Sorry in advance for the really long review, and just for your knowledge I have Combo-Oily skin, that is acne-prone and dehydrated (so I experience the whole spectrum of issues)
I used a promo code at Sephora and got a small size of the SK-II essence and 1 sheet mask. I used that sheet mask, and my skin was brighter, less texturized, and my pores appeared smaller (nothing can make your pores physically smaller; it’s just the appearance). That effect lasted for about 4 days after I had used the mask because there was so much essence left in the packaging that I kept using it for the following 2 days. I used it 4 times, the first time right after removing the mask and using it as my essence step, then the subsequent three times as the essence step in my day and night routine. The cons to the SK-II mask are that it is 1) expensive, 2) if you don’t thoroughly rub in the essence and let it absorb, it flakes off even if other skincare is on top of it, and 3) the effects only last if you apply the leftover mask essence or the actual SK-II treatment essence; if you don’t do that the effects don’t last much longer than the day after the mask was applied. The mask by secret key had the same effects on my skin (brighter, smoother, smaller pores). However, the effects lasted only 2 days because there was only enough essence to use 1 time, and I used it right after I had taken off the mask, my skin looked and felt amazing the next day even when I didn’t use any leftover essence. With SK-II, I had to use the leftover mask essence to make my skin look nice. For 10 secret key masks, it’s $18, and 10 SK-II masks are $145. Overall, this mask is a 10/10 because it gives the same effects, even if the effects don’t last as long. It’s a dupe, and, to me, that is what a dupe (skincare or makeup) originally was. We wanted to have the same effect/look on the skin without paying the same price.
