soothing Archives - My personal thoughts on face masks and skincare

MISSHA Isoflavone Phyto-Chemical Skin Supplement Sheet Mask

MISSHA Isoflavone Phyto-Chemical Skin Supplement Sheet Mask is one of my summer buys from the official MISSHA online store in Germany. Momentarily these are also available from NL MISSHA vendors. The mask is slightly higher in price when you look at MISSHA masks in general and in my eyes this is justified as the quality of this particular mask is beyond what I could wish for.

Claims from the manufacturer:

Phytochemicals are nutrients that certain plants produce for their own protection. They are found in different colors of fruits and vegetables and contain essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.
A pleasantly silky microfiber material adheres well to the skin and releases the active ingredients without irritation.
The deep moisturizing of extracts of white fruits such as soybeans, beans and soymilk provides the skin in depth with plenty of moisture and helps to store them.
Essences for every skin type. Face mask without dripping and slipping

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.

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60,Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Arginine, Sodium Polyacrylate,Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, GeraniumMaculatum Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis(Orange) Fruit Extract, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate

My experience:

MISSHA Isoflavone Phyto-Chemical Skin Supplement Sheet Mask is worth looking into if you have a very dry skin or whether you live in harsh, windy, cold environment. It’s essence is so rich and nourishing that it is almost healing on my skin. I used this mask after 2-step peeling kit which dries out mu skin a lot and this particular mask has restored my skin’s natural protective barrie in no time.

There is no added fragrance to this mask and the essence gives off a vibe of beans. Not my most favorite fragrance in the world but it is so mild that I stopped noticing it after 5 minutes of wear time. Texture of this essence is something that I barely see in the sheet masks. It is very rich and creamy, yet it absorbs so well into the skin. It is opaque white in color and has a nice slip to it.

The sheet is made of synthetic fibers and it feels very soft on the skin. The only mask that has a softer feel than the Isoflavone Phyto-Chemical mask is made by Huxley. The fit is very good and adherence of it is excellent. I forgot that I had mask on my face and wore it for around 25 minutes. My skin was not feeling tight after exceeding the wearing time nor the sheet was dry. Impressive creation so far!

In terms of the results, I felt how my skin was balancing itself out thanks to the essence inside this mask. It was moist enough bot not overly hydrated. There was a nice soft and smooth finish that I usually achieve by adding a drop of oil into my cream. I didn’t have to use a cream after this mask as it was so rich and moisturizing. I simply applied the leftover essence on my skin as a barrier cream to see what is going to happen in couple of hours. And it worked great!

MISSHA, you did it again! My skin is more firm and soft to the touch. My wrinkles are visibly smoother and I’m totally in love with the essence in this one. It is simply ideal for post-acid-peel-treatment for oily skin and would be an outstanding item for people with Sahara dry/damaged/patchy skin. I am definitely investing into more of these for my trips to the sunny side of the globe.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Sulfate, paraben, fragrance and alcohol free formulation
+ Highly nourishing and moisturizing for the skin
+ Suitable for all skin types
+ Thick creamy essence that restores skin barrier
+ Amazing fit and adherence
+ Soft and thick sheet that remains flexible on the skin

Cons:
– Contains silicone
– Price is higher than average MISSHA masks

Where to buy:
NL and BE: bbcreamshop.eu and missha.nl
Internationally: Available at misshadeutchland, ebay, notino, roseroseshop, thebodyshop, kruidvat, etos,
Price varies between 3-4€ per one sheet mask

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

SNP Tiger Animal Warming Eye Mask

The warming eye masks are not new to the K-beauty world and today I’d like to review the one of the funniest looking warming masks – the SNP Tiger Animal Warming Eye Mask.

Claims from the manufacturer:

This warming eye mask provides increases blood circulation and provides moisture to fatigued eyes.
Perfect for heavy computer users!

Directions from the manufacturer:

Tear the cutting line in center of the mask and hook it on your ears. Illustration should face outward. Heat should last for 20 minutes. Each mask is meant for one time use.

Ingredients:

Polypropylene film, Polyethylene, Felt, Active Charcoal, Iron.

My experience:

I’ve got my SNP Tiger Animal Warming Eye Mask from the mask subscription box from the local littlewonderland.nl vendor. this mask is not for sale in individual pieces and it came as a part of the set of 10 different masks that are usually connected to one theme. Since October was the month of the World Animal Day, the theme was obviously “Animals”. So today, after a terrible sleepless night I’ve decided to release my inner beast and soothe my tired eyes with a roar.

The SNP Tiger mask is coming in a cute orange packaging and contains a transparant vacuum sealed sachet inside. Once you open it the mask starts to heat up. I presume some of the active ingredients start to oxidize producing that heat/steaming effect. If you wear lenses remove there prior to using the heating masks. Also if your eyes are very sensitive try to use it for five minutes and see if you get any irritation signs first before proceeding to the full 20-minute wearing experience.

There is no scent to the mask and it remains dry on the face for the entire wearing time. Don’t forget to separate the earflaps ont he back and place those over your ears for a tighter fit. It is tough to describe how it feels on the face but believe me, the feeling is very relaxing. I always have the feeling that I got a facial in the spa even though this is a sauna for the eyeballs. I mean it in a good way 🙂

My face feels relaxed after using these types of masks and I love them in my routine. I do have a feeling that I don’t usually reach much for them though-out the day leaving them more for the evening experience. But actually it is very nice to use one in the morning after a rough night. Comparing this mask with the others I’ve tried, this one has the softest earflops ever. They are vey gentle and flexible and will fit everyone without causing any discomfort. The print is fun for using in the public spaces as it loos like a regular sleeping mask that you would put over your eyes. Anyone who likes to enjoy their zen in the plane should definitely invest in a pack of those tiger babies.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Soft comforting fabric
+ Great fit
+ Perfect for travel
+ Amazing spa-experience on the go
+ Does not smudge the make-up

Cons:
– Hard to get in the EU
– Not suited for very sensitive skin

Where to buy:
NL and BE: Not available for an individual sale
Internationally: Available at amazon, beauteque, charlotterusse and other webshops
Price is around 3€ for one mask

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

My weekly pampering routine

Once in a while I like to treat my skin to something extra special. Being a working mom, raising a toddler and keeping with all of the household chores takes it’s toll on my skin because I don’t have much free time on my hands during the week. My weekend is my special time for me and that is the time when I treat my skin with my favorite skin products. Hereby I present you with, ta-daaaaa, my weekly pampering routine!

*If you click on the green links you will be redirected to the webshops where I bought my products from.

So what does my pampering ritual consist of? To me one of the core products for this purpose is a two-step peel. I usually rotate between 3 sets of peels, one is from PHILOSOPHY and two are from NEOGEN (with rice and with vinegar). This time I was in the mood fore some vitamin C and brightening of my skin so I opted for the Microdelivery Resurfacing Vitamin C/Peptide peel from PHILOSOPHY.

Of course I start with the two-step cleansing. As with every product mentioned today I also indulge myself with more luxurious and most aromatherapeutic cleansers for this purpose. For the first step I use the MISSHA Time Revolution White Cure Oil Cleansing Balm. It removes all of the dirt and grime from my skin as well as all traces of the SPF and waterproof make-up. It is bright yellow and smells like bouquet from jasmine and lillies-of-the-valley. For the Second step I grab my most favorite heavy duty foam cleanser ever – the WHAMISA Organic Flowers Foam Cleansing Cream. It also smells like flowers but the scent is more sweet than from the cleansing balm.

After my skin is as clean as it can get, I proceed with the peeling kit. All of my two-step peels have the same idea behind them. First you apply the cream step containing abrasive crystals and scrub your face with it for around 60 seconds. Then you take the peel liquid containing some kind of acid (AHA, BHA, PHA or combination of several acids) and apply it over the scrub on your face.

You feel a light warming up sensation when acid liquid comes in contact with the crystals. Once the warmth subsides, gently rub your face for another minute or two. You will notice that when both products are in contact on the skin, the mixture not only gets warm but also bubbly. Don’t be scared, that is what supposed to happen. After you are done with buffing your skin, rinse everything off and be careful not to get any of the mixture in your eyes.

After the peel I always feel that my skin has lost a lot of moisture so I proceed with 3 – 5 layers of the MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Mist. This product is wonderful to use after the peels as it soaks into the skin in no time. I always go for the mist type of toners because I don’t want to tap my sensitized skin straight after peel as it is not always pain-free. If your skin is dry, you may opt for something more heavy duty and use more viscous toning agent. Yet again be careful with tapping or applying the product with your hands because it may sting your skin.

wonderful for calming and hydrating the sensitized skin without

After my skin is hydrated it’s time to focus on the large blackheads that thrive on my nose. I use the Lioele pore cleansing liquid and apply it on two 1/3 Cotton Pads from Pyunkang Yul that are perfect for doing at home DIY patch treatments. Once my blaackheads are loosened I proceed tot he nose strip set. Today I’ve used the nose strip from The Face Shop but to be honest any will do.

Pore cleansing trio: Lioele Blackhead Clear; The Face Shop JEJU Volcanic Ash Nose Strips; Pyunkang Yul 1/3 Cotton Pads

Lioele Blackhead Clear liquid is quite effective at lifting the blackheads to the surface so that even the mediocre-performance nose strips improve their action due to this product. If you want a suggestion on which is the best nose strip for that purpose, I’d say that MISSHA multipack of 8 has a good price=quality ratio. If you don’t own anything like LIOELE nose liquid, then you can go for the 2 or 3-step nose patches that contain similar products in their first step. Holika Holika Pig Clear Blackhead 3-Step Kit ones are pretty good alternative.

1/3 Cotton pads soaked in Lioele Blackhead Clear solution

The Face Shop JEJU Volcanic Ash Nose Strips

After my nose is squeaky clean I proceed to the next step which is balancing my skin. For that purpose I use a moisturizing lotion and a first treatment oil. I apply couple of drops of the MISSHA’s MISA Cho Gong Jin First Oil. It smells like lavender and herbs and has a very light pleasant texture that sinks into my skin in seconds. Afterwards I seal it off with my WHAMISA Organic Flowers Lotion. Yet again, this product is nicely fragranced and highly moisturizing on the skin. It takes about a minute for it to completely absorb and it makes my skin super soft and glowy afterwards.

WHAMISA Organic Flowers Lotion Original; MISA Cho Gong Jin First Oil

The next step is not going to be a surprise to anyone. It is a sheet mask. After chemical peels I go for more nourishing sheet masks. Nearly every time I choose something that is rich in oils or has a thick essence in order to nourish my skin. A lot of lifting and anti-ageing masks are good for that purpose. Today I wanted to try something new and got the Isoflavone/Deep Moisture Phytochemical Sheet Mask by MISSHA. I was super happy with my choice as my skin felt that it got the necessary boost of nutrition and at the same time it toned don the redness after the harsh peel. If you look for a good alternative to that for a more affordable price, try the JM solution Water Luminous Golden Cocoon Mask. It is one of my go-to’s for the days I want to give that extra “OOMPH” to my skin.

MISSHA Phyto-Chemical Isoflavone Skin Supplement Sheet Mask

After the sheet mask is off I walk around for about 20 minutes to see what my skin still needs and depending whether it still feels tight or not I apply something like an oil serum/essence. I usually use the NEOGEN Serum in Oil Drop (with white truffle) but since my HUXLEY miniature essence and oil set arrived in the mail I decided to test out the Essence-like Oil-like Secret of Sahara Oil essence. It felt very rich and a bit too oily but my skin liked it a lot.

HUXLEY Oil Essence “Essence-Like, Oil-Like”

MISSHA Near Skin Madecanol Cream is optional if skin is still visibly red

My skin is always super hydrated, nourished and relaxed after such routine. If it still shows some signs of redness I use the Madecanol cream but this step is entirely optional today. This cream is made for irritated red and acne prone skin and calms it down in no time. If your skin is dry, go for Madecanol balm as it is more suited for that purpose.

I appreciate skin care products with relaxing scents and don’t mind highly fragranced products once in a while. If I would use those on a daily basis I would probably get sick from the scents in a short period of time. Hence, using them once a week makes those items extra special for my face and senses as I achieve the feel of being in a spa and my “ZEN” state even when my toddler is running around me 🙂 I hope you like this post and try out some of my favorite products mentioned here. Let me know how it goes!

For now, thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

NEOGEN Super Hydra Aqua Capsule Mask

Super Hydra Aqua Capsule Mask by NEOGEN is a very outstanding product. The packaging is very eye-catching and that is also the main reason that pushed me into buying this mask. I usually turn to NEOGEN for their amazing peeling products and avoid the masks at all costs because nearly all of them contained a bunch of alcohol in the past. But the time passes, new products getting released so let’s take a look at the newest edition of NEOGEN masks.

Claims from the manufacturer:

NEOGEN Dermalogy Super Hydra Aqua Capsule Mask delivers the skin-deep, abundant hydration of the combined hyaluronic acid aqua capsule ampoule and moisture aqua serum that helps create a moisture glow barrier for long-lasting, consistent skin hydration and glow
Nano-sized Hyaluronic Acid allows deeper, rapid moisture penetration into the skin
Creates moisture protection barrier for long-lasting hydrated glow
Formula structure containing ceramide and cholesterol similar to the skin structure, helps seamlessly absorb and sustain long-lasting hydration

Directions from the manufacturer:

First, place your hands on the top of the sheet mask where the capsule is located. With light pressure, snap the capsule in half to release the essence into the sheet mask. Next, put the sheet mask on a flat surface and gently rub the top of the sheet mask, allowing the essence to spread evenly and helping the sheet mask absorb all the essence. Then, open the sheet mask, unfold it and smooth it onto face. After 10-20 minutes, remove and discard the sheet mask and gently massage your skin to aid the absorption of the remaining essence.

Ingredients:

Ampoule: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid(100PPM), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Fruit Extract, Tillandsia Usneoides Extract, Beta-Glucan, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Trehalose, Allantoin, Betaine, Arginine, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Carbomer, PVM/MA Copolymer, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium Edta

Mask: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, lycerin, Betaine, Glycereth-26, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Corthellus Shitake (Mushroom) Extract, Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Ceramide NP(Ceramide 3), Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Beta-Glucan, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Arginine, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Fragrance

My experience:

Today’s review shatters my opinion about the sheet masks from NEOGEN. I have tried the knit masks in the past and found them too much for a regular use. The other lower price masks all contained alcohol high in the lists and were not even considered to be bought. So what did this particular mask do that other masks from the same brand didn’t?

Oh well, I got to admit it, I’m a sucker for good branding and packaging tricks. After NEOGEN has released their Capsule masks (there are 2 different kinds) I thought “OK, not bad, NEOGEN, let’s see what you are made of”. After the ingredients list was approved I’ve placed an order and got both version shipped out. Upon arrival and taking a closer look I was impressed even more. The entire packaging is stunning. Plenty of description in English, Everything is simple enough to open and mix. Overall a good solid way for making things unique. Maybe it will even become their signature, who knows. On the other hand, adding a plastic capsule to the pack increases the production and the retail value. Not sure if such an addition to the classic hydrating mask pays itself off. If it would have been something more active such as Vitamin C it would definitely justify itself to use a separate capsule to keep the essence/serum/ampoule fresh.

Opening the capsule is very easy. I’ve managed to do it with one hand without any struggle. After The contents of the capsule have poured out, I’ve placed the mask on a flat surface and rubbed it a bit to spread the essence around the entire sheet. After letting it sit for 5 minutes I took the mask out and applied it on my face. Shape of the sheet is very odd and has two large horizontal cuts around the cheek bone area. Very convenient for people with more narrow chins and/or high cheekbones.

The mask was very oval in shape and after application I’ve noticed how it covers my entire chin up until my neck but not the sides of the face. Essence smelled very light and fresh and reminded me of a floral green tea type of scent. Very “ZEN” if you enjoy that type of fragrance. If your skin is sensitive, fragrance added to this mask will probably not irritate it due to the tons of hydrating and skin calming and nourishing ingredients, but still be aware that it is added into the mix. There is a plastic gauze protective sheet adhered to the mask so that you can apply it with more comfort. It does a trick and is very useful for this particular mask as the essence has quite slippery texture. It absorbs in no time and leaves no residue on the skin making this sheet mask a good product to use under your make-up. Do use a good primer/sealant (such as J.One jelly mask) over it in order to lock all the moisture in.

The wearing time advised is 20 minutes. I’ve kept this mask for 30 and could still have it on my face for longer than that. Mask sheet itself is very thick and dense making it highly absorbent. After 30 min of relaxing around I’ve walked to the mirror to inspect my face. I was amazed at how well did this mask hydrate my skin. My skin looked lifted, more plump and with a very even skin tone. All my redness on my nose and around the cheeks was gone as well as my hyper pigmentation spots. They were barely visible. My skin was glowing from the inside.

I truly enjoyed walking with my bare skin for an entire day receiving compliments from my husband about how good my skin looked. Is the Dermalogy Super Hydra Aqua Capsule Mask worth the money? YES! Is it worth the time meddling with the capsule? Probably not so much unless there would be active ingredients that needed to be contained in an airless environment. Would it suit anyone? Absolute yes! Try it out and enjoy the spectacular end results.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Contains Ceramide, Beta-Glucan, Hyaluronic Acid and Allantoin
+ Very hydrating, plumping, skin tone evening results on my skin
+ Sheet of the mask covers the entire chin area and extends to the neck
+ Overall adherence is superb
+ Wearing time can be extended to 30 minutes without drying skin out
+ Comes with a protective gauze for easier application
+ Lovely fresh fragrance, very mild and joyful

Cons:
– Sheet fit is a bit wonky around the cheeks (wishing for it to be wider)
– Not sure if the added capsule is entirely necessary (it adds a lot to the price for sure)
– Hard to find as it seems to be sold out everywhere

Where to buy:
NL and BE: dermarolling.eu and littlewonderland.nl
Internationally: Available at sokoglam, ebay and neogenlab.us
Price is +/- 5€ per one sheet mask

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

Charcoal Mask Pack by Kina Cosmetics

Charcoal Mask Pack by Kina Cosmetics is a purifying and soothing charcoal mask that is meant to be used for those with more oily and acne prone skin types. I fount it in the local TKmaxx shop and decided to take it home for vigorous testing 🙂

Claims from the manufacturer:

Pack of 5 Facial Masks
Made in South Korea
A purifying sheet mask that is formulated with a blend of Activated Charcoal and seven skin-loving botanicals that work to detoxify and cleanse pores, while firming and hydrating skin.

Directions from the manufacturer:

Ensure skin is cleansed and toned
Remove sheet mask from sachet
Gently apply mask ensuring a smooth fit over contours of face
Leave on for approximately 20 minutes
Remove sheet mask and pat in remaining essence into skin

Ingredients:

Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (matricaria) flower extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) root extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Polygonum cuspidatum root extract, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis root extract, Butylene glycol, Carbomer, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Ethanol, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Triethanolamine, Charcoal Powder

My experience:

Not all of my experiences with the charcoal (black) masks were pleasant. More than half of the products from this category are tossed into the bin. Luckily today is not the case. Since this particular mask came only in the set I was obliged to buy the 5 pack that worried me a bit. Luckily it does a good job on my skin so I can keep using the rest of masks without any problems.

The sheet of the mask is black and veeery soft and flexible. It is medium thick and fits like a glove. The adherence is very good too. Essence of this mask is a bit milky yet transparant and it feels like a good ampoule would feel. It has a bit of slip to it but there is no droopiness at all. the scent of the sheet is very pleasant and it smells of lemons and lavender. A die hard combination for bath lovers. It is very relaxing and airy which I like a lot.

I wore the mask for 20 minutes and it came off damp. I presume I could pull another 10 minutes out of it but I didn’t think it was necessary at the time. My skin was looking very fresh and bright. The small lines have disappeared off my face for an entire day and my skin remained baby smooth. I only used the sunscreen afterwards. What I noticed at the end of the day is that my skin had produced significantly less oil than what it normally does when it is so hot outside. The only product that was new to my routine was this particular mask.

I must investigate it a bit more to see if it is actually the case with this sheet mask or was attributed to something else such as hormones 🙂

Pros:
+ Alcohol and Sulfate free formulation
+ Contains charcoal powder and allantoin
+ Packed with natural herbal extracts and oils
+ Great fit and adherence on my face
+ Amazing skin soothing and brightening results

Cons:
– Contains paraben
– Hard to find in the stores and online
– Not sold as single sheets

Where to buy:
NL and BE: TKmaxx shops
Internationally: Available at kinacosmetics
Price is 12$ for the 5-pack

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

INSTYTUTUM Alive Water

INSTYTUTUM Alive Water is my savior for when it comes to hot and dry scorching weather. I’ve ran out of it before the summer and had to finish my other mistifying products before heading off and buying another one.

Claims from the manufacturer:

Designed for those who understands the power of science, who embrace the benefits of pure water, who hold education close to their heart, and who believe that giving is a way of life.
With INSTYTUTUM, your skin care routine will make an impact on the world by giving pure water to communities in need.
Alive Water is a daily breath of fresh Adriatic sea air that will bring a feeling of refreshment to tired skin. Loved for it’s ability to cool down, soothe and comfort your skin, and to give a healthy hydrated glow so it may embrace the new day.

Directions from the manufacturer:

From a comfortable distance spray on your face and feel the perfectly balanced water working it’s magic as it cleans your skin.

Ingredients:

Water, Propanediol, Levulinic Acid, Panthenol, Glycerin, Cystoseira Amentacea/Caespitosa Branchycarpa Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sucrose, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Meristotheca Dakarensis Exract, Jania Rubens Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Sorbate, Crithmum Maritimum Extract.

My experience:

INSTYTUTUM Alive Water is one of the finest facia mists that I’v ever tried, and I tried many because I am all for the lazy skin care routines and freshness of my skin. I love to use facial mists and the name Alive Water simply called to me. After running out of my 1st bottle I finally got the 2nd one and could take decent photos of the product. I’ve fished it out from my stash because it was extremely hot for October in NL. Last 3 days it was 27 degrees Celsius + dry air and my skin was begging for moisture.

The water that is used in this mis is filtered 5 times and it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which all boost collagen production. It is scentless liquid that comes in 50 ml travel size and has a beautiful packaging. Very minimalistic and luxurious looking, just the way I like it. I love how aesthetically beautiful the entire line from this brand looks. Well, used to look, they changed it in 2018 making it look horrendous and cheap. The classic white-silver packaging is as amazing as it’s contents.

This mist itself is very fine and layers well throughout the day even over the make-up. It is a perfect make-up spray for me, even though it is not marketed as that. Overall, it leaves my skin looking healthier. It also applies well over the existing sunscreen which is a great bonus. I tried using it after my gym routines or cycling outdoors but I’ve found a better skin soothing alternative for this purpose. For now this mist will go into my travel must-haves for the coming vacation as it saved my skin on our last trip to the scorching Africa.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Perfect travel size packaging
+ Amazing make-up setting spray
+ Extremely fine mist particles
+ Soothing and hydrating
+ Alcohol, silicone, paraben, sulfate free formulation
+ Suitable for all skin types

Cons:
– Steep price
– Hard to get in NL

Where to buy:
NL and BE: TKmaxx stores
Internationally: Available at manufacturer’s website
Price is +/- 20€ per 50 ml travel size bottle. Original 150 ml bottle retails for 30€

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

PETITFEE Azulene Ultra Soothing Pads

PETITFEE Azulene Ultra Soothing Pads are my newest buy from and my immediate holy grail product. I’ve tested these out for 2 weeks in a row and I am happy to report that these deliver immediate results on my skin! Sooo, off to the review….

Claims from the manufacturer:

Desert Plant Complex – Trehalose, aloe leaf water and opuntia coccinellifera extract; superb moisturizer that revitalizes and maintains moisture.
Soothing Energy – Ceramide NP, sodium hyaluronate, pantherol and 6 natural extracts calm and deeply moisturize dehydrated inner skin.
Calming Blue Azulene – The dark purple-blue color azulene, centella asiatica, madecassoside and chamomile extract soothe the skin.
Perfect Fitting Pad – A perfect fitting pad with good moisture retention that does not dry easily.
The dark purple-blue of this product is not an artificial pigment but azulene’s unique color. The color is vulnerable to direct sunlight, and may fade during use, but this is not related to quality.

Directions from the manufacturer:

As a toner: After cleansing, tone skin with a piece of soothing pad to replenish moisture.
As a quick mask/patch treatment: For intensive hydration, place the soothing pads onto areas where it feels dry. Leave it for 10 minutes.
As hydrating booster under make-up: USe in the morning prior to applying your make-up. Leave on for 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

Water, glycerin, butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, niacinamide, methyl gluceth-20, sodium hyaluronate, betaine, trehalose, erythritol, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, centella asiatica leaf water, madecassoside, aloe barbadensis leaf water, opunita coccinellifera, hydrogenated lecithin, ceramide np, octyldodecanol, caprylyl glycol, panthenol, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, origanum vulgare leaf/flower/stem extract, thymus vulgaris (thyme) extract, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, sodium guaiazulene sulfonate (25.6 mg), disodium edta, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, adenosine, arginine, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / vp copolymer, propanediol, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, fragrance, ethylhexylglycerin

My experience:

I’ve kept my eye on these pads for some time now. Finally, when bunch of stuff in iHerb went on sale I managed to score them at around 15 euros which was a very good deal, considering the fact that the jar contains 70 pads! Do I like these? I love them! Why? Well, see for yourself.

First of all. The packaging is very neat and sturdy. Considering the whole thing was shipped from a different continent and my iHerb boxes come smashed 99% of the time, the entire thing survived the travel very well. The tub is transparant and inside you see neatly stacked pads which are submerged in the purple-blue tinted liquid. The hue may vary from tub to tub due to the fact that the essence is photo-sensitive. The container comes with small plastic tweezers that you should use to pick up the pads from the container. A very handy addition that I’d personally like to see in other brands (NEOGEN, please take a note). There is a little plastic shield sealing the whole thing that you should remove in order to get to the pads.

Once the jar is open you sense some light fragrance. Upon vigorous sniffing I’ve figured it is a combination of white florals and lavender. Very light and pleasant smell that is not overwhelming nor artificial. The pads are composed of thin synthetic fabric that resembles thin sheet of felt. Careful, once you pick up pads they may drip a bit at first. Each pad contains a lot of essence. If you use it just to wipe and tone your face with, there is plenty to go over your face and neck and some of the Décolletage.

I tend to use these pads as a patch treatment after I do my cycling outdoors, or after going to the gym. As I tend to get a super-red face after sports, these are a must-have for me when I need to recover my face a.s.a.p. After 10-15 minutes application my cheeks are not glowing like a hot iron anymore. It never happens naturally within the same period of time so I know it is 100% the effect of these pads. And yes, you may say, well it is cooling your face, blood vessels are shrinking, hence less redness.

I know, I thought of it as well and put it to the test. I’ve applied a regular sheet mask on my face and the results were quite poor in comparison to those pads. That’s why I am super amazed by how effective these pads are. I’ve tried using these as a quick make-up primer as well and they do an amazing job for it. If you have a sensitive and dry/dehydrated skin, these pads may become your holy grail. I know they are mine!

Summary:

Pros:
+ Silicone, Alcohol, Paraben, Sulfate free formulation
+ Rich in skin brightening, calming and anti-ging ingredients
+ Amazing skin cooling and calming effects if applied as patches
+ Comes with little pincet for hygienic use
+ Extremely hydrating for my oily skin
+ Beautifully glowy finish when used after toner

Cons:
– Hard to get in the EU
– Photo-sensitive, need to remember to keep it in the dark container (I use the original cardboard packaging)

Where to buy:
NL and BE: Not Available
Internationally: Available at iherb and yesstyle
Price is around 20€ per 70 pads

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

THE FACE SHOP Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Soothing Gauze Sheet Mask

Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Soothing Gauze Sheet Mask is my freshest buy and I love it! It is so smoothing and calming for my face, perfect for the current heat wave in NL. One thing I know for sure I will be getting more.

Claims from the manufacturer:

A low-irritant calming and moisturizing mask sheet with lansil, an excellent moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated and cool for a long time.
Daily low-irritant moisturizing solution: Contains phytoshpingosine, moroheiya, birch tree sap and Skin-sync Rx™ which helps form a moisture layer to calm dry skin.
Formulated without 10 additives: parabens synthetic pigments, phenoxyethanol, mineral oil, benzophenone-3, animal-derived ingredients, propylene glycol, ethanol, talc, benzoic acid.
Allergen-free fragrance: formulated without 26 types of additives with possible allergens, to minimize skin irritation. Dermatologically tested.

Directions from the manufacturer:

After cleansing, open mask carefully and apply sheet mask onto face for ~20 minutes. After awaited time, discard mask and pat remaining product into the skin.

Ingredients:

Water, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Peg/Ppg-17/6 Copolymer, Panthenol, Glycerin, Betaine, Phytosphingosine, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Natto Gum, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Beta-Glucan, Trehalose, Butylene Glycol, Trisodium Edta, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance

My experience:

I was expecting a hydrogel mask. When you touch it in the packaging, the material it is made of feels thick and firm. Once I took it out of the pack I saw it was made from fabric and soaked in jelly-like essence, that’s why I got the gel vibe from it. The mask has a protective layer made from plastified gauze which comes in handy during the application. Outer packaging is clean and has a lot of information on the back that is written in 2 languages. Always nice to be able to read what you are putting on your face 🙂

There is plenty of transparant thick essence on the mask and left in the pack. I was able to coat half of my body in what was left in the pack. It feels like thick jelly but once it comes in contact with the skin it melts and becomes quite watery. There is a light fresh citrusy smell which is present throughout the entire application. Since the essence was so thick and the mask was extra saturated I was able to wear it for 30 minutes till I felt it was time to remove it.

So what were the results you may ask? Hydration, smooth skin and even skin tone. Since the mask is very cooling in my face it seemed that it has brightened my face enormously. After 5 minutes once the blood returned to places it needed to be in, my face was left with a nice healthy glow and even tone but the brightened up look has returned to normal. I would definitely use more of these masks in the future. One thing I can think of is putting one of these into the fridge so that I can cool off my face after some hard-core exercise or a day in the sun. It definitely goes into my must-have list.

Pros:
+ Very clean ingredient list
+ Contains panthenol and allantoin for soothing skin
+ Pleasant fresh green-citrusy scent
+ Good fit of the mask
+ Unique texture of the mask and gauze
+ Great simple packaging with information in English and Korean

Cons:
– Contains fragrance (last on the list)
– Hard to come buy in EU
– Moderate adherence to my face due to the thick essence

Where to buy:
NL and BE: It is available as a part of the Wonder Box for the mont of August
Internationally: Available at amazon, beautysesh, thefaceshop and other online retail stores
Price is +/- 3,50€ per sheet containing 30 grams of essence

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

PACKage Everyday Bouncy Facial Mask

PACKage Everyday Bouncy Facial Mask is what it says- an everyday sheet mask that can be used by all skin types. It is an OK product for everyday but it still lacks that “oomph” what would make me want to buy more of it.

Claims from the manufacturer:

The PACKage Bouncy Everyday Facial Mask is formulated with Honey, Propolis, Hyaluronic Acid, and Galactomyces Fermented Filtrate. Nourishes, hydrates, and protects the skin with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Directions from the manufacturer:

Remove film and apply mask over cleansed face. Leave on for 15–20 minutes, then remove gently. Do not rinse. Pat the remaining serum into the skin until fully absorbed.

Ingredients:

Water, Methylpropanediol, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Arginine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Honey Extract, Propolis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, PVM/MA Copolymer, Trehalose, Panthenol, Allantoin

My experience:

To me this mask just smells of Alcohol. I don’t know why but I can’t shake the feeling it does contain it. Unfortunately the entire packaging is in Korean so I can’t read the ingredient list off it. Whatever info I find outside tells me it is not there but I am still on the fence with this one.

The sheet mask is thin but yet very sturdy. It applies with somewhat difficulties but overall doesn’t take too much time. The essence in this mask is transparant, jello’ish and has a nice slip to it. The overal fit and adherence are amazing! Once you push out all the bubbles it stays on your face for the entire time. Another disappointment with this one is the short wear time. I could only manage to wear it for 15 minutes and that was already a long stretch. In normal circumstances, considering the amount of moisture left in the sheet I would be removing it after 10 minutes.

There was nearly no essence left over in the bag to apply elsewhere on my body. Unfortunately, the effects weren’t noticeable much on my skin. Yes, it felt more hydrated than before but for the rest it was pretty much it… I was left a bit disappointed. Being very famous brand creating one of the best masks ever for sensitive skin (the one with the Centella A.), this mask did pretty much nothing for me. There was a light reduction in the redness of my skin but it was so unnoticeable that is it barely worth mentioning it.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Paraben, Sulfate, Alcohol and Silicone free formulation
+ Contains Panthenol and Allantoin
+ Very soft and flexible fabric of the sheet
+ Great fit and adherence of the mask

Cons:
– Disturbing Scent reminding me of Alcohol solution
– No description in English on the pack
– Does nearly nothing for my skin

Where to buy:
NL and BE: boozyshop.nl , haruharubeauty.com and littlewonderland.nl
Internationally: Available at facetory, stylestory, amazon e.t.c
Price is 2,50€ per sheet mask

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂

MISSHA Cucumber Airy Fit Sheet Mask

MISSHA Cucumber Airy Fit Sheet Mask is an excellent product if you like the super-thin sheet masks that don’t move around your face once applied. This specific mask is so good that I could actually eat my lunch while having it on and there were zero issues with adherence.

Claims from the manufacturer:

The sheetmask with cucumber extract clears the skin and provides it with plenty of moisture. Ideal for dry skin. Excellent air permeability through thin and lightweight fabric.
Environmentally friendly material: safe use with 100% natural ingredients
Comfort for the skin with excellent adhesion
A cloth mask delivering its active ingredients effectively to the skin. The mask adheres through a lot of moisture to the 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:

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, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene glycol, Allantoin, Sodium Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Coptis Japonica Root Extract , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Beta-Glucan, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil

My experience:

It’s not a secret to anyone that I am a fan of the MISSHA brand that makes very affordable products and has a super impressive quality-price value. Airy fit sheet masks are a good example of what I mean. The sheet is the most thinnest that I’ve encountered so far. It is comparable with the Etude House 0,2 mm masks but these sheets are more soft upon drying out.

I love, love, love the packaging on these! very simple yet colorful. The big downside of these is how difficult is to get these into NL. I was lucky enough to order them from Germany but I don’t think they were initially supposed to be for sale in Europe. There is no ingredient list on the back of the pack and that’s why it doesn’t qualify for the EU retail standards. Nonetheless, I was lucky to snatch the existing types to try them all out.

The essence of the cucumber mask is very watery and light in texture. It is not droopy or runny, not sticky, yet holds on well on my face. Very good quality sheet makes sure the mask can be used even during eating. Scent on this particular mask is very light and leaning more towards the green tea range.

The wear time was 20 minutes on my skin on a dry warm day. Very nice for something so thin and seemingly fragile. After the mask was off my face my skin felt very hydrated and calmed down. The effects are similar with the pomegranate mask that I’v tried from this range already. Out of the two so far, this one is definitely aimed at replenishing skin’s moisture barrier.

Summary:

Pros:
+ Silicone, Paraben, Alcohol and Sulfate free formulation
+ Amazing fit and adherence of the sheet
+ Light watery essence
+ Good hydrating and relaxing results
+ Excellent skin smoothing results
+ Affordable price
+ Pleasant non-offensive scent
+ Very nice and polished packaging

Cons:
– Hard to find in EU (currently possible to buy it only in 1 shop)
-Ingredients list on the back of the pack is missing

Where to buy:
NL and BE: Not available
Internationally: Available at misshadeutchland, yesstyle and roseroseshop
Price is +/- 2€ per one sheet mask

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati 🙂