skin
I am not a dermatologist, expert or guru. However I do have a Face, Skin, Hair, etc... so that makes me a consumer at least. With the mounds of products I want to try and then consequentially buy, I look back and wonder 'was it worth it?'. This is my Edit on products that I think are Great, So So and Not for Me. Do not get offended if there's something I don't like, we all have different Faces, Skin, Hair, etc... These are my honest thoughts on the Claims of each product...
I find masking a chore. Nothing screams less therapeutic than painting on some thick mask, waiting for it to dry and then towelling it off. Personally, I prefer having a strong skincare routine rather than relying on a mask to fix it all? HOWEVER, over the past year I have tried sporadic masking for two reasons 1) Long haul travel and 2) Spot Treatments. Picking up a travel-sized mask pot in an airport is an easy lifesaver than hauling a full-size tub which, to be honest, I wouldn't finish (and mini sizes are so cute!) Here the masks I've had on rotation.
ESK EVIDENCE SKINCARE hydroxy overnight mask
Claim: Salicylic Acid-based exfoliating and hydrating leave-on night mask, for acne-prone, oily, sun-damaged or sensitive skin. With soothing Aloe Vera, it helps to remove keratin and old skin cells while you sleep, ensuring new skin can thrive. As well as a mask, it can also be used as a spot treatment for breakouts or dry and chapped skin.
Thoughts: I used this both as an overnight mask and spot treatment. The mask is dispensed with a pump which I prefer from bottles and brushes. The mask is thin but rich in texture so it doesn't transfer or feel too heavy.
Verdict: The formulation didn't work well with my skin, but I had no issues with the feel or application of the product.
GLOW RECIPE avocado melt sleeping mask
Claim: A firming, moisturising mask that alleviates dry flaky skin and nourishes overnight, without leaving any residue on your pillow!
Thoughts: This is my 'I'm on a plane and I don't want my face to turn into a sultana' mask. This is a creamy mask, unlike Glow Recipe products this doesn't have a fragrance but it does smell like those thick chemist brand creams. It comes in a cute glass bottle which is an added bonus... for what use I'm not sure.
Verdict: This performs as if should. It hydrates the skin really well, the smell takes a bit to get used to since the product does sit on the face. I prefer it as a travel mask rather than overnight because I don't like using heavy creams at night.
GLAMGLOW thirstymud hydrating treatment
Claim: Using the latest advanced technologies, providing deep extreme hydration for instant results and long term benefits. THIRSTYMUD hydrates, moisturises, replenishes and soothes the skin, leaving you with a healthy glowing complexion.
Thoughts: I love this bright blue coloured pot. From the description, I was expecting a mud-like mask but instead, it's light brown cream and has a strong coconut scent. This is another one of those 'I'm on a plane and I don't want my face to turn into a sultana' masks.
Verdict: This mask isn't for me. It does work, the Thirstmud does help to hydrate and plump the skin, but the scent was way too strong for my liking. With a lot of masks out there this isn't memorable.
GLOW RECIPE watermelon glow sleeping mask
Claim: Luxuriously bouncy, breathable sleeping mask that smoothes and perfects skin, overnight. This pillow-proof formula acts as a radiance-boosting hyaluronic acid face mask, formulated with soothing, amino-acid rich Watermelon Extract, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, and pore refining AHAs that work while you sleep to gently exfoliate and clarify.
Thoughts: Watermelon is one of my favourite fruits so I am a little biased with this product. This is one of those fun products that I enjoyed using as ticks a lot of my skincare must-haves. Light texture, faint fragrance and it doesn't feel uncomfortable when you apply it and go to bed!
Verdict: I like this formula out of all of the masks I've tried. Would I necessarily need it? No, but, I can see myself buying another bottle in summer to replace taking my actives on a short trip.
GLAMGLOW supermud clearing treatment mask
Claim: Fights problem skin by absorbing excess oil, unclogs pores and lightly exfoliates dead skin cell build-up. After 20 minutes, skin looks clearer, smoother and has a natural glow.
Thoughts: When I think mud mask, this is what I think of. A classic black mud treatment. I used this in targetted areas as more of a spot treatment, let dry and towel off.
Verdict: This would be my go-to mud mask... if I used a regular mud mask. I love the little pot, but it is something of a luxury on top of things like actives, serums and toners.