Review: Huxley Secret of Sahara Mask: Oil in Extract ★☆☆☆☆

Huxley Secret of Sahara Mask: Oil in Extract contains prickly pear seed oil and cactus extract to intensely hydrate and moisturize all skin types, especially dehydrated skin.

Full of antioxidants, this unique oil and extract blend does not contain parabens, synthetic dyes or mineral oils.

I absolutely adore the packaging. It looks very sleek and stylish in real life. But it turned out to be really hard to photograph.

A box of 3: $24.98 on Amazon | $27 at Ohlolly.

Extract Water (20 ml / 0.67 fl oz):
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Coptis Japonica Extract, Malachite Extract, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Tromethamine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance

Oil (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz):
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Bixa Orellana Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate

Before masking

My skin is feeling dry with some redness. I’ve cleansed, toned, and exfoliated my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

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Instructions:

1. Create a thin fold on the bottom sachet containing the oil
2. Fold over another 2 times
3. Push the air bubble upwards
4. Watch the seal break
5. Massage the packet to blend the oil and essence as evenly as possible

As the oil and extract essence are stored in separate pouches, we’ll have to mix the 2 prior to using. I normally detest such set-up because it takes herculean strength to pop the sachet. But to my surprise, it was really easy with this translucent packaging.

Material

Upon opening the packet, I detected a strange scent. I’m not good at describing scents but I’d say it reminded me of fermented rice wine plus a subtle perfume.

The sheet is made with tightly woven microfibers (150 times finer than regular fibers) and offers a silky smooth texture that helps skin absorb the essence quickly and effectively. It did not come with a backing but proved to be relatively easy to unfold and apply.

I’m not sure if I’m the only one who thinks this but sheet masks that require users to blend essences beforehand always leads me to think that the sheet is unevenly coated. I get slightly annoyed and try to manually spread the essence all over an unfolded sheet, creating a mess that I hoped is worth it.

During masking

Fit was amazing! It covered my entire face and the holes were perfectly lined up with my features. Just a side note, the sheet was smaller than most sheet masks and ended at the inner perimeter of my face, so people with wider face might find the material insufficient.

Adherence was amazing too! Microfiber masks normally clung on like second skin. It’s one of the best materials for people who can’t sit still while masking.

I took the mask off after 25 mins, it was starting to dry out.

After masking

There were lots of essence left to pat in. Finish felt greasy and looked very dewy. Aside from the finish, I did not see any change to my skin. I attribute it to my combo skin type with dehydration issues.

If you’ve read my article about Hydration vs Moisturization, you’ll know that dehydrated skin requires water while dry skin requires oil. As this sheet mask replenishes more oil than water, my skin did not receive what it needs.

The result is a tight and crepey skin with a layer of greasy film on top. If my skin were to be pumped with water, it will at least look a little brighter and feel softer.

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

Before masking

After masking

Dry skin produces less sebum and requires oil to nourish and protect it. In conclusion, this sheet mask is really beneficial for dry skin types. It’s not a bad mask, it’s just not for me.

A box of 3: $24.98 on Amazon | $27 at Ohlolly.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Neogen White Truffle Hydramax Knit Mask ★★★★.☆

Neogen’s innovative thick, plush knit material masks have been the talk of the Kbeauty community since its launch in March 2017. The unique sweater-like, knitted-cotton material has passed the clinical human skin irritation test and proven to be non-irritating even on sensitive skin types.

I’ve received quite a few requests to test out these masks via a poll on my Instagram account . The pink cactus variant has already been reviewed.

Neogen White Truffle Hydramax Knit Mask contains 60 milligrams of a concentrated essence filled with white truffle (perfect for maintaining a healthy skin balance), avocado oil (to brighten skin), and propolis (to protect and calm skin). It also includes ceramides to moisturize skin and milk protein to serve as a moisture barrier. It’s a fun and effective mask that leaves skin hydrated and boosting with radiance.

Key ingredients:

• White Truffle
• Ceramide
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Propolis Extract

It’s nice to see niacinamide (7th) listed so high up on the list, it is a great ingredient for brightening and evening out skin tone. This does contain a bunch of oils so if you’re sensitive to them, please avoid using this mask.

$9.98 on Amazon.
$6 at Soko Glam. | Receive 20% off your first order of $25+ with my referral link.

Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Diglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Milk Protein Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Betaine, Panthenol, Coptis Japonica Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Phytosphingosine, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Disodium EDTA

This is one of those masks that come with double packaging, where a regular sheet mask foil packet sits in a box. I hope it’s not just me who finds this wasteful and unnecessary.

The packaging design is cute though. I love the incorporation of knitting needles in the mask artwork to draw attention to the unique material, and also the use of a bright yellow base color.

The outer box also features a circular window showing the knitted material of the mask. Again, this is drawing focus on the unique material and justifying the value proposition of this mask amongst millions of others in a high-saturated industry.

Before masking

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

Material

Out of the packet, I drew out a thick wad of heavy fabric. It was completely coated AND soaked in essence. The material felt very soft, smooth, and plush. Despite being a humongous piece and also having a neck piece, it was generally easy to unfold even without the inclusion of a backing. This reminded me of 23 Years Old Cocoon Willow Silky Mask, except this fabric was so much thicker.

“The remaining essence can be released here and applied to the neck.”

Containing a whopping 60 ml of essence, this is 2 times more than the amount in a regular sheet mask. I really appreciate the inclusion of a reminder to drain the remaining essence through the bottom corner. Instead of trying to scoop the remaining essence out from the top of the packet or squeezing it out, why not just let gravity to do all the work.

Unlike the pink cactus variant, I was able to get enough out of the packet for my arms.

The essence had a milky consistency and gave off a subtle floral fragrance. The yellow tinge of the essence also translated to the sheet mask.

During masking

Despite holding 60ml of essence, the mask was not drippy at all.

Told ya it was a humongous piece. As if it wasn’t huge enough already, the sheet also came with pull tabs on the side of the forehead and cheek to allow users to stretch out the mask. However, in doing so, essence oozed out of tabs that I was gripping on which made a little mess. On the plus side, this means that it will fit almost all face shapes and sizes! So needless to say, the fit was amazing for me!

Normally, a sheet mask that extends down to the neck covers till the area where the voice box is. The amount of neck area that this mask covered extends just above my collar bone! This had to be the longest mask I’ve ever tried. I love it when sheet masks take care of the neck area since I tend to neglect it.

Adherence was amazing as well. My face felt like it was hugged by a well-endowed and welcoming grandma. Warm and soft.

I know the recommended wait time is 20 mins, but I wanted to see how long I could wear this mask before it started drying out. I did not get an answer but I know for sure that it stayed damp throughout an entire hour of masking. The video below showed the reason why.

Are your jaws dropping yet? Yup, that’s an entire palm full of essence. Actually more because it was dripping all over the place.

After masking

There was so much essence left on my skin despite continuous massaging and patting for close to 15 mins. Finish was dewy and tacky at first. Unlike the pink cactus variant, the remaining essence absorbed and dried down much quicker, just like a regular cream mask would. Eventually, my skin looked satiny with a slight stickiness. I also noticed a huge reduction in the fine, and not so fine lines, on my neck. This goes to show how neglected that area is.

Just like the pink cactus version, this checked off all the things I look for in a sheet mask.

✓Extreme hydration ✓Redness reduction ✓Plumping ✓Softening ✓Pore-blurring ✓Radiance ✓Brightening ✓Even-toned skin ✓Fine lines reduction

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

Before masking

After masking

Even though I prefer this over the pink cactus variant, I still think there are masks that do not require this much resources (packaging, essence, material), time, and effort to achieve the same effects. I’m glad I tried this mask for the novelty-factor. Check out more Neogen reviews here.

$9.98 on Amazon.
$6 at Soko Glam. | Receive 20% off your first order of $25+ with my referral link.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

 

Review: Belif Aqua Bomb Sheet Mask ★★★★☆

Belif Aqua Bomb Sheet Mask is the sheet mask answer to the unique, bestselling The True cream – Aqua Bomb formula. It provides a burst of long-lasting hydration. Formulated with a blend of apothecary herbs, including antioxidant-rich lady’s mantle which helps neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, it improves skin elasticity and minimizes the appearances of pores. Upon application, it provides a cool sensation and deep hydration, keeping skin consistently refreshed and hydrated until morning.

This is unique in the sense that it comes in a dual-chamber pouch which separates the essence from the mask. I see this in Oozoo masks that require mixing essences right before usage to activate the ingredients and maintain freshness. However, I do not see how this is useful in Belif’s case as the mask is dry. Also, there lies a potential of user-generated error in the form of unevenly distributed essence, resulting in the mask not being uniformly soaked. Plus, after a long day’s work, I would like to pamper my skin with as little effort as possible.

Key ingredients:

• Lady’s Mantle: A powerful antioxidant that improves hydration and elasticity; has pore minimizing benefits; helps remove free radicals from skin.
• Oat: Attracts moisture and calms skin.
• Malachite: Neutralizes free radical activity.
• Calendula: Purifies skin with anti-bacterial properties; natural astringent.
• Catnip: Helps calm and soothe the skin.

Formulated without:

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Phthalates
• Mineral oils
• Petrolatum
• Synthetic preservatives
• Dyes
• Fragrances
• Animal-derived ingredients

$32 for a 5-pack on Amazon | $8 on Sephora.

Water, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Stellaria Media (Chichweed) Extract*+, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Nepeta Cataria Extract*, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract*, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract*, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract+, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract+, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract*, Simmondsia Chinensis(Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ceramide Np, Glycosphingolipids, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Saccharomyces/Potato Extract Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate, Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Lecithin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hexyl Laurate, Dimethiconol, Malachite Extract, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer,, Disodium Edta, Trisodium Edta, Fragrance**, Citronellol, Limonene

*Napier’s original formula. +Napier’s aqua formula. **Fragrance from natural sources.

Before masking

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

Outer plastic packaging

This is another one of those masks that come with double packaging. I can’t stress enough how unnecessary and wasteful this is. The information on this external packaging can be found on the sheet mask packet as well.

Instructions:

• Fold the pouch along the dotted lines 1 and 2 on the packaging.
• Squeeze the bottom pouch until it pops (this step got a little challenging and I almost gave up, but I put my weight into it and grunted like a tennis player before hearing the heavenly pop sound)
• Push all the essence from the essence chamber into the mask chamber
• Massage the mask chamber for at least 15 seconds

Dry spot

Try as I might, as expected, the sheet mask came out unevenly soaked in essence. It was hard to see if the distribution was equal before I decided to stop massaging. Containing a mere 25ml, there was no extra essence left in the pouch so I massaged the existing essence around to get the dry spot slightly wet.

The sheet felt thick and coarse, with little brown bits on it. Apparently it is an organic unbleached cotton mask and the brown bits are actually cotton seeds. It also felt drier than most pre-soaked sheet masks.

Essence

The essence reminded me of Belif’s Aqua Bomb True Cream. It had a watery-gel consistency and smelled exactly like its sister cream, lightly floral and soothing.

During masking

Fit was great! The sheet was large enough to cover my entire face and even had some excess on the sides which I had to fold down.

Adherence was alright. The mask was clinging onto the flatter surfaces like my cheeks and foreheads better than the curvier areas like around my mouth and chin. Fold lines were constantly threatening to pop up but the essence was tacky enough to hold it down for the most part.

I had this on for 20 mins, it was starting to dry out.

After masking

Massaging the remaining essence on my face felt like I was applying Belif’s Aqua Bomb True Cream. Smooth, soft, and light. It absorbed into my skin with ease, leaving behind a velvety finish. My skin felt deeply hydrated yet fresh due to the absence of a hydrating film. I can immediately tell my skin was much plumper and bouncier, my pores were also minimized as a result. Fine lines were smoothed out and skin looked alot less red. Even my PIE and PIH were faded, leaving me with an even-toned, radiant complexion. The addition of a moisturizer is optional depending on your skin type, it wouldn’t feel heavy over this as the finish was super fresh.

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

Before masking

After masking

Aside from the excess packaging, annoying mask-wetting process, and higher price point, I was very impressed with the results of this mask. This is definitely something I would save for a special occasion. Check out more Belif reviews here.

$32 for a 5-pack on Amazon | $8 on Sephora.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

 

Review: Neogen Pink Cactus Liftmax Knit Mask ★★★★☆

Neogen’s innovative thick, plush knit material masks have been the talk of the Kbeauty community since its launch in March 2017. The unique sweater-like, knitted-cotton material has passed the clinical human skin irritation test and proven to be non-irritating even on sensitive skin types.

I’ve received quite a few requests to test out this mask and a poll on my Instagram account showed that the majority of my readers are more curious about this pink cactus variant. I will be testing out the white truffle variant in a separate post.

Neogen Pink Cactus Liftmax Knit Mask claims to deliver tightening, firming, elasticity-boosting pink cactus ingredient formula. This mask saturated in rich energy lifting vitality essence perfectly adheres and wraps skin to deliver long-lasting moisture, vitality and energy deep into the skin for a tighter and firmer skin!

With a powerhouse blend of prickly pear cactus and pink algae, it works to deliver antioxidants and fortify skin. Prickly pear cactus is a rare ingredient and it takes a million seeds to get 1 liter of oil. This mask also contains jania rubens algae, one of the rarest cactus oils that contains an abundance of vitamin C and beta-carotene to calm and hydrate skin. Along with camelia and snow lotus flower, this mask is perfect for lifting and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.

Key ingredients:

• Pink Cactus Seed Oil
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Jania Rubens Algae
• Avocado Oil
• Rose Flower Oil

This is also my first time seeing glycerin as the first ingredient on the list. It is usually water or some sort of botanical water. So off the bat, I’m expecting this to be a very hydrating and humectant-like mask. It’s also nice to see niacinamide (6th) listed so high up on the list, it is a great ingredient for brightening and evening out skin tone.

$9.95 on Amazon.
$6 at Soko Glam. | Receive 20% off your first order of $25+ with my referral link.

Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Diglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Opuntia Coccinellifera, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Butylene Glycol, Rose Flower Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Jania Rubens Extract, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Isoleucine, Betaine, Adenosine, Cyanocobalamin, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Palmitic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Disodium EDTA

 

 

This is one of those masks that come with double packaging, where a regular sheet mask foil packet sits in a box. I hope it’s not just me who finds this wasteful and unnecessary.

 

 

The packaging design is cute though. I love the incorporation of knitting needles in the mask artwork to draw attention to the unique material, and also the use of a bright pink base color, it really appeals to the millennial in me.

The outer box also features a circular window showing the knitted material of the mask. Again, this is drawing focus on the unique material and justifying the value proposition of this mask amongst millions of others in a high-saturated industry.

Before masking

My skin is feeling very dry and slightly irritated today. I’m also sporting a couple of white heads on my chin and cheeks. I’ve cleansed, toned, and exfoliated my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Material

Out of the packet, I drew out a thick wad of heavy fabric. It was completely coated AND soaked in essence. The material felt very soft, smooth, and plush. Despite being a humongous piece and also having a neck piece, it was generally easy to unfold even without the inclusion of a backing. This reminded me of 23 Years Old Cocoon Willow Silky Mask, except this fabric was so much thicker.

“The remaining essence can be released here and applied to the neck.”

Containing a whopping 60 ml of essence, this is 2 times more than the amount in a regular sheet mask. I really appreciate the inclusion of a reminder to drain the remaining essence through the bottom corner. Instead of trying to scoop the remaining essence out from the top of the packet or squeezing it out, why not just let gravity to do all the work. However, the amount of essence I managed to get out was anti-climatic.

Milky essence

This was all that was left. I’m not sure to rejoice or mourn. On one hand this meant that 99% of the essence is in the sheet mask. On the other hand, the rest of my body is not getting any love today.

The essence had a milky consistency and gave off a subtle floral fragrance. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that it had a pink tinge which was also translated to the sheet mask.

During masking

Despite holding 60ml of essence, the mask was not drippy at all.

Told ya it was a humongous piece. As if it was huge enough already, the sheet also came with pull tabs on the side of the forehead and cheek to allow users to stretch out the mask. However, in doing so, essence oozed out of tabs that I was gripping on which made a little mess. On the plus side, this means that it will fit almost all face shapes and sizes! So needless to say, the fit was amazing for me!

Normally, a sheet mask that extends down to the neck covers till the area where the voice box is. The amount of neck area that this mask covered extends just above my collar bone! This had to be the longest mask I’ve ever tried. I love it when sheet masks take care of the neck area since I tend to neglect it.

Adherence was amazing as well. My face felt like it was hugged by a well-endowed and welcoming grandma. Warm and soft.

I know the recommended wait time is 20 mins, but I wanted to see how long I could wear this mask before it started drying out. I did not get an answer but I know for sure that it stayed damp throughout an entire hour of masking. The video below showed the reason why.

 

 

Are your jaws dropping yet? Yup, that’s an entire palm full of essence. Actually more because it was dripping all over the place. I guess my body is getting some love after all.

After masking: Hour 1

There was so much essence left on my skin despite continuous massaging and patting for close to 15 mins. Finish was dewy and tacky. Again, curiosity strikes so I decided to document how long it will take for it to dry down completely.

 

 

After masking: Hour 1

After masking: Hour 2

After masking: Hour 3

The answer is again, unknown. These pictures were each taken an hour apart. I’ve been observing for 3 hours and the only difference was the change in the feel of the finish. Tackiness had been replaced with greasiness. It still looked very dewy. Finally, I could bear the grease (and hair sticking to my face) no longer and wiped away the excess with a toner-soaked cotton pad. Rinsing off is also a viable solution.

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

 

Before masking

After masking: Hour 3

Aside from the stifling finish, the results were nothing short of amazing. This checked off all the things I look for in a sheet mask.

✓Extreme hydration ✓Redness reduction ✓Plumping ✓Softening ✓Pore-blurring ✓Radiance ✓Brightening ✓Even-toned skin ✓Fine lines reduction

I also noticed a huge reduction in the fine, and not so fine lines, on my neck. This goes to show how neglected that area is. Oddly, I did not notice any lifting or tightening effects. My laugh lines and the positioning of my cheek apple still looked the same. Perhaps this effect will surface will more frequent use of this exact mask.

However, there exists masks that do not require this much resources (packaging, essence, material), time, and effort to achieve the same effects. I’m glad I tried this mask for the novelty-factor. Check out more Neogen reviews here.

$9.95 on Amazon.
$6 at Soko Glam. | Receive 20% off your first order of $25+ with my referral link.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

 

Review: So Natural Centella Facial Thin Mask ★★★★.☆

So Natural Centella Facial Thin Mask is an ultra thin skin-calming mask that quickly calms inflamed, aggravated, sensitive skin to maintain skin softness. It also has a dual function, whitening and improving wrinkles.

Key ingredients:

• Niacinamide
• Centella Asiatica extract
• Spirulina
• Ceramide
• Hyaluronic acid
• Oatmeal extract
• Adenosine

The ingredients list looks pretty good and I have high hopes for this mask!

$19.44 for a 6-pack on Amazon.
$3.60 a piece on So Natural.

Active ingredient:
Niacinamide 2%

Inactive ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Isopentyldiol, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Carbomer, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Arginine, Glyceryl Caprylate, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octyldodecanol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Avena Sativa (Oat) Protein Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, SpiruLina Maxima Extract, Pantolactone, Ceramide NP, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate

Before masking

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

Material

The mask material felt super soft and thin, just like silk. It is made of lyocell fibers and is only 0.2mm thick. I’m glad it came with a perforated plastic backing or the unfolding and application process is going to be challenging. I did make a tear while unfolding the mask, you can see it around the nose area in my picture below.

There was a light perfumey fragrance and the clear essence had a watery-gel consistency.

During masking

Fit was great thanks to how soft the material was, it was really easy to manipulate it to fit my features. The sheet was generally large enough to cover my entire face but the material on my nose was insufficient.

Adherence was great, again, thanks to the softness of the material. It clung on for its dear life for the entire 35 mins.

Even though there was only 23 ml of essence, there was still enough in the packet to re-hydrate the mask halfway through. This prevented the mask from drying out too quickly.

After masking

This picture did not do the results justice because my skin looked less red in real life. After patting in the remaining essence, my skin had a dewy and tacky finish. Just the way I like it for winter nights. My skin felt hydrated and bouncy with a bright and healthy glow.

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

Before masking

After masking

This is a great mask for dry and irritated skin. I loved wearing such a thin mask for I didn’t feel like there was anything on my face! Check out more So Natural reviews here.

$19.44 for a 6-pack on Amazon.
$3.60 a piece on So Natural.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Make P:rem Firming Layering Double Mask ★★★★☆

Make P:rem Firming Layering Double Mask combines two mask-sheet technologies for unparalleled, ‘double’ results- lush, plumped skin that’s noticeably lifted and firmed. It makes use of the layering concept behind Kbeauty to deliver 2 unique essences into the skin.

Aside from the usual water, glycerin, and methylpropanediol, these masks also contain lots of natural extracts like:

Step 1: Firming Mask

• Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
• Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Extract
• Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract
• Arctostaphylos Uca Ursi Leaf Extract
• Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
• Royal Jelly Extract, Honey Extract

Step 2: Moisture Mask

• Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
• Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
• Coptis Japonica Root Extract
• Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
• Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract

They are free of parabens, sodium lauryl & laureth sulfates, and synthetic dyes. I’ve never tried or even heard of a multi-step mask that operates on this dual-layer treatment, so I’m super intrigued and excited to try it out!

$7 at Glowrecipe | Receive 15% off your first order with my referral link.

Step 1 Firming Mask:
Water, Glycerin, Dipropulene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, PVM/MA copolymer, Trehalose, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Adenosine, Panthenol, Carbomer, Arginine, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaloronate, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Polyglycerul-10 Oleate, Phytosterols, Alcohol, Sodium scorbyl Phosphate, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric acid, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Arctostaphylos Uca Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Honey Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Fragrance

Step 2 Moisture Mask:
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Adenosine, Hydrocyethylcellulose, Hydrocyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan gum, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Phytosterols, Alcohol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric acid, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Glacier Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Cyclopentasilocane, Cyclohecasilocane, PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance

Before masking

My skin is feeling slightly dry and slightly congested today. I’m sporting some deep set whiteheads along my chin and on the right side of my mouth. I’ve cleansed, toned, and exfoliated my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Material of first layer, firming mask

The first mask is a firming mask, laden with ingredients to tighten and lift the skin. Out of the packet, I caught a light floral fragrance. The mask sheet material felt super soft and thin, and almost silk-like. I was surprised that it doesn’t come with a backing because a sheet mask of this material is usually a challenge to unfold and apply. It was also loaded with a clear watery-gel essence, which got somewhat drippy during application.

with first layer on

Fit and adherence were great! It was really easy to manipulate the sheet mask to fit my face, thanks to the softness of the material. It was also clinging on really well.

Material of second layer, moisture mask

Next, this second mask is a moisture mask laden with ingredients to hydrate and plump the skin. Out of the packet, I caught the same light floral fragrance as the first mask. Essence was also a clear watery-gel. Unlike the first mask, the material of this mask is slightly thicker, but still super soft and cottony. The slightly firmer material made this easier to unfold and apply despite the lack of a backing. It had a pretty DNA pattern embossed all over it. It also came with double ear hooks and was long enough to cover the neck.

with second layer on

This second mask is supposed to go over the first mask. To prevent moving the first mask which I’ve so painstakingly adjusted for fit, I carefully aimed the holes this second mask over my features to make sure that it required as little adjustment as possible. Then I hooked the side loops over my ears, folded the oblong material under my chin, then hook the bottom loops over my ears.

 

Neck flap

Ear hooks

Needless to say, fit and adherence were amazing. BUT, as I hooked the loops over my ears, I noticed the material stretching sideways and forming a humongous tent over my nose, causing the material to the sides of my nose to ‘float’. As I didn’t want those particular areas to not receive nourishment from the sheet mask, I held it down the sides throughout the 30 mins of wear.

It was recommended to have this on for 20 mins, but the mask was still super damp so I waited another 10 mins. Even then, the mask was still loaded with essence and feeling very damp but the ear hooks were starting to feel uncomfortable so I had to take it off. To prevent wastage, I squeeze the precious essence from the sheet after I took it off, and slathered it all over my body.

First layer, firming mask

Second layer, moisture mask

After masking

There was so much essence left on my skin to pat in. I did take about 5-10 mins to slowly pat and massage everything. After which it dried down to a dewy and tacky finish at first, but became silky and smooth after 2 mins.

The effects were amazing! This is everything I ask for in a sheet mask! Great hydration, brightening, plumping, pore minimization, and calming. My skin had a smooth translucent glow and I couldn’t stop admiring it! Not moisturizer required and I found myself misting less. However, my redness still return halfway through the day.

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

Before masking

After masking

Aside from the hassle of having to put on 2 masks, having to hold on the material on the sides of my nose, and the discomfort from the ear hooks, I’m still majorly impressed with the results. I need to hunt down the soothing and brightening variants and put them to the test!

$7 at Glowrecipe | Receive 15% off your first order with my referral link.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Double Dare 2-in-1 Kit Detox Bubbling Microfiber Mask ★★★☆☆

Double Dare 2-in-1 Kit Detox Bubbling Microfiber Mask is an effective deep cleansing skin care system that begins with the essential cleansing.

$6 at Double Dare.

Before masking

My skin is feeling dry and slightly congested today. I’m sporting some deep set whiteheads along my chin and on the right side of my mouth. I’ve cleansed my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Material of step 1 bubbling mask

Step 1: Detox Bubbling Mask aims to cleanse and detoxify the skin with natural ingredients. With small carbonated bubbles, it stimulates and cleanses skin by removing all traces of oil, sebum, and dead skin.

Out of the packet, I caught a strong floral fragrance. I was surprised to find a sheet mask instead of a gel. This makes the application very convenient! The mask sheet material felt very soft and plush. It did not come with a backing. It was drenched in gel essence, which began to show tiny bubbles while I was unfolding it. The essence felt very soapy and slippery.

After 1 min of step 2 bubbling mask

After 2 mins of step 2 bubbling mask

After 3 mins of step 2 bubbling mask

Fit was great! I wish the eye holes were larger because I don’t think the delicate skin around my eyes requires detoxing. Adherence was great too as long as I stayed still!

There were no bubbling sounds nor tingling sensation whilst I had this on. I was expecting a full face of foam (aka cloud face) after the stipulated wait time of 3 mins. However, I was disappointed to see only a meager amount of bubbles despite giving it a gentle rub.

Amount of bubbles on 1 cheek after 3 mins

This was how much bubbles I collected by swiping one side of my cheek.

Removed bubbling mask

I decided not to wait anymore for fear of irritating my skin. I do have sensitive skin after all. There were lots of soapy gel essence left on my skin.

Shape of step 1 bubbling mask

Step 1:  Detox Bubbling Mask
Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dipropylene Glycol, Disiloxane, Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether, Water, Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Hexylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragranceradian

After rinsing

It took alot of rinsing and splashing to get the soapy essence completely off. My skin felt squeaky clean but also tight and dry after drying off. At this point i noticed my pores looking cleaner and smaller, especially the large pores on my nose. Skin tone also looked a shade lighter.

Material of step 2 microfiber mask

Step 2: This microfiber mask aims to feed the skin with various nutrients, hydrolyzed collagen, and plant-based stem cells to give skin a healthier, younger looking glow.

Out of the packet, I caught a different strong floral fragrance. The microfiber sheets felt thin, soft, and smooth. It was drenched in clear gel essence and did not come with a backing.

While masking

Fit was great! It was a big enough sheet to cover my entire face and the holes were perfectly lined up with my features as well. As with all microfiber masks, adherence was amazing.

I took the mask off after 30 mins, it was still damp.

Shape of step 2 microfiber mask

Step 2: Microfiber Mask
Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trehalose, Betaine, Allantoin, Carbomer, Tromethamine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Fragrance

After masking

After patting in the remaining essence, the finish was dewy and felt tacky. This did not last long though, the tackiness went away in about 15 mins but my skin looked gave off a dewy glow. Hydration was above average, I suspect this was due to me applying the mask straight to my clean face, skipping my usual toner step. My skin felt plump and looked smooth. My pores looked the same as after step 1, clean and small. However, I did not notice any calming effect. Also, my dehydrated skin type requires a moisturizer for additional hydration and to seal everything in.

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

Before masking

After masking

I think this is a nifty set for travelling, but the strong fragrances from both steps eventually gave me a headache. Aside from hydration, the other effects were meh. Though I think this would work better on oily skin types. This is still a pretty good mask since its gentle and uses natural ingredients. Check out more Double Dare reviews here.

$6 at Double Dare.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Saturday Skin Spotlight Brightening Mask ★★★★.☆

Front

Back

Saturday Skin Spotlight Brightening Mask contains a high content of saccharomyces ferment and antioxidants for luminous and brighter skin. Bilberry, licorice, and lotus extracts help diminish the appearance of dark spots to uncover natural radiance, leaving skin refreshed and glowing. It is formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

The key to Saturday Skin is the Cha-7 es Complex, an exclusive peptide formula that supports skin’s natural regeneration process. Rooted in science and derived from natural ingredients, the cutting-edge complex supports natural collagen and the appearance of elasticity while reducing the appearance of melanin for a flawless, stress-free complexion.

Key ingredients:

• Saccharomyces Ferment – nourishes
• Bilberry Extract – helps to prevent free radical damage and has soothing benefits
• Aloe Leaf Extract – soothes and moisturizes skin while helping reduce the appearance of blemishes
• Cha-7 es complex – An exclusive peptide formula that supports skin’s natural regeneration process

$6 at Peach & Lily | Receive $10 off your first purchase of $50+ with my referral link.
$54.97 for a 5-pack on Amazon.

Saccharomyces Ferment, Water, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alcohol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-8, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-45, sh-Polypeptide-22, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, PEG-800, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin

Before masking

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

Essence

Out of the packet, I caught a light citrusy fragrance. The packet contains an abundance of gel essence, which was very surprising to me. The label stated that the amount of essence is at a regular amount of 25 ml. I applied the extra essence to my face and the rest of my body prior to masking.

Material

The mask sheet was made of biocellulose material and came sandwiched between 2 netted backings. It felt thinner than Leaders’ 7 Wonders Coconut Gel masks.

Apparently, this mask is made with a soft and cooling biocellulose sheet that is meant to conform to the contours of the face comfortably, allowing optimal absorption.

During masking

To apply biocellulose masks, I normally peel off 1 backing, place it on my skin, then peel off the other. This method holds the shape of the super flimsy mask and prevents it from curling up and sticking onto itself, which can be a bitch to unravel.

Fit was alright. I found the nose hole too small, causing a small nose tent to form. The mouth hole was also a little too low for my liking. It was constantly covering my upper lip. The overall size of the sheet mask was also on the small side, it was covering the inner perimeter of my face. Wider faces will not be able to get a full coverage.

As with all biocellulose masks, adherence was great! It stayed put throughout, without introducing air bubbles under the mask.

I took the mask off after 30 mins, it was still damp.

After masking

The remaining essence absorbed with ease. Finish looked matte and did not feel tacky. The first thing I noticed was how bright my skin looked. My skin tone seemed to have became a shade lighter. My skin felt and looked very smooth. Pores were also smaller in size. Most biocellulose masks tend to improve my skin texture. There was a slight calming effect, the redness in my cheeks seemed less. Hydration was just average. Since it was the winter, I slathered on a hydrating serum and a thicker cream to seal everything in.

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

Before masking

After masking

I’m impressed with this mask! The only small downside is the insufficient hydration but it can be easily resolved with a moisturizer. On the other hand, this is perfect on oily skin types and hot weather.

$6 at Peach & Lily | Receive $10 off your first purchase of $50+ with my referral link.
$54.97 for a 5-pack on Amazon.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine