Review: Leegeehaam Grow Matcha Clay Pack Mask ★★★★.☆

Leegeehaam Grow Matcha Clay Pack Mask is a wash-off pack with antioxidant-rich  matcha as its main ingredient. It claims to purify, brighten, and revitalize skin, while providing deep pore cleanse and pore tightening afterwards.

Matcha, finely grounded green tea, is highly known for it powerful antioxidation function. With 35,000ppm premium Matcha from Jeju Island, it contains a large amount of polyphenol and catechin, the main ingredients for antioxidation. Matcha also has the ability to purifies and detoxifies the skin, making it the ideal ingredient for acne-prone skin.

In clay, kaolin, bentonite, montmorillonite, and illite aid in the removal of dead skin cells and sebum in pores resulting in a clearer complexion. It also has the ability to reduce the appearance of large pores.

This clay mask also contains bergamot fruit oil, lavender oil, rosemary leaf oil, juniper oil, and peppermint oil. These oils have the ability to soothe and calm irritated skin that has no known allergies to essential oils.

This product is free of parabens, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, and mineral oils.

$20 on Amazon.
$20 at Glowrecipe | Receive 15% off your first order with my referral link.

Water, Kaolin (100,000ppm), Dipropylene Glycol, Bentonite (90,000ppm), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract(35,000ppm), Betaine, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Montmorillonite (11,000ppm), 1,2-Hexanediol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Illite (9,000ppm), Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Chromium Oxide Greens, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin

Directions:
Apply a thick layer to a cleansed face, avoiding eye and lip areas.
Leave on for about 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
* For sensitive skin type, apply 1-2 times a week.
* For combination to ormal skin, apply 2-3 times a week.

110 g of olive green clay mask came in a plastic squat jar with a screw-on cap. It also came with an inner lid to preserve the freshness of the product and prevent it from hardening. I love the simple and clean design of the white jar. A spatula was also included in the box for hygiene purposes.

Opening removing both lids, I was greeted by a refreshing lime scent. It was surprising to me as I was expecting more of a green tea matcha scent.

The clay mask is finely milled and creamy smooth. It not as soft as butter, the thicker paste felt more like Nutella. Nevertheless, spread easily and glided smoothly along my skin without dragging.

 

Before masking

My skin is feeling dehydrated and slightly sensitive. I’m also experiencing pore congestion issues along my jawline and outer cheeks. I’ve cleansed and lightly toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

During masking

This was not one of those a-little-goes-a-long-way type masks. However, it does not mean that an entire jar of product is only enough for a single use. Here, I used a moderate amount to get this even and opaque layer.

Most clay masks tend to be a little harsh on my sensitive skin, resulting in a tingly sensation especially around my mouth. This mask, however, did not give me any sensitivities at all. Instead, there was a cooling sensation upon smearing this on my skin, giving my skin much-needed relief.

After 10 mins of masking, there was a dry and tight sensation. I do not recommend waiting longer than 10 mins, which to me, is a plus point since this meant saving time.

After masking

The clay mask emulsified upon contact with water, giving way to a slippery soapy feel. It was relatively easy to completely rinse this mask off. However, my skin started to tighten immediately upon drying off. Oily skin types might be able to get away without a moisturizer, but combo and dry skin types will need to follow up with a sheet mask or a hydrating routine.

My skin felt soft and smooth while looking radiant and even-toned. Pores also looked cleaner and smaller. On days when I used this, my skin felt less oily.

Despite having sensitive skin, I did not see any additional redness after the masking session. Instead, my skin looked less red and felt less irritated.

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

Before masking

After masking

This is another stellar product from the brand! I highly recommend all skin types to try this out. It is affordable yet gentle and effective. The only qualm I have is the dryness afterwards, but it’s nothing a sheet mask or moisturizer can’t resolve. Check out more LJH reviews here.

$20 on Amazon.
$20 at Glowrecipe | Receive 15% off your first order with my referral link.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

 

Review: JJ Young by Caolion Lab Pore Cool Mask ★★★★☆

JJ Young by Caolion Lab Pore Cool Mask is a wash-off clay mask that aims to rejuvenate skin and tighten pores. This mask combines oil-absorbing bentonite, purifying charcoal, volcanic ash and cleansing kaolin with moisturizing grape seed oil and cooling menthol to help strengthen, calm and firm skin while controlling sebum and eliminating impurities – all while providing a refreshing, cooling effect.

CosDNA analysis looks good with all ingredients scoring 2 or less on the safety scale and only the 2nd last ingredient, butylene glycol, scoring a 1 on the acne scale.

The size of our pores is largely based on genetics and cannot be changed. But we can take measures to can prevent them from enlarging by keeping it clear from dirt and oil.

$11.19 at CVS.
$13.99 at Peach & Lily. | Receive $10 off your first purchase of $50+ with my referral link.

Water, Glycerin, Kaolin, Bentonite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isoamyl Laurate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Charcoal Powder, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Extract, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Volcanic Ash, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Menthol, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate

Directions:
Apply enough amount (3g) evenly to face. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse clean with lukewarm water. For use on entire face or targeted areas. Contains micro grains. Avoid contact with eye area.

50 g of product came in a plastic squat jar with a screw-on cap. Simple and basic packaging designs like this gives me the impression that I’m paying for the actual product inside, which is awesome.

The jar came factory sealed for hygiene and safety purposes. After removing this seal, there no longer exists any protection between the outer lid and the product. For situations like this, I wish the company would externally include an inner lid or something so we can keep the product fresh for the entire 6 months.

A uniquely shaped spatula was included in the box. It took me a hot minute to figure out which side is meant to scoop the product. But I figured it works both ways because they have the same shape, just that one side is a larger scoop than the other. So it depends on the amount the prefer to scoop out at one go.

I was amazed by how creamy and smooth the clay mask was. It’s more like a face cream than a clay mask. Also, it was giving off a mild peppermint scent.

Thanks to how creamy smooth the clay mask was, it glided onto my skin without dragging. I managed to get an opaque coverage easily and quickly.

Before masking

My skin is feeling a very dry today. I’m also sporting congested pores and a red spot where a pimple is brewing underneath I’ve cleansed, exfoliated, and toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

During masking

I scooped a huge dollop of clay mask onto the back of my hand and replaced the outer lid immediately. With my fingers, I was able to spread a thin, even, yet opaque layer onto my skin within seconds. Right away, I felt a minty cool sensation on my skin. It was nice and enjoyable at first but after 5 mins, the sensation intensified and I felt that it was a little too strong for my liking. I decided to power on till the end anyway. After 20 mins, the minty cool sensation was still going strong but I got used to it. The clay mask had completely dried up and turned colorless. My skin felt slightly tight, which made me decide on a shorter wait time the next time I use this mask.

After masking

The clay mask did not emulsify easily upon contact with water. After some massaging, it turned into a cream cleanser type of consistency. It had a lot of slip so it took quite a number of splashes to rinse off completely.

My skin started to feel tight and stretchy the moment I toweled off, as with most of the clay masks I’ve tried. The minty sensation was still going strong, but it has turned into a cool feeling rather than a spicy feeling. I was expecting my skin to look even redder than before due to this, must I was surprised that my redness has toned down instead. My skin texture felt very smooth to the touch, pores looked smaller and cleaner.

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

Before masking

After masking

I think this is a budget-friendly clay mask that’s suitable for acne-prone skin types with constant inflammations. My prone-ness to acne is pretty mild so I’m looking forward to caring for my pores with this product when the hotter days arrive.

$11.19 at CVS.
$13.99 at Peach & Lily. | Receive $10 off your first purchase of $50+ with my referral link.

If you’ve read to the end of this blog post, you deserve a GIVEAWAY! Just follow the instructions and submit your entry here for a chance to win this clay mask! Good luck!
Product sponsored by JJ Young. Giveaway ends 4/21 at 11:59pm PST. One winner will be announced here and on my Instagram @maskepedia. Open to US residents only.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

 

Review: Mamonde Petal Purifying Bubble Mask ★★★★☆

 

Mamonde’s Petal Purifying Bubble Mask is a chiffon-textured, wash-off face clay mask that transforms into a bubble mask. It claims to be able to give skin a rose-kissed glow in just 60 seconds! Formulated with real rose petals, this mask moisturizes while helping to improve skin that’s been exhausted from environmental factors. Rose is known for its hydrating and soothing properties and exquisite scent.

About the brand:
Through years of loving research, Mamonde has discovered and captured the vital secrets of flowers. Precious ingredients are extracted using a proprietary low-temperature, ultra-high-pressure technology to maximize their many benefits.

$25.59 on Amazon. | $25 at Ulta.

Water/Aqua /Eau, Kaolin, Glycerin, Bentonite, Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether, Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether, Propanediol, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Alcohol, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rosa Gallica Flower Powder, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Fragrance/Parfum, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lauric Acid, Methylpropanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract

Instructions:
After cleansing and prepping, apply a thick layer of mask over face, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Cushiony micro-bubbles will start to form. Leave on 1-2 minutes. To remove, massage and rinse with lukewarm water. After use, close the inner cap tightly to prevent contact with air. Store with outer cap closed. The amount of bubbles may vary according to storage conditions, amount of use, environment and skin temperature but the mask isequally effective.

100 g of product came in a pretty pink plastic jar with a screw-on cap. Along with it also came a spatula and an inner lid.

Upon opening the jar, I was greeted with a foil seal. Since the product reacts quickly to air, it makes sense to factory-seal it until the consumer decides to use it. The inner lid is provided to give the highly reactive product in the jar extra protection from the outside air once the seal is broken. I think it’s very thoughtful of the company to actually think about properly storing the product.

The clay mask gave off a pleasant rose fragrance which reminded me of the rose toner from the same brand. Some people might find this too strong for their liking. Sporting a pretty pink color, the mask has a creamy and buttery texture, which does not require any effort to scoop.

Thanks to its creamy nature, it’s really easy to spread on the skin as well. I’m guessing the darker colored specks are the rose petals. The specks are so fine that I did not feel any texture from it at all.

The clay mask started to bubble immediately upon application to my skin. I did not have time to take a picture of it without bubbles. The surface of the product in the jar had also started to bubble. I had to quickly replace the inner lid and screw on the out lid really tight to prevent it from bubbling some more.

Before masking

My skin is feeling a tad dry today, not too bad. I’m also sporting some fresh white heads on my cheeks and sides of my mouth. I’ve cleansed and lightly toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

During masking

To avoid letting the clay mask be exposed to air, I scooped an approximate amount of it onto the back of my hand and replace the lids immediately. I then applied the mask onto my face with my fingers. To get this amount of coverage, I used quite a lot of product. About one fifth of the container is gone.

Even before I could finish applying the mask to my entire face, the mask had started bubbling. I could hear it crackling and was reminded of Pop Rocks candy. There was no tickling sensation nor sensitivities. This was such a relief because I’ve encountered bubbling masks in the past that were so potent it irritated my skin badly.

After a couple of minutes, it was still making crackling noises. I was supposed to rinse it off at this point but for experiment’s sake, I decided to keep it on for another 5 mins. To my dismay, things started to fall off from my face and onto my shirt! Upon closer inspection, they were actually chunks of dried up foam! I ran to the bathroom with my hands forming a basin under my face to prevent getting crumbs all over the place.

After masking

When the mask touched water, it started to emulsify and turn into a slippery white lotion, like a cross between a foamy and cream cleanser. It took quite a number of splashes and massaging to get the completely rinse the mask off.

Immediately, my skin felt squeaky clean and smooth to the touch. It started to get dry and stretchy, I had to quickly follow up with a hydrating toner and moisturizer. I also noticed my pores looking smaller and cleaner. The white heads had surfaced and were tempting me to pick at them. There was also an increased radiance to my skin, it did not seem as dull as before.

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

Before masking

After masking

The idea of a one minute mask is definitely tempting. I was skeptical as to whether I’ll see any results from masking for a mere minute. But I was surprised and pretty impressed with this product. This is definitely not a hydrating mask as claimed, more of a pore care product which I think oily skin types and people with busy schedules will really benefit from daily use. This product is gentle enough for non-oily skin types, even sensitive skin, to use twice a week. Check out more Mamonde reviews here.

$25.59 on Amazon. | $25 at Ulta.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Asarai Earth Tones Australian Red Clay Mask ★★★★☆

Asarai Earth Tones Australian Red Clay Mask is a rich, buttery wash-off mask that contains Australian Red Clay from the Outback. This mask delivers natural anti-oxidants and vital nutrients to detoxify and brighten for a healthy glow and satin-soft skin.

This brought back a rush of memories as I went to college in Australia. One time, a sand storm passed through Sydney during the night and I woke up thinking I was abducted by aliens. There was a cloud of red dust everywhere, the scene looked liked horrifically like Armageddon or something.

Back to the product. It is:

• organic
• fragrance-free
• not tested on animal
• non-GMO
• vegan

You know, all the good stuff.

Key Ingredients

• Australian Red Clay – Instantly revives and detoxifies impurities.
• Australian White Kaolin Clay – A soft clay that increases localized circulation to fight inflammation.
• Kakadu Plum – The most potent plant based form of vitamin C to firm, smooth and brighten.
• Rainforest Lime Fruit Extract – A natural exfoliant and high in anti-oxidants.
• Sunflower Seed Oil – Rich source of fatty acid to replenish and sooth skin.
• Aloe Vera Juice – A powerful anti-oxidant which seriously soothes.

Asarai’s packaging is on-point. The product came in a branded bubble zip lock bag, inside a sunny yellow box. It was such a joy to receive and unbox such a cheerful-looking package. I could always reuse the yellow box to send a friendmail and the bubble zip lock bag is perfect for holding travel-sized skincare products. The sunny yellow tube makes for an aesthetic #shelfie and really stands out among my other skincare products.

$28.95 on Asarai.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, White Australian Kaolin Clay, Red Australian Clay, Glycerin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Castor (Ricinus Communis) Seed Oil, Natural Betaine, Cetearyl Olivate, Potassium Palmitoyl, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Microcitrus Australis (Rainforest Lime ) Fruit Extract, Microcitrus Australasica (Caviar Lime ) Fruit Extract, Citrus Glauca Fruit (Desert Lime) Extract, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid

75ml / 2.5oz of product came in a yellow aluminum tube with a screw-on cap. Kinda like toothpaste or artists’ paint tubes. I personally loathe this packaging to the core because it’s hard to get the product out halfway through; it’s dents easily and gets ugly; squeezing it hurts my delicate hands. But the company has thoughtfully included a turn key with the product, resolving 2 out of 3 issues I stated above.

One thing that concerns me is the lack of expiry date. In that case I will go by the rule of thumb to use up a product within 12 months once it is opened. I also couldn’t, for the life of me, find the usage instructions anywhere. So I assumed it’s an application of a thin even layer with a wait time of 10 mins, like most clay masks.

The turn key is in the same sunny yellow shade and came in this card that required multiple unfoldings to get to it. What a cute idea!

It’s about 75% of the size of the tube, which means I don’t have to struggle with not having sufficient material to grab onto while I turn. I love nifty things like that! Now I’m able to squeeze from the bottom and get every last drop of clay mask!

Upon opening the cap, I was please to see that the opening of the tube is sealed. This seal is broke by puncturing it with the sharp point on the top of the cap.

The red clay mask comes oozing out with a slight squeeze of the tube. The brick color reminds me of Uluru, or Ayers Rock in Northern Territory Australia. That region exemplifies the Outback, which is where the red clay was sourced.

As pretty as it looks, I did not enjoy the scent at all. Such is true for most products without added fragrance. This clay mask smells earthy, slightly greasy, and a tiny bit chocolate-y. I’d take this any day over having fragrance in my skincare products.

The clay mask is creamy smooth and glides across the skin very easily without dragging. The red clay is so finely-milled, I did not detect any grainy texture between my fingers.

Before masking

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

During masking

It was really easy to get a thin and even layer with just a small dollop of product. I applied it with my fingers, a mask brush is optional. A little goes a long way. If you look closely, you might find out to which parts of my face did I apply the clay mask first (answer: cheeks). The mask dried down pretty easily so you gotta work fast. Nevertheless, I did not experience any harsh tightening effect nor sensitivities after 10 mins. Granted, I did mist twice during the wait time to prevent it from drying out my skin. I do this with all clay masks.

After masking

Upon contact with water, the mask started emulsifying. I was able to rinse the mask off really quickly and easily without the aid of my handy dandy silicone cleansing pad. However, I noticed my sink, counter, and shirt sporting a latte-colored stain. I was able to remove it from the sink and counter easily. But I’m afraid my t-shirt is ruined. It’s a good thing I have a habit of wearing the nastiest rags whenever I mask.

My skin felt clean yet deeply hydrated. There was no dryness nor tightening sensation within 10 mins after toweling off. This was a record since I’m used to an immediate shriveling effect after cleansing. My skin also felt supple, smooth, and soft. Pores were looking cleaner and smaller.

Visually, there wasn’t much of a difference. My skin still looks slightly red with no obvious increase in radiance. However, my skin felt great and ready to take on the day.

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

Before masking

After masking

Asarai’s brand is built on the belief that nature has all the answers when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. It was founded by a naturopath afterall. To achieve such results from an all-natural product is mighty impressive. I feel safe using it often on my sensitive skin. And since a little product goes a long way, I estimate I could get 30-40 uses out of this tube, making it very cost-effective.

$28.95 on Asarai.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Nyakio African Black Soap Purifying Mud Mask ★★★.☆

Nyakio African Black Soap Purifying Mud Mask draws out dirt, impurities and toxins for soft, smooth, clarified skin. Infused with African black soap, rich in vitamins A and E, this gentle mask helps re-texturize and detoxify skin. Ideal for all skin types including oily and distressed skin.

Key Benefits:

• Non-stripping, purifying and detoxifying mask
• Creamy formula softens as it retexturizes skin with Jojoba beads
• Great for all skin types – even oily or distressed skin
• Rich in purifying African Black Soap from Ghana
• 100% Vegan
• Cruelty-free

Formulated without sulfates, phthalates, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde, butylene glycol. However, I am concerned about the presence of Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Shea Butterate, and Sodium Cocoate. These are cleansing agents and could be drying and sensitizing for some people.

Global beauty secrets. Cultural traditions. Indigenous ingredients. Africa’s best kept beauty secret for clarifying skin is found in a recipe for black soap. Growing up, Nyakio’s (pronounced neh-kay-oh) aunt would bring back African black soap fresh from her journey to Ghana. African black soap is hand made by using local resources and centuries-old methods. Nyakio’s African Black Soap is sourced through a Ghanaian cooperative that partners with over 5,000 women to preserve local commerce and traditions.

$35 at Ulta.

Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin (Vegetable), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*+, Glyceryl Caprylate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Shea Butterate, Sodium Cocoate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Pod Ash, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Sodium Benzoate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend).

*Certified organic ingredient
+Fair Trade ingredient

Honestly, the packaging looks really normal to me at first. But the process of opening the box was such a pleasant experience!

Lift up the flap and be greeted with an inner flap that bears the message:

Global Beauty Secrets
Cultural Traditions
Indigenous Ingredients

Lift up the inner flap and you’ll see a twist flap that says:

NEH-KAY-OH/: Hardworking woman in the sunshine

How uplifting is that! As if that wasn’t enough, untwist the flaps, and remove the jar of product to reveal a pretty informational brochure! Including a picture of the founder, Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, gives a nice personal touch. I really liked what she said:

As a young girl, I spent a lot of time in Africa with my family of medicine men, farmers and educators. My favorite memory is of my grandmother teaching my mother and me to crush coffee beans and rub them on our skin using a piece of sugarcane to remove dry skin. I discovered that memories like these are shared by women around the world. Cultivated global beauty secrets and traditions are brought to you through friends, family and travel for naturally ageless beauty.

4.5 oz / 128 g of product came in a sturdy plastic jar with a screw on lid. Underneath the lid is a thin plastic cover to keep the product fresh by reducing its contact with air as much as possible. A spatula did not come with it but as a skincare junkie, I have plenty of those lying around so no issue there.

One thing that concerns me is the lack of expiry date. In that case I will go by the rule of thumb to use up a product within 12 months once it is opened.

Before masking

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

Upon opening the inner lid, I was greeted with a strong almond fragrance. It was a pleasant spa-like scent but I would have liked it better if it wasn’t so strong.

Gray with black beads in it, this mud mask is thick and has a “wet sand” consistency.

It’s not buttery smooth and my spatula did not flop over when I stuck it in the jar.

Spreading it on the skin, I could feel a grainy texture.

Majority of the grainy-ness seem to be coming from the black beads.

Instructions:

Apply a thin, even layer to cleansed skin. Leave it on for up to 10 minutes, then massage gently to exfoliate. Rinse well. Use one or twice per week.

During masking

The product proved to be a little challenging to spread on the skin. It wasn’t buttery smooth so I had to press it down and drag to get a thin and even layer. I did apply a little more on areas where I tend to get greasy, which is my nose and chin. A little goes a long way so this 4.5 oz jar is plenty.

Immediately, I felt a tingling sensation around my mouth, which is the more sensitive part of my face. The sensation went away after 5 minutes. After close to 10 minutes, the mask had hardened and my skin felt tight. I was ready to rinse!

To avoid dragging or rubbing my skin too much, I splashed my face with water a few times to soften the mask and flush some of the coarser beads off. Then very gently, I went in circular motions to give my skin a physical exfoliation. This will emulsify the mask some more which made it easier to flush off with splashes. I also noticed my skin feeling squeaky clean towards the end. The rinsing process wasn’t as easy as I’d thought even though most of my face was covered in a really thin layer of mask. I might just avoid applying more mask on the greasier areas the next time I use this.

After masking

After toweling off, I was surprised to not find my skin shriveling up right away. It normally does that after regular cleansing. Instead, my skin felt soft and smooth. Pores looked smaller and also cleaner. My strawberry nose looked like a regular nose now. I was also surprised to see minimal redness on my skin despite the tingling sensation and coarse exfoliation from earlier. My skin was also giving off a subtle glow.

I followed up with a hydrating routine to return water back into my skin.

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

Before masking

After masking

I am blown away by this product. Despite claiming to be meant for oily skin types, my combination sensitive skin really enjoyed this. The results were amazing but if the scent could be toned down and the texture slightly finer, I would totally list this as my HG product. Check out more Nyakio reviews here.

$35 at Ulta.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

 

Review: Doll Face Little Black Mask Super Purifying & Clearing Mask ★★★★☆

 

Doll Face Little Black Mask Super Purifying & Clearing Mask sounds like a mouth-full but it is actually a multi-tasking mask that targeted at problem skin. This wash-off mask helps combat common skin issues like large pores, blemishes, dull skin, and uneven skin tone. Skin will feel super purified, clean and refreshed with a smooth and moisturized finish.

Key ingredients:

• Charcoal powder – a purifying ingredient that helps deeply extract sebum, oils and toxins from pores
• Licorice Extract – helps relieve the visible appearance of problematic skin
• Black Cohosh – an anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredient

A combination of soft texture and powerful ingredients it helps the skin to restore its balance and natural glow.

Doll Face is a brand that is committed to making skin care a positive and empowering experience that reflects beauty and glamour, not medicine and problems. Each product combines the very best of science and nature with super-effective blends of power-packed active ingredients and do not contain any suspected harmful ingredients. They utilize Fair Trade ingredients wherever possible, employ recyclable materials in the luxe packaging and test the products on starlets, never on animals. They also know that women desire to feel pretty; and their mood-boosting packaging reflects their glamorous inspiration and beautiful Doll Face skin!

$25 at Nature:21.

Water (Aqua), Kaolin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Butylene Glycol, (CI 77499) Iron Oxide, Xanthan Gum, Charcoal Powder, Silt, Cimifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Echinacea Purpurea (Coneflower) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Glycyrriza Glabra Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

The packaging is so stunning! I couldn’t figure out how to open this triangular box at first but it turned out that I just needed to flip open this back flap.

“Little Black Dress meets Little Black Mask”

Just to be greeted with more floral prettiness! I kinda like how they compare this mask to a little black dress. One is a go-to solution for all kinds of events while the other is a go-to solution for all kinds of skin problems. Well, not all kinds to be exact. Mostly issues associated with oily skin, like pores, blemishes, and dullness.

Flip up the secondary flap and the little black mask greeted me in a 60 ml (2.0 fl. oz) frosted glass jar with a gold screw-top lid. It didn’t come with a spatula but as an avid masker, I have an entire of them.

Before masking

My skin is feeling dry with some redness. I haven’t done any pore-related skincare like a pore strip or clay/mud mask in 2 weeks. My pores are very dirty. I’ve cleansed and lightly toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

Directions:

Apply onto cleansed face. Once mask turns from black to gray and dry to the touch, rinse off with warm water then finish was cool water.

Upon opening the jar, I was greeted with a strong menthol scent. The clay/mud mask looked smooth and was completely black. It was almost filled to the brim and came with an inner lid to preserve its freshness.

I looked everywhere but I couldn’t find the expiry date of this product. But it didn’t look nor smell bad. Also, as a rule of thumb, products should be used up a year after opening.

The mask glided on smoothly, thanks to its buttery creamy consistency.

During masking

Scooping an appropriate amount out of the jar with a spatula, I proceeded to spread it all over my face with my fingers. This way, I’ll get a thin even layer to avoid irritating my sensitive skin. A little goes a long way, just a tiny bit was able to completely cover my skin color. I did apply a little more product around my oilier areas like my nose and chin.

Immediately, I felt a minty cool sensation. It wasn’t tingling at all. The minty cool sensation subsided very quickly, and so did the menthol scent.

10 minutes later

The mask turned gray and dried up pretty quickly. This was what I got 10 minutes later. I was amazed to see how much sebum the mask sucked out! Even less greasy areas like my outer cheeks were showing sebum spots! My skin was feeling tight at this point. So to prevent over-drying my skin, I proceeded to rinse it off.

Upon contact with water, the mask started emulsifying. With the aid of my silicone cleansing pad, I was able to get the mask off faster than just using my hands.

Even then, I find myself splashing more than usual. I also managed to stain the cleaning cloth on my counter and the white t-shirt I was wearing with gray water. So make sure to lay down an old rag and wear old shirts that you don’t mind getting dirty.

After masking

My skin looked redder in the picture above than it was in real life. This surprised me because strong sebum-sucking clay/mud masks like these are potent and will usually leave my skin slightly irritated. Instead, my skin felt supple and smooth. The biggest improvement was to my pores. They looked smaller and also cleaner. The black dots on my nose were mostly gone. Despite the dryness that ensued, which was a common thing for me right after cleansing, my skin gave off a hint of glow. So I followed up with a hydrating sheet mask to replenish my skin’s moisture. My skin did not secrete as much oil the day I used this mask.

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

Before masking

After masking

This is an amazing clay/mud mask. I just wished it wasn’t so drying. Then again, this was made for oily skin types so I’m guessing it wouldn’t be as drying on them.

$25 at Nature:21.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

Review: Belif Peat Miracle Revital Clay Mask ★★★★.☆

Belif Peat Miracle Revital Clay Mask is a wash-off clay mask, formulated with 5% peat particles, which gently resurfaces skin and tightens the look of pores for a smooth complexion.

According to The Klog, peat is a substance that comes from moors, bogs and old glaciers from around the world. It’s comprised of dead, decomposed plant residue, making it rich in minerals and antioxidants and, as such, it is considered a powerful anti-aging ingredient.

Created using one of the purest forms of peat particles—and Napier’s apothecary herb formulas—this mask gently resurfaces the skin and tightens the look of sagging pores. Korean skincare technology meets ancient skincare secrets for a clay mask that leaves pores looking tighter and skin feeling smooth and luminous.

Does not contain:

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Phthalates
• Mineral oil
• Synthetic preservatives
• Synthetic dyes
• Synthetic fragrances
• Animal origin ingredients

$70 on Amazon | $40 at Sephora & JCPenney.

Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearat, Peat (5%), Bentonite, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Titanium Dioxide (Cl 77891), Cetearyl Alcohol, Peat Extract (0.1%), Nepeta Cataria Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract, Cellulose Gum, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dimethicone, Cetyl Phosphate, Fragrance, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool

 

 

How to use:

After cleansing once or twice a week, prep the skin with toner, then take an appropriate amount and spread it over the entire face avoiding the mouth and eyes. After about 10 minutes (5 to 7 minutes in case of dry skin), rinse with warm water and lightly finish with cold water.

50 ml of clay mask came in a sturdy plastic squat jar with Belif’s signature packaging shape where the screw-top black lid is slightly narrower that the rest of the body.

I appreciate the inclusion of an inner lid to further prevent air from getting in and speeding up the oxidization process. It even comes with a tiny tab for ease of removal!

Upon removing the inner lid, I was greeted with Belif’s signature herbal scent. It is one of the more pleasant smelling herbal scents with notes of ginger. I wish they made the scent into a fragrance, I’d totally throw my money at it.

1 serving, about the size of a pinkie finger segment

Unlike most products that come in a jar, this did not come with a spatula. I had to use one of my own. No complaints on my part because being a product junkie means having a separate drawer of spatulas ranging in all shapes and sizes.

The picture above shows the amount I use in a single treatment. This is enough to evenly coat my entire face I spread this on my face with a mask brush. A little goes a long way, which works for my wallet.

The beige-gray clay mask is buttery smooth and made application such a breeze. There was absolutely no pulling or tugging at the skin. I noticed some tiny black bits suspended in the clay mask, I’m guessing these are the peat particles. They are small enough and do not provide any scrubbing effect whatsoever.

Before masking

My skin is feeling slightly dry today. I’m also sporting a couple of inflamed white heads on my left cheek. I’ve cleansed and toned my skin. Find out how I normally prep my skin for masking.

During masking

 

Unlike most clay masks, this was super gentle on my skin. I’ve tried applying a thin and a thick layer, both times did not give me any tingling or stinging sensation. To prevent it from sucking all the moisture out of my skin, I waited only 10 mins before proceeding to rinse it off. Even then, there was already a tightening sensation.

This is so satisfying

The clay mask softened and emulsified upon first contact with water. This made rinsing off really easy, no vigorous rubbing or flooding the entire bathroom counter.

After masking

My skin felt surprisingly hydrated, more so than after my regular cleanser. Pores were also looking smaller and cleaner. Skin felt amazingly smooth and soft with no sign of redness. I also noticed my skin being more balanced producing less oil around my nose and chin areas on days when I use this.

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

 

Before masking

After masking

I highly recommend this to sensitive skin or dry skin types who need a little spring cleaning but have not found a mild enough clay mask to do so. I’ll admit that the pore clearing efficacy of this mask may not be comparable to a stronger one like Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque or Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, but I’ll still pick Belif Peat Miracle Revital Clay Mask any day because of the lack of irritation. Check out more Belif reviews here.

$70 on Amazon | $40 at Sephora & JCPenney.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine

 

 

 

Review: YLLO Beauty Turmeric Facial Mask ★★★★☆

YLLO Beauty Turmeric Facial Mask works to draw out impurities, awaken, and soften the skin. It is formulated with sensitive skin in mind and is 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Turmeric is a superfood high in antioxidants and can reduce blemishes and redness, lighten facial hair, fade scarring, and even out skin tone. In fact, turmeric has been used for centuries in Indian beauty routines—most commonly during weddings. It also contains white kaolin clay, which draws out impurities from the pores, and coconut flour that is high in vitamin C, which is great for tightening skin’s elasticity and preventing sagging. Argan oil contains many essential fatty acids which, along with lavender oil, are great for scar treatment, fading fine lines, and reducing redness. Vanilla oil protects  against sun damage and is a powerful antibacterial that cleanses the skin.

YLLO is a skincare company inspired by a powerful, fragrant, little yellow root known as turmeric. Their mission is to help girls be girls by donating 10% of their profits towards charities helping end child marriage.

$19.95 at YLLO Beauty.

Kaolinite (White Clay) / Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Flour / Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Powder / Argania Spinosa (Argan) Nut Oil / Tocopherol (Vitamin E) / Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil / Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Oil

I love the simple and eco-friendly packaging! The brown resealable paper bag is practical and easy to store.

Upon opening the packet, I caught a strong earthy scent. The bright yellow turmeric powder wasn’t finely milled, in fact, there were plenty of larger lumps.

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The instructions are conveniently labeled on the packaging. To simplify it even further, please scroll through the pictures above or follow the steps below:

1. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of mask
2. Mix with 1.5 teaspoons of your choice of liquid base (water, your favorite toner, diluted apple cider vinegar)
3. Mix thoroughly with a firm mask brush to completely break down the clumps.
4. Apply paste onto skin with a brush
5. Wait for 15 mins
6. Rinse off
7. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any yellow stains

 

Before we get to the review, there are a couple of things I want to clarify:

#1 Following the instructions to the T did not work for me. I mixed the powder with my current favorite toner, COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner, for its calming properties. However, adding 1.5 teaspoons of it to 1 tablespoon of mask wasn’t enough to get the mixture to a spreadable paste. Instead, some of the powder remained undissolved and clumpy. So I’ve had to slowly add more toner and mix and repeat the process till I’m happy with the consistency. That took around 5 teaspoons of toner.

#2 My skin stained very badly the first time I used the mask. Cleansing wasn’t able to totally get rid of it. Being the vain-pot that I am, I was out of commission for 2 days. So I’ve had to dilute the mixture the second time round and shorten the waiting time. That worked alot better.

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First Try:

1st try: Before masking

My skin is particularly irritated today. I’ve cleansed my skin and skipped toner.

1st try: During masking

The mixture spread easily and went on with ease thanks to the firm mask brush. I used up all the mixture and managed to get a thick and even layer, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Upon contact with my skin, it felt cool and provided quick relief to my irritated skin. I waited 15 mins according to the instructions, the mask was dry and my skin felt tight.

1st try: After masking

Unlike most wash-off masks I’ve tried. The hardened mixture on my face did not soften one bit upon the first splash of water. It took around 5 splashes for it to start emulsifying. There were lots of grainy bits and I took the opportunity to give my skin a gentle exfoliation. Also, during the rinse, I noticed my skin feeling waxy. It wasn’t a thick wax and was almost unnoticeable once I’ve toweled off.

Immediately, I was very surprised to see how stained my skin was. My skin felt soft and smooth and wasn’t as dry as right after a regular cleanse. Pores were also looking smaller and cleaner (it is a clay mask after all). But I was unable to see if there was any redness or brightening or if PIE and PIH have lightened due to the strong yellow stain.

To prevent drying out my skin, I decided to wipe down with toner-soaked cotton pads to try to get rid of the stain. It took both sides of 3 cotton pads to get the stain to tone down a little. But that was a bad idea because my skin started feeling very raw and irritated from too much rubbing.

1st try: After wiping down with cotton pads

Even then, my skin still wasn’t as irritated as before since I could finally discern if redness exists. The yellow stain remained on my skin for 2 days. I did follow up with my regular skincare routine for the mask did not provide any hydration.

 

Second Try:

2nd try: Before masking

My skin felt slightly dry and looked slightly red with no irritated. Again, I’ve cleansed my skin and skipped toner.

2nd try: During masking

Compared to the first try, I used half the recommended amount of powder and added alot more toner to it so the mixture was runnier than before. I applied a thin but even layer and only waited 5 mins instead of the recommended 15 mins.

After 5 mins, it started to dry down but I did not experience a tightening sensation like I did at the first try.

2nd try: After masking

Like the first time, the mixture on my skin did not emulsify easily but once it did, tiny granules came loose and I gave my skin a gentle exfoliation. Also, my skin felt soft and smooth with smaller pores and redness was gone.

Despite using a diluted amount with a shorter waiting time, my skin was still stained. I cleansed my skin with a gentle cleanser but the stain still looked the same. It persisted for a day.

Here are the before and after pictures from both tries:

First try:

1st try: Before masking

1st try: After wiping down with cotton pads

Second try:

2nd try: Before masking

2nd try: After masking

Since the effects were the same after both tries, I prefer using less powder with a shorter waiting time to conserve product and also have a shorter down time. The label stated that one packet of mask is able to give 10-15 uses. Based on my preferred usage, I estimated that I could stretch it to 20-30 uses, which gives me more bang for my buck.

A couple of things to look out for:

#1 Use cloths and shirts that you don’t mind staining. This was my first experience with turmeric so I have no inkling of its staining power. That was how I stained my white t-shirt. Had I known, I’d have worn a darker colored shirt or something I don’t mind staining. Also, lay down a rag around the area where you’re going to prepare, apply, and rinse off the mask. Turmeric has the ability to stain counter tops.

#2 Use this mask on a weekend or during the couple of days when you are not planning to head out. Despite the recommended usage frequency of 2-3 times per week, I see myself only using it once a week on weekends when I’m staying in. However, there are people who’ve tried this and never experienced any staining. So please be aware of the possibility of staining and don’t be taken aback like I did.

In conclusion, this mask took me on an adventure and I’ve had this review in draft mode for 2 weeks. I hope I’ve captured all the necessary details of this unique turmeric clay mask. It’s definitely an awesome product and gentle enough for all skin types.

$19.95 at YLLO Beauty.

Go be beautiful!

Love,
Elaine