I do love a facial mask, and think many of you will agree that this is one product that allows you to see and feel instant results. Now, there really is a mask for any skin concern – you just need to identify what yours is: redness, sensitivity, dullness, lines and wrinkles, dehydration etc.
Today I’m showcasing 3 newbies; one works to plump and hydrate, the other soothes red, irritated and inflamed skin, while the last one gently exfoliates, while infusing the skin with a dose of oxygen.
The Body Shop British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask (R300 for a 75ml)
I just adore this 100% Vegan mask that works to soothe, tone and hydrate the skin. It contains real rose petals (you can actually see them in the close-up) as well as essence of hand picked, British roses that boost the skin’s water reserves. Rosehip oil, rich in Omega 3 & 6, tones the skin, while organic aloe vera calms and soothes.
Looks good enough to eat!
You apply it to cleansed, wet skin in an even layer – either using a brush or your hands (I used my hands), avoiding the eye and lip area. Leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes, then rinse off (I use a clean face cloth to remove it). The mask has a very subtle rose scent and soothing gel-like texture. It does dry, but doesn’t make skin feel tight. After rinsing off, my skin felt wonderfully soothed and hydrated and had a definite dewy glow. While I think this mask will work well for all skin types, those with dry, dehydrated or sensitive skins will get the most benefit.
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque (R995)
This cooling and calming botanical gel mask works to soothe skin reactivity caused by dryness, too much sun exposure, pollution and aesthetic procedures like peels, extractions and laser treatments. It works to soothe and hydrate blotchiness, redness, tightness and dehydration. It also gives the skin a very radiant look.
I haven’t actually tried this mask for myself, but I did watch a live demo where the model was given quite a strong glycolic acid peel where we saw her skin visibly redden. The Phyto Corrective masque was placed on just one side of her face, so we could witness it’s immediate cooling and soothing effects. We saw a very quick reduction in redness (about 5 minutes after it was applied) and the model mentioned how much cooler and relieved her skin was on the side the mask was applied to.
It contains calming botanical extracts of cucumber, thyme and olive that soothe the skin. There is also a dipeptide that reduces skin heat, sensitivity and tingling. A Hyaluronic acid base has been included because it acts as a humectant – thus drawing water from the atmosphere into the skin.
I know this beauty is going to come in very handy over the December holidays, when my family and I are more than likely to get an (unintended) sun burn or two.
Exuviance Bionic Oxygen facial Pure Oxygen + Bionic Blend Mask (R940 for a 97ml)
Because I live in the city, surrounded by pollution, I’m all about beauty products that work to detox the skin. The Bionic Oxygen facial Pure Oxygen + Bionic Blend Mask contains pure oxygen plus a triple blend of molecular oxygen that works to restore radiance and brightens the skin, while detoxifying and eliminating dullness.
Its key ingredients include: oxygen, gluconolactone and lactobionic Acid. Now, gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that has all the benefits of regular AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) but is much more gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. In a nutshell, it works to exfoliate the skin, dislodging dulling dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Lactobionic Acid is similar to Glycolic acid, but is safer and more tolerated. It is non-irritating and smoothes the skin while providing a dose of moisture. It also boosts skin firmness and elasticity.
The formula also contains a patented anti-aging bionic acid, along with a conditioning polymer (that softens skin) and a polysaccharide – known for its hydrating and film forming properties.
The oxygen, contained in the mask, supports essential cellular energy and helps to optimize collagen production in the skin. So, how does it work? When you apply the mask, the blue gel transforms into light foam that releases oxygen into the skin. You can feel a very slight tingle. After about 5-10 minutes, the foam begins breaking down (it basically disappears) and this is when you can gently rinse it off. The formula is non-irritating or sensitizing and is paraben and fragrance free.
You can purchase the Exuviance Bionic Oxygen facial Pure Oxygen + Bionic Blend Mask online at www.dermastore and www.skinmiles.com
Tell me, what is your favourite facial mask and would you spend R900+ on one? I’m super interested to hear.
