smoothing Archives - My personal thoughts on face masks and skin-care

SKINFOOD Seaweed Marine Food Gel Mask

SKINFOOD Seaweed Marine Food Gel Mask is part of the 5 hydrogel masks from the Marine food series launched by SKINFOOD couple of years ago. They are not easy to find in EU even though they are of an excellent quality for people with all skin types.

Claims from the manufacturer:

A refreshing and moisturizing gel mask infused with seaweed extracts and blue marine complex for intense hydration.
Use to soothe and calm a sun-stressed complection.

Directions from the manufacturer:

After cleansing your face, use toner and place mask onto face. Remove after 10-20 minutes and pat excess essence for absorption.

Ingredients:

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua Gum Extract, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Sodium Polyacrylate, Croscarmellose, Polysorbate 20, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Trideceth-6, Algae Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Gelldium Amansii Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Sea Water, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

My experience:

To me this SKINFOOD Seaweed Hydrogel mask is a good skin refreshing and hydrating mask that is a good make-up base for the day. The mask comes in gorgeous blue packaging that is easy to open. Unfortunately the back side is all in Korean so no idea what it says there. Inside the pack there are 2 pieces of hydrogel (for upper and lower halves of the face). Each piece is protected by 2 pieces of plastic shielding, one thinner and one hard one. The scent of the essence is amazing. It seems like the same type of fragrance is used in scenting each and every mask from this range. The fragrance is floral and marine at the same time. Very yummy.

Essence is transparant and semi-liquid ensuring that this mask won’t glide of your face. The adherence and fit are as good as they can get. The luxuriously thick gel hugs my face in the right places. The eye cutouts are also well positioned and have a nice cut so that the edges of the mask don’t irritate the area close to my eyes. There is a thin sheet of fabric embedded in the gel and sometimes they may cause irritation in the areas with sensitive skin.

After 40 minutes my skin is supercharged with moisture. What is very lovely about this mask is that it leaves little to no tacky residue, same as the sea cucumber and jellyfish masks. My skin is fresh, extremely hydrated and cooled down. Loving this mask series a lot. Would I recommend it? Yes, if you have oily and dehydrated skin. This version and the seaweed one are most suitable for you. If your skin is more on the normal-dry side, get the oyster or sea cucumber mask.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Paraben, Sulfate, Silicone, Alcohol free formula
+ Super fit and adherence
+ Good quality hydrogel
+ Skin hydrating results are very prominent
+ Beautiful packaging and fragrance
+ Comfortable application

Cons:
– Hard to get in EU
– Info on the pack all in Korean
– Contains fragrance

Where to buy:
NL and BE: Not Available
Internationally: Available at beauteque and amazon
Price is +/- 5€ per one hydrogel mask

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

MISSHA Geum Sul Vitalizing Eye Cream & Micro Needle Patch

MISSHA Geum Sul Vitalizing Eye Cream & Micro Needle Patch is an anti-aging treatment for the gentle area under the eyes. It is very unique in use as you have to apply the under eye cream on your face first and only then the special patches with little tiny needles on them. These patches are meant to increase the circulation, tighten and brighten the skin under the eyes which they do!

Claims from the manufacturer:

Missha Geum Sul Vitalizing Eye Cream (10ml)
4 x Needle Patches
Components of the needle: hyaluronic acid, peptides, Madecassoside fermented wild ginseng extract.
Direct transport of active ingredients through a fine micro-needle system in the challenged skin layers.
Cream: An outstanding Eye Cream with oriental extracts and pure gold meets Micro Needle patches of concentrated hyaluronic acid for a smooth eye area and a youthful radiant look.

Directions from the manufacturer:

Apply a fair amount of eye cream around the eyes. Remove the film from the patch and make sure to touch the patch very carefully by the edges. Attach the patch under the eye. Tap gently on the patch to fix it and optimize the absorption into the skin. After 30 minutes, remove the patch. After you have removed the patch, apply again to the eyes Cream to maximize the wrinkle smoothing effect.

You can use a patch every three days. A patch is suitable for single administration. You can use the patch in other areas of the face such as on the smile lines.

Ingredients:

Panax Ginseng Root Water, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Velvet Extract, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Stearic Acid, Glycol Stearate SE, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Phellinus Baumii Mycelium/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Extract, Filtrate Panthenol, Beeswax, Palmitic Acid, Polyacrylate-13, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyisobutene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chlorphenesin, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Poria Cocos Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Arginine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Oil Soluble Licorice(Glycyrrhiza) Extract, Polysorbate 20, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Flour Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Mica (CI 77019), Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid, Copolymer, Pantolactone Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Honey Extract, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Gold Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Citric Acid, sh-Octapeptide-4.

My experience:

I can’t brag enough about how great this product is. First of all you get 10 ml tube of cream that is going to last you for a long time after you are finished with the patches. I’ve used only third of the tube for all of my patches and am still enjoying the amazing goodness and it’s benefits every evening before going to bed. With what is left in the tube I am still able to make it through the month with daily applications which is definitely worth it!

The entire system of the cream-patches-cream application has improved my under eye area tremendously. I’ve used the entire set up in 2 weeks and the area under my eyes is baby smooth and completely wrinkle free. And I did have plenty of crows feet to work with. The entire system is quite easy to apply, the wearing time of 30 minutes is also pretty much tolerable if you do it once or twice a week. Once I fell asleep with these on and woke up an hour later. I’m happy to report that there was no issue with that either. The patches adhere well to the skin under eyes but they do not stick there on permanently and the removal process in very gentle.

The needles on the patch are quite sharp to begin with but they do not prickle or penetrate the skin. There was no issue with hurting or any pain/discomfort whatsoever. After 10 minutes you feel that the points are starting to get softer and eventually they dissolve after releasing all of the hyaluronic acid.

As for the results. I’ve got incredible brightening effects that were visible for days after following the first application. Overall effects were cumulative and now, week after I’ve stopped using patches (because I’ve ran out of them) my skin is still bright and perky. I would definitely recommend these patches for anyone struggling with the crows feet and dark circles underneath the eye area. I’m putting these on my Christmas wishlist. Hey, Santa , wink-wink 😉

Summary:

Pros:
+ Sulfate, alcohol, paraben free formula
+ Contains loads of skin brightening and anti-aging ingredients
+ Great fit and adherence of the patches for the area under the eyes
+ Amazing effects of the dual treatment on my skin
+ Best skin brightening product for under the eyes I’ve ever tried

Cons:
– Price is quite steep for 4 patch sets
– The amount of cream is more than what you need for using with the patches
– Packaging haz zero description in English.

Where to buy:
NL and BE: bbcreamshop.eu and missha.nl
Internationally: Available at misshadeutchland, ebay, beautyboxkorea and other international vendors
Price is 20-40€ per box depending on where you buy it

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

MISSHA Bee Pollen Renew Sheet Mask

MISSHA Bee Pollen Renew Sheet Mask is one of the latest additions to the MISSHA skin care line. It is a part of the Bee Pollen line that consists of several pollen based products and is made for more dry and exhausted skin.

Claims from the manufacturer:

Sheet mask for dry, stressed skin – moisture and nutrients even for very sensitive skin. Dermatologically tested, without mineral oil!
The cloth mask with bee pollen extract helps to relax and moisturize dry, sensitive skin.
Fresh and relaxing skin care, even for sensitive skin, with a 100% vegetable bamboo fiber cloth that has tremendous moisture retention properties.
The Sheetmask is filled with the nutrient-rich Ampouler and provides the skin with energy and elasticity.

Directions from the manufacturer:

Take the cloth mask out of the package, unfold it and place it on your face, avoiding the nose and mouth. After 10-20 minutes, remove the mask and gently pat the remaining essence. Do not wash!

Tip: Place the cloth again on your neckline for 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

Water, Pollen Extract, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, C12-13 Pareth-3, C12-13 pareth-23, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Butylene Glycol, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose Cocoate, Polysorbate 60, Arginine, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Polyacrylate, Adenosine, Trehalose, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin

My experience:

As much as I dislike regular honey sheet masks I fell in love with this beauty. It has a serum with consistency that I’ve never encountered before. It is opaque and ha a yellow-beige tint to it and it is very watery and light. The texture of it has plenty of slip on the skin so it is very gentle and absorbs almost entirely into my skin leaving very little to no residue afterwards.

The essence is scented and has a floral-honey scent to it which is very mild and disappears soon after application. The fit and adherence of the mask are excellent as with nearly all MISSHA products. What stands out for this particular mask is how soft it actually is. The sheet is made of the bamboo fiber and is super silky and gentle on my skin. Beware essence may drip down your chin a bit in the first couple of minutes!

Since the essence is very concentrated and feels on the heavier side, it gave me 30 minutes of wearing time. And to be honest I didn’t mind it at all because the sensation that this mask left on my skin was glorious! I felt that my skin was hydrated to the max. It felt nourished, looked brighter and smoother. My face looked instantly energized! Overall amazing results that lasted me till the next day. The finish on the skin was bit shiny but it was not oily or sticky to the touch. Very unique experience with this one. Will I buy it again? Yes!!!!

Summary:

Pros:
+ Contains Adenosine, Niacinamide and many more skin benefiting ingredients
+ Rich in natural herbal oils and extracts
+ No sticky residue left on the face
+ Great hydrating and smoothing results on my skin
+ Pleasantly scented essence, plenty of it left in the bag
+ Amazingly soft sheet of the mask

Cons:
– Steep’ish price
– Essence is on the runny side
– Fit of the sheet is on the smaller side

Where to buy:
NL and BE: Not available
Internationally: Available at misshadeutchland and roseroseshop
Price is 4,50€ per one mask

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 🙂

Beauty Trip Tokyo Seaweed and Omega 3 mask by Spa Life

Beauty Trip Tokyo Seaweed and Omega 3 mask by Spa Life is one of my al time favorites from all of my sheet masks. The essence contained in this beauty is just perfect for my skin!

Claims from the manufacturer:

❇ One of the greatest treasures of Asia’s ocean is seaweed, a natural anti inflammatory and toxin eliminator that soothes and refreshes the skin.
❇ Omega 3 helps energize skin cells.
❇ Made in Korea.

Directions from the manufacturer:

Open package and simply pat mask on face, leave for 20 minutes. Gently remove the mask and lightly massage any remaining serum into your skin. Do not rinse. Discard the mask after single use.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Algae Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Natto Gum, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Panthenol, Allantoin, Erythritol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-14M, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance (Parfum)

My experience:

The first time I’ve purchased this mask was approximately three years ago. It instantly turned into my favorite because of what it does to my skin. There are other sheet masks in the Beauty Trip series from the same brand which I also tried over the years but the Seaweed and Omega 3 one remains my favorite! I do have one problem with it. The sheet of this mask has a moderate fit and adherence to my face. If this would have been one of those thin type of masks it would be my nr. 1 mask of all times.

The serum in this mask is very watery and transparant. There is a light scent to it and to me it smells like some of those fermented ingredients that are so good for the skin. I do get the seaweed vibe from it too.

I keep this mask on for full 20 minutes and use the leftover essence to keep the skin on my knees and elbows moisturized. Yet again, it works like magic! Once the the sheet is off my face I pat the leftover essence in and let my face air dry. I do feel that there is a residue left on my skin but it is not oily nor tacky. I would not advice to use this sheet mask before you plan to apply make-up, it would not hold. Instead try using it right before going to sleep.

Every time I do this mask my skin is somehow more toned up, wrinkles are smoothed and overall appearance is more revitalized and healthy looking. My skin is still looking excellent the next morning. I do feel that when I use it before going to bed my skin starts to retain moisture better on the next day and I get less sebum and oil. I am very satisfied with these masks and would advise you to try them out if you have oily acne prone skin!

Pros:
+ Alcohol, paraben and sulfate free formulation
+ Contains vitamine E, allantoin, shea butter, panthenol and witch hazel
+ Works wonders on my oily skin
+ Great at smoothing out wrinkles and plumping skin
+ Richly moisturizing
+ Anti-microbal ingredients

Cons:
– Sheet quality and fit could be better
– Contains fragrance
– Hard to find in EU stores

Where to buy:
❇ NL and BE: I stock up on mine when they are available in TKmaxx shops
❇ Internationally: Available at spalife, amazon and walmart
❇ Price online is 6$ per sheet or 36$ for a 6-pack. If you manage to get these at the TKmaxx, they are about 8€ per box of 6.

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

NATURE REPUBLIC Premium Foil Peel Off Pack

Since my hair turned silver with the magic of the hair dye, I will review something silver today. NATURE REPUBLIC Premium Foil Peel Off Pack is one of the most unique products in my masking arsenal and I like it quite a lot which is why it was a perfect product to put in today’s review.

Claims from the manufacturer:

❇ Inverted Formula & Tone Supply for Chrome Color
❇ Contains white flower ingredients: Provides vital skin

Directions from the manufacturer:

Apply an appropriate amount to the skin (apply at once)
After 20 minutes (dry), slowly pull it up from the bottom up.
Lightly clean skin with toner.

Ingredients:

Water, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat., Bismuth Oxychloride, Polyvinyl Acetate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sea Water, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Germ Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Iris Versicolor Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus (Daffodil) Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

My experience:

The mask comes in a simple silver squeezy type of tube with very little writing on it. I like how minimalistic it is but yet again one thing bothers me with the packaging. The opening for the mask is so tiny and since the mask is quite thick in consistency, it it very hard to push it through that little hole. Nature Republic, if you’re reading this, please change the lid on this thing!!!!

The mask is looking pearly white when it comes out of the tube. It is opaque in color and “shines bright” (and the rest of the stuff that Rhianna is singing). Consistency is very creamy and thick, yet odd for a peel off mask. It is not stretchy and stringy at all. You’d apply it as a normal thick cream or vaseline and then it starts to harden up on your face what causes a slight color change and it turns into that film that you can easily remove after it’s completely dry.

It has quite strong fragrance to it. Ican’t identify any single individual note but the scent definitely belongs to the floral category. It is very relaxing spa-type fragrance that you can smell the entire time that the mask is on the face.

Even though the advised wear time is 20 minutes, mask is nearly entirely dry after 10. I usually remove it in around 10-12 minutes. It comes off in one peel and what I like a lot- it doesn’t pull hard on the skin. So no facial hair removal with this one, hence no red and irritated skin afterwards. Instead, I am left with smooth baby skin. I did notice that this mask has brightened my face after use as well. My face feels firmer and more hydrated, even though the hydration part is minimal. I did still need to apply my daily moisturizer afterwards.

Pros:
+ Paraben and sulfate free formula
+ Good for dry, normal, combination and oily skin types
+ Easy to peel of in almost one piece
+ A little goes a long way
+ Luxurious spa-like scent
+ Good size packaging
+ Great at smoothing and brightening the skin
+ Doesn’t feel too tight on the face

Cons:
– Contains alcohol and fragrance
– Not best mask for sensitive and super sensitive skin
– Hard to get within the EU webshops
– Bad, bad, bad cap that allows very little product to flow out

Where to buy:
❇ NL and BE: TKmaxx shops
❇ Internationally: Available at amazon, carousell, NRCanada websites
❇ Price varies between 16-24€ per 70 ml tube

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂