Naruko Masks Review

Naruko Raw Job’s Tears Supercritical CO2 Pore Minimizing & Brightening Mask *红薏仁超临界毛孔美白面膜

WHAT IT IS
This mask is designed to help brighten and smooth skin.  Made with red and white Job’s Tears extracts, Yeast Complex B for sebum-control, pore-minimizing and other brightening ingredients, to balance skin and eliminate melanin, revealing flawlessly bright skin.

SPECIAL FEATURES

 

• Using exclusive supercritical CO2 extraction and ultra-fine emulsion coating technologies, this mask is designed to deeply condition, moisture and brighten the skin
• Mask is made of platinum-quality silky cloth material with 3D cutting technology, an ultra thin mask that is airtight on the skin to help lock the nutrients and allow serum to penetrate deeply into the skin

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• Raw Job’s Tears Extract moisturizes and renews skin.
• Ellagic Acid and Vitamin C Ethyl prevents melanin formation and improves dull skin.
• Vitamin E provides anti-aging benefits and increases the skin’s absorbency which takes whitening to the next level.
• Exclusively Patented Phytoferulin® Complex increases the skin’s natural defense and instantly brightens the skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid and Snow Fungus Extract eliminate dry skin and nourishes the skin all day long.

WHY I LOVE IT

I have always been a huge fan of Naruko masks, because of it has never failed me in terms of quality and the benefits it provide.  The material is silky soft, thin yet stretchy and drenched with serum.  After 20 minutes of being on my face, I can feel and see that it has completely absorbed into my skin, with minimal serum left remaining on the mask.  The faint sweet scent reminds me of freshly cooked rice.

The mask does exactly what it claims: brightens, balances oil, tightens pores and evens skin tone.  I truly believe that it works by providing a DEEP DEEP hydration to the skin from within.  It worked wonders on my blemishes and help calm the redness of my skin tone.  It really is so ideal for dehydrated sensitive skin, leaving it dewy, but not greasy or tacky. This mask truly defines Naruko: combining modern technology and nature’s ingredients to develop a mask that help to hydrate, soothe and plump your skin.  The price for Naruko masks are always reasonable ~$10-20 / 10 sheet masks.  Find them at

NARUKO CANADA, NARUKO US, AMAZON

 

Softest Mask, Creamiest Serum – Healavie Sheetmasks

Sheetmasks are no doubt an integral part of my skin care routine.  I try to incorporate at least one every single day.  overtime, daily masking has brought my skin to a ‘next level’, and have helped my skin to have a constant bouncy and supple feel, and never dehydrated.  I’ve tried many, many masks, and this Healavie mask is definitely going into the categories of ‘my favorites’ based on results, ingredients and feel.  It really gives my skin a boost of radiance, brightening, hydration and the love it needs, and it’s just sooo SOFT and CREAMY!

WHAT IT IS: An intensively hydrating sheet mask that boost radiance, brightens skin and deeply hydrate for a brighter, even toned complexion

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• Fruit extract from Sea Buckthorn, also known as “Vitamin Tree”, moisturizes and brightens the dry and dull skin.
• The extract also contains vitamin C, which nourishes and brightens the exhausted skin.
• It contains 10 different kinds of herbal ingredients, which help toward moisturizing, calming, hydrating, whitening, and wrinkle improvement effects.
• Hydrating Ingredients + Brightening Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Dimethicone, Methyipropanediol, Maltodextrin, Butylene Glycol, Betaine,Beta-Carotene, Stearic Acid, Squalane, Sorbitan Stearate, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Silica, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ceramide NP, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine, t-Butyl Alcohol, Cholesterol, Caprylici Capric Triglyceride, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine HO, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin. Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Trisociium EDTA

WHY I LOVE IT

Let me tell you why I’m a now a huge Healavie fan.  The sheet masks are made of cellulose – an eco-friendly, biodegradable fiber that really helps with mask adherence, making them completely slip and drip-free.  The texture of this mask is divine.  Just think the softest, silkiest mask sitting on your face for twenty minutes!  Each mask is packed literally with a whooping 30 mL of serum, that completely soak the mask.   After 20 minute, all that 30 ml of serum goodness has penetrated and transferred to my skin.  Some sheetmasks, you can still feel a lot of products trapped or retained in the mask.  Not with this one.  It really is so ideal for dehydrated skin, deeply conditions the skin and leaving it quenched and velvety soft.  Additionally my face looks so rejuvenated and brightened.  The beautifying effects last for one to two days, and it really shines for me as an event night refresher to make my skin look amazing.  The left over serum is ‘creamy’, with a barely-three floral scent, and it glides on like the most hydrating moisturizer.  As the serum and mask dries, my skin is dewy, but not greasy or tacky.  With many herbal and botanical ingredients that hydrate, soothe and plump, these masks are excellent value considering the quality and result.

You can find them at Cali-J, an LA based Korean beauty and fashionable ion boutique.

 

 

Brand Highlight: Anticanus

 

Anticanus is a relatively new Korean skin care brand, who is well-known for their Moisturizing and Whitening Masks!  Their name ‘Anticanus’ is Latin for ‘anti-aging’, with philosophy to provide natural yet scientifically sophisticated and effective at-home skin care products.  I always have to make sure products or brands that I try have mission that align with mine.  Anticanus select the highest quality ingredients, infuse them with potent plant extracts and nutrients to make them effective for every unique skin type. The result is beautiful, glowing skin.

They vet on their ingredient: the main ingredient in their masks is Edelweiss extract, imported from Switzerland.  They vet on safety: ingredients are natural and masks are made of all-natural cotton and cellulose.  They vet on their mask shape and size: ensuring that as much of the facial skin is covered as possible.  Well, simply put, the packaging, the ingredients, the scents and the – well – everything about their mask was impressive.

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• Edelweiss extract imported from Switzerland: star ingredient in this mask that contains all sorts of great compounds that beneficial to the skin including cleansing properties, powerful antioxidants, calming properties.  Thus this is a powerful force in many anti-aging skin care products, that helps protect skin from environmental stressors while nourishing the skin and providing an overall soothing, calming effect.

Moisturizing Dream Mask

WHAT IT IS: Moisturizing Dream Mask helps your skin healthy using edelweiss extract from Switzerland and fresh ingredients

• Long lasting moisturizing effect : Edelweiss from Swiss provide your skin with lightening effect and prevent water evaporation
• Additional moisturizing ingredients: trehalose, allantoin, canola flower, macadamia seed oil, sodium hyaluronate
• Anti-wrinkle and whitening effects : Adenosine and niacinamide provide anti-wrinkle and effects
• Ingredients patent listed : Common bean extract, ceramide, Blue lotus extract
• Vitalizing with natural ingredients : Canola flower, Allantoin, Macadamia provide skin with sensitivity relieving, reducing inflammation, vitalizing effects

Whitening Dream Mask

credit: http://www.08liter.com/

Credit: http://www.08liter.com/

WHAT IT IS: Cosmeceutical mask sheet product with anti-wrinkle and whitening multi functions.

• Long lasting moisturizing effect : Edelweiss from Swiss provide your skin with lightening effect and prevent water evaporation
• Anti-wrinkle and whitening effects : Adenosine and niacinamide provide anti-wrinkle and effects
• Additional whitening ingredients: niacinamide, citric acid, phaseolus vulgaris (kidney bean) seed extract, Leontopodium alinum flower/leaf extract
• Ingredients patent listed : Common bean extract, ceramide, Blue lotus extract
• Vitalizing with natural ingredients : Canola flower, Allantoin, Macadamia provide skin with sensitivity relieving, reducing inflammation, vitalizing effects

WHY I LOVE THESE MASKS!
The packaging itself is sleek and beautiful.  The mask is thin and super soft, made of natural cotton, and saturated in clear watery essence containing edelweiss extract imported all the way from Switzerland!   It gives the mask a subtle floral scent.  Trehalose, ceramide and sodium hyaluronate are added to provide skin with continuous moisture.  Additionally botanical extracts are included for ‘moisturizing’ and ‘whitening’.  The mask can be a little tricky to apply because it’s so thin, but once it’s adequately placed on the face, the adherence is amazing.  The fit is medium (not too big nor too small), and the openings for the eyes and nose are perfect in size, not leaving too much skin exposed and untreated.  I left the mask on for more than 30 minutes, and upon removal, my face felt so soft, nourished, and bouncy (I love bouncy supple skin).  Skin tones appears more even, and any redness is diminished.  There was plenty of serum left to pat onto my neck and the rest of the body leaving me feeling overall hydrated and refreshed.  Both of the face masks are great at moisturizing dehydrated skin, revive dull skin for a brightened complexion.

You can find these product through ‘Try Program” http://www.08liter.com/ (3 X photo credits)

 

Adaline GOLDEN AGE SHEET MASKS

Every once in a while, I like to treat myself to some finer things in life, like truffle and caviar, to my belly and on my face.  Adaline created GOLDEN AGE lavished in these luxury ingredients, designed to be the ultimate anti-aging sheetmasks.  They call these ingredients ‘foodmetic’ (food and cosmetic) that work to enhance collagen product, speed up cell regeneration, unmask softer and more youthful skin with less visible dark spots and wrinkles. The best part is that you don’t even pay premium prices for these ‘premium’ masks!   You can find them on Amazon $21.99/6 sheet masks.

THE GOLDEN AGE CAVIAR MASK

WHAT IT IS

• Anti-wrinkle and Nourishing Sheet mask

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• Caviar like plenty of marine ingredients, is highly moisturizing.  Caviar is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help maintain optimal levels of hydration in the skin, repair its protective barrier, and promote brightness and luminosity.
• Skin brightening: pearl powder, glutathione, thioctic acid, silk extract
• Moisture: propolis extract, niacinamide
• Soothing: camellia sinesis leaf extract, ginger, coptis japonica extract
• Stimulate collagen: silk protein

WHY I LOVE IT

This is certainly a premium sheet mask that combines decadent caviar and luxurious silk protein and pearl for firmer and younger looking skin. In a sheetmask form, this makes me feel that every last drop of the indulgent ingredients are delivered deep into my skin.   The mask comes in an upper and lower face, and contoured to rest on my face comfortably, and saturated essence. One session is enough to give me dewy glow, and baby soft supple skin. The powerful dose of moisture and nourishing ingredients certainly help to firm, plump and soften my fine lines and wrinkles. I also love a mask that contains collagen boosting ingredient, which means with repeat use, it can help to firm skin and improve skin elasticity.  Silk is rich in amino acids which are the building structure of collagen. When integrated, they can work wonders on improving sagging skin and combat gravity and dull complexion. This is definitely a mask that I will need to add repeatedly into my routine to get all the skin firming benefits!

 

The Golden Age Truffle Mask

WHAT IT IS

• Antiaging and Revitalizing Sheet Mask with a Synergist Ampoule

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• Similar to Caviar Mask with the exception of ‘truffle’
• Researchers found out that truffles revitalize the skin’s natural age-fighting abilities. They energize the cells to better defend and repair themselves. The regular application of truffle skin care products yields an elastic, younger-looking skin.

WHY I LOVE IT

This mask comes with a Mask Synergist Ampoule (1ml) designed to maximize the effect of the mask. The ampoule is really a skin booster that aims to improve the overall health of the skin surface, to enhance skin’s absorption of nutrients and moisture from the mask. The ampoule provides a thin watery veil on my skin, and provides it with just a boost of hydration. The mask then help to seal the moisture while delivering powerful ingredients that help to target specific concerns of sagging skin and dull and uneven complexion. Truffle is perfect for maintaining a healthy skin balance, while adenosine and silk enhances skin elasticity to give you that soft supple skin. Arginine help to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, while niacinamide and botanical extract serve as moisture barrier. It’s such a fun and effective mask that leave my skin hydrated and boosting with radiance.

 

 

Chik’O 肌珂 Art Of Skin Care

Can we just take some time to appreciate the aesthetics of the pantone packaging? The eye-catching packaging, and use of tried-and-true beauty ingredients have made these Chi’ko masks a permanent place in my skin care regime.

Chi’ko (from Taiwan) has been been infusing the Asian market with their Sparkling and Brightening, and Energizing and Moisturizing Sheet masks. The first is designed with ampoule rich in Vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and papaya and pineapple enzyme to brighten skin tone. The second one contains allantoin, trehalose, and hyaluronic acid for comforting and moisturizing the skin.

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

Sparkling and Brightening Mask

• Vitamin C – antioxidant, skin brightening, lighten pigments, skin firming, anti-aging
• Tranexamic Acid – anti-inflammatory, reduce skin redness, lighten pigmentations
• Papaya and Pinapple Enzyme – both contain active ezymes of papain and bromelain, which help to breakdown and disoolve dead skin cells on surface of skin with the ultimate result of achieving more even skin tone

Energizing and Moisturizing Mask

• Allantoin – extract from root of comfrey plant; soothing, non-irritating ingredients that help to stimulate cell regeneration to promote health skin
• Trehalose – sugar found in plants, known for its hydrating and water-binding and antioxidant properties
• Hyaluronic acid – retain skin moisture, antiaging and skin firming benefits through collagen synthesis

MY THOUGHTS

Made of soft Cupro fiber, these thin and breathable masks adhere closely to the skin and hold 10x the moisturizing essence of a normal cotton sheet mask. The mask feels just like silk, soft and comforting on the skin, like a second skin. I feel the elegant texture of the mask really elevate the sheet masking experience to new heights. I will admit that the sheet mask is super thin (comes in a plastic protector), which I fidgeted a bit when applying. I can easily overcome this minor technicality because the results of these mask are simply fabulous.

I feel the Brightening mask is ideal for those looking to restore luminosity and brightness to dull skin. Their unique ingredient formulation help to gently exfoliate and resurface the skin, to lighten dark spot and simply help to create a glowing complexion while evening out the skin tone.

The Energizing and moisturizing mask is ideal for sensitive and irritated skin, with a short list of 16 gentle and safe ingredients that provide the ultimate soothing hydration.

Both of these masks instantly calm and hydrate my tired complexion, and rejuvenate my skin, keeping it looking great for the rest of the day.

You can find these masks at Chik’o Art of Skincare retailing ~$13/box of 5 sheet masks.

 

 

A Mask For Every Need: Dr. Grand+ 닥터그랜드플러스

Korean sheet masks are all the rage in the beauty industry.  Aside from their convenience, there is a sheet mask for practically every skin ailments.  The novelty of Korean sheetmask has been around for years, and yet some company still manage to surprise us with ingenuity.  Dr. Grand+ is one of those companies.  Dr. Grand+ skin care is actually the product of Grand Plastic Surgery, a leading plastic surgery hospital in Korea, staffed with a medical team of experts in providing the most advanced cosmetic services to enhance one’s beauty.   Here I’m going to review not-your-regular sheetmasks:  V-line mask, Stem Cell mask and Peeling pads.

V-Fixer Remodeling Mask

WHAT IT IS

• A volume lifting 2 step mask

 

WHAT IT DOES

• For facial and neck firming and tightening
• Specially designed Golden Ratio Fixer Mask for the jaw that pull up saggy skin to bring out firm V facial line with the help of elasticity-inducing ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, ceramide, gamma PGA

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• Gamma PGA: fermentation extractive ingredient using Bacillus virus from bean that has outstanding moisturizing power and cohesion and called skin filler due to having similar function as a facial filler
• 
• Elasticity inducing agents: hydrolyzed collagen, ceramide

 

DIRECTIONS

• First mask for the upper face: bamboo charcoal sheet that covers the curvature of face closely clear out and tighten up pores.  by balancing skin’s oil and moisture composition, the mask keeps the face moist, firm and multidimensional
  • cellulose containing charcoal and rich mineral, outstanding for sebum absorption, and containing bamboo, outstanding for supplying moisture to the skin
• Second mask for the lower face: high-enriched hydro-gel mask, span tightly to skin with outsanding adhesion
  • mask enhance skin elasticity to regain natural, smooth facial line

WHY I LOVE IT

This is such a unique mask that is totally worth sharing!  Korean women love this one, as it is their quick fix to give them a firmer and slimming appearance around the lower face.  Most packaging will say to leave this mask for 20 minutes, but Korean women often wear it while they are doing their makeup, or even longer up to hours.

Step 1 is for the upper face, and step 2 is for the jawline.  The upper face is a charcoal mask infused with bamboo and the brand’s own G4D Active™, a complex with 5 active ingredients (Ceramide, Arginine, Lysine Polypeptide, N-Actyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate and Biosaccharide Gum-1), which makes the skin healthier day in day out.

More important, let’s talk about the lower face.  The lower face is a hydrogel gel mask, which span tightly to the jaw, with a loop around the ear for a tightening and lifting effect.  It doesn’t feel restricting nor uncomfortable.  I can still talk and drink water et al.  The goal is to creates a desired, and more defined chin line by pressing the meridian points on the face to prevent skin from sagging.  The formulated concentrate contained in the mask has good effects on wrinkles, cellulite as well as skin elasticity.  The result that I noticed after one use is that my jaw appears more symmetrical as usually I am a little more puffier on the left side.  The result is a quick fix, and not permanent.  And that is exactly what these masks are designed for.  The goal of the product is  quick, safe and easy fix to achieve a defined V-line for special occasions.  It certain fulfill this goal.  You may get more consistent result if you use a mask like this everyday.

 

 

DR.GRAND+ Milk Moisture Soft Peeling Pad

WHAT IT IS  

• A duo-step at home peeling pad
• One time use

 

WHAT IT DOES

• Contains lactic acid and glycolic acid, AHA that exfoliate the skin gently and stimulate cell renewal
• Contains abundance of skin-benefiting ingredients for skin moisturizing, antioxidant and protection, cell revitalizing, brightening and nourishing

 

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• Lactic acid and milk protein extract: Lactic acid is extracted from milk, and is considered a gentle AHA that exfoliate and ‘hydrate’ the skin
• Glycolic acid: the smallest of AHA that penetrate the deepest to facilitate skin renewal, regeneration and collagen formation

DIRECTIONS

• Step 1: use embossed side: fine lattice structure pad, peels tiny dead skin cells and remove waste, and cleanse pores
• Step 2: smooth pure cotton, mild peeling care by soft texture 

 

WHY I LOVE IT

Exfoliation is such a key part of my skincare arsenal.  I have an abundance of peeling pads, toners, et al that are all designed to exfoliate the top layer of the skin, soften and stimulate cell renewal to bring forth a more radiant and youthful complexion.  This one is a little bit different from the cult favorite Neogen peeling pad, as you do not need to wash it off, ensuring that the active ingredient has desired time to do its job.  The fermented extracts have so many anti-aging, brightening and naturally moisturizing effect.  The pad is extremely easy to use, quick one minute in my daily routine, right after cleansing.  It’s so ultra convenient and so super hydrating! as I can easily follow with other products without having to wash off.  The brightening and smoothing effect really took me by surprise.  My skin just felt baby soft, with glow.  The ease of this product makes this such a winner for me.

Absolute Stem Cell Mask

WHAT IT IS

• An anti-aging sheet mask

WHAT IT DOES

• Ideal for aging skin, addressing fine lines and wrinkles
• Help to improve skin elasticity and texture
• Provide skin soothing effect

TEXTURE/FEEL/FRAGRANCE

• Unique high density fabric of 100% cellulose, with high absorption rate
• Perfect adhesion
• No detectable scent

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• A highly enriched ampoule 23 ml containing 5% stem cell nutrient culture and 37 growth factors to hydrate to reduce signs of fine lines and help delay visible signs of aging
• Derived from unique technologies from human cord blood, the root of unborn baby’s nutrition supply; safely harvested and cleansed while active ingredients including growth factors are extracted for use
• Stem cell: triggers fibroblast to increase collagen production to stop, slows down and reverse skin damage

WHY I LIKE IT

Stem cell, stem cell, stem cells!  Korean cosmetic companies always goes above and beyond to come up with unique ingredients to complete in the vast beauty market.  This innovative mask is a perfect morning pampering.  The mask is intensely hydrating and soothing.  The botanic extracts are powerful antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory benefits.   The mask features a lightweight textured essence infused with stem cell, bacillus/fermented tumeric to boost cell regeneration and improve skin elasticity, cartageenan and bamboo extract for skin moisturizing and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, and portulaca oleracea extract and centella asiatica extract for skin soothing.

In just a few minutes time, my skin tone is even, pores are minimized, and any potential breakouts are soothed.  A great targeted and concentrated boost to my daily regime.  A little bit of sunscreen is all I need to get me ready to head out the doors.

You can find these masks at Modern and Simple: http://www.modernandsimple.com

Softest, Most Comforting Hydrating Mask: Dr. Grand+

Dr. Grand+ is considered a ‘derma-cosmetic’ brand creating skin care products that are clinical-grade with anti-aging and brightening solutions.  Sheet mask is always a great way to be introduced to a new brand.

What intrigued me about these masks are two things:

(1) ‘4 Dimensional Facial Contouring’.  Based on my understanding, this is describing the 4D stretch design of the mask to perfectly cover the entire face with minimal creasing or gap, and thus seriously treat every aspect of the skin for a noticeably lifted look, along with firmer and smoother skin.  The mask has a stretchy texture when wet and literally touches every skin surface.

(2) The unique mask material that makes this one of the softest, most highly absorbent, and most comforting sheet masks I’ve ever used!  Now that I’m trying to mask daily, I can really appreciate the differences in mask material and texture, and ultimately the way it feels and the result it has on my skin.  The characteristics of these mask are described to contain high quality cotton linter as material, using filaments mutual self-bonding features and non-woven.  This translates to masks that has high liquid absorption and retention compared to regular cotton.  The non-woven aspect allows the mask to be highly breathable.  When the mask is wet, it is a transparent sheet with the essence permeating the filament.  When mask is dry (picture below), the intricate filament is appreciated.  The mask is stretchy, and the high essence retention allows the mask to cling tightly to the face.

Here I put the Absolute Solution Masks to test: (1) Aloe and Madecassoside Soothing Mask, (2) VitaC and Glutathione brightening mask.

Aloe and Madecassoside Soothing Mask

WHAT IT IS

• A soothing and calming mask

WHAT IT DOES

• Best for achieving hydrated, plump and translucent skin
• Gives skin a boost of hydration
• Skin soothing
• Improve skin barrier
• Wrinkle improvement

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• Aloe – promote skin healing, an anti-inflammatory
• Madecassoside – anti-oxidant
• Adenosine – anti-aging
• Trehalose – hydration
• G4D Active – Patent complex of active ingredients for anti-aging
  • ceramide
  • arginine
  • lysine polypeptide
  • N-actyl glucosamine
  • Sodium hyaluronate
  • Biossacaride Gum-1

RESULTS

I’ve already professed my love for the mask quality.  It literally clings like a second skin, and completely soaked with watery essence that has a mild floral scent.  I did not mind that there wasn’t any essence left in the package because I believe all the essence are effectively absorbed into the mask and slowly delivered into my skin over the ensuing 40 minutes.  The mask is still damp after 40 minutes!  I love aloe for its soothing and repairing effects and this mask does exactly as it claims: effectively hydrate the skin after one use, restore and boost moisture retention for a healthy glow.

Absolute Solution Mask: VitaC and Glutathione

WHAT IT IS

• A brightening mask

WHAT IT DOES

•  ‘Tone up’ – Improve dullness and uneven texture
• Whitening – lightening of dark spot
• Brightens skin

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

• Vitamin C – anti-oxidant, help lighten scar, spots; reduce blemishes
• Glutathione – brighten skin tone
• Niacinamide and Adenosine – reduce skin aging, boost healthy collagen synthesis

RESULTS

A powerful blend of antioxidants, glutathione, niacinamide visibly brighten skin to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentations.  My face soaked up all the goodness while resting under this superpower fabric of mask drenched in essence.  My skin instantly feel smoother, and looks hydrated, even toned and radiant.  I can judge that one application is enough to give me immediate brightening effect.  I definitely need to restock this one, as a few application may get the full benefit of the ingredients that help to minimize fine line and dark spots.

You can find these masks at http://www.drgrandplus.com.

 

Taiwanese Mask Obsession: My Beauty Diary

Spa treatments are so indulging.  But when I can’t find the best of times or even an hour to visit a spa to enjoy some much deserved pampering, sheet masks at home gives me a little ‘me’ time while having a good skin treatment.  Taiwanese sheet masks always have a soft spot in my heart, with My Beauty Diary easily fulfilling my vanities.

My Beauty Diary is a well recognized face mask brand in Taiwan and they now have a sales branch in the US, making purchasing so convenient and reliable.  You can find these products at My Beauty Diary US: ibeautydiary.com/

My Beauty Diary Masks are unique in several points:

(1) They literally have a mask for every skin needs, special occasions or emergencies: brightening, firming, calming…  You name it, you can find it with MBD.

(2) They carry mask with ingredients that are tried-and-true: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, q10, AND some very exotic ingredients such as sake, rice wine, natto; depending on your level of adventure with skin care ingredients.

(3) Their masks are: No Paraben preservatives, No alcohol, No fluorescent whitening agents and Safe for sensitive and fragile skin

(4) What I like best about them is that they are consistently high quality, yet budget friendly.  What do I mean by high quality?

Packaging: Their packaging are the smallest among all sheet masks I’ve tried, which makes them very efficient and convenient.  Each mask come with English instructions.  On the front of the package are the key ingredients and the mask function, i.e. hydrating, soothing.. and on the back of the mask contain detailed ingredient list, notable ingredients and reason for their use, as well as designated skin types and directions.  No guessing games here!

Texture/Feel: Their masks are made of tencel fibre cloth, which means microfibres are inter-weaved to allow for efficient water-bearing structure of the essence.  The tencel is ultra-thin, soft and stretchy, but so absorbable.  When the mask is wet, it is nearly translucent on the skin.  This translates to the best fitted sheet mask I’ve ever used because it literally clings to every singe surface area of my face.  I’ve left these masks up to 40 minutes at a time, and it still remains well moisturized when removed.  Each mask always comes with a white plastic backing, making it easy to disassemble and apply.

Essence: Each package contains abundant essence that are not only soaked into the mask but enough left over to treat my neck, chest, arms, legs, body et al.

Fit: I am biased on this, because I have a small-ish face.  I feel that these newest addition of MBD masks are literally designed for my face.  Every opening in the mask for the eyes, nose and mouth are in the right place, and are neither too big or small.  I love when the gentle skin around my eyes can be treated.

Black Pearl Brightening Mask

DESIGNED FOR: Normal skin types, especially recommended for skin lacking firmness, dull or tired skin

WHAT IT DOES: Optimal whitening, brightening and moisturizing

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS: Supreme black pearl essence from Tahiti is rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids that rapidly rejuvenate tired and dull skin.  Also formualated with hydrolyzed yeast protein, skin-brightening lemon extract to effective lighten and even skin tone.  The hydrating formulation contains deep sea Red algae and Malvasylvestris exract provides immediate relief to dry skin and improves’s skin’s ability to adjust tot he environment.  Sugar maple also helps to deliver intense hydration.

MY REVIEW: I can easily see why this is one of MBD most popular masks.  The ingredient formulation is stellar, and the brightening result is certainly immediately visible.  It makes my skin more even skin tone, and really helps to bring out a translucent clarity effect, along with diminishing pores and supply of ample hydration.  I love using this mask for lazy no-make up days because it instant wakes up my skin.

Aloe Vera Soothing Mask

DESIGNED FOR: Normal skin types, especially recommended for dry skin and skin needing relief and repair

MASK FUNCTION: Optimal hydration, calming and soothing

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS: Aloe vera contains nourishing mucopolyaccharides that are combined with the double-acting moisturizing ingredients Cosphingo x Aquaroad to formulate a remarkable skin nourishing mask.  The mask also contains kiwi, lemon, gingko and various extract to soften dead skin.  Mulberry tree bark and bearberry leaf extract provides dual-action to soothe dry and irritated skin, while control and maintain balanced sebum secretion and clarify skin.

MY REVIEW: This mask is especially great after leaving it in the fridge, as the aloe provides an extra cooling, refreshing and hydrating experience on my skin.  I love using this mask on days when my skin feels sensitive.  It quenches the thirst of my skin, while the rich blend of nutrients and plant extract help to sooth any flushing or irritation.   The moisturizing and calming effect is really outstanding, and the finish is clean and non-sticky, making this a great morning mask when I’m in a rush to get out the door.

 

Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Mask

DESIGNED FOR: Normal skin types; especially recommended for dry skin or skin in need of immediate hydration

WHAT IT DOES: Continuous hydration, Brightening and Firming

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS: Classic and popular moisturizing ingredient, hyaluronic acid, is treated to a hi-techhydrolysis process to further reduce the size of their elements, which allows for improved penetration and humectant effect.  Additional hydrating ingredients includes aloe vera and algae.  It also contains a blend of Arnica montana and Ruscus aculeatus for skin brightening and firming by improving skin elasticity and firmness, and enhances the complexion.

MY REVIEW: This mask is superbly hydrating without being too intense or heavy, perfect for the summer time.  I can never have too much hyaluronic acid products in my skin care, as hydration is the key to skin health.  I love using this mask after being in the sun too long, to help reduce pigmentations, and when I want to brighten my skin for a big event.  This mask also contains ingredients to firm the skin, including a whole host of antioxidants and vitamins to nourish the skin and perfect as part of an anti-ageing skin routine.

What are your favorite MBD masks?  Most of these masks are $1-2, or can be purchased in boxes of 5-10, on http://www.ibeautydiary.com.

 

 

Beautigenix – Stem Cell Facial Sheet Mask

ABOUT BEAUTIGENIX

Beautigenix specializes in face masks formulated with an exclusive Human Stem Cell Culture™serum and  a special blend of all natural botanical ingredients with the power to brighten, hydrate, lift and soothe.  Beautigenix stem cells are harvested at the Seoul Stem Medical Center in South Korea.  Their masks are currently found in many professional spa and cosmetic clinics throughout the US.  They carry four varieties of the Stem Cell Sheet Masks for brightening, hydrating, soothing and toning/firming.  You can find these masks by visiting their website and locating a spa near you.

STEM CELL FACIALS

Now, have you heard of stem cell facials?  It sounds intriguing and so enticing and unfortunately oh-so-expensive as well.  When I heard about Beautigenix sheetmasks and their main ingredient is stem cells, I have to give it a try and create my own experience with a stem cell facial at home.  What is the hype about stem cells and skin care?

Stem cells are incredibly unique as they have the potential to transform into any cell types by stimulating growth of new cells and encourage production of fundamental building blocks of skin such as collagen and elastin, as well as repair of damaged cell.  Stem cells have been the heat of research for scientists and in medicine for these regenerative and reparative properties.   The philosophy behind stem cell facial is regeneration of skin cells.  Aging causes loss of collagen and elastin; sun and environment causes damages to cells result in laxity in skin, wrinkles, loss of radiance and formation of pigments, spots, scars and uneven skin tone.  It is hoped that with properly formulated stem cells, they can get incorporated into your skin, revitalize the skin’s building blocks, and help to stimulate epidermal stem cells to thicken the skin, which leads to tightening, firming and prevent wrinkle formation.

BEAUTIGENIX BRIGHTENING MASK

WHAT IT IS

• A brightening, pigment reducing sheet mask

WHAT IT DOES

• With state-of-the-art breakthrough stem cell technology, stem cells are blended with botanical extracts to help counteract visible signs of aging, including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dehydration, dullness, and sagging.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Stem cells reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Niacinamide has multiple skin benefits including reducing appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness, and a weakened skin surface
• Sodium hyaluronate smoothes and plumps the skin.
• Trehalose hydrates the skin and gives your skin a youthful, supple glow.
• Witch Hazel reduces swelling and blemish
• Botanical extracts for skin brightening

Purified Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin,Glycereth-26, Adult Human Stem Cell Culture Media (330,000 ng), Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fructan, Betaine, Trehalose, Hamamelis Virginiana, (Witch Hazel) Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Arginine, Carbomer, Portulaca Oleeracea Extract, Allantoin, Zizania Aquatica Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Chondrus Crisps (Carrageenan), Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol Acetate, Diptassium Glycyrrhizate, Niacinamide, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Rubus Coreanus Fruit Extract, Nelumbo Mucifera Flower Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Bisabolol, Fragrance.

TEXTURE/FRAGRANCE/FIT

• Soft and breathable mask, saturated with the stem cell rejuvenating serum
• No detectable scent
• Adheres to the face very well and thus making it easy for me to multitask; comfortable on the skin
• Small-medium fit

WHY I LIKE IT

Beautigenix recommend that these sheet masks be used regularly two to three times weekly to get the most benefits.  I have been using these mask right after I do an at-home chemical peel, and these are the perfect skin soother to help heal and repair after the treatment.  These masks feel heavy because the material is simply supercharged with the serum, slowly delivered into the skin over the course of 20-30 minutes.  I feel that masks that are highly absorptive often contours to the face better, and really enhances moisture retention.

My favourite part of this sheet mask is massaging the serum onto my face after the mask is removed.  The serum is like a lightweight oil blending serum (perhaps due to castor oil) that really contribute to a luxury experience.  I can just see and feel that the serum has penetrated the skin, and provides instant replenishing the skin with essential moisture and create a moisture barrier for skin brightening.  It feels so light on the skin, and absorbs quickly without leaving sticky or greasy feel, which makes it a perfect mask treatment for daytime look – even under makeup or sunscreen.

I do feel that this mask produces results above and beyond what I usually expect of a facial mask.  It is of professional quality, after all!   It is unbelievably good at boosting the moisture levels in my skin, and the result is the longest lasting effect of all the masks I’ve used, while maintaining a stable skincare routine.  I feel like I just had a proper facial, with skin feeling consistently soft, plump, and looking more radiant for days.  The mask packs hydrating, plumping, and brightening punch that I feel is above its price tag with its hero ingredient: stem cell.  I can definitely see myself using this mask on a regular basis.

You can find this on Amazon ($28/single, or $220/tens) or by locating a spa near you at http://www.beautigenix.com.