If there’s one beauty treatment I love, it’s a facial mask. When I cast my mind 10 years back, there wasn’t the variety we have available today. Now days, there really is one for every skin concern and type, no matter what your texture preference may be.
Clarins recently introduced a trio of new, targeted masks into their lineup, which all use plant extracts and have wonderful sensorial textures.
SOS HYDRA Refreshing Hydration Mask (R515) BUY HERE
This mask is suitable for dehydrated skin types – and can I just say, we ALL have dehydrated skin – even those with oily skin. It works to rebalance the skin’s moisture reserves, leaving it feeling refreshed, moisturized and supple and has a cooling cream-gel texture and a lovely fresh scent.
Two key ingredients have been added: Organic leaf of life extract that encourages multi-level hydration in the skin, and hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain moisture at surface level. These two ingredients ensure the skin looks plumper, more toned and radiant. Say goodbye to feelings of tightness and those pesky dehydration lines.
Use it once or twice a week, in a thick layer, avoiding the eye contour area. Leave for 10 minutes. Lightly massage in any excess product (this is how I use it) or remove with a cotton pad soaked in toner or micellar water.
Tip: For an even more refreshing effect, store your SOS Hydra mask in the fridge.
SOS Pure Rebalancing Clay Mask (R515) BUY HERE
The absorbent, non-drying, powdery cream texture of this mask is perfect for combination to oily skin. It is designed to purify, mattify and tighten pores, and is especially beneficial to those with oily skin prone to blemishes, shine and enlarged pores.
The formula contains organic Alpine willow herb extract that helps limit shine and promote matte skin. A combination of clays absorb impurities, smooth skin texture and boost radiance. Its pure, fresh fragrance (Clarins products ALWAYS have the most divine scent) and absorbent, non-drying, powdery cream texture enhance the action of the mask. Known for their effective sebum-absorbing properties, white clay and green clay help to matify the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.
use it once or twice a week, in a thin layer, avoiding the eye contour area. Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.
Tip: Rinse off your SOS Pure mask with cold water, to maximize its astringent effect!
SOS Comfort Nourishing Balm Mask (R515) BUY HERE
If your skin feels rough, severely dry, or lacks comfort, pamper it with this mask that envelops and nourishes the driest skin by reinforcing its protective lipid barrier.
With wild mango butter to help nourish and soften the skin, and mango oil to protect against dehydration and restore supple skin, this is a treat for very dry skin. This mask is rich in fatty acids that help protect skin from dryness, leaving it feeling deeply nourished, soft, supple, radiant and comfortable.
With its wonderful exotic scent, the enveloping butter-cream texture combines the creaminess of an ultra-rich balm, with the lightness of a nourishing oil, to provide skin with maximum softness and comfort.
Apply once or twice a week, in a thick layer, avoiding the eye contour area. Leave for 10 minutes. Lightly massage in any excess product, or remove with a cotton pad soaked in toner or micellar water
Tip: To encourage optimal absorption of your SOS Comfort mask, apply firm pressure with your hands. Leave it on all night and see its visible results in the morning!
The right way to use a mask
Contrary to common belief… Masks are not just for occasional use to treat the skin’s occasional needs. They should be regularly applied, once or twice a week.
Before you apply a mask, exfoliate first! By removing dead cells from the skin surface, exfoliation stimulates skin renewal and makes skin more receptive to products applied afterwards.
Apply your mask in the bath as the heat will ope pores, thereby optimizing absorption. If you live in drought ravaged Cape Town, rather mask after your shower – once your pores are opened from the steam.
Have you checked out the new, revamped clarins.co.za website? Do yourself a favour and go have a little browse 🙂
