Battle of the Eye Masks- Shangpree Gold Black Pearl vs Shangpree Gold Hydrogel vs Berrisom Placenta Firming Hydrogel

I never used to be into eye masks. I found them a little underwhelming because my expectations were kinda ridiculous. I think I expected shadows and wrinkles to miraculously disappear after one time use. In my experience, eye masks will not achieve this.

I began using eye patches almost every morning because I found that they soothed, calmed, and rejuvenated my under eye area, which in turn helped ease puffiness, and temporarily helped with fine lines. Over time I hope they’ll have a preventative aging effect. They’ve become a staple of my morning routine, and I leave them on 10-30 minutes while I make a cup of tea and potter around. 

I’ve now tested these three different kinds of eye patches (I’ve also tried many singles in the past from Etude House, Missha etc for reference), and I’m ready to compare them! So I’ll be looking at Shangpree Gold Black Pearl Eye Mask, Shangpree Gold Hydrogel Eye Mask, and Berrisom Placenta Firming Hydrogel Eye Patch. I was gifted all three of these at different times, but all opinions written here are my own, and the masks were not given to me specifically for review (Shangpree masks courtesy of Shangpree, and Berrisom masks courtesy of my friend Brenda, overseas sales director, at Berrisom).

How to use

Very simple: use the spatula to pick up the patch and apply it under your eye. The directions state to place the patches like this, with the thinnest area on the inner eye:

However I like to wear them the ‘wrong’ way round like this:

I prefer the skin under my eye getting the goodness rather than the side of my cheek, but it’s a personal choice! I apply mine after my toner and essences, and leave them on anywhere from 10-30 minutes depending on my schedule, then carry on with my routine.

Packaging

All three have the same packaging- the tub filled with the patches in essence, a protective cover, and a spatula. I like the gold and white Shangpree tubs, but I also love the chic simple wine and gold colored Berrisom tub. The packaging is functional and works well.

 

Shape and material of the masks

Again all three are very similar. They use a lovely hydrogel which adheres well the to the under eye area, and is soothing and non-irritating in texture. The shapes are the same but the Berrisom patches are slightly larger and heavier. Size doesn’t really matter to me (!), and in fact I’ve found the smaller Shangpree patches less likely to slip down than the larger, thicker Berrisom. This hasn’t affected my enjoyment of the Berrisom masks though- they just take a minute to set back in place and stay once the serum has begun to be absorbed. I’d also like to add that all three of these masks are much thinner and more adhesive than other eye masks I’ve tried, which is definitely a positive!

 

IMO the Black Pearl eye patches are the prettiest, and this photo does not do the subtle gold shimmer in the black gel justice:

Here are all three of the masks on:

Essence

Okay this is where they really begin to differ in ways that matter to me…

The Gold Black Pearl essence feels highly moisturising and soothing. It is a thick viscous liquidy type texture with a good slip feel to it. It takes longer for skin to absorb, but really nourishes the under eye area. The scent is very light and fresh, with subtle floral undertones.

The Gold essence is relatively thinner; it doesn’t feel quite as moisturising, and dries out more quickly. It has less slip and is more runny; it does not feel as luxurious in texture. It has the same scent as the black pearl. 

The Berrisom Placenta essence is very similar to the Gold Black Pearl- its moisturising, thick, and feels great on skin. Even the scent is virtually the same as the Shangpree, although sliiightly heavier.

Here are the ingredients:

Shangpree Gold Black Pearl Eye Mask:

• Gold and black pearl extracts sound pretty fancy! And they’ve also shown pretty nice properties when used in skincare. Pearl extract has been shown to potentially lighten skin, as well as accelerate cell rejuvenation. Gold is a common ingredient in many facials and skincare products, largely because it’s claimed it may help with firming, and also brightening the skin.
• Being a snaily fan, the snail extract in this list really appeals to me, and could definitely contribute to the viscosity that I like about those.
• Sodium hyaluronate is also something that I’m happy to see, as hydrating the under eye area can prevent and fight the signs of aging (just like the rest of your face!).
• There are plenty of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and moisturising extracts.
• There are some preservatives, but despite this the directions state to use the product within 2 months of opening. I don’t really like to argue with that, even though they might be okay for longer. For me two months was fine because I use them every day, but I don’t know if the average user would manage to use 60 in two months. 

Shangpree Gold Hydrogel Eye Mask:

• Gold is the marketed ingredient here, and as I said for the other Shangpree masks, gold is supposed to aid in anti-aging by improving circulation and reducing fine lines, whilst firming. Gold is also supposed to help brighten the skin.
• Hydrolyzed collagen and hydrolyzed elastin should help maintain supple skin, and provide anti-aging benefits
• Again, there are many soothing, moisturising and anti-inflammatory extracts
• Similarly to the Gold Black Pearl, these patches also contain preservatives, and also have the 2 month use by date. 

Berrisom Placenta Firming Hydrogel Eye Patch:

•  Cosdna link
• Placental protein is the key marketed ingredient- this trend isn’t new, but I still find it a bit of a weird one, no? I’ve tried to do some reading about placental proteins in skincare and it’s difficult to find concrete evidence of its benefits on human skin. It has been claimed that it can whiten skin and provide anti-aging benefits by helping skin renewal- it should in theory help firm the undereye area, which of course I’m down for.
• Arbutin is a whitening ingredient that I was happy to see.
• Adenosine has proven anti-aging properties for smoothing out skin.
• Again there is a wide range of extracts with anti-inflammatory, moisturising, and anti-oxidant properties.

Overall I was happy with the ingredients of all three, and saw no causes for concerns. You should check all the ingredients against your own skin’s needs and sensitivities. 

Drying time 

The Black Pearl and Berrisom I can easily leave on for 30 minutes, and the essence still feels quite moist, with the gel material still soothing. The Gold last a little less time, and dry out quicker, with the gel still soothing. I feel no stickiness afterwards, just hydration and occasionally excess essence that absorbs quickly with a little gentle patting. I can easily carry on with my skincare routine.

Price

The Shangpree eye patches are both (if I remember correctly!) 60,000 won or $60. The Berrisom patches right now are on sale at 12000 won on the Korean website, and $34 on the US site. In all three packs you get 60 eye patches, or 30 sets. I’d say if you’re looking to splurge you’d go for the luxurious Black Pearl patches, but bare in mind the Berrisom patches are also pretty lux, with equally good results. So it ultimately comes down to budget and desire.

Results- which masks won the battle?!

In terms of results, all three work well for my primary purpose of use- soothing and calming morning puffiness, and temporarily reducing fine lines by plumping. My under eye area feels more plump and moisturised after the Black Pearl and Berrisom patches, although the gold still hydrate and soothe. Like I said at the beginning of this post, I mostly find the plumping and smoothing effects wear off during the day, but I’m hoping that with consistent use, I’m preventing the very fine lines I have directly under my eyes from progressing, and helping fight the aging process by ensuring good hydration of the delicate skin.

I don’t really have dark circles as such, therefore I can’t judge the brightening effects of the under eye area too well. I haven’t noticed any significant changes with any of the masks and brightening, but I’m sure it’s all helping to some extent at least. 

I’m one hundred percent sold on the use of eye patches, but my finaaaaal choice out of these three would be either Shangpree Gold Black Pearl or Berrisom Placenta.

The Shangpree Gold essence just doesn’t do it for me in comparison- my undereye doesn’t feel as nourished or plumped, and I appreciate a good viscous texture which this essence just doesn’t really provide.

The Shangpree Gold Black Pearl and the Berrisom are really so similar in feel- both a lovely serum that glides over skin and feels lux, along with immediate results- its the ingredients that differ. I’m inclined to say that for long time use, the Berrisom may be a better choice. The Berrisom essence includes arbutin and adenosine, both star ingredients for whitening and firming. But there’s something about the Shangpree Gold Black Pearl that really pulls me in- it could simply just be the beauty of the hydrogel! I’m not sure, but it’s led me to the rather boring conclusion of being unable to choose between the two. As a purchaser, you need to examine the ingredients and decide on your budget and go from there. The price difference will probably make the choice for many shoppers!

Have you tried any of these masks? Or any other suggestions? I have the G9 Skin masks ready to open when I’ve finished the Shangpree Gold and Berrisom, and I’m looking forward to see how they compare.