Etude House Moistfull mask

Picture credits: Musings of a Muse

Item Reviewed: Etude House Moistfull mask

Price/pack size: S$3.90

Available at: Etude House
Please contact me via email (madaboutsprees@gmail.com) if you’re an international reader interested to buy.

Ingredients:

Description: (it was all in Korean, I couldn’t understand)

Review: After weeks of using acne products (adapalene, PHA lotion, BP and occasionally Retin-A), my skin was peeling slightly. It was difficult to put on makeup. So last night, I decided to put on a sheet mask and chose the Etude House Moistfull mask that I received free when I bought some stuff a few months ago.

Opening the foil packet, the mask was a standard one, folded up neatly, soaking wet with essence. It had a slight fragrance that I didn’t really like, but then I couldn’t avoid it as most skincare brands would have their distinctive fragrance. Anyway, the mask was a little too small for me – the forehead fitted nicely but the jawline wasn’t fully covered. It was weird because most masks that I have used were all too big for me.

I left it on for 20mins or so, then removed it. The remaining essence absorbed into my skin quickly and easily with some patting. I applied some AC Red Spot Balm on the acne scars and ended last night’s skincare regimen. This morning I woke up, my face wasn’t overly oily as it was usually. The flaky patches that I had last night, were also gone this morning. That’s a sign that the mask worked, I tell you.

Rating: 4/5

Would I buy again: No, I couldn’t get past the fragrance.

 

Review: Xin Ji Mei Ren Marigold Extract Mask

Item Reviewed: Xin Ji Mei Ren Bird’s Nest Mask

Price/pack size: S$1.00

Available at: MadAboutSprees
Please contact me via email (madaboutsprees@gmail.com) if you’re an international reader interested to buy.

Ingredients:

Description: Adding in Bird Nest essence with collagen, the mask rejuvenates and locks in moisture our skin. Aids renewal of skin and improving skin texture. Increase skin metabolism, improves elasticity of skin and slows down aging process.

Review: I like to use the bird’s nest mask as a treat for my skin. Its rich essence helps to hydrate my skin instantly and plumping it up in the process. It doesn’t cause pimples for me, in fact, some of my clogged pores (due to dehydration) are gone after masking! It also adds radiance and a glow the day after I put the mask on.

Rating: 4/5

Would I buy again: Yes

 

Review: My Beauty Diary Lavender mask

Item Reviewed: My Beauty Diary Lavender mask

Price/pack size: S$1.50

Available at: MadAboutSprees
Please contact me via email (madaboutsprees@gmail.com) if you’re interested to buy.

Ingredients: (main ingredients) Lavender essential oil, plant extracts of St John Wort’s, calendula & amica – all to help improve sensitive skin

Description: Stress-releasing, sensitivity-calming, moisturizing. For use on normal & sensitive skin.

Review: I like to use this mask when my skin is feeling particularly blotchy and sensitive, especially when the mask has been in the fridge. The lavender scent is very relaxing (I love lavender!). The essence absorbs into the skin easily and moisturizes the skin.

The main purpose of the lavender mask would be to moisturize and relax the user’s senses. And while it doesn’t have other properties like brightening, or oil control, it is a good basic mask which you can use daily without any problems.

Rating: 5/5

Would I buy again: Yes

 

Review: My Beauty Diary Mixed Berries Mask

Item Reviewed: My Beauty Diary Mixed Berries Mask

Price/pack size: -

Available at: -

Ingredients:

Description:
For dull, dehydrated skin. Helps to even skintone, brighten skin and tighten.

Review: I am always excited to use a My Beauty Diary mask because they smells sooooo good! This Mixed Berry mask smells like a berry smoothie/yogurt.

It felt very comfortable to have the mask on for the intended 30 mins, in fact, I think I left it on for almost 50 mins – it was still a little moist with essence even then! Upon removing, my skin was instantly brighter and moisturized (my test area was the sides of my nose which were VERY dry and cracked due to the AHA cleanser and adapalene I was using). The remaining essence on my face absorbed very quickly and wasn’t sticky at all.

I love the mask so much that I have even asked my colleague if his girlfriend had more to spare, I’d gladly buy it from her!!

Rating: 5/5

Would I buy again: Yes

 

Review: My Beauty Diary Platinum Nanocolloid Mask

Item Reviewed: My Beauty Diary Platinum Nanocolloid Mask

Price/pack size: S$3.50/piece

Available at: MadAboutSprees
Please contact me via email (madaboutsprees@gmail.com) if you’re an international reader interested to buy.

Ingredients:
Purified water, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Glycerine, Propylene Glycol, Aloe, Licorice, Hyaluronic Acid, Cucumber, Algae, Vegetal Collagen, Lecithin, Algae-Yeast Complex, Chamomile, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Urea Isohexadecane, Nano Platinum, Triethanolamine, Methyl Paraben, Phenoxyethanol, Propyl Paraben, Citric Acid, Dimenthicone, Tween-20, Xantham Gum, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Methicone, Glucose, Carrageenans, Sodium PCA, Sorbitol

Description:
This mask is for dehydrated and/or dull skin. Using platinum gold ingredient imported from Japan, it helps and prevents skin from getting dehydrated, dull and anti-aging. Also, nano-technology and MLC technology (Multiple Layer Capsulation) releases the goodness right to the deeper layers of skin, allowing better absorption.

Place mask on face after cleansing and toner. Gently pat out the bubbles to allow better adhesion. Remove after 20-30mins. Gently massage leftover essence into skin or use tissue to remove. Remaining essence can also be used on neck or other dry body areas. No need to rinse off with water. Continue with skincare routine.

Review:
Due to its price, I’ve been holding out on using this mask despite having it for a while. Anyway, my skin has been getting pretty oily these days, and I’m not sure if it’s just due to it being oily or it not getting enough moisture. Decided to use it one night to pamper myself.

There was no distinct fragrance and the mask felt very comfortable on my skin – no stinging. The texture of the mask sheet was very soft and fit the contours of my face well but it tore a little too easily.

After 30mins (the recommended time), the mask was still very moist with the essence. I massaged the essence into my skin and it absorbed very quickly without feeling sticky. My face looked refreshed and hydrated and also very plump with moisture. Pores were smaller. I also wiped the mask on my elbows and knees and they felt soft after the essence dried off.

The next morning, my face was dewy (not oily for once!). I would love to use this mask every 3 days or so but the price… meh… I’d think about it for regular use. But this is a great mask for pampering yourself!

Rating: 4/5

Would I buy again: Yes.

 

Review: Lush Mask of Magnaminty

Item Reviewed: Lush Mask of Magnaminty

Price/pack size: A$15.95/125g tub

Available at: Lush shops all over the world or www.lush.com.au

Ingredients:
Bentonite Gel, Kaolin, Honey, Talc, Ground Aduki Beans (Phaseolus), Glycerine, Evening Primrose Seeds (Oenothera biennis), Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita), African Marigold Oil (Tagetes erecta), Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla planifolia), Perfume, Chlorophyll, Methylparaben.

Description:
The Mask of Magnaminty is one of our phenomenally minty products (and if you like this you’ll love Demon in the Dark soap) scented with pools of peppermint oil to refresh and stimulate your skin whilst it tickles your nostrils and revives your senses. This is a deeply cleansing, toning, exfoliating mask to be used over the face, neck and back to give the kiss of life to your skin. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes then, as you wash it off, rub it into your skin with your hands so that the exfoliating ground aduki beans and evening primrose seeds can smooth your face, neck and back. Tone, moisturise and stroke gently with the back of your fingers.

Review:
This isn’t the first time I’m using or buying this mask. In fact, I’ve been using this mask on and off for a couple of years now, since my Uni days. I like that it’s fresh and doesn’t contain preservatives. I tend to keep this mask in the fridge to keep it fresh, so that and the peppermint oil content do wonders to perk up and freshen my skin on a hot day!

The bentonite gel helps to draw out impurities and tighten pores, while the ground azuki beans help to exfoliate as you rinse the mask off. Honey adds a tinge of moisture so your skin isn’t stripped bare of the moisture it needs.

The fact that I’ve been using this mask for the last couple of years is testament to its goodness!

Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy again: Yes, several times over!

 

Review: Mario Badescu Strawberry Tonic Mask

Item Reviewed: Mario Badescu Strawberry Tonic Mask

Price/pack size: USD$18/60ml tub

Available at: Onlyaesthetics, 5 locations including Delfi Orchard & Holland Village (I ordered mine online though)

Ingredients:
Deionized Water, Kaolin, Seamollient, Wheat Starch, PVP, Sclerotium Gum, Balsam Peru, Zinc Oxide, Strawberry Extract

Description:
This Alpha Hydroxy rich clay mask absorbs surface oils and debris to keep normal, combination and slightly oily skin clear and healthy. Soothing botanical Balsam Peru helps reduce minor irritation and redness on sensitive skin. Also great for minimizing old acne scarring.

Review:
The strawberry scent comes through really strong in this mask, not that it’s a bad thing cos it just reminds me of yummy strawberry milkshake! The colour and texture of the mask further enforces my thought – light pink and creamy. I was very tempted to taste it!

There’s kaolin in the mask so it dries on my face, absorbing all the sebum and nasties. Seamollient moisturizes the skin, balancing it nicely. Zinc oxide has antibacterial properties so if you have acne-prone skin, feel safe to use it. I have never broken out using it, so if that’s a testimony to you… =) I use this mask alternatively with my DHC Mineral Mask as a deep cleansing treat. My skin is always soft and smooth, slightly brightened up when I rinse STM off.

Strawberry extract contains AHA which is great for oily, acne-prone skin as it helps to get rid of the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing fresher skin.

Some people may be allergic to Balsam Peru, an ingredient widely used in MB’s products (eg: Control Cream, Healing Cream, Whitening Mask & Azulene Mask). According to Dermnet NZ, Balsam Peru may be antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic, but it also contains essential oils similar to those in citrus fruit peel. These are all potential allergens. Thus, you may want to try out a sample of these products before committing to a full size tub.

Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy again: Yes

 

Review: Mario Badescu Whitening Mask

Item Reviewed: Mario Badescu Whitening Mask

Price/pack size: 60ml tub

Available at: Onlyaesthetics, 5 locations including Delfi Orchard & Holland Village (I ordered mine online though)

Ingredients:
Deionized Water (Aqua), Kaolin, Balsam (Myroxylon Pereirae Resin) Peru, Wheat (Triticum Vulgare) Starch, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Sorbitol, Kojic Acid, Mulberry Extract, Licorice Extract, Grape Extract, Scullcap (Scutellaria Galericulate) Extract

Description:
This hydrating mask will help brighten uneven skin tones and gently minimize the look of old acne scars and discolorations from the sun. Skin lightening, natural ingredients like Kojic Acid, Licorice and Mulberry make this mask gentle for all skin types. Contains no Alpha Hydroxy Acids making it safe and gentle for acne erupted or very sensitive skin.

Review:
Due to the grape extract as one of the ingredients, the mask smells absolutely yummy – quite like a grape sweet. Consistency of the mask is good, liquid but yet not runny. You won’t need a lot to spread evenly on your face, making the mask pretty economical (USD$24 for 60ml – I reckon it can be used for at least 4 months with twice weekly usage).

I cleansed my face with a exfoliating wash before applying the mask, and surprisingly it stings for a couple of moments when first applied. None of the MB masks have ever stung me so I was taken aback and quite worried that I’ll get some kind of reaction to the mask.

Luckily, nothing bad happened, and in fact, my skin was brightened up after one use! It can be a little difficult to wash off due to the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (they’re not water soluble). I prefer to follow up with a mild cleanser to make sure I got it all off.

Some people may be allergic to Balsam Peru, an ingredient widely used in MB’s products (Control Cream, Healing Cream, Whitening Mask & Azulene Mask). According to Dermnet NZ, Balsam Peru may be antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic, but it also contains essential oils similar to those in citrus fruit peel. These are all potential allergens. Thus, you may want to try out a sample of these products before committing to a full size tub.

Rating: 3/5

Would I buy again: Yes

 

Review: Xin Ji Mei Ren Ginseng Extract Mask

Item Reviewed: Xin Ji Mei Ren Ginseng Extract Mask

Price/pack size: $1/piece

Available at: MadAboutSprees

Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate/ 1,3 Butylene Glycol/ Ginseng Extract/ Aloe Extract/ Sclerogglucan/ Triethanolamine/ Glycerin/ Perfume/ Water

Description: Using the various plant extracts, Ginseng Extract Mask allows skin to fully absorb the nutrients of the mask and deliver results. Ginseng helps to revitalise skin and aids anti-aging, while hyaluronic acid moisturises skin. Skin is thus smooth, bright and hydrated.

Review: The smell of ginseng was not as strong as I had expected. It was more like a ginseng candy, a little herbal, a little sweet. Nothing too offensive. I was intrigued by what ginseng can do for the skin, thus decided to try this mask out. Sadly, besides delivering hydration, I didn’t experience any other out-of-the-world effects. *Perhaps that’s a sign that my skin’s not aging, yet =P*

The mask was an odd shape, having used Neutrogena before. It was fairly wet with essence, even after 15 minutes on the face. I managed to squeeze out a handful of essence from the mask (after using it on face) and apply it on my arms and elbows for some intense moisturizing. The essence took a while to be fully absorbed but when it did, it left no sticky residue.  My (dry) elbows were extremely smooth today.

I would still buy it again, just to try using it for a couple few more times, see if there’s any visible effects, besides hydration.

Rating: 3/5

Would I buy again: Yes

 

Review: Neutrogena Deep Hydrating Mask

Item Reviewed: Neutrogena Deep Hydrating Mask

Price/pack size: (offer price) S$1.95/piece

Available at: Watson’s, Sasa & Guardian

Ingredients:

Description: It is an intensive facial treatment mask that replenishes and restores moisture for deeply hydrated and bouncy skin. Shaped to fit the face, each mask instantly boosts skin’s moisture level 12 times with a penetrating Vitamin C formula, leaving skin soft and dewy with a healthy glow.
-Provides instant and long-lasting moisturization
-Deeply hydrates skin cells to leave skin bouncy
-Improves skin texture to leave it soft and smooth with a healthy glow

Review: I really like this mask, all thanks to the girls on CC who raved about it. I was quite skeptical about it initially, having no good results from Neutrogena previously. But boy, this is really the ultimate hydrating mask! I put it on when I need some moisture booster (overzealous with the doctor’s creams), and 30 mins later, I have soft, bouncy skin! DHM has no discernible scent, and works well even for sensitive & acne-prone skin. This is especially good when left in the fridge to chill. Only rant is that there are no eye flaps.

Rating: 5/5

Would I buy again: Yes