My personal thoughts on face masks and skin-care - Behind every mask there is a face, and behind that a story

Blithe Blue Abalone mask

Blithe Blue Abalone mask is my nr 1 favorite when it comes to deeply hydrating my skin. I tend to use it in the hotter days or after flight because it restores my skin’s moisture barrier in 20 minutes.

Claims from the manufacturer:

A ultra-hydrating sheet mask that’s safe for sensitive skin. The Abalone Sheet Mask contains abalone extract with minerals, proteins, and amino acids to protect even the most sensitive skin. It provides deep and thorough hydration to dry skin with hyaluronic acid and biosaccharid gum-1, known for its excellent moisture holding ability. Fructan and marine collagen help to make skin soft and moist by controlling oil balance.

Directions from the manufacturer:

After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Take off the mask gently and let the remaining essence absorb into your face by lightly patting it.

Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Sea Cucumber Extract, Allantoin, Potassium Hydroxide, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta, Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether, Pancratium Maritimum (Sea Daffodil) Extract

My experience:

Blithe Blue Abalone mask is a truly great hydrating mask for weekly maintenance. The mask is made of high quality fabric and has an essence that doesn’t drip much. The essence is transparant and has a little grip to it. Great formulation that doesn’t leave a tacky film on my face. There is also plenty essence left in the bag to cover my entire legs!

The sheet fit and adherence are also superb! I can multitask easily when I wear this mask. I usually apply it for 20 minutes and just do my household chores or sit and drink coffee and read a book when I’m in the mood for it. After those 20 minutes my skin is transformed from being a dry prune back into being a wonderful juicy grape 🙂 It is hydrated, plumpy, bright, calmed and much more.

I would not advise to use this mask before yo want to use your make-up. It won’t sit over the essence that is left on the skin. Try using it before going to sleep and enjoy the fresh and glowing skin in the morning instead! Absolute love of mine that I can’t stop recommending to anyone. It is great for all the skin types suffering from dehydrated/dry/flaky skin. The scent on this is so light that you could tolerate it without any problems even if you have a super sensitive skin.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Paraben, sulfate and alcohol free formulation
+ Excellent long lasting hydration results
+ Great fit and adherence of the sheet
+ Claims met for 100%
+ Contains Niacinamide

Cons:
– None so far

Where to buy:
NL and BE: boozyshop.nl and littlewonderland.nl
Internationally: Available at amazon, ebay, notino, roseroseshop, thebodyshop, kruidvat, etos,
Price is 3,95€ per sheet

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

MISA Cho Gong Jin Peel Off Pack

MISA is a separate line of care products designed by MISSHA. It includes five series: Cho Gong Jin, Geum Sul, Cho Bo Yang, Yu Ryeo and Yei Hyun. Today’s review is about the famous Cho Gong Jin Peel Off Pack.

Claims from the manufacturer:

Specially Formulated Peel Off Pack with Oriental Medicinal Ingredients:
Nourishes the skin and treats redness and inflammation
Pulverized Oriental Medicinal Ingredients: Herbal powders and honey eliminate dead skin cells and other impurities
Tightening Effects: Improves overall health and elasticity of skin, firming areas of sagging
Recommended for:
– Those whose makeup does not apply well due to rough skin
– Those who want smooth, soft skin
– Those looking for a peel off type mask that removes impurities and dead skin cells
– Those looking to soothe red, inflamed skin

Directions from the manufacturer:

After cleansing and toning, apply an even layer of product onto skin, being careful to avoid contact with the eyes. After 20-30 minutes, or when the mask has dried, carefully peel off and wipe face with toner before continuing with skincare routine.

TIP: Apply an even layer of product to achieve peel off removal. In the event that you are unable to peel off the mask, use additional product for a thicker application.

Ingredients:

Water, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Ethanol, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-32, Velvet Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Bark/Sap Extract, Panax Ginseng Powder, Saccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme ) Flower/Leaf Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Acetyl Tyrosine, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Pueraria Root Extract, Honey Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Gold, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cellulose Gum, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance(Parfum)

My experience:

This specific mask is not harsh for your skin. In comparison to the black peel off masks that remove the dirt from the pores, this is thousand time better product. It is similar to a wax layer that is gentle to your skin and still manages to pull out a lot of dirt and grime off my face. It is packed with a lot of fermented herbal ingredients. You can literally smell the ginseng and honey. The scent is very strong and earthy. A true luxury item in terms of ingredients.

I try to use it once a week and it does wonders to my oily skin. The consistency of it is a dark-brown goo with trillions of specks of dried herbs in it. It is semi-thick and spreads well over your face. I usually apply it with my fingers and wait for about 20 minutes for it to completely dry. Even a thin layer does a good job and it peels off with ease in 1 piece. I tried doing a thicker layer once but the drying time turned to be very long. When removing the mask there is no pulling or tugging on my baby hairs on the face which is very surprising considering the fact that this is a peel off pack. I think this is the first mask that I’ve tried that manages not to hurt my face in the removal process.

I prefer to use it before applying my make up. I removes the dead skin cells leaving me with much smoother and brighter skin. I wish it would come in the small mini-tube so that I could take it to vacations with me. Oh, and the packaging on it is amazing. Thanks to the large cap it can be easily stored vertically on my vanity.

Pros:
+ Paraben, Sulfate and Alcohol free formula
+ Contins velvet and Honey extraxts
+ Bomb of herbal ingredients
+ Amazing texture and scent
+ Peels off in one piece
+ Doesn’t irritate the skin
+ Suitable for all skin types

Cons:
– Seems to be sold out a lot

Where to buy:
NL and BE: bbcreamshop.eu, missha.nl and littlewonderland.nl
Internationally: Available at misshaus,yesstyle and other online beauty stores
Price is 15,90€ for a 120 ml tube

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

MIZON Enjoy Vital-Up Time Soothing Mask

MIZON Enjoy Vital-Up Time Soothing Mask is one of those sheet masks that meets its claims not 100% but 200%. It is a true masterpiece when it comes to skin soothing masks. It works great on sensitive skin and smells amazing.

Claims from the manufacturer:

This soothing mask contains lavender extract which is known to alleviate skin problems and help heal wounds. Often referred to as a natural painkiller, lavender has soothing qualities and effectively reacts to relieve sensitive skin issues.
This Tencel sheet mask with its soft texture delivers the essence formula effectively to skin. It includes Mizon’s “vital essence” which is a formula made of 1) Allantoin to help recover your skin condition 2) Trehalose, which is a safe natural moisturizing ingredient 3) Hyaluronic Acid, a moisturizer that holds 1000 times its weight in water and 4) Sc-glucan, an ingredient that soothes and revitalizes.
The masks adhere to your skin and allow the essence to seep into your skin to deliver hydration to dry skin.
This mask is perfect for sensitive and irritated skin.

Directions from the manufacturer:

After cleansing, use toner to refine skin texture.Take out the mask from package and spread evenly over entire face, avoiding the eye and lip area. Remove the sheet after 10-20 minutes and gently pat to allow the remaining formula to absorb into the skin.

Tip: Lavender is known to have healing and stress relieving properties.

Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, BIS-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Carbomer, Trehalose, Triethanolamine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Beta-Glucan

My experience:

Overall, I do highly recommend this particular sheet mask. My skin felt very happy after using it and one great thing about it- it is available from the local vendor. Yay! who knows, maybe it will sneakily enter my “Kati’s hall of fame” within time.

The packaging on this is very bright and eye catching. It does somewhat represent the insides in a way. Very bright, fresh scent of the essence, cooling sensation on your face. Lovely! To me the essence smelled like freshly peeled lemons or limes. The fragrance is not artificial nor off-putting. On the contrary, it is very pleasant to whiff.

The material of the mask is semi-thick and opaque, it is very soft to the touch and has some kind of embossed structure to it. The mask applies easily and can be kept on the face for 20-30 minutes easy! Nearly all of the essence is absorbed into the material leaving only couple of drops inside the pack.

As for the results. I am amazed at how good it felt on. I could swear I had some light tingling on my skin like essence was packed with peppermint oil but I triple checked the ingredient list and didn’t find any in it. After removing the mask I was left with ultra hydrated skin that was smooth, bright, glowy and slightly tacky. The stickiness eventually disappears but the plumping results last me till the next day. Same goes for the irritated skin around my little acne.

The redness didn’t return till the next day. I am pleasantly WOWed by MIZON’s creation and will be investigating the other masks from this brand very soon.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Paraben, Sulfate and Alcohol free formulation
+ Contains Allantoin and Hyaluronic Acid
+ Lovely cooling effect on the skin
+ Very hydrating and soothing
+ Visibly reduces redness
+ Long lasting results on my skin

Cons:
– Contains fragrance

Where to buy:
NL and BE: littlewonderland.nl
Internationally: Available at peachandlilly and amazon
Price is 1,60-3€ per mask depending whether you buy it as a multipack or in singles

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

Mediheal Collagen Impact Essential Mask

Collagen Impact Essential Mask by Mediheal is a good sheet mask or the everyday use if you are looking for a quick boost of hydration. With the long-term daily use your skin’s elasticity and overall appearance will noticeably improve.

Claims from the manufacturer:

The Mediheal Collagen Impact Essential mask is an essential mask formulated with marine collagen and elastin to provide effective moisturization and skin elasticity.
This mask revitalizes fatigued skin as it helps retain moisture and soothes irritated and damaged skin. It helps make the skin rejuvenated, firmer, plumped-up and younger-looking.
It contains components such as hydrolyzed collagen and hydrolyzed elastin which make your skin fatigued by time more vital, so it will change your skin young and vital as if it put the time back and form a moist essence film on your skin having weaker fuctions from dryness. Use of the cellulose mask sheet with silky touch fitting even your fine wrinkles aids intensive care and delivers the efficacy of the high-concentrated essence more mildly.

Directions from the manufacturer:

After cleansing, attach the mask on your face tightly. About 15~20 minutes later, take off the mask. Dab your face softly and lightly.

Special Note: Considering the skins 4 week turnover term, it is most effective to use consecutively 2-3 times a week for 4 weeks (one month concentrated skin management program).

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Panthenol, Trehalose, Betaine, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Wheat Amino Acids, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Allantoin, Polysorbate 80, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Fragrance

My experience:

First of all I would like to mention how useless is the internet when it comes to the ingredient lists. Everything available in the net about the Mediheal masks is outdated information so always always always look at the packaging yourself! Mediheal had added parabens and sometimes alcohol in their products but new masks are entirely sulfate, paraben and alcohol free. I’ve typed the ingredient list over from the sachet so please check it out and see what you come across online.

The packaging on this mask is classic. I’ve been seeing the same packaging for years. Maybe it would be nice to get some change in it as well once you realize the formula has been adapted to more skin-friendly version of it.

The sheet of this mask is medium-thick, semi-transparent and well soaked in the essence. Once applied on the face the fit and adherence of this sheet mask is amazing. Same goes for the other masks from Mediheal, that is something they really invested in and it is a big pleasure to use their products. The essence is clear and bit less runny than a water. It is also lightly scented and I can whiff some lemony-green scent. The scent disappears very fast and is not noticeable during the wearing time at all.

I keep this mask on for the 20 minutes on the hot days and for 30 minutes in the winter. The sheet can hold a lot of liquid which evaporates much faster in the warmer days. After mask is off my face I am left with very smooth and shiny skin. The essence left on my skin absorbs fast but I am still feeling slight tacky leftover. It doesn’t bother me and if I apply my sunscreen over it doesn’t roll off my face which is a good thing. If you don’t like any type of the residue on your skin I’d advise you to use this mask before going to sleep and add a nice anti-aging sleeping pack to your routine to maximize the effects of this product. Overall a wonderful mask, unfortunately hard to get in NL.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Alcohol, paraben and sulfate free formula
+ Contains antioxidants and anti-ageing ingredients
+ Suitable for all skin types
+ Contains a lot of essence in the bag
+ Great quality sheet and fit of it
+ Very calming and hydrating, I love to use it for when my skin is red and irritated
+ Lovely cooling effects
+ Light neutral scent

Cons:
– Hard to get within the NL webshops
– Packaging should state it is reformulated
– Contains fragrance(last on the list)

Where to buy:
NL and BE: not available in the dutch webshops
Internationally: Available at masksheets.com, amazon and many other webshops
Price is +/- 1,50€ per one sheet mask

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

Happy Bath Natural Essence mask Lotus

Happy Bath Natural Essence mask Lotus was a huge disappointment for me. It ain’t worth it when you don’t know what are you using on your skin.

Claims from the manufacturer:

A safe, mild mask sheet suitable for all skin types.
7 Free: Silicone free, artificial fragrance free, colorant free, Triethanolamine free, PEG surfactant free, mineral oil free and animal ingredient free
Extract from lotus and lavender oil soothes and relieves irritated skin.
Whilst essence from everlasting refines skin texture, leaves skin healthy and calm.

Directions from the manufacturer:

Adjust skin texture with toner after cleansing. Spread the mask over face. Avoid eye and lip areas. Leave it for 10-20 minutes and remove the mask. Pat lightly to aid absorption or rinse with lukewarm water.

Ingredients (found on Skincarisma.com, original packaging is in Korean so I can’t tell with certainty whether this information is accurate):

Butter Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Arginine, Carbomer, Loess Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Helichrysum Italicum (Everlasting) Extract, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Pelargonium Capitatum (Geranium) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil

My experience:

First of all who makes a mask with ingredients list in a foreign language? Is it made to disguise the customer or someone is just to lazy to provide the information in English? The only ingredient list I could fine for this mask is published on the skincarisma and I don’t see any lotus ingredient on the list. And yes we are talking about a Lotus mask. Weeiirrrdddd…

The mask has a nice pastel purple packaging with prominent graphic image containing the lotus flower. So far so good. Once you see the back of the pack that’s where it gets wonky. Everything is in Korean except the “7 free” logo down on the bottom. User friendly? Not! The original website doesn’t provide anything else but the Korean text.

Once the package is open I immediately smell something citrusy. IT is a very potent bitter orange kind of scent. The smell is quite strong but not irritating my nose. The sheet on this mask is made of fiber-like substance that I would relate more to the cellulose than to a cotton. It is very thin and doesn’t feel like it can hold a lot of liquid because the saturated sheet feels so lightweight in my hands. There is no mentioning about how much essence is used but what I can tell from the pack it is quite a lot, unfortunately it remains in the bag and not on the mask itself.

The sheet applies well and the fit is very good. The adherence on the other hand is very flimsy. I had troubles keeping it on my face so I had to lye down for the entire time when I was testing this mask out. It started drying out after 15 minutes of wear. My face was left with a slight oily feel to it. The feeling of oiliness didn’t disappear even after an hour. I ended up using my toner to remove the excess oily film my face was left with. As for the results it did a decent job hydrating my face. Would I buy it again? No.

Pros:

+ 7 free formulation (Silicone, artificial fragrance, colorant, Triethanolamine, PEG surfactant, mineral oil and animal ingredient free)
+ A lot of essence
+ Good at hydrating the skin

Cons:
– Can’t be certain what ingredients are in it as the information on this mask
– Sheet of the mask doesn’t seem to hold on to essence
– Does very little to the skin
– Sticky/oily finish on the skin after application
– Strong scent
– Hard to find in the EU

Where to buy:
NL and BE: Not for sale in the webshops or stores
Internationally: Available at ebay and asianbeautywholesale webshops
Price is around 2,50€ per mask

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

Lange Hydra-Global Active Cream Mask

Lange Hydra-Global Active Cream Mask is my go-to product that I always use when I am bored of trying out new products. You can call it a save haven product and I would totally agree with that.

Claims from the manufacturer:

Intense and lasting moisturizing effect.
Remarkable suppleness and an instant well-being sensation.
Reduced signs of stress and fatigue.

Directions from the manufacturer:

Apply a thick layer on cleansed face and neck 2-3 times a week avoiding the eye contour area. Let the active ingredients penetrate for 10-15 minutes, then remove any excess with a cotton pad (soaked with a lotion).

Ingredients:

The only available information from the Lange website: Tropical Mango Butter (emollient, softening, regenerating, antioxidant and soothing), NATAMILK® Honey and Shea (moisturizing, nourishing, softening, soothing), Organic Horse Chestnut (tones).

Full ingredient list:

Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, PEG-8, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Methyl Methacrylate, PEG-Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance, Polysilicone-11, Titanium Dioxide, Tromethamine, Galactaric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Isohexadecane, Lilium Candidum Flower Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Hydroxycitronellal, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Silica, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Polysorbate 80, Citronellol, Polysorbate 20, Geraniol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Linalool, Blue 1 (CI 42090)

My experience:

I first bought it around 4 years ago from the TKmaxx store in UK after my most favorite mask from this brand was discontinued. It’s predecessor, the gel mask was my nr 1 most used mask for years and with this mask I am compensating the loss of my favorite (R.I.P darling, we remember you). The Hydra-Global Active Cream Mask is the next best thing available from the hydrating line currently produced by this French brand.

The cream-mask is a thick beige colored cream that spreads out well. It is non-sticky and has some light fresh scent to it. You can use this mask as a wash(wipe) off-treatment if you apply a thick layer on your face or use it as a sleeping mask (thin layer of product is advised). I usually go for option nr 2 because it is easier for me. I usually do my evening skin care routine that I finish off with this product applied last.

Once applied it take about 10 minutes for the product to sink into my skin. After 10 minutes my skin feels very hydrated and there is very little residue left on my skin. I you apply it in a classic way you will be having the white cast as this is a cream mask so definitely clean it off your face afterwards. Since I use it overnight only I rinse it off in the morning.

What does it do to my skin? First of all it hydrates and does it very well. Being a cream mask, this specific mask is one of the few cream products that doesn’t break me out. On contrary it fights my existing blemishes and reduces the redness and inflammation on my skin. On the days when I don’t want to experiment with my skin care I always reach for it because I know my skin will look nearly perfect by the time I wake up. To me it is a good old faithful friend. What about you? Have you tried it?

Summary:

Pros:
+ Paraben, Sulfate and Alcohol free formula
+ Rich in anti-ageing ingredients and vitamine E
+ Contains UV shields
+ Suitable for the dry skin
+ Light pleasant fragrance
+ Ultra-moisturizing when used as a sleeping mask

Cons:
– Contains silicone and fragrance
– Less suitable for sensitive and acne prone skin
– Steep price

Where to buy:
NL and BE: TKmaxx shops
Internationally: Available at lange.fr and amazon
Price is – 98€ per 50ml jar

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

MISSHA Black Ghassoul Tightening Mask

I bought the Black Ghassoul Tightening Mask a a part of the MISSHA Black Ghassoul Pore Care Set on the bbcreamshop website. I am not new to mud masks so I pretty much knew what to expect from it.

Claims from the manufacturer:

The Black Ghassoul wash off mask is great for pore cleaning and tightening.
It helps control sebum as well as skin troubles.
The mask moisturizes and leaves skin with a refreshing feeling.
Free of Paraben, Talc, Mineral Oil, and Fragrance.

Directions from the manufacturer:

Use 1-2 times per week. After washing face and applying Toner, get appropriate amount and spread evenly onto face, avoiding eye and lip areas. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Ingredients:

Water, Kaolin, Butylene Glycol, Bentonite, Propylene Glycol, Moroccan Black Ghassoul, Glycerin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Charcoal Powder, Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Rhus Semialata Gall Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis Extract Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Uncaria Gambir Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Polysorbate 20, Panthenol, Steareth-21, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethylaurate/VP Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77499

My experience:

The Black Ghassoul Tightening Mask turned out to be a quiet powerful product for tightening up my pores. I’ve used one of the pore strips earlier today and there were some pretty big gaps on my nose. I’ve literally received this one together with some other MISSHA products today so I decided to do first impressions of it while it was sitting on my face.

The 95ml jar comes with a spatula for scooping out the product. The mask is dark grey in color and it is very thick so please do use spatula otherwise it is very difficult to pick up this mask with a brush. I tried to aplly it with my regular soft bristle mask brush but it picked up very little of the product. The spatula came in handy and I just spreaded it over my face with my small pore brush that is designed to reach well into the nose folds. Application with the hands is also possible and maybe even easier than making my brushes dirty.

First 5 minutes nothing happened. Mask remained moist and didnt change any color. After 10 minutes on my skin I felt slight tightening sensation on my nose and to me it was a cure to wash it off. Rinsing it out was quick and easy. My skin seemed brighter on the areas I’ve placed the product. The gaps from extracted earlier sebum were gone. There was no irritation or redness of the skin. The mask did a good job on evening my skin and shrinking the craters on the nose are. The only other skin care step this day was a spray toner to restore the moisture barrier of my skin.

To sum up: the mask did what I expected it to do. It is very economical in use and a little goes a long way. I like this mask much more than the Ghassoul mask from the TooCoolForSchool that I’ve been using for shrinking my pores. There is no scent to this product and it has a decent price. The ingredient list is also very good. Will I purchase it again? Yes! Considering the amout of prouct in it it will probably be somewhere next year 🙂

Summary:

Pros:
+ Paraben, Sulfate, Perfume and Alcohol free formulation
+ Contains charcoal powder and Panthenol
+ Rich in Vitamine E and Camelia Flower extract
+ Great purifying mask that tightens up my pores
+ Suitable for all skin types
+ Economic in use, the less is more
+ No fragrance

Cons:
– Contains Dimethicone
– Very thick consistency, hard to apply with the brush

Where to buy:
NL and BE: bbcreamshop.eu and easycosmetic.nl
Internationally: Available at missha.nl, misshaus and amazon webshops
Price is 11,95 € per 95 ml of product

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

MISSHA Airy Fit Sheet Mask – Pomegranate

I was waiting and waiting and waiting for the MISSHA Airy Fit sheet masks to turn out in the (semi)local webshops because I really don’t want to order from Korean websites and have a month wait. I was lucky to spot the Ary fit Sheet mask series at the German MISSHA site so I went a grabbed some masks from the newest added sheet mask line. Today’s review is about the Airy Fit Sheet Mask with Pomegranate.

Claims from the manufacturer:

The sheetmask with Pomegranate makes the skin elastic and soft. Tired skin gets an elasticity boost!
A cloth mask delivering its active ingredients effectively to the skin. The mask adheres through a lot of moisture to the skin.
Rice paper is twice as thin and lighter than regular paper, which makes the mask feel like a second layer of skin.
A great fresh-up through the cold brewing method: active ingredients are released to the skin more safely and with more freshness.

Directions from the manufacturer:

After cleansing the face, prepare your skin with some toner. Lay the mask evenly over your face. Leave the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes. Remove the mask and gently pat the mask residue until fully absorbed.

Tip: The mask remnants can also be applied to the area of your neck and pulled in. The application is recommended 2-3 times a week.

Ingredients:

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin, Carbomer, Arginine, Coptis Japonica Root Extract , Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Trehalose, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, PVM/MA Copolymer, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

My experience:

Today’s review is one of many to come because I am pretty sure I’ve got all of the airy fit masks to play around with. I was able to get them from Germany for 1,80 per sheet which I do think is reasonable price for slim-fit sheet masks.

By slim-fit I mean those products that are made of the thin velvety fabric that is capable of absorbing a lot and adheres very well to your skin. I can immediately recognize this type amongst many because they usually don’t have any extra snips in them, only the openings for mouth, nose and eyes. The rest is unnecessary because the staying power of such thing is enormous. I can jump around and swing my hair like I am on the rock concert and it will still stay put.

The packaging of this entire series is worth mentioning. Very sleek, matte colorful. I like it a lot. Mask inside is almost transparent wen wet and indeed very thin. The essence is also transparent and is not watery. The application was a pleasure because no essence was trying to escape from my face. Another major lovely feature. As for the scent, it doesn’t smell like much. Very light airy, fresh hint of something green. I had it on my face for 20 minutes and couldn’t smell anything at all. Only when I was inspecting the insides of the pack I caught a slight whiff of fragrance.

The wear time for me was full 20 minutes. Very lovely. My face was left with little residue on the skin that I just patted in and after 3-5 minutes no traces were left on the surface of my skin. Upon the inspection in front of the mirror I saw that my skin tone was more even than before the application. The greatest difference what I felt was that my skin was more even, had nearly no texture and felt super smooth. I get the same feeling after my peeling and I was surprised that a sheet mask can achieve nearly the same level of smoothness.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Sulfate, Alcohol and Paraben free formula
+ Contains several vitalizing oils
+ Great fit and adherence of the sheet
+ Very thin and soft material
+ Affordable price
+ Amazing skin smoothing and plumping results
+ Excellent formulation, the essence is not runny and absorbs well

Cons:
– Disappointed not to see vitamins added to this ampoule mask
– Hard to get in EU shops

Where to buy:
NL and BE: Not Available
Internationally: Available at mishadeutchland and roseroseshop
Price is between 1 and 2€ per sheet and depens on where you get the mask from

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

Innisfree It’s real Shea Butter Squeeze mask

It’s real Shea Butter Squeeze mask by Innisfree has one of the lightest essences from the entire series of these masks and it leaves your skin hydrated and acts like a good make-up base.

Claims from the manufacturer:

A deep moisturizing mask made with shea butter! The soft shea butter deeply hydrates dry skin from within.
Jeju green complex- The Jeju green complex consists of green tea, tangerine, cactus, camellia leaves, and orchids to keep your skin healthy.
Triple-layered sheet technology. This triple-layer sheet has a long-lasting moisturizing effect so that the essence can gradually be absorbed into the skin.

Directions from the manufacturer:

After washing your face, gently apply toner on your face to even out your skin texture. Then, apply the mask over your entire face, avoiding your eye and lip areas. Remove the mask after 10-20 minutes. Remove the mask and gently pat your face to allow the remaining essence to absorb into your skin.

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Carbomer, Shea Butter(20mg), Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Prickly Pear Extract, Camellia Leaf Extract, The green Tea Extract, Orchid Extract, Tangerine Peel Extract, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

My experience:

This mask with shea butter has a nice packaging that is easy to open and is made of the same material as the rest from the same line. The sheet is made of felt-type fabric and is quite absorbing despite it’s thinness. The essence in this mask is scented and transparant. Very unexpected for me as I am used that nearly all of the shea butter masks I’ve tried have an opaque white or cream-like essence.The light fragrance of this essence is resembling freshly cut flowers and grass. It is completely transparant, watery and colorless. It is not sticky nor oily either which is a great bonus.

The downside of this mask for me is the fit of the sheet. No surprise there, the entire series is cut in the same factory and just doesn’t suit my face much. This time I was too lazy to cut it to fit around my eyes and nose so you can actually see the true fit on the picture on the right. I kept it on for 15 minutes and tapped in the residue essence. I usually get max 20 minute of wear time with this entire series of sheet masks before the sheet starts getting dry. On hotter days it is noticeably shorter and the maximum wear time is down to 15 minutes.

I was surprised that a shea butter mask leaves no residue on the skin. The essence sinks into my skin within 5 minutes and there is certainly no trace of it left on the surface.Very good news for me as I can use it prior to doing my make-up. The mask provided me with moderate hydration which I didn’t mind at all considerwing we had 30 degrees Celsius outside. I am considering buying more of the shea butter masks in the future after I get to use the entire range from Innisfree.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Paraben, Sulfate and Alcohol free formula
+ Suitable for all skin types
+ Rich in antioxidants and plan extracts
+ Good adherence of the sheet
+ Light neutral fragrance
+ Good for daily use and if you have dry patches on the skin

Cons:
– Contains perfume (last on the list)
– Contains silicone
– Fit of the sheet could be better

Where to buy:
NL and BE: Not available in EU webshops
Internationally: Available at innisfree, amazon and other webshops
Price is +/- 2€ per sheet

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

MINI CAPSULE PACK Deluxe Set of 4 Face Masks by The Face Shop

Today’s review is kind of 4-in-1 deal. After my recent trip to UK and raiding some shops there that sometimes sell the Korean beauty products (yes, TKMaxx, talking about you here) I finally laid my hands on the capsule masks. Unfortunately, the choices were sparse and the only capsules I could see there were from The Face Shop. Without further ado I present to you the glorious and the magnificent “MINI CAPSULE PACK Deluxe Set of 4 Face masks” or “the set” for short.

The set contains 4 mask capsules that contain 10 grams of product each. capsules are made out of brown nontransparent plastic and are covered with a protective seal. Overall, packaging is nice and my only complaints so far are the too long name of the set(way too long and impossible to remember) and the fact that capsules are filled 1/3rd of the way.

Application is same for all 4 masks: Massage onto clean skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth areas. Leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Below are the ingredients for all four masks together with more detailed description of the masks.

Aloe mask

Ingredients: Water/eau, glycerin, propanediol, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, 1,2-hexanediol, beta-glucan, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, peg-32, betaine, potassium hydroxide, diethoxyethyl succinate, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, phenoxyethanol, citrus paradisi(grapefruit) fruit extract, xanthan gum, parfum, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, disodium edta

Texture: Transparent gel
Scent: Very light herbal fragrance
Claims: Soothing

Honey mask

Ingredients: Water/eau, glycerin, propanediol, honey extract, butylene glycol, peg-32, betaine, 1,2-hexanediol, panthenol, carbomer, dimethicone, potassium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, ppg-26-buteth-26, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, disodium edta, sodium polyacrylate, theobroma cacao(cocoa) extract, parfum

Texture: Transparent gel, very smooth application
Scent: This one smells of raw natural honey that you buy from the farmer’s market. Scent is quite prominent in the pack but gets less strong when applied to the face.
Claims: Moisturizing

Pomegranate mask

Ingredients: Water/eau, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, peg-32, cetearyl alcohol, peg-8 beeswax, peg-100 stearate, panthenol, glyceryl stearate, betaine, sodium hyaluronate, eclipta prostata extract, melia azadirachta leaf extract, punica granatum fruit extract, natto gum, moringa oleifera seed oil, zea mays(corn) starch, mannitol, propanediol, peg-240/hdi copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 ether, caprylic/capric glycerides, 1,2-hexanediol, phenoxyethanol, carbomer, caprylhydroxamic acid, potassium hydroxide, parfum, disodium edta, butylene glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, iron oxides (CI 77492)

Texture: milky/yoghurt like cream
Scent: Light fruity fragrance
Claims: Resilience, Lifting

Rice mask:

Ingredients: Water/eau, propanediol, cyclopentasiloxane, domethicone, betaine, polysorbate 60, trehalose, glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, panthenol, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, oryza sativa(rice) powder,peg-32, jojoba wax peg-120 esters, caprylhydroxamic acid, phenoxyethanol, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, hydrogynated lecithin, dimethiconol, potassium hydroxide, cellulose gum, disodium edta, sodium hyalyronate, ethylhexylglycerin, parfum

Texture: semitransparent gel with crushed rice particles in it
Scent: Very light and reminds of Nivea cream
Claims: Brightening

Conclusion:
Overall interesting concept of capsules. All four masks behaved well on me without causing any breakouts. They were extremely hard to wash off which I didn’t like at all. I would not repurchase this set.

Pros:
+ You can get couple of uses out of each capsule
+ Great concept and packaging (I like when products have rather sealed sachets instead of huge tub that once opened can and will collect bacteria)
+ Perfect for vacations and short trips due to the small weight of the container
+ Great combo for multi-masking together with adorable scents
+ Would make a perfect present for a mask-o-maniacs
+ Each mask’s claims are met successfully
+ Quick and easy application/removal process

Cons:
– Capsules are 1/3 full, quite disappointing upon opening
– Hard to get in the shop, long waiting times if I would want to order these online
– Somewhat steep price for the set (+/- 15$ for total of 40 ml)
– Exhausting to pronounce name
– May be irritating for super sensitive skins out there

Where to buy:
NL: try raiding your local TKMaxx store, you may find it there
Internationally: thefaceshop and ebay
Price is somewhere between 8-12 euros per 4 pc. set

Thank you for reading,

Yours truly, Kati 🙂