Indulgent Timeout with L'Herboflore Facial Masks

Facial sheet masks have been a favourite of mine for a mid week pick me up or weekend chill out session for the face.

They are easy to use, don't need to be washed off afterwards (unlike conventional clay or cream based masks) and generally have enough skincare fluids on them that that you can skip putting on your regular skincare serum if you do it during night-time.

My latest sheet masks indulgence are from L'Herboflore (蕾舒翠), a Taiwanese brand specialising in sheet masks. I managed to get a few of these masks when they were sent over by fellow beauty blogger and good friend Tina from Chasing Elixir who now resides in Taiwan and has started working for L'Herboflore.

L'Heboflore Facial Sheet Masks 

Right off, I have to say the packaging is divine - each and everyone of them are colourful, unique and tell a story that relates to the range it belongs to - trust these clever Taiwanese artists to come up with such pretty and cute designs.

back of packaging - the recommended  application time is 15-20 minutes

Available in over 25 varieties, from the Aromatherapy range, Agean sea range, Garden of Venus range to the Clinical range. Each range has a few different masks to cater for different skin types and skin concerns (eg. extra hydrating, firming, whitening, skin refining etc).  I've only tried a few of the varieties, and apart from the differences in scent, I can't say I've noticed too much difference in terms of benefits - they all provide intense hydration and leave skin feeling velvety soft after use. I don't really notice any firming or but I guess you might have to use it on a daily basis to see that kind of benefit.

The sheet masks are gel-like and flexible and made of thin breathable materials, allowing them to stretch better and fit my face more - something that I struggle with in many other sheet masks.

typical ingredients listing - this one is for the Q10+ Marine Collagen anti-aging silk mask

The serums in each mask pack are also very generous - you are looking at 30ml from each pack, enough to apply the excess serum on your face after taking off the cloth mask and then some for your neck. If you still have extra juice, you can even slap the excess all over your arms or legs.

These sheet masks feel very indulgent and luxurious on but surprisingly, are quite hip-pocket friendly with prices ranging from T$50 to NT$250 a piece (that equates to A$1.65 to A$8.35 for the most expensive face mask).

In all, these sheet masks are one of the best I've tried to date in their price range (far better than those from My Beauty Diary, Kose and Laneige facial masks). In fact, they probably blow their competitors out of their water in this price range.

This sheet mask wraps around your neck and over your ears (Tranexamic Acid + Truffle Whitening Mask 3D)

My only lament about L'Herboflore sheet masks are that they are not available outside of Taiwan yet, so if you are travelling there (or know someone who is going there), be sure to stock up!

L'Herboflore facial sheet masks ranges from NT$50 per piece to NT$250 (equiv to A$1.65 to A$8.35) from L'Herboflore store in Taipei (address: Taipei 101 Floor B1, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xin Yi A11 Floor 2) or you can grab them online (note: it's a Chinese site so you might struggle to navigate around and they don't ship overseas)

P.S - I'm told by Tina that if you ask very nicely over at their Facebook page, they will arrange something for us international peeps! Thanks Tina for introducing me to these sheet masks.

This featured product was provided for editorial consideration.

Beat the Grease with Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque

Lately, my face is getting oilier skin than normal due to the fluctuating weather of hot and cold and air-conditioned office environments adds to the havoc. My skin is in overdrive trying to compensate for the weather and in the process making a greaseball in the mid afternoon.

So here a product I enlist to try and rebalance the skin in this crazy weather.

Dermalogica Skin Refinining masque

Description:
A skin-clarifying masque with oil-absorbing kaolin and Bentonite clays plus zinc oxide to remove impurities and refine the skin’s surface, helping to reduce oily-skin breakouts.
Soothing botanical extracts of mallow, arnica and cucumber help soothe the skin while purifying nasturtium, lemon and ivy help revive dull skin. Contains no artificial fragrance or colour.

This clay mask dries up on my skin in 15 minutes and does an amazing job of drawing out oil and keep my skin looking less shiny thanks to clay and titanium dioxide combination.

Unlike other clay mask I’ve tried, the sebum controlling effect last about 2-3 days before the grease starts coming back into my skin so I’d recommend using this mask 2 times a week if you have extremely oily skin or once a week if you only have minor sebum issues you want to control. I currently use it weekly and apply another moisturising mask at the end of the week.

Dry skin types may want to skip this masque and try a more hydrating variety instead (try Dermalogica skin hydrating masque or intensive moisture masque).

As for skin refining properties, I haven’t really noticed much to be honest and prefer to use the Alpha-H smoothing and perfecting mask to refine my skin texture instead (the glycolic acid seems to agree with my skin more).

If you want to look less of an oil slick, then this will be the right facial mask for you.
75ml RRP A$59 at salons, selected David Jones stores and online at AdoreBeauty or the Facial Company.

Do you use facial masks? How often would you apply a mask?

This featured product was provided for consideration.

Refine Your Skin: Alpha H Smoothing& Perfecting Mask

I've had a broken blogging week last week with a mini-getaway for the Australia day long weekend (I took the Friday off) up the Victorian alpine ranges and then work just got crazy when I got back this week.

I still have a few articles in the skincare series I want to get through so this will the the second week of the series to wrap it all up.

Today I want to introduce to you a facial mask I've been using over the past 2 months that I'm loving to bits.

Alpha-H Smoothing & Perfecting Mask - 100ml

• This is a glycolic infused clay mask that helps to not only absorb excess sebum from face, but the 15% buffered glycolic acid adds a little extra oomph to this otherwise fairly ordinary clay mask. 
• When put onto cleansed damp skin, I feel an initial tingling from it and knows it goes to work straight away. The instructions suggests to leave this on for 10 minutes but often I go over this time because I'm too busy watching TV shows and don't walk back into the bathroom to wash off till the next opportune ad. Never do I feel discomfort from leaving it on longer though and if you do as you may have more sensitised skin, wash it off when it gets too tingly/itchy. 
• Another reason why I love this mask is because of the amazing lavender scent which is soothing and invigorating to the senses at the same time. 

slapping on the mask after a long day at work

• Afterwards, skin is not only soft and smooth as expected but my flaky bits are also washed off easily and it helps to keep all those blackheads on my nose under control - hallelujah! 
• I also noticed that weekly use also refined my pores on my cheeks and they are smaller, texture of skin is more even and I'm less oily during the day, despite it being full summer weather where I'm normally an oil-slick by midday, I now only have a light sheen. This and my daily glycolic cleanser use have really helped to refine my skin and change what was an oily yet dehydrated skin type to more of a normal-combination skin type. This is definitely a great achievement for me. 
• I would recommend this to all skin types except for those with sensitive skins or on any open wounds (it may sting a bit if applied on popped pimples so avoid using the mask on those areas).

If you love glycolic acid cleansers and want extra skin refining benefits in your masks, then Alpha-H smoothing & Perfecting mask is a great addition to your skincare. In fact, because I don't want to be running out, I've already bought a back up tube after receiving a sample size tube of the product to try last year.

RRP A$63 at selected salons, and cheaper online at AdoreBeauty (A$52.92) or the Facial Company (A$53.55).  I bought mine from AdoreBeauty.

P.S - buffering of AHA products makes it safer to use as there are less free acids particles in the products that could to too aggressive to skin.

Lac Taut Collagen Infusion Mask: A quickie result for brighter firmer skin

It's Friday night and the weekend has began. But I cut short my social drinking session with friends, declined dinner invites and came home early tonight.

Did I hear you gasp at that news? No, I'm not sick or a hermit (although some may say otherwise) but I have very good reasons for taking such drastic actions tonight, dear readers. For tomorrow will be the highly anticipated Melbourne Beauty Bloggers Event (MBBE), the biggest beauty blogger event in Melbourne's calendar!

Now if you've been reading my blog for a while you will know I'm one of the lucky gals to be part of an amazing community of beautiful, gorgeous and talented beauty blogging ladies who have become my great friends (and no longer just fellow bloggers). Together, we are the face of MBBE. The group feels like a sorority really, and I love our sisterhood and support we give each other.

Of course, being a part of such a beautiful and gorgeous bunch, there is a tiny bit of peer pressure, I need to do my part to primp and prime and look my very best and not let my ladies down in representing MBBE. 

So I came home to paint my nails, shave those fuzzy legs, tame those stray brows into shape and put on a brightening, firming face mask to ensure I don't look like I've been hit by a truck because there is no way I want those dark circles under my eyes after a long week of work and constant lack of sleep to mar the photography galore that will go on tomorrow.

So what do I turn to for such an important task? Well, this would be none other than a miracle worker- a super-charged sheet mask!

LAC Taut Gold Standard Collagen Infusion Mask

• This sheet mask is infused with hydrolysed collagen, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and squalane to supercharge the skin and hydrate, tone and brighten. 
• I used this straight after taking a shower as it's a non-rinse off mask and I want every drop of the serum to absorb into skin for full benefits (I even rub any excess serum from the packet all over my arms to make sure they get some TLC as well). 
• It gives an immediate soothing and cooling sensation which I love and is totally relaxing to use.
• Results? well 20 minutes later and after using the mask, my face is slightly sticky after the serum has dried and absorbed into my skin is soft, more radiant in skintone and has a luminosity that looks lit from within. I could get away with not using any moisturiser afterwards because it was so hydrating.
• Next day, I definitely notice the skin-plumping factor kicking in and I still have that lit from within look - honestly even my dreaded dark circles seems lighter as well .Then there is a taut firm feeling as my skin is tightened and these results last for 2 days. 

Lac's collagen infusion mask is definitely gold class in my books for giving such visible results.
I'd use this the night before any big event or occasion where I want to look my best. Actually, scratch that - I want to use this every other night of the week so that I can look my best every single day.

Now I just have to finalise what I'm going to wear tomorrow and I'm all set for the big day.

I've leave you with a picture of the pair of shoes I'll be wearing for big afternoon tomorrow.

What do you like to do to get ready for big events?

Taut Collagen Infusion Mask 19ml RRP A$44.95 for a pack of 5 sheet masks at all GNC stores or online.
This featured product was provided for consideration.

Review: Guinot Pur Equlibre Pure Balance Treatment Mask

For those who like me, have oily combination skin, having a good skin balancing and matifying moisturiser makes a real difference in keeping the shine at bay. Whilst I’ve still on the hunt for the holy grail day moisturiser, I think I’ve found a great treatment mask that greatly aids in the keeping my face from looking like an oil-slick by lunchtime each day.

Guinot Pur Equilibre Pure Balance Treatment Mask 

• Claims of 56% reduction in sebum after 2 uses by regulating the production of sebum as absorbing excess oil whilst deeply purifying skin and control the amount micro-organisms growing on skin (microbial flora) 
• Star ingredients include the Guinot's exclusive formula sebocidine which is a combination of amino acids, zinc oxide and chlorhexidine digliconate which acts on sebum directly and controls and restore skin balance. 
• Other mention worthy ingridients are the finely milled pumice stone powder to give an exfoliating effect and matifying powders to absorb excess oil produced throughout the day. 

This is a white creamy gritty mask from the finely milled pumice stone. After application on the skin, I use circular motions to activiate the exfoliating action of the pumice stone for about 2 minutes before leaving on skin for another 10 minutes for its mask properties to take effect. I then wash it off with warm water.

Results

• The exfoliating properties meant dead skin cells and dry patches removed, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth without skin it being too dry or striped of moisture.
• Shine free skin immediately and balanced looking skin throughout the day - I didn't measure it in percentage terms but it was a very noticeable difference
• Reduced sebum production for the next 2 days – this is really amazing that I produce less oil on my face during the day after using this. 
• Makeup stay on skin longer and looked fresher with less grease on my face without the use of a mattifying primer. 
• To maintain the effects, I advise using this exfoliating mask twice or even 3 times a week, depending on how oily your skin is. 

Guinot has always delivered for me and this treatment mask is no exception – effective skincare with proven results.  If you have the budget, this is a must have mask to re-balance the skin.

RRP A$62 for 50ml at Guinot is available at Guinot salons nationwide or AdoreBeauty online.

Pure Balancing Mask ingredients listing

This sample was sent for consideration.

Review: Absolutely Gorgeous Pink Clay Exfoliating Mask

You know how it goes - it's mid week and you are starting to feel the energy drain from your body, your boss just gave you more work and a killer deadline, you're now stressed to the max and your skin is bearing the full brunt of it, looking dull and dry from inadequate sleep and stress hormones surging through your body.

Well thankfully you can take control and give yourself some TLC by just adding a little mid-week mask to de-tox and revive your skin. After the crazy week I've had last week with things just going wrong in my personal life (like losing all money for a diamond because the company went bankrupt and frantically finishing off the tax returns), I definitely needed something to detox my skin.

Absolutely Gorgeous Fine Clay Exfoliating Mask

• Home grown Aussie brand Absolutely Gorgeous is a natural skincare company using all plant and mineral derived ingredients with no additives, synthetic chemicals or parabens.
• The mask has dual functions, the fine red clay draws out embedded impurities and sebum as it dries while the micro paritcles (from the bamboo wood powder) will exfoliate the dead skin cells to brighten and revive during the rinsing off phase. 
• Contains a whole hosts of skin nourishing ingredients such as sesame and jojoba oil to sooth and geranium and lavender essentials oils to calm irritated skin and restore its balance. 

Ingredients listings

How it performed

• The deep red colour clay looked a little daunting in the jar and when applied on the face but this clay is packed full of rich skin revitalising minerals so it's definitely worth looking a little scary while having this on.
• The lavender, rosemary is very therapeutic scent for me, it feels very soothing upon application and dries evenly within 10 minutes on my skin. 
• Once dry, wet skin again and start to gentling massage in circular motions around cheeks and nose to get the exfoliating action happening. It makes a lovely facial massage for the process as well. 
• Leaves skin soft, clear and looking slightly more radiant and this stayed with me until the next day. 
• Suitable for all normal to combination skin types to use weekly and those with extra oily skin may benefit from using twice a week. It did not sting or aggravate my sensitised skin.

Verdict - everyone needs a good clay mask to add to their skincare regime and this is one lust-worthy item to add to your bathroom cabinet.

Rating: 8/10. RRP A$34.95 available Absolutely Gorgeous's online store or their nearest stocklists.
This product was received at the MBBE event.

Review: Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel

Masks usually have deep cleansing and moisturising properties; they nourish and hydrate skin while helping to reveal fresher skin by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that dull our complexions.

Applying face masks are a favourite beauty ritual of mine and I try to find some time at least once a week to put pop one on. Weekends are generally a great opportunity as I can apply the mask and then go off to do other chores around the house.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel

• Made for sensitive skin 
• 100% certified organic ingredients - made from apple, lemon, grape and raw cane sugar juices. 
• Paraben free, petroleum derived ingredients and contains no synthetic fragrances.
• Gel based mask that will genly exfoliate skin while improving skin's hydrating levels. 

Ingredients Listing

How it performed

• Has a sweet fermented apple juice scent and reminds me of hot apple ciders & home-made masks. 
• Applied as a thin layer over skin, it causes a slight tingling sensation for the first two minutes and then settled down. 
• Left on skin for 10 minutes, the gel began to dry and formed a slight film on top of skin. 
• After washing off, skin was soft and fresh looking & did not feel tight or dry.
• Did not cause redness or irritations, unlike some other harsher peels I've tried.
• Not sure if this brightens skin as claimed by product but skintone did improve. 
• In terms of exfoliation power, this peel is gentler than manual facial scrubs but still able to remove those pesky dead skin cells.

This is a great alternative mask to exfoliating scrubs for those with sensitive skin that find that manual exfoliation leaves skin feeling raw and red as the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) work to gently reveal new skin.

Rating: 8/10 RRP A$69 for a 60ml jar at selected Myer, David Jones, pharmacies and online stores.