Review: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask [Revamped Formula]

Since its launch in 2018, the Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask has garnered pretty mixed reviews. The original formula – which contained ingredients such as peppermint oil and orange peel oil – faced some backlash in early 2021 for causing redness and irritation among users.

So, the brand listened to community feedback and quickly reformulated the mask, removing all essential oils and even adding in a few soothing ingredients like panthenol and allantoin.

Full disclosure: I have actually never tried the original Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask. I have pretty sensitive skin so I was VERY wary about trying a product that could potentially cause it to flare up. Buuuut, when I heard that this cult product was relaunching in June of last year (without the essential oils and fragrance!!) I had to give it a go.

About the reformulated Jet Lag mask

Summer Fridays launched with just one product, that product being the Insta-famous Jet Lag mask. The brand’s founders have acknowledged that this mask has become almost synonymous with the Summer Fridays name. And it’s true, when I think of Summer Fridays the first product that comes to mind is Jet Lag.

The Summer Fridays website assures fans of the original formula that the new version isn’t too different from the original. Many of the ingredients are the same, as are the texture and performance. The new formula is designed to do all of the things the old one could, but a few tweaks to the ingredients list mean that this should no longer cause irritation for users with sensitive skin.

What’s the difference between the reformulated mask and the original?

• The ingredients – This one is pretty obvious but it’s always good to clarify! The essential oils and fragrance have been taken out, while additional hydrating and skin-soothing ingredients have been added in.
• The scent – Since the peppermint and cornmint oils have been removed, the new version of this mask doesn’t have a minty scent.
• The tingling effect – Again, because the essential oils have been taken out, you won’t get that minty, tingly sensation that came with the original.

What are the standout ingredients in the revamped formula?

Niacinamide – A form of vitamin B3 that has anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.

Sodium hyaluronate – The salt form of hyaluronic acid. It helps water permeate into the skin and helps smooth out fine lines.

Ceramides EOP, NP and AP – Lipids that improve skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss.

Allantoin – A plant-derived ingredient that soothes and softens the skin.

Bisabolol – An ingredient that naturally occurs in chamomile. It calms and soothes the skin.

Panthenol – A provitamin of vitamin B5. It boosts hydration, attracts moisture and soothes irritated skin.

How to use the Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask

This is a leave-on mask so there’s no need to rinse it off when you’re done!

Not sure how it should be applied? The Summer Fridays website recommends using it in three different ways:

• As a daily moisturiser: Apply a thin layer onto cleansed, dry-ish skin and gently massage it in.
• As a cooling eye cream: Put the Summer Fridays mask into the fridge to get it nice and cool. Then, dot a small amount of product onto your ring finger and gently pat it around each eye.
• As a 10-minute treatment: Apply a thick layer of the mask all over your face. After 10 minutes, remove excess product with a damp, warm washcloth.

Scent

The original formula had a signature minty scent, but this really doesn’t smell like anything at all. The fact that the brand has removed all fragrance means that this is now suitable for sensitive skin types.

Texture & finish

I really didn’t know what the consistency would be like before I tried this product out for myself. It looks super thick when it comes out of the tube, which initially made me a little hesitant as I thought it would feel heavy on the skin. But this actually rubs in really nicely.

It leaves a dewy sort of sheen on the skin, so I can see why lots of people use it as a glow-boosting primer. This makes your skin look really fresh and healthy.

Finish-wise, this does feel a bit tacky when it’s first applied. However, this wears off somewhat throughout the day. Personally, I prefer to use this mask as an overnight treatment – just because it is so creamy. I can totally see how people might use this as an everyday moisturiser though, especially in the winter.

Packaging

I really love the packaging – it’s simple but effective. The metal tube keeps the product nice and cool, it’s also recyclable which is obviously a massive plus.

I have heard others say that the tube tends to crack and leak product over time, especially as you’re nearing the end and trying to squeeze every last drop of the mask out. However, I haven’t experienced this just yet. I’ll come back and update if this does happen!

Want to compare your face mask options? Check out my review of the Faace Dirty and Sweaty masks.

Overall thoughts

This is the first thing I’ve tried from Summer Fridays and I was really worried it was going to be one of those viral Instagram products that never works as well as everyone says it does… but I was pleasantly surprised by the Jet Lag mask.

It’s nourishing without clogging my skin or feeling sticky and uncomfortable. It’s also gentle enough not to cause any irritation – I’m super thankful that they changed the formula so that us sensitive-skinned people can use it without any worry!

The one downside is that this mask is a little pricy and there are definitely cheaper moisturisers that you can buy (if you are planning on using it daily). If you’d probably use this as a revitalising treatment when your skin is feeling a bit dull and dry, then this product is going to stretch a little further.

How much does the Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask cost?

The Jet Lag mask actually comes in two sizes so the cost varies depending on which one you want to buy. The regular-sized tube (which contains 28g or product) retails at £24. The jumbo version (64g) is priced at £45.

Where can I buy the Jet Lag mask?

You can buy this directly from the Summer Fridays website, as well as from a number of other authorised retailers. Cult Beauty, Space NK and Selfridges all sell both the regular size and the jumbo version of the Jet Lag mask.

Have you tried the reformulated version of the Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask? Were you a fan of the original? Let me know!