tingle). If you like, it can take the place of your moisturizer, too. 

If you prefer it as a leave-on treatment, just apply a thin layer and let it do its thing for 10–15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.

The Results: Bouncy, nourished skin

This stuff works! Whether overnight or just for 10 minutes, it 100 percent plumps and brightens the skin. I loved it overnight for a fresh, bouncy result, but it’s also a good quick fix before makeup. The scent, while strong, also adds to the masking self-care element.

Because it’s quite gentle, it’s a middle-ground mask for all skin types, too. 

The Value: A splurge, but we’re here for it 

Glow Recipe is pretty fair in terms of pricing. It uses quality ingredients and really focuses on product texture, so $45 is reasonable. You could definitely opt for a drugstore alternative, but all in all, I’d be happy to throw down some cash. A little goes a long way, too. 

What to Look For: Active Ingredients

When deciding on a mask or moisturizer, keep in mind both your skin type and skin concerns. The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is good for those with normal to dry skin. If you have oily skin or are acne-prone, you may want to instead look for a lightweight moisturizer that has salicylic acid to help clear up pimples. The AHAs in this mask are great for anti-aging concerns, as they help increase cell turnover to decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Retinol and peptides are other ingredients that can help with cell turnover which will plump and keep skin looking youthful. If you are using other products with ingredients such as retinol, make sure you watch your skin for any signs of irritation, including redness. 

Similar Products: You’ve got options

Kora Organics Noni Glow Sleeping Mask: Packed with silver ear mushroom and noni fruit extract, this sleeping mask ($50) from Miranda Kerr’s skincare line promises to repair and renew the complexion overnight. The texture is incredibly light, so it's a nice option for oily skin. 

Olay Regenerist Luminous Overnight Facial Mask: This drugstore gem ($26) is proof that price doesn’t always dictate quality. Packed with niacinamide and glycerin, it’s a simple but effective formula that will soothe and brighten while you snooze. 

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Swiss Glacier Water: Parched complexions will find relief in this super-quenching formula ($28) from Origins. The key ingredient is avocado butter, which will prevent moisture loss and leave you with baby-soft skin.