TRIED AND TESTED: The Korean skincare version of Skims' viral new 'face shapewear'.

If you're yet to see "face shapewear" all over your social media feed, congratulations! You must be out and about enjoying your life!

I, on the other hand, have been fascinated by the commentary that has been unfolding since Kim Kardashian's apparel brand Skims launched its newest shapewear innovation.

It's called the Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap and it's already sold out.

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But that's a story for another day, because like many commenters on various 'reaction' social media posts and articles, I realised women in Korea have been using products like this new Skims launch for a while.

Me? Coincidentally, I've been using something similar for the last few weeks.

Let me introduce you to the Numbuzin No.9 NAD Bio Lifting Full Cover Facial Mask (aka the wildest thing I've put on my face all year). 

It all started when my TikTok feed served me the most unhinged video of an up-and-coming viral K-beauty mask promising to lift, tighten and contour your jawline like you've just had cosmetic surgery.

@stylekorean_official

How Koreans are doing a quick face lifting at home nowadays🫢#numbuzin #facedepuff #skincaretips #lifting #kbeauty

♬ original sound - Fitzgerald Grant . Following

We can all agree skincare can't actually do such things (yet), but still… I added to cart.

Numbuzin is a cult-favourite Korean brand picking up major global hype.

Instead of trying to understand the complicated product names, you navigate the range through its 'number' system.

The No.9 range, which includes the best-selling NAD Bio Lifting-sil Essence, the NAD Bio Lifting Full Cover Facial Mask, Secret Firming Serum and the NAD Retinol Volumetox Eye Cream, is all about addressing visible signs of ageing, boosting elasticity and firming things up.

I actually wrote about the Bio Lifting-sil Essence back in April; the Numbuzin No.9 NAD Bio Lifting Full Cover Facial Mask is essentially that serum, but with even more lifting and tightening power.

What are the benefits of the Numbuzin No.9 NAD Bio Lifting Mask?

What's especially clever about this mask is it's made in three pieces, and each one plays a different role. 

The top half is infused with NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), which is a buzzy anti-ageing ingredient found naturally in all living cells to support cell energy and repair.

In skincare, it helps boost cell turnover, firm up the skin and bring back bounce. It's also loaded with collagen and an incredible 50 peptides (yes, 5-0) to tighten pores and amp up radiance, making it one of the most peptide-packed masks on the market.

The bottom half is just as high-tech. It's also soaked in NAD+, collagen and peptides, but with one pretty unreal twist… it contains dissolvable PLA (polylactic acid) threads designed to help sculpt and define your jawline.

Yes, like those temporary thread lifts people spend hundreds (sometimes thousands) on.

Then the finishing touch is a reusable, adjustable lifting band that wraps around your head and chin to literally lift and tighten your face while you wear the mask. 

Why is the Numbuzin mask so good?

It looks like a regular sheet mask… Image: Supplied.

This mask currently holds a 4.7 out of 5-star average from over 750 reviews on Olive Young, which is a major feat in Korea's super-competitive beauty scene. So yes, it's a big deal.

One of the reasons this mask is just so elite is the material itself.

Unlike your average flimsy sheet mask, this one uses high-absorption bio-cellulose, a skin-hugging fabric that clings tightly to the contours of your face. This helps the serum penetrate more deeply and keeps the mask moist (sorry for the ick word) for ages. 

Because the bottom half is embedded with dissolvable PLA (polylactic acid) threads, they actually help define and firm the jawline while you wear it, offering a kind of temporary contouring effect.

Then there's the reusable lifting band, made from a stretch-fit material that wraps under your chin and over your head to physically tighten everything up.

It's not just for show because the pressure helps push the ingredients deeper into your skin and gives you that snatched feeling, even after you've taken it off.

It all adds up to a mask that feels way more like an at-home facial treatment than a regular sheet mask.

Watch: A cosmetic doctor explains one of skincare's most controversial ingredients. Post continues below.

OK, but how do you use it?

It looks like a lot, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty simple.

Step 1. Start by applying the top sheet to your upper face, lining up the eye holes. 

Step 2. Open the bottom sheet and position the chin cut-out in place, making sure it also covers your neck. Gently pull the sides up over your ears using the ear slits — the material is stretchy, so you won't tear it if you need to give it a good tug.

Step 3. Grab the lifting band, place the middle section under your chin and pull both ends upwards over the top of your head. The tighter you go, the better the lift. 

Step 4. Relax, sit back and enjoy some Netflix. The instructions say to leave it on for at least 20 minutes, but honestly, it stays moist (sorry again!) for hours.

When you're done, just unravel the band, remove the mask and gently pat the leftover essence into your skin.

And please don't toss the pouch! There's always heaps of extra serum in there, so use this on your neck and décolletage over the next few days.

Where can you buy Numbuzin in Australia?

There's no shortage of Korean beauty retailers in Australia, so it's super easy to get your hands on this mask. You'll find it on Amazon, Adore Beauty, Myer, YesStyle and Nudie Glow.

That said, if you've read any of my previous reviews, you'll know my go-to is Lila Beauty. Their shipping is incredibly speedy, and they often run big sales or share discount codes.

A single mask costs $7.95 (usually $9), or you can grab a pack of four for $26.95 (usually $38). Honestly, just get the four-pack and thank me later.

My Numbuzin No.9 NAD Bio Lifting Full Cover Facial Mask review.

Yes, you will look a bit unhinged in this face mask. Image: Supplied.

I started using the original serum back in April and introduced the mask into my weekly routine about a month ago. 

I love how it doesn't dry out quickly, stretches across my entire face (neck included!), and hasn't irritated my skin once.

It's also helped smooth out my skin texture and faded a few lingering acne spots. Honestly, I'm struggling to find a single bad thing to say about it.

But... does it actually lift your face, chin and jawline?

Look, you're not going to walk away looking like you've had a facelift after one use. Probably not even after 20 uses.

But in saying this, I have definitely noticed subtle changes. My jawline looks a little more defined, and my mum — without knowing I was using anything new — commented that my jawline looked more sculpted.

Wearing the lifting strap for a couple of hours makes your whole face feel supported, tighter and lifted. Without having tried it, I imagine the Skims mask feels similar.

As long as you have realistic expectations about what skincare can (and can't) do, I'd happily recommend giving this mask a try.

Would you try a skincare product like this one? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Feature image: Supplied.