TOP PICK FACE MASKS TO PAMPER YOURSELF IN THESE TOUGH TIMES

 Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

As you have noticed, this last week Lola's Secret Beauty Blog focussed on top pick face masks. This idea came to me because I noticed that I was pampering myself with regular facial masks since I am working from home, and therefore I have the time to do it. Additionally, slowing down to take care of myself has a calming effect during the stress of living in the time of a global pandemic, and all of the worry that such a crisis engenders, and therefore it is a worthwhile way to slow down and calm down. Therefore, I sought to review a different facial mask each day of the week, and for this feature I added a few favorites that I love and use all of the time.

African Botanics Le Masque Hydralift Intense (Full Review HERE): is a true revelation in face masks. It is formulated to lift, plump, soften the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, maintain moisture levels, prevent Trans-Epidermal Water Loss, and scavenge free-radicals. Furthermore, it leaves skin baby soft, supple, unbelievably smooth, and with a pronounced radiance and clarity seldom achieved in a single product. It can be used as a rinse off mask with great results, but if you really want to see what it is capable of, then use it as an overnight sleeping mask. Trust me, you won't ever want to use another sleeping mask again!

This nourishing gel-like serum is emollient and lightweight, with a glorious velvety texture, and it melts into the skin in the most luxurious way imaginable. This is eco-luxe, and cruelty-free, beauty at its finest, and African Botanics is the gold standard against which all other green beauty brands should be measured. Additionally, it has the most sumptuous aroma informed by the Rosa Centifolia– therefore if you love the smell of roses you will be utterly enchanted by this aromatic delight.

(Order as a One-Time Beauty Box from Boxwalla for only $74.99 while supplies last! Visit: www.theboxwalla.com and $180.00 for 1.7 oz. from African Botanics, Net-A-Porter and Credo Beauty)

TRIBEAUTY CBD Superfood Mask (Full Review HERE): is a white clay-based CBD mask that contains superfood ingredients such as spinach and kale extracts. It is formulated to exfoliate, hydrate, brighten, plump, brighten, calm, oxygenate and protect the skin. This multipurpose, and ultra-effective mask contains zero or less than 0.3% THC*, and therefore there are no psychoactive effects. The company notes that there may be a mild tingling effect from this mask, but my skin didn't tingle, but instead I experienced a refreshing cooling effect. I apply this mask with the silicone spatula shown, and then leave it on for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Once I pat my skin dry my skin is luminous, hydrated, rejuvenated, fresh, calm and my fine lines are lightly plumped. I should note that the mask has a light and fresh fruity floral aroma, but it is neither imposing, nor long-lasting.

($60.00 for 2 oz. from TribeTokes and it will soon be available at the CBD Beauty Corner at Joel Warren’s The Salon Project located on the 7th floor of Saks Fifth Avenue Flagship in NYC)

Fleur & Bee Prince Charcoal Detox Mask (Full Review HERE): is a wonderfully effective clay-based detox mask. However, unlike many clay masks that are inherently drying to the skin, this one is not! While it effectively draws out impurities and unclogs congested pores, Aloe Vera locks in moisture and lightly hydrates, and it prevents the Kaolin and Bentonite Clays from drying out the skin. Additionally, skin is lightly plumped and left silky smooth and luminous. Furthermore, once the mask does dry, it neither pulls on the skin, nor is it difficult to move. I like to apply it to freshly cleaned skin, let it dry down for anywhere between 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off in the shower.

While this is a wonderful choice for my normal/combination skin, I think that people with dry skin will also see the benefit of using this mask, albeit with less frequency than someone with oilier skin.

($18.00 for 2 oz. from Fleur & Bee)

Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment Mask (Full Review HERE): is a brightening and exfoliating clay-based face mask that includes gentle exfoliating particles to effectively sweep away dead skin cells and unclog congested pores. Simply apply it to clean dry skin, but you can also apply it to slightly damp skin, and gently massage it in a circular motion and then let it dry down. I leave it on my skin for 20-25 minutes, and once it dries I rinse it with warm water. The end result is soft, clean, clear, balanced, supple and luminous skin. This mask has a light fruity floral aroma, but it isn't imposing or long-lasting.

($59.00 for 1.7 oz. from GLAMGLOW, Sephora, Space NK UK, Neiman Marcus, Bluemercury and Dermstore)

My most recent brand revelation is the Elina Organics Sahara Soufflé Hydrating Face Mask with Camel Milk (Full Review HERE): and I am so excited to share my findings with you! This creamy mask includes natural alpha hydroxy, from Camel Milk, among its ingredients, and it gently exfoliates dead skin cells without discomfort or burning, and over time it helps to fade hyperpigmentation. It nourishes and hydrates the skin, and gives it a luminous glow. Furthermore, skin appears more smooth and even in tone after using this wonderful mask for a short period of time.

($55.00 for 2 oz. from Elina Organics)

Cosmedix Glow Bamboo Brightening Mask (Full Review HERE): is an effective multi-purpose exfoliating mask that is filled with physical exfoliating particles that actively and gently exfoliate dead skin cells. After gently massaging the mask into the skin, using circular motions, you leave it on for another 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. The Vitamin C and Bamboo Stem extracts brighten the complexion, and skin appears soft, smooth and luminous. This mask has a very appealing light citrus aroma, but it is neither long-lasting, nor is it in the least bit imposing.

($54.00 for 2.6 oz. from Cosmedix and Amazon)

Vichy Liftactiv Hyalu Mask (Full Review HERE): is an ultra effective Hyaluronic Acid-based hydrating mask that is a perfect pick for dehydrated, stressed and dry skin. This is every French Pharmacy fanatics dream-come-true hydrator, and its refreshing water-gel texture feels cooling and amazing against the skin. It plumps fine lines, deeply hydrates and leaves skin soft, smooth and supple. It is formulated for all types of skin, and it is paraben-free, oil-free and fragrance-free.

($40.00 for 1.69 oz. from Vichy, Dermstore, Amazon, Target and SkinStore)

Bodyography Hydrating Mask (Full Review HERE): is an antioxidant-rich hydrating mask that deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin. It is a perfect choice for dehydrated, stressed or dry skin, but is a wonderfully nourishing skin pick-me-up for all types of skin. It lightly plumps fine lines and leaves skin soft, smooth, and dewy. This delectable mask smells like watermelon and has a thick, silky-smooth consistency that feels amazing on the skin.

($27.00 for 1.9 oz. from Bodyography)

TATA HARPER Resurfacing Mask (Full Review HERE): This is one of those miraculous masks, in my estimation, that delivers real results for glowing skin. While you will note that it contains clay in its list of ingredients, it is not a clay mask, but instead it has a gorgeous fluffy gel texture that dries down in the manner of gel-type masks. It is a beta-hydroxy mask, from White Willow Bark and Pomegranate Enzymes, that is intended for all types of skin, and it gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs congested pores, and it leaves skin luminous and hydrated.

I simply apply it to freshly cleansed skin, with the brush provided, and leave it on my skin for 20-30 minutes. There is a light tingling sensation, but it is neither uncomfortable, nor in the least bit irritating. It dries down, but doesn't pull the skin, and it is very easy to wash off unlike some masks that can be difficult to remove. Among my great discoveries was Tata Harper's tip to layer this mask over the  the TATA HARPER Regenerating Cleanser (Reviewed HERE) and leave on for 5 minutes for a mid-week skincare treat. Because the Regenerating contains exfoliating particles it further enhances the removal of dead skin cells and the unclogging of pores. However, unlike many exfoliating masks, that are intended for healthy glowing skin, this one is not drying to the skin. Instead, the inclusion of Beet Root Extract and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice leaves skin hydrated rather than taut and dry. The end result is very soft, smooth, hydrated and luminous skin, and it is one of my very favorite gentle exfoliating masks. I should note that the mask, and the cleanser, both have an earthy, rather fruity, aroma that is subtle and unobtrusive.

The high quality brush, with synthetic bristles, offers a far superior method of application than dipping my fingers into the jar. Not only is it far more sanitary, but it also applies the mask more evenly.

($62.00 for 1 oz. from Tata Harper, Sephora, Space NK, Saks Fifth Avenue, Credo Beauty, Content Beauty, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Goop and Cult Beauty)

(Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser $42.00 for 1.7 oz. and $82.00 for 4.1 oz. from Space NK, Sephora, Cult Beauty, The Detox Market, Credo Beauty, Saks Fifth Avenue and goop)

Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Clarify + Clear Mask (Full Review HERE): is a very effective face mask that clears blemishes, draws out impurities, soothes and calms the skin and leaves skin looking radiant, soft and smooth. Simply apply a thin layer to the entire face, avoiding the eye area, or use a a spot treatment on blemishes. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes and then thoroughly rinse the skin. The combination of Camphor and Sulfur cause the skin to tingle, but I neither find it uncomfortable nor irritating,  and it does not leave my skin taut or dry. If you have very sensitive skin you might want to patch test it first, but if you have a sensitivity to Camphor– or any of the other ingredients– then this mask should be avoided.

($65.00 for 1.7 oz. from Goldfaden MD, Space NK, Revolve, Skin Care RX, Cult Beauty, Skin Store, Goop and Credo Beauty)

Overall Assessment: I plan to continue masking every week because it is not only a treat for my skin, but for my spirit as well. What have you been doing to pamper and take care of yourself during this stressful time?

Purchased and Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

GLAMGLOW Flashmud Brightening Treatment Mask

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment Mask is a brightening and exfoliating clay-based face mask that includes gentle exfoliating particles to effectively sweep away dead skin cells and unclog congested pores. Simply apply it to clean dry skin, but you can also apply it to slightly damp skin, and gently massage it in a circular motion and then let it dry down. I leave it on my skin for 20-25 minutes, and once it dries I rinse it with warm water. The end result is soft, clean, clear, balanced, supple and luminous skin. This mask has a light fruity floral aroma, but it isn't imposing or long-lasting.

According to Glamglow,

FLASHMUD™ is a multi-sensorial quick results brightening treatment. Powerful & Innovative multi-brightening complexes help to create the brightest, lightest & luminous perfect skin. The TEAOXI Technology in FLASHMUD™ is White Birch Leaf. It delivers natural Betulin, Betulinic Acid & Ellagic Acid to create an improved color balanced skin tone. WhiteEnergy™ is a brilliant fusion of powerful natural actives to create intense bright & even results. Flashlucent™ is a combination of skin translucency optimizers featuring 3 levels of exfoliation to drive ingredients into the skin for luminous younger looking skin. Reflectrum™ is a blend of brightening ingredients boosted with diamond photoluminescence to increase the reflecting level of the skin and make it appear radiant & more attractive. Designed for Instant & Extended results for Men & Women of all ages, all skin types & all skin tones. FLASHMUD™ will have you Sexy in a Flash!

Directions: Apply to dry face in circular motions to pre-exfoliate for improved ingredient absorption.
Leave on for 20 minutes. Product will turn semi-transparent as ingredients absorb. Wash off with water.

Precautions:
-Use three days in a row for improved results.
-Thereafter, use two to three times per week to maintain results.
-Must use high-SPF sunscreen daily to protect and maintain results.
-Results will be lost during extended and/or direct/unprotected sun/sunbed exposure.
-Always follow directions.

Ingredients: Water, Silica, Kaolin, Cetyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Pumice, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Diamond Powder, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Paeonia Suffruticosa (Peony) Root Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Betula Pendula Wood Powder, Salicylic Acid, Lilium Candidum (White Lily) Bulb Extract, Glycerin, Ribes Nigrum (Blackcurrent) Seed Oil, Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosa Canina Flower Extract, Octyldodecanol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Geraniol, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

Overall Assessment: While this is a pricey mask, I have found it to be very effective and pleasant to use.

$59.00 for 1.7 oz. from GLAMGLOW, Sephora, Space NK UK, Neiman Marcus, Bluemercury and Dermstore (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Perfect Mother's Day Gifts to Pamper Mom

 Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

If you are still seeking a great Mother's Day gift, you should take a look at FragranceNet.com because they are having a 30% Off storewide in honor of our moms!

They offer a wide variety of fragrances, skincare, makeup, candles and aromatherapy, and there is something for everyone from their huge stock of amazing products. Here are a few of my gift suggestions for Mother's Day!

Terra Essential Rosemary & White Sage Candle ($20.99 for a 12 oz. candle from Fragrance.com): This is a wonderful, calming soy candle the comes in a gorgeous 12 oz. tumbler with a wooden lid. It burns for 30+ hours, smells divine and is a great way to tell mom that you love her!

According to Terra Essential,

This massage & aromatherapy soy candle is a stimulating & warming blend with moss agate gemstone. This candle is perfect for an out of office day perfect for mom.

Aroma Floria Muscle Soak Set ($17.99 for the Gift Set from Fragrance.com): This gift set includes: Ocean Mineral Bath Salts 4.5 oz & Body Scrub 3.4 oz & Body Wash 3.4 oz & Yellow Pouf & Travel Tote. All of these delectably aromatic bath and body products are great for an at-home spa day or to take with you on a vacation.

Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment ($73.99 for 1.7 oz. from Fragrance.com): This brightening face mask is perfect for you and your mom to enjoy together. I recommend masking in the morning, and then glow your way to a memorable Mother's Day brunch!

According to Glamglow,

FLASHMUD™ is a multi-sensorial quick results brightening treatment. Powerful & Innovative multi-brightening complexes help to create the brightest, lightest & luminous perfect skin. The TEAOXI Technology in FLASHMUD™ is White Birch Leaf. It delivers natural Betulin, Betulinic Acid & Ellagic Acid to create an improved color balanced skin tone. WhiteEnergy™ is a brilliant fusion of powerful natural actives to create intense bright & even results. Flashlucent™ is a combination of skin translucency optimizers featuring 3 levels of exfoliation to drive ingredients into the skin for luminous younger looking skin. Reflectrum™ is a blend of brightening ingredients boosted with diamond photoluminescence to increase the reflecting level of the skin and make it appear radiant & more attractive. Designed for Instant & Extended results for Men & Women of all ages, all skin types & all skin tones. FLASHMUD™ will have you Sexy in a Flash!

Ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Synthetic Wax, Cetyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Niacinamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Pumice, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Quartz, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Betula Pendula Wood Powder, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Rosa Canina Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Diamond Powder, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Octyldodecanol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Phenoxyethanol.

Overall Assessment: It is definitely worth checking out their fantastic sales for Mother's Day.

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Unaffiliated Links).
Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment Review

It would seem that GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment has had somewhat of a polarizing reaction in face mask fiends. People seem to either wax poetic about it, or bitterly complain that it did not measure up to their expectations- particularly given the steep price tag.There are others who claim that it broke them out, and others still who have claimed that their skin was irritated by some of the ingredients in the mask. Despite the mixed reviews, I decided to purchase it. I purchased mine a while ago, and have been trying to sort out my feeling about it ever since. As one who loves masks, and has always loved mud masks- I had to give GLAMGLOW a try.

According to GLAMGLOW,

A scientifically advanced SUPER-MUD clearing treatment to target, prevent, and heal problem skin. This formula was clinically developed by GLAMGLOW dermatological chemists to help fight all common skin concerns including breakouts, discoloration, black and white heads, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. Powerful, skin-clearing mud visibly draws out dirt and congestion while a proprietary six-acid blend dramatically brightens and softens skin. It works to magnetically draw out dirt and pores with Activated-X Charcoal, leaving skin smooth and healthy-looking. 

-Apply a thin layer to clean skin.
-Leave on for five, 10, 15, or 20 minutes.
-Pore-Matrix™ will reveal dots of vacuum extractions.
-Remove with water.
-Use as often as needed.
-Use as a full mask or spot treatment.
-Free of Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates

Purchased by me (Affiliate links)

GLAMGLOW reports the following research results:

Based on consumer trials:

After 1 day of use: 

- 94% felt their skin looked renewed 

- 91% saw an improvement in skin clarity 

- 94% felt it gently cleared their skin 

On day 7 after using it 3 times in a week: 

- 98% felt their skin looked renewed 

- 97% saw an improvement in skin clarity 

- 97% felt it gently cleared their skin

-ACNECIDIC-6™ 4.4%: A proprietary six-acid blend of AHA and BHA acids perfectly PH balanced to deal with damaged skin, de-clog, and minimize pores, pigmentation, scaring, and breakouts.
-Activated-X Charcoal: An extreme absorption carbon, attracting toxic substances into its mass up to 500 times its volume from all skin types.
-K17-Clay™: Extracts and encapsulates excess sebum oils, bacteria, and toxins in a controlled stasis state.
-TEAOXI™: Delivers daily fresh natural eucalyptol, natural-linalool oil, and powerful flavonoids direct into the formula from real pieces of eucalyptus leaf.

My experience: First I must state that GLAMGLOW neither breaks me out, nor does it irritate my skin. I do note a little tingling upon application, but that does subside once the mask dries. It is very thin in consistency, much more so than the thicker clay masks that I am accustomed to, and I find this to be a strength because it means that application and removal isn't a big goopy mess. 

My skin is decidedly combination, and I generally don't breakout, save for the periodic monthly hormonal breakouts, or negative product reaction breakouts. Therefore, I wasn't drawn to this product to clear acne, but instead to draw out impurities from my pores, to remove dead skin, and ultimately to give my skin a radiant glow. It did all of these things for me-- so their promise to me was fulfilled. Thus, for me I am pleased with the results-- and there is no disputing the fact that my skin glows beautifully after I use this mask. I also find that this mask is quite concentrated, and therefore a small amount goes a long way-- so I would definitely suggest avoiding the temptation to apply a lot-- especially at this price point. I like it, I really do--however, it is very expensive. $69.00 for a 1.2oz. jar is a lot of money--even though a little goes a long way. Truthfully, in terms of drawing out impurities I don't see an appreciable difference in the way that GLAMGLOW functions compared to the many other clay masks that I have tried over the years. However, it markedly differs from the other clay masks that I have used in its ability to impart an immediate and pronounced glow, and for my skin this was the real and tangible benefit. The AHA and BHA acids work overtime removing dead skin, and the result is a pronounced clarity and a radiant glow. I do love the way that it makes my skin look and feel, but I also think that there are other products that can be used to achieve similar results.

Ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Hydroxide, Eucalyptus Globulus, Mandelic Acid, Charcoal, Parfum [Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool], Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltodextrin, Iron Oxides, Peppermint Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Glycerin, Chamoilla Recutita Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hendera Helix Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

Overall assessment: I like GLAMGLOW Supermud, and I think it is worth trying if you don't have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients, and if you are looking for a clarifying clay mask that will make your skin glow. That said, when in doubt get your hands on a sample to see if you like it before you buy it since it is expensive.

$69.00 for 1.2 oz. from Sephora, Neiman Marcus & Nordstrom (Affiliate links)
Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.