Review: 23 Years Old Inthera Silfting Petit Mask ★☆☆☆☆

23 Years Old Inthera Silfting Petit Mask features a silfting sheet and hyaluronic acid-based essence to strengthen the elasticity of skin around the eyes, lips, and forehead. Those 3 places are where most of my fine lines are so I thought this sheet mask is going to be perfect for me. The principle behind a netted silfting sheet is its ability to lift up the skin.

Key ingredients:

• Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract – a skin conditioning ingredient that promotes lipid storage leading to a cosmetic lipofilling-like effect
• Hyaluronic Acid – retains skin moisture levels and promotes collagen synthesis

$6.29 a piece at Shopamabie | Use my referral link to receive 10% off your purchase.

Water, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Chitosan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Caprylyl Clycol, Trehalose, Adenosine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethylaurate/VP Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Big-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cellulose Gum, Ethyhexyglycerin, Ethyl Hexandeiol, Disodium EDTA

Before masking

My skin is feeling dehydrated and slightly flushed. I’ve cleansed, exfoliated, and toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Out of the packet, I caught a faint floral fragrance. I was a little taken aback as soon as I saw the sheet mask.

Material

The silfting sheet looked like a net made out of fishing line. It was held together by a plastic backing.

Essence was clear and viscous. It had a gel-cream consistency. Most of the essence stayed in the packet after I’ve retrieved the sheet mask. Due to its net-like structure, it was unable to absorb and hold the essence like most sheet masks can.

During masking

The material was so light that it felt weird placing it on my skin. Once it was on, part of my face started to feel itchy from the unfinished edges tickling at my skin. Fit was bad and it was a huge challenge trying to adjust it. Adherence was lacking as well. I tried to flatten the material against my skin as best as I can by spreading the excess essence on top of the netted sheet. It barely clung onto my skin even with the aid of the viscous and tacky essence. I took it off after 20 mins per the instructions.

After masking

The thick viscous essence seemed to have set on my face. It was so tacky that it felt like glue, which made it really difficult to massage or pat into the skin. So I misted all over my face to get the sticky essence to emulsify a little and it worked. Massaging and patting it into my skin felt like I was applying my regular hydrating serum. Finish was tacky and tacky.

My skin felt intensely hydrating and moisturized, with some calming effects. Dry skin might need a moisturizer over this but my combo skin felt fine without it. Not recommended for oily skin type. I did not notice any lifting or anti-wrinkle effects.

Below is a side by side comparison of the before and after pictures.

Before masking

After masking

I don’t think the net-like silfting sheet did anything for me. I enjoyed the thick hydrating essence though. If this product were a bottle of essence and not a sheet mask, I’ll probably like it more. Check out more 23 Years Old reviews here.

$6.29 a piece at Shopamabie | Use my referral link to receive 10% off your purchase.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Etude House 0.2mm Air Therapy Lotus Mask ★★★★☆

Etude House 0.2mm Air Therapy series consists 15 varieties like strawberry, lemon, blueberry, damask rose, etc. Find my reviews here. These masks are made of 0.2mm super thin hypoallergenic cotton and is “light and comfortable like air!” They are also 7-free and only contain EWG green grade ingredients. They come in 3 different types of essences, in order of viscosity: moist runny essence; ampoule essence; and emulsion essence.

This sheet mask has a runny essence and contains 2,500ppm of lotus extract. Lotus is called the “flower of purification”. It has the ability to soothe and calm irritated skin caused by acne, and revitalize tired skin at the same time. This variant has alcohol listed pretty high up on the ingredients list. I normally avoid sheet masks with alcohol in it considering how long the sheet has to stay on the skin. However, these Etude House masks have proven to be non-irritating on my skin so I’m not too worried.

$1 a piece on Beautytap | Use code MASKEPEDIA15 for 15% off non-sale items.

Water, Glycereth-26, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract (2,500ppm), Sodium Carbomer, Allantoin, Hydroethylcellulose, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Root Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhiza, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polygkyceryl-10 Myrstate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Boswella Serrata Gum, Beta-Glucan, Hydrogenated Licithin, Lavandula Augustfolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globullus Leaf Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pinus Palustris Oil, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Ceramide NP

Before masking

My skin is feeling dehydrated and slightly flushed. I’ve cleansed, exfoliated, and toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Material

Out of the packet, I caught a faint alcohol scent. The material felt super soft and thin, almost-silk-like. I was surprised it did not come with a backing. Unfolding and applying the sheet mask turned out to be somewhat of a challenge.

As mentioned before, essence was clear, runny and dripping everywhere.

During masking

Fit was slightly unsatisfactory. Eye and mouth holes were too small, hence the awkward facial expression. The sheet was also on the small side. It was covering the inner perimeter of my face. Adherence was great! This started drying out at the 15 min mark, I poured the remaining essence onto my face to prolong the masking session. I had it on for a total of 30 mins.

After masking

The remaining essence patted in and absorbed with ease, leaving behind a silky-looking and slightly tacky finish.

My skin felt very hydrated and slightly moisturized. This was the perfect balance on my combo skin that required more hydration than moisturization. While patting in the essence, I also noticed how plump and smooth my skin felt. There was a reduction in redness and a healthy glow.

However, in about 15 mins, I noticed that my skin was starting to lose moisture and felt a little tight. I hurriedly layered on a gel moisturizer to seal in whatever hydration was still in my skin. I attribute this drying effect to the presence of alcohol in the essence.

Below is a side by side comparison of the before and after pictures.

After masking

It is okay to use a skincare product with alcohol in it as long as hydrating products are applied afterwards. Not nearly as good as my favorite rose variant, I still enjoyed this sheet mask especially on hot days. Check out more Etude House reviews here.

$1 a piece on Beautytap | Use code MASKEPEDIA15 for 15% off non-sale items.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner ★★☆☆☆

Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner is infused with oil-reducing and antioxidant rich Green Tea, blemish fighting White Willow Bark, soothing Aloe Vera and toning Witch Hazel in this botanically balancing blend.

About Herbivore Botanicals:

Truly Natural. Everything we create contains the finest all-natural ingredients, with an emphasis on ingredients that are plant-based, organic, and food-grade. Each ingredient is included for a therapeutic reason. No animal testing is conducted on our products or ingredients. All of our oils are cold-pressed or steam distilled. These are the best extraction methods available and lead to premium quality oils. All products are made in small batches in the USA.

Key ingredients:

• Jasmine Water: Jasmine has been used for hundreds of years to rejuvenate, hydrate and deeply nourish the skin. Distilled from thousands of petals, Jasmine Water soothes and reduces redness for calm, glowing skin.
• Green Tea Extract: Loaded with antioxidants which are essential for healthy skin, Green Tea helps to rid toxins, making it a powerful anti-aging ingredient. It helps protect against environmental damage, leaving skin youthful, healthy, and glowing.
• White Willow Bark: Naturally high in salicylic acid which works by gently shedding the top layer of skin in order to decongest and unclog pores.
• Witch Hazel: a natural astringent great for toning the skin.

Ingredients:

Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Flower Water, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Glycerin/Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Leuconostoc/ (Leucidal) Radish Root Ferment Fillrate, Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Avena (Oat Avenanthramide) sativa Kernel Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

How to use:

Shake before using. Spritz your face a few times and rub in. We recommend using it on your face after cleansing and before applying moisturizer.

Skin type:

Combo, sensitive, oily nose and chin, prone to redness and dehydration. My skin loses water like a fireman’s hose. Due to that aspect, I’m both very grateful and fond of the 7-skin method, where toner is patted into the skin 7 times. This gives my skin the hydration it needs without a tacky finish.

Thoughts:

The cardboard outer packaging had a velvety finish with black font and mint green accents. I really like the whole minimalistic yet luxe design.

4oz / 120ml of green toner came in a glass bottle with a mist dispenser and a cap for it. I personally love it when toners come with mist dispensers. I’m able to get a consistent amount of product each time and double the toner up as a mist too.

The mist came out super fine and spreads over a pretty vast area. I love the feeling of water dropping gently landing on my skin, like walking into clouds. However, the spread is so huge that I estimate about 20% of toner from each spritz goes anywhere but my face. This is a huge no considering how pricey this toner is.

Image credit: Herbivore Botanicals

I’ve been testing this product out continuously for the past 2 weeks. I spritz about 4 times right after cleansing, in both my morning and evening routines.

I’m not a huge fan of the scent. Normally, I really love the jasmine floral scent. But this smelled more like jasmine flowers gone rancid. The scent lingers even after the toner has absorbed and dried down.

Apart from a boost in hydration and an immediate sense of relief for my irritation-prone skin, like most toners normally provide, I did not notice any other benefits from this toner. My favorite CosRx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner is effective at soothing and hydrating my skin, and is super affordable ($16) as well. It also comes with a spritz type dispenser albeit does not dispense so fine a mist but I can deal with that.

So if you have an obsession for toners and have money to spare, this is definitely a splurge-worthy product. But I personally think there are a ton of better and more affordable toners in the market. Check out more Herbivore reviews here.

$39 at Amazon, Sephora, Dermstore & Nordstrom.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Herbivore Botanicals LAPIS Balancing Facial Oil ★★★★.☆

Herbivore Botanicals LAPIS Balancing Facial Oil is a gorgeous blue oil with Blue Tansy as its main ingredient. Named after Lapis Lazuli, a favorite stone of ancient Egypt, this oil contains Azulene which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial that aids in reducing redness and clarifying the complexion. Formulated for combination, oily, and blemish-prone skin types or any skin in need of relief from inflammation.

From Herbivore Botanicals:

Facial Oil for Oily Skin? Often times when we over-wash our skin and do not moisturize thoroughly, it overcompensates by producing more oil and sebum leading to oilier skin and clogged pores. Our facial oils are made with 100% natural and pure plant oils that will thoroughly hydrate your skin without clogging pores so that it can stop producing excess oil and find the balance it needs. In short, yes, oily skin needs moisture too and is often dehydrated, leading to dry patches and the overcompensation of oil and sebum.

Key ingredients

• Blue Tansy: High in Azulene content giving them a deep, inky-blue color naturally. Azulene is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial that aids in reducing redness and clarifying the complexion. Additionally, blue oils are excellent at balancing oily skin without drying.
• Kukui Nut Oil: High in linoleic acid to balance sebum and oil production in oilier and blemish-prone skin types. Absorbs into skin for hydration and nourishment at a deep level.
• Jojoba Oil: Amazing moisturizing capabilities due to the similarities in structure to our skin’s own natural sebum. Helps other oils absorb more deeply into skin.
• Squalane: Our Squalane is derived from a vegetable source — olives to be specific. Vegetable-derived Squalane has excellent emollient properties and acts as a light protective barrier to keep moisture in the skin. It also protects the skin against hyper-pigmentation and premature aging.
• Jasmine Sambac Oil: Comes from the night blooming variety of Jasmine. It is a sweet and exquisite oil that has been used in skincare and perfumery for centuries with good reason — the scent is intoxicating and the oil itself works to increase the skin’s moisture content and increase its elasticity.

Ingredients:

Amaranthus Squalane Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Capric Triglycerides (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Nut Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Tanacetum annuum (Blue Tansy) Leaf Oil, Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Absolute, Rosa Damascena (Moroccan Rose) Absolute

How to use:

Apply 3–10 drops to cleansed and toned skin morning and night. Massage in and allow to absorb for 1–3 minutes before applying makeup. Store at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

Skin type:

Combo, sensitive, oily nose and chin, prone to redness and dehydration. I was never a fan of facial oils. The ones I’ve tried in the past just sat on my skin so while my skin looked dewy and greasy, it actually felt tight and dry. The more I use the more fine lines started to set in. That was when I decided that facials oils are not for me. However, fast forward a couple of years later, cosmetics technology has improved by leaps and bounds. Facial oils are gaining hype again, So I decided to give it another chance.

Thoughts:

The cardboard outer packaging had a velvety finish with black and gold font. I really like the whole minimalistic yet luxe design.

1.7oz / 50ml of marine blue oil came in a clear glass bottle with a dropper dispenser. The use of a clear glass bottle is brilliant due to the unique color of the facial oil.

The picture on the top left shows how much facial oil is dispensed in one drop. That single drop was more than enough for the back of my hand.

On my face, I use a maximum of 3 drops. 4 drops turned out to be way too much, leaving me with an icky, greasy sensation. With 3 drops of oil on my palm, I’ll rub both hands together and gently press the product into my entire face. The leftovers go to my neck and elbows.

Image credit: Herbivore Botanicals

I’ve been testing this product for the past 2 weeks. It’s the last product that goes on my skin after my evening routine. Since my face do get oily in the day, I prefer to use this at night. This lightweight oil absorbed very quickly when used on cleansed and toned skin. However, as my skin is prone to dehydration, layering on hydrating toners and essences is necessary. Even then, I still notice my skin absorbing the oil in 5 mins. Immediately, my skin felt soft, smooth, and intensely moisturized. The effects would last till the next morning.

As for longer term results, the most obvious improvement is the lack of redness in my skin in the mornings. I never thought I would be rid of this issue, my skin has always looked red the moment I wake up. I’m attributing this effect to the presence of the Azulene-rich Blue Tansy ingredient in this facial oil.

I happened to have a ring of breakouts around my chin while testing this oil. After gently pressing in most of the product into my skin, I’ll get a half drop and draw circles around the blemishes. This helped the blemishes to heal and fade faster than normal.

The price of this facial oil is a little steep. However, a little goes a long way if you have combo skin like me. Using only 3 drops a day, I’m going through the bottle at snail’s pace. I’m guessing the entire bottle will last me at least a year. That amounts to only 20 cents a day ($72 / 365). Even with such a tiny amount used, the effects are still obvious. That’s how potent this facial oil is.

The only issue I have with this facial oil is the scent. It’s hard to describe but if I really have to, I’ll say it’s a sharp menthol fragrance. Aside from that, I’m impressed with this facial oil and and am glad this changed my mind about oils. I’m a happy convert! Check out more Herbivore reviews here.

$72 at Amazon, Sephora, Dermstore & Birchbox.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Atoclassic Real Tonic Soothing Treatment Mask ★★★.☆

Atoclassic Real Tonic Soothing Treatment Mask claims to immediately soothe and calm skin to a happy and balanced state. It is targeted at flushed and irritated skin.

Featuring “whangryun,” or Golden thread, this ingredient is a very effective anti-inflammatory that is widely used in Hanbang practice to reduce fever. Hanbang cosmetics are made with traditional herbal ingredients, they have been gaining popularity in recent years.

Free of alcohol, mineral oil, parabens and sulfates.

$4 at Peach & Lily | Receive $10 off your first purchase of $50+ with my referral link.

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glyco,l PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Water, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Hydroxyethyl, Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Water, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Phenoxyethanol, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Disodium EDTA

Before masking

My skin is feeling dehydrated and slightly irritated. I’ve cleansed, exfoliated, and toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Material

Out of the packet, I caught a  strong perfumey fragrance. The sheet mask material felt soft and slightly stiff and rough. It had a medium thickness and felt like it was made of tencel aka eucalyptus fiber. The sheet mask was held together by a perforated plastic backing.

Essence

Essence was clear and had a watery-gel consistency. It looked and felt like a hydrating serum. 25 ml of essence meant there was enough for the neck and arms after the sheet mask was removed from the packet.

During masking

Fit was great! It was a really large sheet and covered my face entirely. The position and size of the holes were just nice as well. There was a slight nose tent which I rectified by deepening the cut next to my nostrils.

Adherence was average. Fold lines refused to stay flat. I also noticed some air bubbles sneaking in throughout the wear. Edges were also lifted. Aside from those, the sheet mask stayed in place and did not slip and slide around.

I took the mask off after 30 mins, it was drying out and white patches sporadically across my face.

After masking

While massaging in the remaining essence, I noticed how soft and smooth my skin felt. Finish slightly greasy with a semi-matte look.

My skin felt intensely moisturized. Most of the redness had went away, leaving behind a calm and even-toned skin. Hydration was present, but insufficient for my dehydration-prone skin. I rectified this with a hydrating mist. I did not notice any brightening effects but my skin texture looked very smooth even.

Below is a side by side comparison of the before and after pictures.

Before masking

After masking

This is a great mask for dry skin. Combo skin type might need to pat in watery products prior to sheet masking. Oily skin might want to avoid this mask or wipe down the excess with a toner-soaked cotton pad. I personally will not repurchase as there are better calming and hydrating masks available.

$4 at Peach & Lily | Receive $10 off your first purchase of $50+ with my referral link.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

 

Review: Nature Republic Real Comforting Mask Sheet – Panthenol ★★★★☆

Nature Republic Real Comforting Mask Sheet is the latest Spring 2018 addition to the brand’s range of products. These sheet masks are formulated with naturally-derived essential oil to offer mild, comfortable daily care for healthy skin. Please avoid this if you have a known allergy to essential oils. The collection features 8 types of sheet masks with 2 types of essence textures.

Ampoule type:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Providing moisture and hydration to dry skin.
• Tea Tree: Controls excessive sebum and soothes sensitive skin.
• AHA/BHA: Smoothen rough, uneven skin texture by removing dead skin cells and sebum.
• Vitamin C: Brightens dull and lifeless skin

Emulsion type:

• Ceramide: Soothes rough skin caused by lack of moisture by forming a moisture film over skin.
• Madecassoside: Gently soothes sensitive skin by stabilizing skin condition.
• Panthenol: Strengthens skin barrier and maintains healthy skin condition.
• Vitamin E: Moisturizes and conditions dry skin.

 

The one I’m trying out today features Panthenol as the main ingredient. It claims to strengthen skin barrier and maintain healthy skin.

Panthenol is a natural ingredient that can be found in plants and is a form of vitamin B5. It is an emollient and a humectant that has the ability to improve hydration, reduce itching and inflammation of the skin, improve skin elasticity, and accelerate epidermal wounds rate of healing.

$3.71 at Yesstyle.

Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Agave Americana Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Akyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Panthenol, Tromethamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Btylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA

Before masking

My skin is feeling dehydrated and slightly irritated. I’ve cleansed, exfoliated, and toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Material

Out of the packet, I caught a mild floral fragrance that’s typical of most sheet masks. The cottony material had a medium thickness yet felt plush, soft, and smooth. It did not come with a backing.

Milky essence

There was 26 g of thick milky essence in the packet. The essence consistency was such that it both soaked and coated the sheet mask at the same time. After removing the sheet mask from the packet, there was still a palm-full left which I slathered all over my neck and arms.

During masking

Fit was great! It was a very large sheet so no worries about uncovered skin there. There was even some excess on the sides when worn on my face. I’m also satisfied with the size and positioning of the holes. The sheet was soft enough to easily manipulate for fit.

Adherence was good. I noticed a couple of fold lines refusing to stay down and the resurfacing of some air bubbles throughout the wear. Other than those, the sheet clung on pretty well and did not move or slip at all.

I took the mask off after 30 mins, there were already some white dry patches.

After masking

After massaging in the remaining essence, my skin felt velvety smooth and not sticky. Instead, it had slight greasy feel that resembled a thick moisturizer. Finish looked semi-matte.

My skin felt very calm and intensely moisturized. Hydration was minimal so I sprayed on a mist to replenish the water that my skin needed. Redness was completely gone and skin tone looked very even.

If I’d known the moisturizing effect was going to be this intense, I would have layered on multiple layers of toners and essences, basically watery products, before using this sheet mask. This is so that my easily dehydrated skin can get the water it needs.

Below is a side by side comparison of the before and after pictures.

Before masking

After masking

This was still an enjoyable sheet mask for me when used in the correct way. Dry skin types will really enjoy this mask. Oily skin might want to avoid it and combo skin should use it in the evening with watery layers below.

$3.71 at Yesstyle.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Jayjun Anti-Dust Therapy Mask ★★★★★

Jayjun Anti-Dust Therapy Mask is a 3-step mask that includes a cleanser, a sheet mask, and a cream moisturizer. It claims to remove pollutants from sensitive, acne-prone skin and shield it from harmful environmental factors.

These claims sound perfect for my skin. It is prone to breaking out at the lightest touch of dust or anything it doesn’t deem clean. Traveling is my worst nightmare as I have to pack clean towels for drying off cleansed face and separate ones for covering hotel pillows.

$29.99 on Amazon | $3.99/piece at Gumii.Shop.
$4/ piece or $40/box at Masksheets.

Before masking

My skin is feeling dehydrated and slightly irritated. This is my bare skin prior to my morning cleanse. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Step 1: Wash Foam Cleanser

Step 1: Jayjun Anti-Dust Fresh Foam Cleanser
This is a soft-textured cleanser that thoroughly removes air pollutants, fine dust and makeup residue stuck on your face with tiny bubbles and supplies ample moisture to prevent dryness.

The cleanser had a pearlized texture and gave off a strong floral scent that reminded me of Dove body wash. There is 1.5ml of it and I think that is enough for 2-3 uses.

Fresh Foam Cleanser Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, PEG-8, Myristic Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Beeswax, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Arctium Lappa Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorum Root Extract, Propolis Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ectoin, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Cnidium Monnieri Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract, Benzyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Butoxydiglycol, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Stearyl Dimethicone, Polyquaternium-7, Raspberry Ketone, Steareth-21, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-40 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Octanediol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance

Foam cleanser pH level

I was curious about its pH level hence I wet it and foamed it up before dipping a pH strip in it. My cheap and lousy pH strip showed the cleanser to have a pH level of 8, which is pretty high. To prevent stripping the skin barrier of its moisture, a pH level of 5-7 is preferred. Long term use of a cleanser with a high pH level is not beneficial to the skin, however, seeing as there was only enough cleanser for 2-3 uses in this packet, I’d go for it.

Cleanser foam

The cleanser foamed up really easily with the addition of some tap water. It felt soapy and fluffy, which made it a joy to use if I were to ignore its pH level.

After rinsing off, my skin felt squeaky clean and slightly tight. I followed up with a toner immediately to prevent my skin from further drying out.

Sheet mask material

Step 2: Jayjun Anti-Dust Therapy Sheet Mask
It gives you firm and clear skin by soothing irritated skin from external harmful environment and by strengthening the skin barrier

Out of the packet, again, I caught a strong Dove body wash-like scent. The sheet mask felt thin and very soft, almost like 23 Years Old egg membrane masks. It was also sporting a pretty mint green color and did not come with a backing.

Sheet mask essence

Essence was white and had a milky consistency. There was 27ml of it which meant an whole palm-full of excess essence for the neck and body.

Sheet Mask Ingredients
Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Panthenol, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Arctium Lappa Seed Extract, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorum Root Extract, Propolis Extract, Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ectoin, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Polyglutamic Acid, Octyldodeceth-16, Dimethicone, Hydroxyacetophenone, Isohexadecane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Allantoin, Stearyl Dimethicone, Steareth-21, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-40 Stearate, Octyldodecanol, Pentylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Octanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cnidium Monnieri Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol Denat., Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

During masking

Fit was great! It was a large sheet and managed to cover my entire face up to my hairline. It formed a small nose tent so I fixed it by deepening the cuts on both sides with my handy-dandy pair of scissors. Thanks to the softness of the material, it was really easy to manipulate for fit.

Adherence was great as well! Thanks to how thin the sheet was, it clung onto my skin the moment it touched it. There were no air bubbles nor lifts throughout the entire masking process.

I took the mask off after 30 mins, it was starting to dry out, especially around the forehead. However, the strong fragrance persisted.

After masking

The remaining essence absorbed with moderate ease, leaving behind a dewy and tacky finish. My skin looked and felt AMAZING! The picture above did not do justice to the effects. My skin felt very hydrated, moisturized, plump, and smooth. It looked calm, bright, radiant, and even-toned. Skin texture also had a vast improvement, it looked very smooth due pores appearing smaller and fine lines plumped. All the things you could wish for in a sheet mask, this one had it all. The only thing I didn’t like was the strong scent.

Step 3: Intensive Cream

Step 3: Jayjun Anti-Dust Intensive Cream
The nice cream texture helps it to easily sink into the skin and sooth irritated skin from harmful external environment and it keeps the skin hydrated by creating a moisture barrier on the skin.

Again, this cream moisturizer a strong Dove body wash-like scent and had enough for 2-3 uses. Its thick and dry texture is very similar to CosRx Low pH BHA Overnight Mask.

Step 3: Intensive Cream
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Betaine, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Methyl Trimethicone, Glycereth-26, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Behenyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isohexadecane, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Stearyl Dimethicone, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Steareth-21, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglutamic Acid, PEG-40 Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Beta-Glucan, Octanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ectoin, Cnidium Monnieri Fruit Extract, Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Benzyl Glycol, Butoxydiglycol, Tromethamine, Octyldodecanol, Raspberry Ketone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol Denat., Fragrance

After cream application

The moisturizer was very spreadable and a little went a long way since my skin was already very hydrated and moisturized. This sealed in all that goodness from the sheet mask and left a velvety and semi-matte finish. It felt slightly greasy but not tacky at all. My skin looked and felt amazing the entire day, even till the next day.

Before masking

After cream application

I don’t recommend using the cream if you have oily or combo skin or want to use this for day masking. Oily skin might find the finish of the sheet mask too dewy and greasy, wiping off with a toner-soaked cotton pad will do the trick. Combo skin might be able to get away with the moisturizer for night masking. Dry skin types will thoroughly enjoy the intense hydration and moisturization the pack provides. I don’t recommend using the cream underneath make up, it can get a little greasy.

Even though I have combo sensitive skin that’s prone to dehydration, I’ve thoroughly this nifty mask pack. The entire pack does not boast of fancy ingredients, however, the formulation of regular ingredients made it a winner. This mask pack will also make a good travel companion. I highly recommend everyone to try this out and am totally stocking up on more! Check out more Jayjun reviews here.

$29.99 on Amazon | $3.99/piece at Gumii.Shop.
$4/ piece or $40/box at Masksheets.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Annie’s Way Q10 + Syzygium Firming Mask ★★★☆☆

Annie’s Way is a Taiwanese brand and this mask is part of their latest Fantasy Land series which consists of 6 other sheet masks with beautiful whimsical packaging. They’re all have the feather light, invisible silk material, just like the ones in the silk mask series with plainer packaging.

Annie’s Way Q10 + Syzygium Firming Mask claims to brighten, repair, tighten, and soften skin, as well as minimize the appearance of fine lines with Q10 as the main ingredient.

Key ingredients:

• ubiquinine Q10 – repair and soothe dry skin
• sodium hyaluronate – provide instant hydration while forming an invisible protective layer over skin
• lecithin – has excellent hydrating and nourishing properties, helps maintain skin cell vitality and proper functioning
• syzygium jambos leaf extract – refine fine lines, tighten, rehydrate, and nourish skin
• boerhavia diffusa root extract – soothe and relax skin; improve skin’s defense capability against environmental stressors

$22.71 for a box of 10 at Yesstyle.

water, butylene glycol, carbomer, panthenol, hydrogenated lecithin, glycerin, potassium hydroxide, sodium hyaluronate, boerhavia diffusa root extract, phenoxyethanol, glycine soja oil, lecithin, pentasodium pentetate, syzygium jambos leaf extract, caprylyl glycol, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate, ubiquinone, phytic acid, silver oxide, chondrus crispus (carrageenan) extract, citric acid

Before masking

My skin is feeling dehydrated and slightly irritated. I’ve cleansed, exfoliated, and toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Material

Out of the packet, I caught a mild fresh scent, typical of a Taiwanese sheet mask. Essence was clear and runny.

The tencel material felt just like silk. It was light, extremely thin, and extremely soft. It came with a thick perforated plastic backing to hold its shape and also to aid in the application. Place the sheet mask with the backing on your face, then peel off the backing from the outside. This prevents the mask from curling up and sticking onto itself, which is a disaster because it is almost impossible to unfold that mess.

However, I noticed something that did not happen with the previous silk masks. As I removed the plastic backing, fibers seemed to get caught with it so I was unable to remove it smoothly at one go. Perhaps this is something the company needs to improve.

During masking

Fit was great! Mainly due to the softness of the material, I was able to easily manipulate it to fit my face. My only complaint how small the mouth hole was. It was literally a slit. Granted, I could push it up to make space for my mouth, but still, it felt constrained and uncomfortable.

Adherence was also great! Again, it’s thanks to the softness of the material. Once the material touched my skin, it clung for its dear life and refused to budge.

I had this on for 30 mins, it was still surprisingly damp.

After masking

While patting in the remaining essence on my skin, I felt a slight cooling sensation. The essence absorbed and dried down quickly to a matte and non-sticky finish.

There was a huge visual improvement! My skin looked very plump, calm, even toned, smooth and bright! My skin also felt hydrated but not moisturized. For my combo skin type, I layered on a hydrating serum and a moisturizer to seal in the goodness. Oily skin might be able to get away with just a gel moisturizer. Dry skin will definitely need a whole moisturizing routine after this.

However, I wished the effects lasted longer. After an hour or so, my skin returned to looking red and dull, albeit still hydrated and smooth.

Below is a side by side comparison of the before and after pictures.

Before masking

After masking

I have mixed feelings about this mask. On one hand it made my skin look and feel amazing immediately after masking. On the other hand, some of the effects were really short term. As there are other Annie’s Way masks that have thoroughly impressed, I choose not repurchase this. Check out more Annie’s Way reviews here.

$22.71 for a box of 10 at Yesstyle.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine