Instead of an August Favorites post, I thought I'd cover all of the masks and samples I tried out over the past month for a Month In Masks & Samples, or MIMS.
After all my sheet masks are the reason why I'm hot... crickets Don't hate, if you use sheet masks, you're smokin' too!
Today I'll share the real standouts from the month of August, my latest obsession - the multi-step mask. Tomorrow I'll roundup the other more normal varieties I tried this month, and I'll also let you know which samples led to a purchase, which ended up with a spot on the wishlist, and which earned a pass from me.
In today's post...One mask that can handle your ugly cry and then some... the Leader's Insolution 2-Step Shining and Lifting Eye Patch
Another mask that was like a hose to the face... the Cel-Derma Clinical 3-Step Sheet Mask in the Vita-Toning flavor
INGREDIENTS
(1) Mask Ingredients - Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethyl Hexanoate, Grapefruit Extract, Carob Bean Gum, Carageenan, Glyceryl Stearate, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Acai Berry Extract, Hydrogenated polydecin (?), Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Adenosine, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Trideseth-6 (?), Silica, Tin Oxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
The shining comes from the Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3 in the mask. The Grapefruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Pearl, and Acai Berries are antioxidants that fight free radical damage. Carageenan and Carob Bean Gum are both excellent hydrators. Acne triggers to watch out for are Carageenan which is a type of algae. Some people have mentioned Niacinamide to be a trigger as well. Health triggers to watch out for are the Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, and Fragrance.
(2) Moisture cover eye gel / Ampoule Ingredients - Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethylacrylate/Sodium Acryloildymethyltaurate copolymer (sp?), Dimethicone, Phenyltrimethicone, Glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Desilen Glycol (sp?), Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Acrylate / C10-30 Alkylacrylate Crosspolymer, Frankincense Extract, Triethanolamine, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, Disodium-EDTA, Collagen Extract, Pearl Extract, Totarol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fragrance
The shining comes from the Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3 in the gel. The Frankincense, Pearl, and Totarol are antioxidants that fight free radical damage. Adenosine is included for its anti-aging properties, and Sodium Hyaluronate and Collagen are both excellent hydrators. Acne triggers to watch out for are the Hexylene Glycol and Triethanolamine. Some people have mentioned Niacinamide to be a trigger as well. Health triggers to watch out for are the Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hexylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA and the Fragrance.
RATING ☿☿☿☿.5 of 5 possible etude-kitties.
The eye patches were thicker than average, which meant I could get a longer wear time out of the mask. The shape was super unique too. Most eye patches I've used have been more of a tear drop shape than this half-moon. These patches cover way more surface area than usual. The scent smelled like generic cosmetics. There were no notes that stood out to me.
It ACTUALLY took care of my dark circles!!! and plumped the whole area!!! You can see the fine lines have gone away. The eye gel / ampoule that I applied afterward also gave me a lit-from-within glow that lasted throughout the day and even the next! There weren't stingy with it either. I had enough to cover the entire face. It wasn't sticky, it was just... plushy.
I love these patches and I only knocked a half a mark off because I'm afraid of giving 5 star ratings.
Get it for $2.00 at Memebox Save 20% with code Friend20 if it's your first time buying
Cel-Derma Clinical 3-Step Vita-Toning Mask [whitening + anti-wrinkle]
THE STEPS (1) Cleanse with included cleanser (2) Apply included energy-ampoule (3) Use sheet mask for 10-20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
(1) Cleanser Ingredients - Only listed ingredient is Phenoxyethanol
I reeeeeally wish they'd included all of the ingredients. Phenoxyethanol in case you are wondering is a preservative, and is most likely one of the last ingredients on the list, meaning there's not a lot of it in the formula.
(2) Energy-Ampoule Ingredients - Only listed ingredients are Niacinamide and Adenosine
Same thought process here. I wish they had listed more ingredients. But Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, has been discussed before on the blog. It's a potent antioxidant that has the capacity to brighten and firm your skin. Adenosine is a yeast-derived ingredient that is considered great for anti-aging as it is a "cell-communicating ingredient" - which just means it helps cells regulate and retain their normal function. What I didn't know before today is that Adenosine is also a great anti-inflammatory - which means it can help calm your skin when it's irritated.
(3) Mask Ingredients - Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, PEG/PPG -17/6 Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Gelidium Carthagineum Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Medicago Sativa (Alfafa Extract), Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Poluquaternium-51, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG -40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polygutamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Tetrasodium EDTA
Here we go! cracks knuckles Let's get to analyzing. The Niacinamide is responsible for the brightening claims of the mask. There are a ton of botanical extracts as well which are more often than not antioxidants and anti-irritants as well. It is important however to check that you are not sensitive to these extracts as botanical extracts have the slight potential to cause irritation to some. Polyglutamic Acid is a peptide that seems to be associated with natto (Japanese fermented bean dish), whether it is always sourced from natto, or not, remains unclear. I have to dig into it a bit more, but peptides are considered to be potentially great for anti-aging. Same as with Adenosine. The mask seems to highlight the Ascorbyl Glucoside (vitamin C derivative) as the star ingredient, but it is included at the end of the list, and is less proven as a brightener than the highly studied Niacinamide. I couldn't find any acne triggers through a CosDNA analysis, though Niacinamide has been anecdotally mentioned as a trigger by some. Health triggers to watch out for are the PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, and Tetrasodium EDTA.
RATING ☿☿☿☿ of 5 possible etude-kitties.
This mask would be ideal for anyone traveling or spending a few days sleeping elsewhere since it has basically a whole (but short) routine in one. I liked it a lot for the most part. I loved the ampoule and the mask, but the cleanser left something to be desired. Also, the scents were all very light (to me) and everything just smelled like... generic cosmetics.
The first step (cleanser) was not really to my liking. There wasn't a lot of it in included, the ingredients list was also unclear, and the pH reading I got was about a 7.5, which is a little high. I won't use something at a pH of 8 or higher so this was borderline.
Step two (ampoule) was a clear plushy gel ampoule that was thick and super hydrating. The texture is a lot like molasses, but not sticky. It was absolutely perfect to apply this before occluding it (topping it off and sealing all of the benefits in) with the sheet mask in step 3.
In step three, the mask material and fit were really excellent. The material was a soft, thin, netted cotton that was fully saturated. The cotton is pretty high-quality when it comes to the average cotton sheet mask. This felt like... a soft, pima cotton t-shirt. This mask also made me glow for the next 24 - 48 hours as well it should! I mean the mask basically drenches your skin with two bottles of ampoule. I'm definitely going to repurchase the other Cel-derma flavors.
I knocked off half a mark for the lack of transparency in the ingredients list and half a mark for the shoddy cleanser.
Get it for $7.00 at Glow Recipe where first time buyers can save $5 with this link
Kisskin Secret Emerald Special Mask Program 1 step - Soft Emerald Peeling Sheet 2 step - Aqua Emerald Hydro Gel Mask*
Disclosure: Kisskin kindly sent me a selection of products a few months ago to try out and see if I liked anything. I was able to choose which products to try and there was no obligation to review.
THE STEPS (1) Lightly exfoliate with the peeling sheet (2) Use hydro gel mask for 20 - 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
(1) Exfoliator Ingredients - Water, Cocamipropylbetaine (sp?), TEA-cocoilglutamate, Tangerine peel extract, Aloe vera extract, Algae extract, Green tea extract, Glycerin, Emerald (100ppm 0.1%)
This list was the cleanest of them all. The exfoliating liquid relies on a mild surfactant, the TEA-Cocoilglutamate, and the slightly abrasive Emerald to help slough off dead skin cells. The TEA-Cocoilglutamate makes the exfoliating sheet foam just a bit. The Emerald is ground so finely that it's undetectable in terms of feel. There's also some super hydrating Aloe Vera, Algae, Green Tea, Glycerin, and Tangerine Peel extract to boot. I really had no issues with this list and think it would suit most skins.
(2) Mask Ingredients - Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Tangerine Peel Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, Carageenan, Locker Bean Gum (?), Guar Gum, Green Tea Extract, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Algae Extract, Glucose, Rose Extract, Emerald (100ppm 0.1%), Chamomile Leaf Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Tea Trea Extract, Eucalyptus Extract, Collagen, Soybean Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Pearl Powder, Tocopheryl Acetate
The mask is a hydrating mask that is chock full of antioxidants and emollients. There are some potential acne triggers in the Carageenan and Potassium Chloride. Those monitoring health triggers will want to pay mind to the Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Pearl Powder, and Tocopheryl Acetate in the formula.
RATING ☿☿☿☿ of 5 possible etude-kitties.
The reason why this mask blows my mind so much is the step 1 peeling sheet. The sheet is just a regular cotton sheet that is soaked in the exfoliating liquid. Though it's mostly a physical exfoliator, it doesn't exfoliate harshly at all as there is nothing abrasive in there. HOWEVER, some how... some way, through green emerald magic, it managed to unplug my pores and my sebaceous filaments just left the building... They got off my front porch (nose) and stayed away for the whole day. THIS is why I love this mask so much! The pH of the peeling sheet is also a nice and mellow 5.5.
The second step is a hydro gel mask and while nice, I didn't find it as mind blowing as the first step. The gel is extremely soft. The feel is like a buttery Whamisa hydrogel, if you've ever tried one of those, but not as saturated with fluid. The mask is about medium size, and was pleasant to wear. The after effects were pretty good, nothing mind blowing, but I liked it. It was hydrating and brightening. To be honest, I didn't even care though... I was just obsessed with looking at my pores for the rest of the day.
I took away half a star because this mask is not widely available, and I believe the price is a bit on the high side.
ABOUT KISSKIN
Kisskin is a luxury brand founded in 2010. It's mostly sold at Korean luxury department stores. They are due to have a counter at the new Galleria mall in the ultra ritzy Apgujeongdong neighborhood in Seoul, and have only recently launched their English storefront.
They are Eco-friendly & Cruelty-Free: Plus, the masks are made with biodegradable natural ingredients that will melt in hot water.
The reason why this mask blows my mind so much is the step 1 peeling sheet. The sheet is just a regular cotton sheet that is soaked in the exfoliating liquid. Though it's mostly a physical exfoliator, it doesn't exfoliate harshly at all as there is nothing abrasive in there. HOWEVER, some how... some way, through green emerald magic, it managed to unplug my pores and my sebaceous filaments just left the building... They got off my front porch (nose) and stayed away for the whole day. THIS is why I love this mask so much! The pH of the peeling sheet is also a nice and mellow 5.5.
The second step is a hydro gel mask and while nice, I didn't find it as mind blowing as the first step. The gel is extremely soft. The feel is like a buttery Whamisa hydrogel, if you've ever tried one of those, but not as saturated with fluid. The mask is about medium size, and was pleasant to wear. The after effects were pretty good, nothing mind blowing, but I liked it. It was hydrating and brightening. To be honest, I didn't even care though... I was just obsessed with looking at my pores for the rest of the day.
I took away half a star because this mask is not widely available, and I believe the price is a bit on the high side.
ABOUT KISSKIN
Kisskin is a luxury brand founded in 2010. It's mostly sold at Korean luxury department stores. They are due to have a counter at the new Galleria mall in the ultra ritzy Apgujeongdong neighborhood in Seoul, and have only recently launched their English storefront.
They are Eco-friendly & Cruelty-Free: Plus, the masks are made with biodegradable natural ingredients that will melt in hot water.
They use Local Ingredients from new Korean skincare hot spot Jeju Island (the Hawaii of Korea) such as citrus extracts, green tea, seaweed, and more. Forget farm-to-table, it's all about farm-to-face!
They use ingredients that will make you shine bright like a diamond, literally: They have a Diamond line and and Emerald line. (Their Diamond hydrogel makes you sparkle! I've tried it!) Pearl powder is also mixed into many products. These ingredients help give a glow and are great for light exfoliation.
They also don't use alcohol nor do they use preservatives. I'm actually not a fan of preservative-free skincare as products could spoil earlier than usual, but the Kisskin representative assured me that the products could be stored in room temperature conditions for up to two years if unopened. After opening, it's recommended to store them in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients from oxidizing. Still, a bit risque, but I haven't personally had any issues with their skincare.
All three of the masks are worth repurchasing in my eyes, and the brands worth exploring further.
Are you into multi-step masks? Which is your favorite? What should I try next?
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links and press samples. Press samples are marked with an asterisk; samples were kindly sent with no obligation to review, and certainly no obligation to review positively. If you're curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, see my disclaimer and policies.
No comments:
Post a Comment