[ comfort zone ] SACRED NATURE Exfoliant Mask is my latest discovery from this noteworthy Italian skincare brand, made by the Davines Skincare Division, and it is hard not to wax poetic about its efficacy and ease of use. This antioxidant-rich organic peel mask delicately, and yet very effectively, exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal glowing skin. It does not sting, tingle or burn my skin in the least bit, and after use skin is left soft, smooth and glowing. This exfoliant softens the appearance of fine lines, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin. Furthermore, it exfoliates dead skin cells without leaving my skin dry, tight, peeling or uncomfortable.
It is important to use a high SPF sunscreen when using exfoliating products, and it is imperative to have your skin looked at by your family physician or dermatologist to make sure that the spots and irregularities that you want to treat are neither pre-cancerous, nor cancerous lesions. I have my skin fully evaluated during my yearly physicals, and I usually bring my doctor the list of ingredients of products that I am considering before I use them. I am not a medical doctor, and I consult with mine regularly to make sure that I am not doing something potentially dangerous to my skin.
According to [ comfort zone ],
Organic peel mask with 9% gluconolactone for delicate exfoliation and instant glow. With antioxidant Scientific Garden Extract enhancing skin resilience and vitality. This peel is formulated with Scientific Garden Extract, which helps enhance skin's resilience and vitality. The certified-organic formula provides immediate and progressive exfoliation, smoothing fine lines, brightening skin and counteracting impurities.
Features:
For dull and impure skin.
Immediate and progressive gentle exfoliation
Smooths fine lines, brightens and counteracts impurities
Suitable for young or mature skin
Certified organic formula
Fragrance-free
Efficacy Test Claims:
Skin immediately smoother after using the product for 95% of the panel.*
Skin brightness improved for 80% of the panel immediately after using the product and after 28 days of treatment.**
*Self-evaluation, 20 people using the exfoliant mask after 28 days.
**Testing by an independent laboratory.Clinical evaluation of 20 people using the exfoliant mask, immediately after use and after 28 days of treatment (3 times a week).
Conscious Skin Science:
99.8% natural origin ingredients.
17% of the total ingredients are from organic farming.
COSMOS ORGANIC certified by Ecocert Greenlife according to COSMOS standard.
Directions: In the evening, apply a thick layer on the face and neck. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with water. Use up to three times a week. We recommend a cycle of at least one month. Throughout the period in which the product is used, as well as in the following month, it is recommended to use a high protective filter during the day.
Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water / Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Agar, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Sclerotium Gum, Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Peel Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Sucrose Laurate, Zea Mays Starch/ Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Citric Acid.
Overall Assessment: I am over-the-moon about [ comfort zone ] skincare, and this exfoliating mask is absolutely covet-worthy! A+
I have fairly balanced skin, but I do have some activity in my t-zone. While I seldom have breakouts, I do get the occasional blemish. Given that I do get some excess oil in my t-zone, I do tend to use clay masks, and have since I was a teen. During my recent glut of Erno Laszlo purchases, I received some impressive gifts with purchases, and among them was the Erno Laszlo Pore Cleansing Clay Mask. While this was not on my potential list of purchases, I am happy that I receives a tube nonetheless.
I am most struck by the fact that while this clay-based mask dries down, that it is not drying on the skin. So many clay masks get tight as they dry, if not uncomfortable, and they often leave the skin a bit parched. However, this one does not. In fact, skin feels comfortable and clean, and clogged pores are purged. My skin feels lightly hydrated because of their unusual use of Calamine, as it soothes and hydrates, and therefore it would also be suitable for a wider range of skin types beyond combination to oily.
According to Erno Laszlo,
This detoxifying clay mask harnesses the natural benefits of Bentonite Clay, attracting dirt and oil from pores without drying. Skin is left refreshed and infused with moisture and nutrients.
Formulated to purge pores of toxins without drying out the skin. Enriched with detoxifying Bentonite Clay and soothing Calamine. Bentonite, a clay formed from volcanic ash, is rich in essential minerals and one of the most oil-absorbent of all clays, drawing out impurities to cleanse skin’s surface. Diverse hydrator Calamine acts as a moisturizer for dry skin, an oil-controlling agent for oily skin, and clarifies to help even tone and minimize pores.
Directions: After cleansing, apply a thick opaque layer to clean, dry skin. Avoid hairline, eyebrows, eye area and lips. Leave on for 5-10 minutes or until the mask is dry. Rinse thoroughly. Use once or twice a week.
WARNING: Not suitable for sensitive skin. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Test a small area first to determine sensitivity. Discontinue use if irritation occurs and consult physician.
Formulated Without: Phthalates, Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, or Urea
Whether or not you are the Mother of Dragons– no dragons were hurt in the making of this cruelty-free mask. This hydrating and plumping mask helps the skin retain moisture, thanks to the Hyaluronic Acid, and the Salicylic Acid helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and clear congested pores.
The mask can either be left on for about 10 minutes and then rinsed off, or for an intensive hydrator it can be left on overnight. It has a thick and non-sticky gel consistency that does dry down a bit, but it does retains a slightly moist texture to the touch. It has a very light aroma, but it does fade after application.
The first time that I used it I left it on for about 10 minutes, and then rinsed it off with warm water. My skin was left soft, supple and hydrated. My fine lines were plumped and my skin looked radiant. However, the next time that I used it I opted to use it as an overnight mask, and the effects were more pronounced– my skin was really soft, smooth and ultra-hydrated. When I want just a little skin pick-me-up, then the 10 minute method is just fine, but when my skin is dehydrated I definitely use it as an overnight mask instead.
According to Nip + Fab,
Instant moisture shot and wrinkle plump effect gel mask. An intensely hydrating gel mask combining multiple skin perfecting complexes to plump the look of wrinkles and refine the skin's appearance for a brighter, more youthful looking complexion.
Key Ingredients:
• Dragon's blood (from the Croton Lechleri tree): forms protective film on skin to protect against environmental aggressors.
• Salicylic Acid: cleanses pores + aids exfoliation.
Overall Assessment: If you are seeking an exceedingly affordable, fuss-free, cruelty-free and effective hydrating mask that also plumps and exfoliates the skin– then Nip + Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Mask is definitely worthy of your consideration.
$14.95 for 1.7 oz. currently on sale for $6.00 from Nip + Fab. Currently on Sale for $8.99 for 1.7 oz. from Amazon (Affiliate Links).
That all sheet masks are not created equal is a point that simply cannot be sufficiently underscored. Certainly there are sheet masks at every price, and that are formulated for a wide range of skincare concerns, but there are those that really distinguish themselves from the rest, and unsurprisingly Vitabrid's Dual Mask is among them.
First, one will note that Vitabrid is very generous with the amount of serum that they use to saturate their masks, and one must not forget to use all of the serum that pools at the bottom of the package. In fact, there is enough excess serum that one can slather it just about everywhere on their face, neck, décolleté, arms and hands.
The anti-aging mask is formulated to effectively deliver active Vitamin C and peptides to the skin that brightens, softens and smoothes it. It plumps the appearance of fine lines, brightens the appearance of discoloration and leaves the skin deeply moisturized. After about 20 minutes skin has a pronounced clarity and a dewy luminosity. The effects are immediate and obvious. This is the perfect mask to use before a special event, or whenever you want your skin to have an unmistakable healthy glow.
According to Vitabrid,
Vitabrid’s Dual Mask features an age-defying and firming formula that promotes the feel of increased collagen, replaces skin's moisture, and improves the overall look of your complexion. This K-Beauty anti-aging mask contains a new anti-aging solution, PEPTIBRID™ and VITABRID®, to provide a concentrated supply of nutrition (active, stabilized Vitamin C and peptides) and elasticity to tired, distressed skin. Using a hypoallergenic micro-sheet, this soft, non-stimulating microfiber sheet perfectly adheres to the skin and enhances the absorption of the active ingredients by enriching the essence between the extremely fine microfibers. Skin is left feeling softer, smoother, and more hydrated.
Features and Claims:
Effective Skin Delivery: PEPTIBRID and VITABRID, which are key ingredients, safely transfer deep into the skin while maintaining the active properties of peptides and vitamin C, enhancing skin regeneration, elasticity, moisturizing, soothing and whitening effects. As a new anti-aging solution with PEPTIBRID and VITABRID, they are unique ingredients that have been completed with the world-recognized DDS (Drug Delivery System) technology. Vitamin C and Peptides have been perfected with the unique biotechnological power of Vitabrid to deliver it deeply and more effectively.
Boosting Effect: PEPTIBRID and VITABRID give powerful boosting to maximize the effectiveness of other active ingredients. An evolved peptide delivery platform. PEPTIBRID (ICID name: Peptibrid), which improves the purity and penetration rate of peptides by improving the limits of 'Peptides', increases collagen synthesis and regeneration efficiency, but is limited in use due to stability and skin absorption.
Deep Hydration & Moisture Retention: Provides deep moisture to the skin and maintains a healthy moisture balance.
VITABRID: Advanced biomaterials that overcome the limitations of vitamin C, which is easily oxidized, water-soluble and difficult to transfer into the skin. Vitamin C penetrates deeper into the skin in an activated state, allowing it to act for more than 12 hours. (ICID entry name: Vitabrid CG).
For Sensitive Skin: It is composed of only safe ingredients, so it can also be used for sensitive skin. Directions:
① Cleanse the face.
② Open the packet and gently unfold the mask. Place the sheet and correctly adjust on face.
③ Peel off the sheet after approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Lightly tap any remaining essence into the face and neck with fingertips.
Overall Assessment: Simply stated, this is a superb mask. A+
Since it’s no secret that airplane travel wreaks havoc on your skin, and since the summer travel season is upon us, I thought that it would be fruitful to discuss a few products that mitigate the effects that flying can have on the skin, and hair for that matter.
Start your skincare routine off right by cleansing gently the day of travel – theneuRADIANCE Instant Cell Exfoliator ($79.00 for 4.4 oz from skinresearchlabs.com): is an anti-inflammatory cleanser which warms the skin once applied and cools after rinse off. Emollient and skin conditioning meadowfoam seed oil delivers superior skin softening benefits leaving the skin calm and relaxed.
According to Skin Research Labs,
Treat yourself to smoother, softer and younger looking skin instantly! This invigorating polish for the face, neck and décolleté utilizes a unique triple action system to helps boost cell turnover and moisturize skin. The technologically advanced formula helps promote long-term benefits by creating a residual reservoir, trapping key ingredients, so they stay on the skin even after rinsing. You will love the advanced sensory action; a warming upon application and cooling after rinse off. Leaving your skin feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Free of: Aluminum, Plastic Beads, Parabens and Preservatives.
Give your skin a head start by applying a moisturizing mask the night before travel – thefango ESSENZIALI MOISTURIZE Treatment Sheet Mask ($7.00 from Macy’s): is infused with superfood extracts to rejuvenate and condition, leaving a dewy, youthful glow. A synergistic blend of powerful antioxidants including Avocado and Kelp extract and Acai Berry nourish and condition while aiding in the skin’s regeneration and rejuvenation.
Fango Active Radiance Facial Oil is a blend of botanical oils that transform skin's texture.
Soothes dull, dry skin
Helps nourish and restore lipid loss due to aging and environmental damage
Leaves skin truly hydrated, soft and luminous
Lightweight, fast-absorbing for a non-greasy after-feel
Improves the look of fine lines, elasticity, and radiance
Features Sweet Almond, Avocado and Grape Seed Oils to hydrate and protect
Contains derivatives of Vitamins C, E and A and polyphenols - all of which are rich in anti-oxidants
Consider foregoing a heavier foundation, and instead select a lighter weight tinted moisturizer. The Borghese Summer Glow Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($32.00 for 1.2 oz. from Borghese): is the wonderful oil-free tinted moisturizer that gives the complexion a wonderful dewy luminosity. The mineral-based formula helps defend skin against sun damage with full-spectrum SPF 20 protection.
Treat puffy eyes before hopping on your flight, and the Arbonne RE9 Advanced Lifting and Contouring Eye Cream ($60.00 for 0.50 oz. from Arbonne.com): targets skin tone and helps provide lifting and contouring benefits above and below the eye. For enhanced results apply with the Arbonne Intelligence® Genius Ultra ($280.00 from Arbonne.com): This wonderful tool emits approximately 300,000 ultrasound waves and gently warms at the tip while massaging the product into the ridges of the skin allowing the your products to work faster and more efficiently.
In lieu of using the neuRADIANCE Instant Cell Exfoliator the day of your flight, consider doing an exfoliating mask the night before. The Arbonne Cellular Renewal Masque ($53.00 for 1.7 oz. from Arbonne): exfoliates dead skin cells and brighten your complexion– revealing rejuvenated skin the following day. Follow this with their Intensive Renewal Serum ($49.00 for 1 oz. from Arbonne): so that your skin gets a wonderful boost before you flight.
I like to use a gentle and moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep my hair soft, smooth and moisturized before a long flight, and I have found that The Mane Choice Easy on Curls, Soft as Can Be and Green Apple range do a great job.
The Mane Choice Soft As Can Be Revitalize & Refresh 3-in-1 Conditioner :Co-Wash, Leave In, Detangler 8OZ Soft As Can Be name says it all. A 3-in-1 conditioner formulated to revitalize and refresh the hair instantly. An advanced conditioner that can be used as a Co-Wash, Leave In, and Detangler. Adds shine, softness and manageability. Stops breakage during the detangling process. Leaves the hair softer and more elastic.
Mane Choice Easy On The CURLS - Detangling Hydration Shampoo is a revolutionary product for curly hair. No more dreading wash days. Our advanced shampoo cuts your wash days in half. You can finally look forward to washing buildup and impurities out of your hair without the knots and tangles. Infused with Biotin and Vitamin E to nourish, grow and hydrate your hair. Easy On The CURLS leaves the hair feeling soft and shiny, while eliminating the dry and stripped feeling. A clean scalp and clean hair is essential to the perfect healthy hair growth regimen.
Easy On The CURLS Detangling Hydration Conditioner makes wash days for curly hair a breeze. No more dreading wash days. Our cutting-edge conditioner cuts your wash days in half. The detangling process just got MUCH easier! Infused with Biotin and Vitamin E to nourish, grow and hydrate your hair. Easy On The CURLS leaves the hair feeling soft and shiny, while eliminating the dry and stripped feeling. Clean and conditioned hair is essential to the perfect healthy hair growth regimen.
Green Apple Fruit Medley Detangling KIDS Leave-In Conditioner is perfectly formulated to detangle while adding manageability to your child’s healthy hair routine. Instantly revitalizes, minimizes breakage and improves elasticity.
A unique growth stimulating edge control. No expense was spared when loading this product with all of the healthy hair essentials. You can now smooth your edges down with confidence. Gentle enough for daily use.
Overall Assessment: I am so impressed with these pre-flight picks, and definitely think that they are worthy of your consideration.
There is no question that sheet masks have become wildly popular in the last few years, and they are available for a wide variety of targeted concerns, and at an equally wide range of price points. It has been my experience that many of them do little more than just hydrate my skin– which is great– but there are a few that do far more than that, and that is precisely what I experienced with Colbert MD Illumino Anti-Aging Brightening Mask.
Colbert MD Illumino Anti-Aging Brightening Mask is a concentrated Bio Cellulose mask that was conceived to brighten, smooth and hydrate the skin while plumping fine lines, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and by encouraging skin cell turnover. I definitely noticed that my skin had an unprecedented luminosity, that my skin had a pronounced clarity and that fine lines were plumped. I don't have a lot of hyperpigmentation, but I can attest to the fact that this mask gently exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal beautifully glowing skin, and after repeated use it should have no problem reducing the appearance of dark spots.
It is important to note that Colbert MD is exceedingly generous with the amount of serum used in each mask, and that you want to be mindful not to throw away the packet before using all of the serum that pools at the bottom of each pouch.
Whether you want your skin to look red carpet ready, or you just want to pamper yourself– this is a really exceptional quality mask that makes a pronounced difference in the appearance of your skin. To really take the glow to the next level, I like to use Colbert MD Illumino Face Oil (Reviewed HERE) in conjunction with the Illumino Mask, and my skin looks so dewy, refreshed and luminous that one might think that I had a professional peel to get these results.
According to Colbert MD,
Utilizes our unique Triad Delivery System™ to rejuvenate damaged, tired skin. Visibly reduces dark spots and skin imperfections, stimulates skin cell renewal and regenerates the skin. Ideal as a pre-treatment before makeup application and/or as post-laser recovery treatment.
Directions: Apply the mask day or night on cleansed skin twice per week. First remove the protective white film and place the mask on the face, starting from the chin. Gently peel off the mesh and adjust the position for the eyes and mouth. Press gently with both hands to adhere. Remove the mask after 15 minutes, do not rinse. Massage the remaining serum into the skin.
Key Ingredients and their Attributes:
Niacinamide Influences skin pigmentation by down-regulating melanin production, reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyper-pigmentation.
Swiftlet Nest Extract Promotes skin regeneration, and acts as skin barrier and prevents water loss.
Lactic Acid A gentle natural exfoliant that helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and hyperpigmentation.
Symcalmin® Calms and soothes the skin. Helps reduce blotchiness.
Hyaluronic Acid Increases hydration and improves skin’s elasticity.
Precautions For Use: Do Not Use On Irritated Or Damaged Skin. Discontinue Use If Prolonged Skin Irritation Occurs.
Overall Assessment: This is unquestionably one of the most effective sheet masks that I have tried, and it does so much more than simply hydrate my skin. If you are looking to try a sheet mask that takes the whole sheet mask experience to the next level, then I highly recommend trying Colbert MD Illumino Anti-Aging Brightening Mask. A+
Press Sample Powered by the Brandbacker Valentia Campaign (Affiliate Links)
If you love a good clay mask, as do I, then I have a really fantastic, and affordable, one to share with you. Unlike many clay masks that can have a tendency to be drying, Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask is not. In fact, this mask, with its very lightweight texture, leaves skin hydrated rather than dry, but it is still ultra-efficient in its ability to draw out dirt, oil and impurities.
Simply apply a generous amount to freshly cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area altogether, and let it dry for approximately 20 minutes. As it is drying down it does not pull or irritate the skin, and doesn't cause sensitive skin to itch. I prefer to rinse it off in the shower, as I do with most masks, and my preferred method of removal is to dampen my skin and massage my skin in a circular motion to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Once I rinse my skin I immediately notice that impurities have been drawn out, and dead skin cells have been whisked away. My skin is left clear, radiant, smooth, soft and lightly hydrated. When compared to most clay masks that I have tried over the years, I would definitely say that this is one of the most gentle without sacrificing efficacy.
I suspect that most skin types would benefit from this clay mask, however, if you have extremely dry skin and do not have a tendency to experience skin congestion, then you might prefer a moisture mask instead of one intended to detoxify skin and cleanse congested pores. For my normal to combination skin, that can be sensitive at times, this is the perfect type of clay mask to get the job done without irritating my skin. It also works exceedingly well as a spot treatment in problem areas, or when breakouts occur.
According to Valentia,
Not your ordinary mask, this clay mask removes excess dirt and oil from the skin caused by makeup, environmental toxins, and everyday contaminants. Kaolin Clay helps pull dirt and oil to the surface, offering a deep cleanse that leaves skin clean and clear. Added Hibiscus and Cranberry Fibers make this mask unique, providing an extra layer of skin exfoliation, leaving skin feeling and looking smoother, and softer. This Detoxifying Clay Mask reverses and clears away skin damage, giving you stronger, firmer and healthier skin.
Directions: "Generously apply on face carefully avoiding the eye area. Leave on your skin for 15-20 minutes or until mask dries. Wipe it off with a damp cloth soaked in warm water. As the mask has natural fibers use circular motions to remove the mask helping to slough off dead skin and exfoliate."
Selected Ingredients and their Attributes: Kaolin Clay: Clay minerals draw impurities, improve skin tone, and tighten pores for smoother firmer skin.
Plant Stem Cells:Naturally decreases the level of pro-aging toxins and works to soother the skin, reduce redness, and improve evenness.
Spirulina: A botanical stimulant full of vitamins that hydrates the skins surface and contributes to tissue regeneration of the skin.
CoQ10: Lessens the appearance of wrinkles by reducing free radical damage and stimulating health collagen production.
Press Sample from the Valentia Brandbacker Campaign (Affiliate Links)
One of the greatest pleasures associated with being a beauty blogger is the ability to try so many fantastic brands that I may not have otherwise learned about. When I was selected by Valentia to try a few of their products for their Brandbacker Campaign, I was thrilled.
Their products are cruelty-free, made with healthy ingredients, they boast serious efficacy, and they are affordable. Given that the weather is still cool, I thought this would be the perfect time to introduce you to their Valentia True Glow Eye Cream & Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask– both of which hydrated and nourish the skin, and give it a beautiful glow.
About Valentia Skin Care:
The Roman Goddess of healing, Valentia, relied on nature’s gifts to heal the citizens of Umbria. Whether matriarchs seeking to maintain their youthful look or farmers seeking help for sun damaged skin, Valentia used berries, herbs, barks and other natural ingredients. We also rely on all natural ingredients due to their protective, preventative and corrective powers. Just like our namesake, Valentia Skin Care products have been formulated with natural and organic cosmetic ingredients that will repair and protect the skin. After performing extensive research into what skin care customers find most important, we found an overwhelming demand for skin care that is natural, free of toxins and paraben-free. Natural ingredients with an organic base have proven most effective at repairing skin damaged by sun or wind, preventing signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark spots, and reversing the effects of oxidative stress on the skin.
Valentia True Glow Eye Cream is a lightweight and fast absorbing eye cream that deeply nourishes and hydrates skin leaving it soft and supple. It effectively reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness and leaves the skin brightened and lifted. Additionally, it softened the appearance of fine lines and leaves skin more even in tone. My under eye area is prone to milia when I use richer eye creams, but I am pleased to report that Valentia True Glow Eye Cream neither gave me any milia, nor did it irritate my sensitive eyes. It is a really high quality eye cream that is filled with safe ingredients, and is very affordable.
Claims:
Diminish fine lines & wrinkles
Nourish & hydrate
Tighten the under eye area
Brighten dark circles
Reduce puffiness
According to Valentia,
Say goodbye to tired eyes. This nourishing formula works fast to repair and refresh the eye area while protecting skin from the usual suspects of aging. Our natural and organic ingredients work to calm and reduce puffiness in the eye area revealing softer, more refreshed looking eyes. With continued use of this antioxidant treatment, you will start noticing a more rejuvenated, radiant, and brighter under eye area.
Directions: Use this cream after cleansing your face. Apply the cream gently around the area under the eye dabbing the skin with your ring finger in a circular motion around the orbital bone and moving towards the nose bridge. Apply cream twice a day.
Select Ingredients:
Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant that increases moisture levels, smooths fine line and wrinkles, and restores elasticity to the skin.
Resistem: Natural Plant Stem Cells repair and protect the skin from harsh environmental pollutants and stress related aging.
Vitamin C: Leaves the skin smooth and visibly brighter for a well-rested and bright eyed look.
Organic Rosehip Oil: Provides intense hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Arnica: A key anti-inflammatory agent to the restorative process that works to diminish the appearance of dark circles.
Valentia Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask is a very effective mask that deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin, and leaves it soft, supple and smooth. The Hyaluronic Acid efficiently plumps fine lines, while the Sea Buckthorn Oil helps to diminish hyperpigmentation. I also note that my skin has a pronounced clarity and luminosity after each use.
Valentia suggests that one might feel a slight tingling sensation while using this mask, but I didn't experience any. I have have left this mask on for 15, 20 and 30 minutes, and while I could see results with all three durations, I definitely prefer using it for 30 minutes.
Claims:
Boosts collagen production
Increases skin radiance
Reduces fine lines
Locks in skins moisture
Reveals softer smoother skin
According to Valentia,
The perfect answer to your dry skin problems. This hydration mask features a unique blend of amino acids and potent antioxidants, like Japanese Green tea and Aloe Vera, to reduce fine lines, increase collagen production, and fight environmental irritants. Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Sea Buckthorn Oil flood skin with vital moisture, creating softer more supple skin. Treat your delicate facial skin with nature's most nourishing ingredients, and instantly restore radiance.
Directions: Apply to face avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15-30 minutes. You might feel a slight tingling sensation which is normal. Wipe it off with a damp cloth and warm water.
Select Ingredients:
Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend: These natural miracles increase moisture content and help in the production of collagen and elastin which decreases the appearance of visible lines.
Botanical Hyaluronic Acid: Penetrates deep into the skin to secure moisture and plump skin from within.
Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil: An anti-aging wonder berry that results in fewer fine lines, diminished sun spots, more even skin tone, and firmer more supple skin.
Japanese Green Tea: Contains catechins that provide anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant effects to the skin.
Aloe Vera: This botanical moisturizers skin and fight aging by improving skin firmness.
Overall Assessment: I am very pleased with the results of the Valentia True Glow Eye Cream & Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask, and definitely plan to further investigate their line.
Radiant skin is probably one of the most sought-after attributes that the skincare-obsessed hope to find in a bottle. I always seek high quality anti-aging products that gently exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal a more youthful glowing complexions, and StriVectin has created two such products that are ultra effective, and that offer real results.
Their StriVectin Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask and StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refinerare potent anti-aging treatments that make a noticeable difference in the appearance of the skin. Both gently exfoliate dead skin cells, plump fine lines, and leave skin radiant and even in tone. The former utilizes Beta-Hydroxy Acid, while the latter is Retinol-based, but both are gentle, highly effective, and well worth your attention.
StriVectin Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask is a smoothing and purifying mask that revitalizes the skin through a wonderfully refreshing self-foaming technology. It was formulated to bolster radiance by boosting oxygen levels, and by gently exfoliating dead skin cells with beta-hydroxy acids. As a result, use of this mask results in diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
You simply apply a thin layer over clean, dry skin, and it immediately begins to foam. There is no need to rub it, in fact it should be left alone for about 5 minutes while it foams and bubbles. While it tickles the skin, it is gentle and non-irritating. Skin is left soft, smooth, supple, refreshed and radiant.
I like to use it a couple times a week and alternate it with their Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner. Since both are effective exfoliants, one being retinol-based, and the other being beta-hydroxy acid-based, their is really no need to use them simultaneously on the same day. In fact, people with more sensitive skin might want to give their skin a break of a few days between the use of such active exfoliants.
According to StriVectin,
Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask is a purifying mask that lifts surface dirt and impurities as it delivers radiance boosting oxygen to skin through a unique self-foaming technology. This smoothing mask and can be used up to 3 times weekly to provide a gentle exfoliating action, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reinvigorating skin surface for a complexion that appears dramatically more refined and youthful looking. As an anti aging mask formulated with radiance boosting oxygen and beta-hydroxy acids, it provides a gentle exfoliating action, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The non-drying formula hydrates and visibly enhances skin texture and clarity by removing impurities and minimizing dullness. Leaves skin soft, smooth and refreshed for a youthful looking complexion. Beta-hydroxy acids provide gentle exfoliation to remove dead surface cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother overall texture. Oxygen delivered through a unique foaming action minimizes dullness by lifting surface dirt and impurities to deeply cleanse skin while patented NIA-114™ technology reinvigorates skin surface for optimal performance.
Diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Remove impurities and minimize dullness
Hydrate and visibly enhance skin texture and clarity
Leave skin soft, smooth and refreshed
Directions: Apply a thin layer over clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. As foam begins to form, do not rub in. Leave on for 3-5 minutes or until foam dries. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use 2-3 times per week.
StriVectin Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask as it foams up on the skin
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refineris a lightweight daily lotion that was formulated to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and to refine and smooth the texture of the skin. While the 1% Retinol efficiently improves skin's natural turnover, and provides skin with a more youthful appearance, it does not dry out the skin as do many Retinol-based products. In fact, their patented NIA-114™ technology nourishes the skin and improves the moisture barrier– both of which help to mitigate the drying effects, and sensitivity often associated with Retinol use.
While I do not have particularly enlarged pores, I have definitely noted that mine appear more refined, and my overall complexion is markedly more smooth and even after using StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner for a little over a month. My skin is smooth, hydrated, lifted, and my fine lines have been visibly softened because this formula effectively exfoliates dead skin cells and improves the overall texture of the skin.
Many people experience excessive peeling until their skin acclimates to Retinol-based products, but this formula is more gentle, and gets the job done without causing you to molt like a snake! The only obvious peeling that I experienced was a small dry patch of skin that I had prior to testing StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner, and it was completely eliminated after less than a week of use.
Directions: Apply all over clean face in the AM and PM. Use as the last step in your skincare routine. Apply after sunscreen for an optimal mattifying effect.
According to StriVectin,
Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner is a lightweight daily pore-minimizing lotion and anti aging cream with Retinol that mattifies shine and delivers both instant and long-term visible pore reduction.
This potent pore-minimizing lotion helps refine the appearance of enlarged pores while purifying, tightening and reducing the appearance of pores. As it hydrates and smooths skin texture, it absorbs excess oil to control shine throughout the day for a fresher, mattified and youthful looking appearance.
Retinol improves skin’s natural cell turnover to visibly diminish the look of pore size by purifying and refining skin tone and texture. Patented NIA-114™ technology nourishes and strengthens the moisture barrier, limiting the sensitivity common to Retinol use.
Clinical Claims:
96% felt skin was smoother and softer*
92% felt pores were tighter*
88% agreed the product helps to minimize oil and shine throughout the day*
88% saw an improvement in the appearance of enlarged pores*
Overall Assessment: Another two serious contenders from StriVectin! StriVectin Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask and Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner are perfect choices for gorgeous radiant skin.
