For the past 6 months, I've been working my way through a stash of sizable Glamglow minis. I thought I'd have a favourite but sadly (I saw sadly due to the price) I love them all!
From the one that makes you look like a silver alien to the tropically scented hydration mask and the one that tingles but gives amazing glowing results - basically, they all deliver impressive results!
But just as I was trying to decide which face mask to purchase full-size, they are all £39.00/50ml after all, a £6 dupe came along for Glamglow Youthmud; a mask I've been loving the effects of especially on dull rubbish skin days.
After reading endless news articles about the new dupe mask, though I'm aware they all copy each other, I knew I had to try it out for myself... so here is exactly what I think of the star of the moment £6 Glamglow Youthmud dupe!
Rewind two years and you would have struggled to have found a single sheet mask in-store, anywhere (I'm talking UK here, FYI). They just didn't exist. Granted they were on many a celebrity face via Instagram and constantly talked about on Korean beauty blogs but here, we had zilch!
Thankfully we are all caught up now with some of the major players in the skincare world offering high-end options, to ASOS stocking 15 different sheet masks and Garnier releasing a budget option at only £1.
Clay masks are my thang when it comes to pampering my skin. There's just something satisfying about that tight feeling and seeing the excess oil from my pores being drawn out and absorbed into the mask. Then there is the smell of the clay, I'd like to say it's a sweet fizzy scent... but that makes no sense at all, but it's definitely fresh and wonderful.
So when the fairly new Good Things Manuka Honey Face Mask (£5.99 - Boots here) came in to my life I was pretty excited. Excited because it's from Good Things - an affordable high street skincare brand I love AND my first ever White Clay mask... which is apparently good at stimulating circulation, drawing out impurities and can be used on sensitive skin.
Scent
Like with all new skincare my first test is to sniff it and suss out if I like it. Which was a very simple task with this mask as oh my days... this is nearly the best smelling mask I've tried (after the Amie Deep Cleansing Clay Mask which smells like fresh lemonade)! The Manuka Honey is without a doubt the most present smell here but so subtle that it reminds me of honeysuckle - fresh and summery. Really just perfect for summer!
Application
As instructed on the tube I smoothed a thick layer of the mask over my face and sat back with the new issue of Woman & Home mag for 10 minutes. Side note/question - Does anyone else in their 20's read W&H? I'm very much over magazines that are all ads and no substance, so W&H and Red are now firm favs. Anyway, back to the mask... within 5 minutes the feeling of the mask had gone from creamy to dry and the typical tight clay mask feeling - the one in which you try your best not to laugh and wonder if you can sip your drink without moving a muscle in your face. I will admit this is the tighest clay mask I've tried which may be an issue for some but I quite like it.
Results
Once fully removed with warm water and a flannel (it would take forever with just your hands) my skin felt very fresh and clean, but also hydrated.. it had that plumped up feeling to it that just feels healthy. As for how my skin looked it was mainly pink from using a flannel but once that had died down my skin did look clearer, giving that brightening effect I was hoping for.
So far I've used the mask over 5 times in the past 2 weeks and really can't get enough of the scent and the nice effect it gives to the skin. Definitely one if you have a dull complexion or oily/combination skin.
The new Good Things Manuka Honey range also consists of a creamy cleanser, refining scrub and daily moisturiser.
Next on my list to try is the cleanser, though I have more than enough of them!
Fee xo.
For the past two weeks this face mask has been on my to-hunt down list. I finally got my hands on it for the normal price of £1 in Asda and decided to try it out straight away.
As I'm mentioned in past posts I do like to pick up Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks as a pamper treat than for any real skincare benefits. So even though the Hot Chocolate mask is marketed as a deep pore mask I don't really feel it has much lasting benefit to the skin. For me the scent of the mask is where it's at! I was instantly drawn to this mask like a moth to light as I'm such a fan of yummy face/body products and chocolate orange just sounded perfect.
And perfect it was! Firstly the mask actually feels like melted chocolate in formula (so a little runny) and the smell.... ahhh, the smell, a perfect blend of rich chocolate and zesty orange that is neither synthetic smelling or overpowering. Just amazing and edible.... well actually not edible, edible smelling (I may have had a small taste... it's a problem I have with yummy scented products eep!)
Also as the name of the mask states this is actually a hot chocolate mask as it is self heating, which though I don't see the point in, is quite comforting if you are pampering yourself at night. Unlike a few other self heating masks I've tried from other brands this doesn't get too warm... though I'm not sure I'd be picking this up to use in summertime.
As for application you may be able to guess that it's a messy one - so messy! And as for answering the door to anyone... that is out of the question. I'd even suggest being home alone when using this mask, in fact I was worried I'd scare my dog and I'm not even joking! Removal is easier as it is a 'wet' mask that doesn't dry so removing it with a muslin cloth or flannel is pretty easy. After my skin was left a little red (which did go down), super clean and soft feeling. I can't say I noticed a difference in my pores however my skin was definitely mattified and just happier feeling.
As a little treat this mask was lovely! Next on my list is the Montagne Jeunesse Fudge Sauna mask.
Fee xo.
Today I thought I'd do another update on a favourite re-vamped Soap & Glory product of mine. My last one was on the new Sit Tight here.
This 2-in-1 mask for blackheads and enlarged pores has been a favourite for a few years now and has just under gone a bit of a makeover, so I thought I'd review it again, especially as it looks fairly different in shade to the original one.
This product is basically a deep cleansing mask for blackheads, large pores and oily skin which you leave on for 5 minutes as an express treatment or 15-20 minutes for better results. I personally only apply this to the T-zone/centre of my face (always over my nose and the sides where I have the most noticeable pores) and I leave it on for 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water and a flannel.
As a face mask to reduce the size of pores and to clear out blackheads I actually think this does a pretty good job! Though before I go in to raptures on how much I like it, it is very much a temporary effect and your pores will go back to how they were the next day... but that is how the cookie crumbles with annoying oily skin and large pores. But for instant results I would always go for this mask over any other product that remove junk from pores such as pores strips.
The new Fab Pore can be purchased from Boots online for £10.00 here (currently on offer for £6.67!) or in-store and also from Harvey Nichols.
The reason for this is that is gives instant results while not stripping the skin, it just leaves it smooth and refreshed feeling... which is helped by the minty scent. Talking of the scent, this isn't your usual S&G yummy or girly scent... it's actually quite a powerful mint scent which I'm not that keen on but can get over. But just a warning it you are thinking it will be like most other Soap & Glory products in scent.
The main benefits for me with this mask is that is does visibly tighten pores but it also removes excess oil, which is why I use this before going somewhere I want my skin to look nice (especially as it's doesn't leave the skin red/inflamed). Or I use this when I look at my face in the mirror and gasp at how oily my nose looks and how my head is just one big pore... maybe slightly dramatic, but I'm sure you have been there if you have oily skin, and to stop the temptation of wanting to squeeze my blackheads I pop this on.
As for changes S&G have made I really can't spot any which is great as I hate when products change as it's normally not for the better.
If you are looking for an instant temporary fix for blackheads, large pores and oily skin then I highly recommend this. It won't leave your skin red and stripped like using pores strips can do but it will give a very similar shrinking and deep cleansed effect!
Fee xo.
When it comes to cheap face masks I don't ask much, just that they feel like a treat... I'm not expecting wonders. Which is why scent for me is important and why I can only give this Nut Oil face mask from Montagne Jeunesse a bad review!
I'm pretty sure Montagne Jeunesse were my first ever face masks to try, at 99p a sachet they are never going to break the bank, even back when I was 13. So it does pain me to share with you all that I have found possibly the worst smelling face mask... ever! Now as this is a Nut Oil Masque (£1.00 - Boots here) I was of course expecting something quite nutty and savoury but I really wasn't prepared...
The mask contains Baobab Oil and Marula Oil, which I haven't a clue what either smell like to be honest, and to by surprise 'fragrance'. But for me there was no whiff or connection to nuts at all, just a horrible stale smell of smoke! Not even a smokey bonfire kind of smoke, oh no, cigarette smoke?!
The closest thing I could compare it to is when upholstery smells heavily of cigarette smoke - pretty vile indeed. So for that reason as soon as I had applied it to my face and decided I couldn't take the scent any long, I had to wash it off and then use a face wash to get rid of the remaining smell.
Scent can of course be a personal thing but I really can't imagine anyone enjoying the stale scent. It's definitely not a scent I'd pair with a face mask or anything enjoyable for that matter!
However onwards and upwards as I have a yummy Fudge Sauna Face Mask to try out.
Fee xo.
I love my face masks and don't go without applying one to two a week. It generally tends to be a clay based mask as I find them the best for my combination/oily skin that can be prone to spots if I don't keep on top of it.
So here are my top 3 favourite clay masks that are great for oily/blemish prone skin.
Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask
15ml tube + 2 sponges - £5.50/75ml tube starter kit - £14.50 here
Liz Earle is know for simple but effective skincare and this face mask is just that. Compared to lots of clay masks this is super light feeling on the skin (it's actually quite a runny mask) and it also feels quite a simple clay mask, I can't describe the smell well but it do smell quite earthy and of course of clay. This is definitely a mask that soaks up oil in spots and dries them up quite a bit, reducing the appearance. My favourite mask to use when my skin is quite spotty and angry.
Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask
£4.95/75ml tube - Boots here
The Amie Cooling Clay Mask is without a doubt my favourite face mask on the high street. It's a lovely cooling and smooth clay mask that is perfect for summer. This is a good one if you want to reduce the appearance of pores and blackheads but not really so much if you suffer from a lot of spots. This does however feel really cooling on the skin so once washed off, your face feels tighter and refreshed.
Yes To Tomatoes Total Treatment Facial Mask
£7.80/50ml tub - eBay here
This has been one of my favourite masks for years now that I have purchased quite a few times (the small pot above came with a Yes To Tomatoes set). The mask is ideal for anyone with oily skin with blemishes as this brightens the skin and improves spots. The formula of this is thick and you do have to almost smear this onto the skin so for that reason I just apply it to my T zone and onto spotty areas. The results with this mask are a brightened, mattified complexion straight after using it and of course an improvement in spots. I particularly enjoy this as I find it reduces excess oil for afew days after using the mask.
What is your favourite mask for oily skin?
I've heard really great things about the Superfacialist Tea Flower Clay Mask 125ml here and Botanics Ionic Clay Mask 100ml here.
Fee xo.
A few month ago I wrote a review of this very face mask based on a sachet that I received in a Beauty Box. Since then I have got my hands on the full size product so thought I would write a full review as it's my favourite high street mask for oily skin!
Firstly Amie is a brand I have only discovered this year but I have been liking it more and more... I think this is because it's having more of a shop presence as I know you can now get the products from Boots and Waitrose (and other places I imagine). The line seems to be aimed at teens to twenties who have oily, blemished prone skin and want to treat it with skincare that is fairly nature.
So this specific mask is free from Parabens and contains over 94% natural ingredients, such as organic peppermint, french white clay and lime butter, which all sound like lovely ingredients to me! It is also of course not tested on animals and is suitable for vegetarians.
From my first sachet of this I knew it was a product I needed in my bathroom, as for a high street priced mask it really impressed me on the ingredients, how it felt on the skin and of course the glowy after results. You can read my first review of the face mask here for a more detailed idea of how much I like it and how it feels on the skin etc.
Since getting the 75ml full size version I have been applying this twice a week before I have a shower (I leave it on 10 minutes before getting in) then removing it in the shower as it is quite thick and does need removing with a flannel or muslin cloth. I really believe since using this the oily areas of my face (chin, nose) have started to produce less oil and I have noticed less blackheads which has really impressed me as I have tried so many face masks specifically for oily skin and the only one that has had similar results was one from Yes To Tomatoes costing £12 for 50ml.
In terms of consistency, smell, feel and results this really does get marks out of 10 from me. I really cannot fault it! Well except that I feel for £4.95 it should maybe contain more than 75ml of product.
You can find this face mask in Waitrose, Boots and Boots online here.
Fee xo.
Yesterday was Face Mask Friday, or just Friday, or Good Friday if you are a non-beauty blogger person. And I didn't post a face mask review because I forgot I actually tried out a Monu face mask in the shower, so I thought I didn't have anything to write about!
Which is why I have decided to leave that review for next week and review an interesting foot mask instead. You don't often see masks for other areas of the body but they are quite nice... (not that there is anything stopping you from applying a face mask anywhere I guess) and so I think once I have come to the end of my Face Mask Friday series I will start seeking out more unique masks to review.
Montagne Jeunesse Foot Cooler 80ml
£4.99 (here) or from select ASDA stores
Now I did try out this new Montagne Jeunesse Foot Cooling Mask when my feet were feeling cold which in hindsight probably wasn't the best of ideas as it made my feet even colde. But it did give me a good sense of how the product works and how affective it is.
Following the simple instructions on the back of the squeezy bottle I first washed my feet and patted them dry. I them rubbed on the gel like cream and massage it into my feet a bit. Then I sat back and watched a few YouTube videos. As the cream dried I noticed it turned to more of a light blue chalky/powder texture which I expected to come off when I rubbed my foot but it didn't. The last step on the back of the tube is to leave on the mask which I find quite odd as surely you don't want to be walking around with chalky looking feet but I guess if your feet were really hot and puffy (in summer or from too much shopping/walking) you could leave this on while watching TV etc. I personally decided to leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinsed it off.
While the mask was on I did feel a cooling sensation on the tops of my feet but actually this really intensified when I washed it off for over the next 2 hours which really did impress me, even though I didn't really want cold feet at the time. I definitely think this must has something to do with the peppermint in the mask.
My only dislike of the mask would have to be the smell... I just don't think blueberries and peppermint are two scents that go together at all!
However I was sooooo impressed with how this preformed and know I will be using this after all-day trips to the Trafford Centre shopping and on hot days this summer (I'm keeping the faith for hot weather this year!). A really unique product from Montagne Jeunesse.
Fee xo.
Another Friday and another face mask. I decided this weeks face mask needed to be a soothing and hydrating one as I have been using a lot of spot treatments recently to get my skin back to being blemish free which` has left me with a few dry patches.
As you can see my mask of choice this week was a Etude House Aloe Moistfull Sheet Mask. I do find sheet masks are kinder to the skin as you aren't really applying that much product on the skin and you also don't need to rub the skin at all to remove the mask. So when I do want a more gentle mask I always opt for a sheet mask .
The Aloe Moistfull mask is described as being enriched with Baobab Tree extracts and Organic Aloe, this essence mask sheet provides refreshing and comforting hydration to dry, irritated face.
Like other Korean sheet masks I have tried this came as a large sheet of baby wipe like material with cut-outs were needed, soaked in the aloe liquid to make it wet. I decided to apply this to my face as I got in the shower as the instructions suggested to leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Of course this is one of the benefits of a sheet mask as having a shower with a normal mask on would be virtually impossible as the water would make the mask run or wash off. At the end of my shower I took off the mask and washed my face with water to remove any residue.
The mask was definitely refreshing on the skin and as I placed the mask on my face it was very cooling. Once I got out of the shower my face was quite rosy so I couldn't tell much difference in my skin but once it has settled down my skin felt smoother and when applying makeup my skin was without a doubt moisturised with zero dry patches which I was so pleased with.
The Etude House Aloe Moistfull Sheet Mask totally resolved the dry patches of my face, so even though my normally oily/combination skin type wouldn't need this all of the time I would re-purchase this if I ever felt I needed it.
This specific mask cannot be purchase in the UK however Edude House Sheet Masks can be found on eBay.
Fee xo.
After really enjoying the Amie Cooling Clay Mask last week and still having some blemishes to clear up I decided to use another clay mask.
The Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mask (Superdrug - £1.09) offered to be a de-stressing clay/mud mask containing Dead Sea Salt, Lavender and Seaweed for a deep cleanse. I applied the mask for 15 minutes as recommended and decided as it was an anti-stress face mask I would sit back and relax. However the scent of lavender and sea salt made for more of a manly scent than a relaxing one and as the mask tightened on my face it wasn't all that relaxing. I then washed off the mask using warm water and a muslin cloth.
As for results my skin did actually feel a little itchy afterwards, with my cheeks feeling a little hot. For some reason I had a feeling it could have been down the lavender.. though I may be totally wrong. It just felt overpowering and not needed for my skin. So this definitely isn't a mask I will be trying out again.
Let me know your favourite sachet face mask as I want to try out something totally new for next week!
Fee xo.
As for results my skin did actually feel a little itchy afterwards, with my cheeks feeling a little hot. For some reason I had a feeling it could have been down the lavender.. though I may be totally wrong. It just felt overpowering and not needed for my skin. So this definitely isn't a mask I will be trying out again.
Let me know your favourite sachet face mask as I want to try out something totally new for next week!
Fee xo.
Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask 75ml Full size - £4.95 Boots here
My skin this week has been a bit hormonal (nicest way of saying spotty) so I decided to opt for a nice clay mask to draw out them nasty impurities. I received this sample in an old She Said Beauty Box and liked the idea of a cooling clay mask so decided to give it a go.
Application
As I applied this I was instantly impressed with the smooth thick texture that glided over my skin and the lovely fresh clay scent (I always think clay masks smell like lemonade for some reason). I also enjoyed the lovely cooling sensation as I applied it to my face. I then left it for 10 minutes as advised in which time it tightened slightly, but not too much that it was uncomfortable. Whilst the mask was on I read the back of the sachet to see that the mask was free from parabens, minerals, mineral oils and all them bad things which is a definitely plus for me!
Results
When it came to washing it off the sachet stated 'splash off with warm water and pat face dry' which definitely isn't what it needed to remove it. I had to fill the sink with warm water and use a muslin cloth to remove the mask, though maybe I used too much of the mask. Not that I minded.
Once the mask was totally washed off, my skin was left feeling very fresh and my pores did appear tighter. Though my skin was red from the use of the muslin cloth.
After using the mask and really enjoying it I decided to have a look online as to where I could purchase more sachets and found it only comes in a tube, which is great as I really do like this mask!
Will 100% be purchasing this now as it's such a fresh feeling clay mask.
Fee xo.
For my first review in my Face Mask Friday series I thought I would pick an interesting mask and one that I have only recently acquired thanks to the wonders of eBay.
I love my interesting products so I often find myself on eBay doing multiple searches until I find that interesting bargain and these VOV Daily Fresh Masks definitely caught my eye last month.
The 3 VOV face masks cost me £3.92 from eBay with free p&p - here
I decided out of three to go with the 17 Cereals face mask as I have just gotten over being ill and my skin has been feeling a bit rubbish and basically ergh and the 17 Cereals mask promised to brighten and soften the skin, something I 100% needed.
I must admit even though I didn't have a clue what the mask would be like I was expecting a yummy honey/wheat-y smelling mask that was a thick cream consistency. However the mask was actually quite a thin cream that applied similar to a moisturer though didn't soak into the skin and also smelled quite similar to a moisturiser. Though I did like that it had small exfoliating grains in it.
The 17 Cereals mask is a non-setting mask which I do prefer and was quite cooling on the skin, which I could see being so amazing in summer. As the instructions of the mask were in Korean I decided to leave the mask on for only 10 minutes as I didn't want to risk it reacting with my skin, though it was fine and did feel and smell like quite a simple mask. Once I washed it off I really could see my skin was brighter and actually looked less red around my chin and nose. It also left my skin feeling soft without any residue from the mask which I was pleased with.
All in all I was quite pleased with the mask and would purchase it again especially when I wanted my skin to look awake and brighter.
Really looking forward to trying out the other VOV Dail Fresh Masks now!
Fee xo.
There really is nothing amazing about Face Mask Friday but I thought I'd start it again as I'm trying to look after my skin more before the colder weather hits. Plus lets face it... who doesn't like a 99p face mask from time to time!
Montagne Jeunesse Crushed Raspberry & Mango Fruit Smoothie
Deep Pore cleansing masque
Amazon -£1.59 inc P&P or 99p from Superdrug/Tesco etc
Applying the mask...
What surprised me with this mask was how thick it was compared to the other Montagne Jeuneseuwiojesse-whatever-you-call-them masks, which was really nice! As for the smell I'd say it definitely smells fruity but a fake kind of fruity... like a low-fat raspberry yogurt, but still nice. Really easy to apply, though I did use way too much as one sachet would easily do two applications - just fold it over and put a peg on the end.
What surprised me with this mask was how thick it was compared to the other Montagne Jeuneseuwiojesse-whatever-you-call-them masks, which was really nice! As for the smell I'd say it definitely smells fruity but a fake kind of fruity... like a low-fat raspberry yogurt, but still nice. Really easy to apply, though I did use way too much as one sachet would easily do two applications - just fold it over and put a peg on the end.
The Results...
This is one of those masks that sets hard... really hard actually. Maybe because it's so thick... hmm. But I was dying to laugh when I tried to have a sip of my drink and found I couldn't even open my mouth enough! Any hows laughing at myself aside, this was a bit of a nightmare to wash off and in the end I ended up using a sponge, again probably because it was so thick. Once washed off my skin felt nice and fresh and actually had a hint of the mango/raspberry scent to it still which was a nice touch.
The day after my skin was more mattified/oil-free than usual, no greasy sides of the nose or forehead for me!
Overall a nice mask for the price and something a bit different to try scent and formula wise.
Hope you all have a nice first weekend of September!
Fee x
Have you ever purchased something with the inkling that it wouldn't be right for your skin type? But still went ahead because you loved the look of the product or even the smell. Well that's exactly what I did with The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Scrub Mask - I ordered it knowing full well it would be too hydrating for my normally slightly oily skin but it sounded like the ideal ingredients and I knew it would smell damn good!
Now I wouldn't say it was a total waste as I'm still using it in various ways so it doesn't hydrate my skin too much, but if I use it as a scrub and leave it on for the recommended 10 minutes, my skin does feel a bit more oily the next day. However I thought I would still review it as I know this would be great for it's suggested market - people with normal to dry skin. As it's a great non-harsh moisturizing mask that leaves the skin hydrated but not at all greasy or sticky feeling afterwards.
The scrub/mask costs £8.00 for 100ml and texture wise it's quite a soft wet consistency with small flakes of oats in. As for the smell, oh my how good this smells, it's oaty, rich and smells of marzipan! Just amazing and so nice to breath in as you apply it to slightly damp skin.
I'd say amount wise you do need very little as this spreads over the face with ease and it's a mask that doesn't set, so there is no tight feeling. Once applied to the face to get the most out of the mask I would lightly rub the oats into the skin and then leave for 5 - 10 minutes. If you have really dry skin I would suggest using this mid-shower whilst the room is full of steam and your pores are open to get the maximum benefits. Then just before rinsing I would again just rub in the mask a bit more to really exfoliate the skin.
Once the mask is washed off it leaves the skin feeling plump and fresh, with no residue left behind. I'd say the effects of the mask are more noticeable the day after with the skin feeling like it has been really moisturized and exfoliated.
Overall this is a really lovely mask for anyone with normal, dry or combination dry skin. It smells amazing, feels lovely and does what it says! So you can't go wrong. Would really love to see a Honey & Oat Body Scrub brought out now though!
I've also been loving the Satsuma soap by The Body Shop...
Overall this is a really lovely mask for anyone with normal, dry or combination dry skin. It smells amazing, feels lovely and does what it says! So you can't go wrong. Would really love to see a Honey & Oat Body Scrub brought out now though!
I've also been loving the Satsuma soap by The Body Shop...
I bought this because it was cheap (£2.00) and sulfate free - which is a very rare combination. But this is actually some good soap! It's worth noting it is a glycerin based soap, so more slippy, translucent and glycerin like, basically! But it you don't mind that then this is a great soap to have next to the sink in summer, it just smells so great. Also really nice for in the shower and even for the face on the odd lazy day.
I also bought the Wild Cherry soap from the same range and I have to say the scent is a bit of a let down compared to the strength in smell of the Satsuma one. But it really is worth having a look and a sniff of the soap range if you are ever in The Body Shop.
All in all after not buying from The Body Shop for many years due to reasons I won't get into right now, I have been impressed! I still think they are over priced slightly on certain items but from the products I've recently tried I really cannot complain!
The Fab Pore 15 Minute Facial Peel (£7.15) from Soap & Glory was the first mask that I ever tried to help reduce the size of my pores and I loved it - but what do I think of it now I've tried a million other pore busting products!
The mask is definitely not your usual high street product - it contains 50ml of pink creamy product with little green beads that pop when touched. It also smells great too, sweet and mushroom like, sounds odd but trust me it isn't!
What the mask is supposed to do -
Ideal for greasy, spot prone and oily skin, or for a strategic attack on a misbehaving T-zone.
Our exclusive PORESHRINK-R COMPLEX in Soap & Glory The Fab Pore 15 Minute Facial Peel contains...
- FOMES OFFICINALIS EXTRACT: A mushroom extract to tighten pores.
- SALICYLIC ACID: which loosens up the dead cells that contribute to pore clogging
- KAOLIN: That’s ‘cosmetic’ for clay. It sops up extra oil on your skin and smoothes your skin’s surface!
- VITAMINS E & C: Antioxidants. Just because you’re oily, doesn’t mean you’re not aging.
Exclusive Poreshrink-R Complex, what a load of rubbish! But I have to say I do like the mushroom extracts in the mask and of course Salicylic Acid.
Applying the mask...
I have applied this mask so many times that I've found it works best if you leave it on for the full 15 minutes (5 minutes as S&G suggest as a quick alternative gives a superficial change that doesn't last long) and really rub in all the little green bead things, which I still don't know what they do but they seem to do something good!
The mask doesn't set at all so it's quite a nice relaxing mask - I also only tend to apply this were I have blackheads and enlarged pores only as it just seems wasted on my more 'normal' skin.
If I want to see a good change in my pores I will use this 3 times in one week and by the end of the week my pores seem alot less visible and tighter... but once you stop using it your pores do go back to normal within two days really. So I mainly use this as a superficial treatment for when my skin is being really oily and my pores are looking more stretched than usual as I don't think continuous use of the product has any healthy benefits to the skin as it's not a very natural product.
I have applied this mask so many times that I've found it works best if you leave it on for the full 15 minutes (5 minutes as S&G suggest as a quick alternative gives a superficial change that doesn't last long) and really rub in all the little green bead things, which I still don't know what they do but they seem to do something good!
The mask doesn't set at all so it's quite a nice relaxing mask - I also only tend to apply this were I have blackheads and enlarged pores only as it just seems wasted on my more 'normal' skin.
If I want to see a good change in my pores I will use this 3 times in one week and by the end of the week my pores seem alot less visible and tighter... but once you stop using it your pores do go back to normal within two days really. So I mainly use this as a superficial treatment for when my skin is being really oily and my pores are looking more stretched than usual as I don't think continuous use of the product has any healthy benefits to the skin as it's not a very natural product.
The Results...
Like I mentioned above I use this as and when I need it - when my pores are looking at there worst and I need an instant fix before maybe going somewhere the next day. It just seems to make all the blackheads less noticeable and all the empty pores just that bit tighter so your skin appears brighter and fresher. It also softens the skin quite nicely and soaks up any excess oil you may have.
I do have to say for the price this is a really good but fun product - it smells nice, it's fun to apply, feels quite nice but it actually gives instant results. Actually it's alot better than a few other higher priced masks/pore treatments I have tried, which is why I always go back to it.
So it you do want a cheap instant fix to reduce the appearance of all them nasty blackheads and pores then this really is worth trying!
Still taking the natural route with face masks I wanted to show you possibly my most favourite mask ever with an impressive 99.6% natural ingredients!
Yes To Tomatoes Total Treatment Facial Mask 50ml
For Oily/Combination Skin
The blurb on the back - This treatment mask is a total deep pore treatment that, refine, purifies and even moisturizes your skin, whilst keeping your complexion clean, clear and balanced. Filled with potent anti-oxidants that fight free radicals and bursting with powerful sebum absorbers.
Applying the mask...
The mask is quite an odd consistency - it is clay based but feels thicker than a clay mask but smooth and it meant to be applied quite thinly so you only need a small grape sized blob for the whole face. The mask does set within a minute or two and is only meant to be left on for 5 minutes, which makes it ideal for putting on because a shower and washing off while you're in there.
As for the scent - I really haven't got a clue what it is...maybe avocado..but definitely not tomatoes. Though it is quite subtle and natural smelling.
The Results...
The reason why I love the mask so much is that it really controls the oil on my face especially on down my T-zone and basically balances out my skin. The mask is perfect for use in the morning before applying makeup as it leaves the skin perfectly matte and actually glowing.
The reason why I love the mask so much is that it really controls the oil on my face especially on down my T-zone and basically balances out my skin. The mask is perfect for use in the morning before applying makeup as it leaves the skin perfectly matte and actually glowing.
I also find it controls the oiliness for quite afew days after use which is why I think it's so fab.
It also seems to help the appearance of any spots by making them appear less angry looking and definitely does tighten pores especially around the nose.
Obviously the downside to it is the price - personally as I know the results I am very happy to re-purchase this time and time again. Though I did only decide to buy the full sized version after trying the mini sample size in a Yes To Tomatoes Mini set (£10 for 4 mini products), which I think it s a good idea before splashing £11 on the full tub.
Personally this is the best mask I have used for combination skin.
Going to try to review a few more full size organic/natural face masks & High street ones in the next few weeks - Liz Earle, Yes to Carrots, Organic Surge, Soap & Glory and Botanics.
So hopefully a good mix!
Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask
For spots, oily, combination or problem-prone skin.
Starter Kit 75 ml tube with 2 sponges - £12.75
15ml Sample tube - £4.85
2 Sponges - £1.55
Now I've never been a huge fan of Clay masks they always seem to dry too tight and smell kind of funky! And this really no different - it doesn't dry tight but does have a certain sweet clay odour to it when applied.
What the mask claims to do -
This highly concentrated clay and manuka honey mask helps draw out impurities and excess oil to leave skin balance, calm and clear.
Smooth over face and neck as an all over face treatment, or to target specific problem areas.
Applying the mask...
The consistency of the mask is quite thin so made for an easy and surprisingly non-messy application for a clay mask. The mask isn't advised for sensitive skin and I can see why, as it is lightly astringent for afew second but nothing harsh. After application the mask is supposed to be left on for 5 - 10 minutes however dries within afew minutes to a slightly hard finish - nothing too tight feeling though.
Aside from the smell quite a natural and relaxing mask to apply.
The Results...
To remove the mask you simply soak the sponge provided into warm water and wipe the mask off - so easy and prevents getting water all over the bathroom floor! Plus you can use the sponges for any mask or even with face wash.
After removing the mask my skin always feels a lot more fresh and almost like all my pores have been cleaned that bit more than a cleanser can achieve. Also really does leave the skin matte and oil-free!
Overall - Definitely a mask to use 2 or 3 times a week to see good results. I really have noticed alot less oil around my T-zone area so less wider pores and no more nasty spots around my chin due to excess oil. Definitely one of the better clay masks out there that do soak up excess oil without leaving the skin dry or creating more oil.
Also love the sponges, handy for any facial products and they dry hard so perfect for travelling or just keeping clean.
Highly recommend trying out the sample size for anyone with oily skin!
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