Happy National Day!

I hope everyone had a great day off and spent some great time with family and friends.

In my case I would say it could have been a whole lot more productive. had a mind to get stuff settled and ironed out but when the day came, I spent a good part of it slacking and enjoyed doing... nothing! Well, as they say, "time you enjoy wasting isn't wasted".

But back to this!

I haven't done a Masking Up entry in ages and I know it is not something that interests many but I still document my masking experiences as much as I can, hoping it may help someone out there! It also works as a little reference library for myself to check back on.

This time around, I wanted to try out these Nature Girl Face Masks I had sitting around for awhile.

I received these from Arglyduckling.com and to my knowledge they would be the easiest way (locally) to get your hands on select Nature Girl products such as lotions, shampoos and these masks!

I don't want to run too indepth in a Masking Up entry mention but Nature Girl is known for being au natural with their product ingredients and au natural aside, their greens are free of pesticide, fertilisers and all other forms of chemical additives.

So with Nature Girl you are getting some true "Organic Flower Power' – as they call it.

The price-range for Nature Girl sits in the higher range but as we know, organic stuff don't come cheap and it's calming to know (especially for sensitive skin folks) that everything within is natural.

❧

Of the two, I decided to go with I Am Plant, an exfoliating mask targeted for Normal to Dry skin. My skin has been feeling a little more 'sapped-out' of late but its not to say that Oily skin peeps can't reach for this either.

Description:
A nutrient-rich, exfoliating face mask for normal to dry skin made with oat kernel, organic aloe vera juice, apricot kernel oil, sesame seed oil, organic ginseng extract, organic wheat germ oil and organic rose water to hydrate, protect and regenerate the skin.
(from Arglyduckling)

(screencap from Arglyduckling)

Okay, I'll admit the Rose Water did it in for me...

The mask dispensed like a normal cream but hidden within this thick cream are exfoliating particles that don't feel abrasive on but gives your skin a good scrub.

This amount was enough for my entire face though you could use more for a liberal coat.

The instructions say to massage this on the skin for 30 seconds and leave it on for 10-15 minutes after.

I am no ingredient expert but while massaging this on to my skin, the mask actually felt warming on. I haven't encountered something like this purely from flower and other oils but it was a pleasant and soothing feeling, like the usual warming masks except paired with an aromatic oil scent for a very spa-like effect.

I left this on for 10-15 minutes and rinsed it off with tap water though instructions recommend warm water (which I believe will help with the whole relaxation aspect).

Here are some post-mask findings and remarks:

• The mask rinsed off easily without leaving any film on

• Exfoliating masks typically strip the skin but strange enough, after rinsing this off, my skin felt very nourished. This is probably due to the various natural oils included within the mask
• While there are natural oils, it doesn't feel clogging or 'heavy' on the skin such that it would be uncomfortable

• The skin felt smoother after thanks to the scrub
• Complexion seemed relatively brightened though I'm guessing it's one of those post-mask things.
• The scent was extremely calming and lingers on the skin

I think this would be great mask to use at night after a long and tiring day. It's perfect to scrub away the fatigue yet also calm yourself and your skin before bedtime.

Priced at S$62 for 120ml on Arglyduckling.com it may seem pricey for a small little bottle but it's a nice indulgence if you want something for a nourishing, exfoliating and calming masking session.

Thanks for reading and after using this I feel I'm all ready for bed though it's only 10pm.

p.s. All shots here were taken with the S3. I wanted to test the camera out and I'd say it's not bad!

Disclosure:
Product mentioned had been provided to me for consideration.

While spring cleaning my room, I dug up and found some face masks which were lost in the chaos. While it sounds like they have been buried away for eternity, no, it's really not that bad. It is just the pace things accumulate here gets quite scary...

Regardless, I took advantage of the weekends to have a masking session since this would be the only possible period. I cannot imagine spending 20 minutes lying on the bed doing nothing during the weekdays where time is so precious.

I reached for this Bidanpo Balhyo Jinjeong Mediental Healing Mask because 1) I just dug it up and 2) those herbal 'bag's look so cool...

There isn't a whole lot of English on this and I had to decipher the 'type' (Balhyo Jinjeong) by reading the hangul (korean scribblings).

Description
It is a functional de-wrinkling mask pack repairing functions of your damaged skin and relieving your stimulated and sensitive skin comfortably with best doctor's secrete method 'Hwayeol-Jinjeongdan' fermenting and maturing 12 precious medicinal herbs in a bamboo bucket to help relieve skin trouble.

(From the back of the pack)

The Mediental Healing Mask comes in a couple of variations for different skin concerns and this one here is for fighting wrinkles, relieving damaged, stimulated and sensitive skin with a concoction of 12 precious medicinal herbs.

The odd thing is that there isn't an ingredients listing and even if there is one on the pack, it's in Korean and way beyond my league. Thus I would have to take their word for it when it comes to those 12 precious herbs!

The sheet mask is very thin and has a almost gel-cellulose-like texture, similar to the likes of Leaders Clinic. T I am not mistaken, material-wise there is probably some bamboo mixed into the sheet to account for that darkened tone of it.

It fits very comfortably on the skin, since it is thin, and isn't too big (or small) on.

Now, to share post-mask findings:

• This did a very good job of hydrating my skin as parts of my face seem to be going through dry moments right now.
• Even after rinsing off (because I don't like leaving the essence on), the skin still feels like it has a layer of light moisturizer over
• There was no detectable scent with this mask, despite the 'medical' point of it.
• smooths out pores quite a fair bit (temporary for about a day?)
• brightens complexion and skin appears radiant after (temporary for a day)

In all, this mask would be one of those that would reap rewards and be beneficial in the long run given it's whole 12 precious herbs idea so one use wouldn't say very much. Though I like how comfortable and hydrating it feels on and wrinkles aren't quite my concern as of now so I will use this here and there but not reach for it all that often.

Though for those who are looking to fight wrinkles or soothe any damaged (sunburnt maybe) skin, this could be something to look into.

Thanks for reading and hope everyone had a great weekend!

Mine flew by... sadly.

Well, apologies for directing attention to Hello Kitty once more for those who aren't fans but I thought I would share my thoughts after having tried this mask out.

One thing is for sure, it really doesn't make you a sparkly pretty kitty after but it's still good in other ways.

Description:
Strawberry Essence to help tighten large and visible pores; Collagen and Royal Jelly Essence help keep skin hydrated for that soft and glowing complexion.
(information from the box)

So while the description provided is pretty short and sweet, it promises to tighten visible pores, hydrate the skin and give a glowing complexion! That sounds pretty good to me yet at the same time seems to be the general promise of most face masks.

Except? This has Hello Kitty printed all over it.

Here's the ingredients listing again for those who are interested. I'm not quite sure which is the Strawberry Essence, Collagen or Royal Jelly Essence with all the code names involved so I can't decipher the percentage that is within the mask.

(click to enlarge)

Sadly the mask itself doesn't come with an adorable Hello Kitty print within nor is it shaped like the Kitty but if it helps, it is Strawberry scented.

It's a sweet and gummy sort of Strawberry scent, yet not too sweet that it is sickening. Though I must admit that at the start I did think 'whoa, gummy...' since I am used to the pleasant, soft and hard-to-classify scents from other facial masks.

The mask itself comes entirely soaked with essence and when I say soaked, I really mean soaked!

It's not soaked to the point that it would cause a mess to remove with the plastic insert but I was conscious about not pressing on the mask too hard so I don't squeeze the essence out.

Fabric-wise, it is of a comfortable thin-ness such that it clings and contours well to the face.

I wouldn't say this mask is fragile but cloth being cloth, once soaked it has a tendency to tear if you are as careless as I am. The mask has a slightly smaller eye hole than I am used to so while shifting it around to get comfortable I made a tiny little tear on the right side (farther back in the image above).

Ignore the scary eye veins but you know how normal masks can fit one and a half of an eye with their holes, this fits one eye perfectly.

The following were some post-mask effects I noticed:

• The face felt nicely hydrated and smooth
• Because the mask is so soaked, there was a lot of essence on the skin after, I definitely cannot imagine someone just rubbing and leaving that amount on!
• Skin felt refreshed, partly due to the uplifting scent too
• pores feel temporarily smoothened out (a post-mask thing)
• Skin looked brightened (post-mask thing)

In conclusion, this was actually a pretty nice mask to use and I grew to like that gummy strawberry scent. It was cooling and refreshing on because the mask was so well soaked and it certainly hydrated my skin well.

I liked the pore smoothening and skin brightening effect after though it probably wore off the next day but I certainly have good thoughts about this mask, enough to use it again!

You can find Sexylook's Hello Kitty Strawberry Perfect Glowing Silk Mask at Watsons outlets!

Thanks for reading, do you have a nice refreshing mask that you turn to?

It's been awhile since my last Masking Up mention and I will admit I haven't been honoring my word of masking once a week.

I try to remember and when I do I tend to reach for the Leaders Insolution Tea Tree Mask, which I have showcased here. No particular reason for it except it feels hydrating on plus I would like to think that I am harnessing some Tea Tree benefits of soothing my skin.

I have noticed that masking regularly does have a slight benefit and while it isn't major, the skin tends to appear more hydrated, supple and have a slightly improved texture.

It doesn't entirely matter which mask you use but after slacking off the weekly routine, I can feel my skin turning around to punish me for it.

So with that, it's right back into weekly masking sessions I go!

❧

While a feeble attempt at masking, I really wanted to try this Petitfée Gold EGF patch that I have had for a good while.

It is basically undereye and 'spot' gel patches housed within a tub that is sealed to ensure freshness of the product. Like every other face masking item, you can refrigerate it for a cooler sensation.

It also comes with a little spatula to aid you in picking up the product.

The gel jelly-ish texture of this looks so good I almost want to eat it.

The product itself does not come soaking wet with product but the gel does have a moist and hydrated feel to it. It's very supple and bouncy and the product itself has a soft pleasant peachy scent to it.

Description:
Offer your parched skin an intensely hydrating infusion of moisture plus vital nutrients and experience the dramatic firming and cooling results you thought only a professional spa treatment could deliver.

(from the box)

Aside from using the material Hydrogel to ensure moisture is imparted to the skin, this product is also said to contain Gold bits along with EGF - Epidermal Growth Factor.

The inclusion of gold in products are appearing rather frequently these days but regardless, if it's said to be beneficial, I'll buy it. I don't expect instant results but I am no scientist to prove it wrong either.

This product claims that with use, the gold bits will have detoxifying effects, aid with circulation, waste elimination and purify the skin.

I don't know about everything else but blood circulation + under eye area seems like a good combination to rid dark circles. That's if it works.

As for the very foreign sounding EGF, it is basically to help cell growth, rejuvenating the skin and also accelerate the healing process. Which means this EGF factor could play a good part if you use this product as a Spot patch over troubled skin areas.

Sorry for the essay but this product is some sort of complex in a tub.

Let's see how it looks on, shall we?

I tried the eye patch out and all you do is stick it on your undereye portion (it stays and does not slip or slide) and wait. The box doesn't come with any (english) instructions on how long to have it on for so I left it for 15 minutes.

A closer look at the shimmery bling within the gel.

I snapped an after shot but to be honest it's not anything worth posting because this is just one use but I'll share my thoughts about this product.

• Skin felt temporarily brightened after use (one of those post-mask effects)
• Undereye area felt more supple and hydrated
• I applied makeup soon after removing it and found my undereye concealers glided on a lot easier

While the findings are minor, I think this product is good to use as a pre-makeup prep.

I was pleasantly surprised at my under eye concealer gliding on smoothly on a hydrated undereye area. The product is quite mild, not too rich, and instructions say you can use it everyday but as with most undereye products, I would advise to use it 3 times a week at most.

Unless your skin is fairly resilient to richer hydrating products, you don't want to risk getting milia seeds!

I received this product a long while back from Joypharm which is no longer active so I'm not too sure where you can find this locally. I have seen some stores on ebay but I have never bought from them so I don't wish to actively recommend it. Alternatively, I am fairly sure this product is available in Korea, if you have pals over or are flying there for a trip!

Do you like eye patches or prefer to do the whole face mask?

Disclosure:
Product mentioned had been provided to me for consideration.

It's been awhile since my last masking up! I'm not sure if anyone enjoys reading them but I'm starting to enjoy the process of it - masking, that is.

The hiatus from this series was because I was trying out the Skin Inc Pure Snow White+ Mask for a month long period. Or at least I was planning to, until this week (technically 3rd week of Skin Inc trial), I was craving for a sheet mask. I never knew that I would ever develop a craving for sheet masks! I wanted something moist, hydrating and cooling so I had to ditch the Skin Inc project and sheet mask away!

Still keeping within 'project whitening', I gave this Skin79 White Reviving Skin Radiance Mask Sheet a try. Though, knowing very well that most sheet mask don't give an instant whitening effect and if anything, it's radiance with prolonged use.

Description:
Pure cotton whitening mask sheet contains Flora-WH, made with international patented Mandresy Extract, and Niacinamide which brightens the skin from the inside, white Baobab Extract and Fucogel-1000 provides moisture and forms a skin barrier for nutritioned, lustrous skin.
(text from the pack)

(click to enlarge!)

The sheet mask is, as the description says, a cotton material and I find cotton masks (not all but most) don't smooth out flatly on. Though this is a frivolous point to mention because what I mean is that I can't spread it out pretty and evenly to photograph for the blog. For a normal masking session, it really doesn't matter how smoothed out or bumpy it is, unless you are OCD about it!

Though I did find this mask a little wide. It is not uncommon for masks to have excess to cater to difference face shapes but this had a very odd amount of excess by the side.

Is this mask for the ears too?

One really cute thing about this mask (nothing revolutionary, just cute) is that it has eye flaps! Sure it's not the only one in the market but not many do and I like my eye flaps.

The mask leaves an icy cool feeling on and this is without storing it in the refridgerator though I do keep all my masks in a cool spot, away from the sun.

I feel this makes for a good and refreshing mask to use mid-day if you thinking to throw something on a nap in. The eye flaps, cool icy feeling, it's quite perfect and of course I fell asleep with this and left it on for an hour instead of the 15-20 mins as per instructions.

Here are some post-mask findings in point form:

• leaves a post-mask radiance
• probably smooths the pores out a little but I'm still enjoying the post-jetconcepts facial to really tell
• skin feels hydrated but not the 'very supple' sort

Overall I enjoyed using it and am slowly becoming addicted to that cool sensation of having a soaked sheet mask on. While it's effects aren't as potent but it's still nice to use and I think I'm letting my skin soak up all that hydration with it.

This Skin79 mask is available at Watsons for S$21.90 in a pack of 5 sheets.

Intrigued by the claims of Skin Inc's Pure Snow White+ Mask, I knew I had to give it a shot and allow it to jump any facial mask queue I had in my mind.

While my usual Masking Up features are generally a quick overview of the mask, this isn't that different yet it contains a smidgen more information than usual. Just a tad bit.

Also, if you haven't caught my earlier entry about the break down and science/ingredients behind this masking product, you may hop on over here. This entry will mainly be my thoughts, my opinions and just... all me. Even my bare face.

This 100ml product comes within a rather bulky tub complete with one of those plastic inserts between the cover and the product itself (pictured in earlier entry).

I received the press sample version hence I think this is the product itself and I'm assuming it comes with a box and hopefully a spatula included? I didn't receive them but I'm hoping at least there is a spatula because with products that have such potent and active ingredients, contaminating it with each use is the last thing I would want.

Scent-wise, this product has no scent, or rather the product's own scent, not covered up by any sort of fragrance. It's not horrible but yet it's not an overly pleasant or neutral scent either, just think clinical creams or something along those lines. Thankfully it wasn't too strong when I had it on and I could live with it.

The product spreads out quite easily despite it's thick appearance hence you don't need too much each time you use it yet it's still a considerable amount as we are talking about a full face here. It doesn't specify within the instructions but from the information portion, I believe a thin layer is sufficient when using this.

I believe the layer I used could possibly be thinned out more, but I picked up what was on the back of the plastic 'insert' and didn't have to go to the tub. I'd say it's a small dollop worth, not too little yet lesser than I anticipated.

Instructions of Use:
After cleansing, simply apply the mask on the face for 10 minutes and remove with warm water after. You may feel a slight tingling sensation due to the ionisation process. Remove mask if further irritation occurs.

Reading about the instructions of use, I was actually mildly worried about the tingling sensation portion as I do have pretty sensitive skin when it comes to anything that seems strong. Yet strangely I didn't feel a ting(le),

As the mask sets, it feels thicker compared to it's initial light creamy texture. While you could remove this with cold water by the sink, it's quicker and easier to remove with warm water. After 10 minutes the mask feels tacky on, as opposed to others which dry up, and requires a little rubbing and rinsing to properly remove as it starts to feel paste-like.

Upon removing the mask, I was initially surprised because my skin did look fairer, like... almost unreal. Thinking it could be residue I rinsed my face a couple more times, alternating hot and cold water yet it still looks fairer.

I'm not certain if the pictures show it well but here's a (makeup-less) shot. It is noticeably fairer in person yet not quite the mask-face effect that I'm seeing in the picture from my end. Enough of a difference that my boyfriend commented on it yet it was nothing too obvious that my parents or friends picked up on it.

I observed that this sudden fair-ness lasted well for about a day before my skin started looking like how it was, in tone at least. I did this mask on Sunday and today, Tuesday, it still retains a brightened look.

In terms of the other one-time application claims, pore size reduction and a perfect makeup canvas, I could say that my skin does feel a lot smoother in texture and like-wise this effect has been since Sunday. Since I don't have much of an issue with my pores I wouldn't be able to notice any drastic difference but perhaps with long-term use pores could be a thing of the past?

Well I wish...

My rationale on this 'effect' is that it was able to make my skin reflect more light through this one time use but I'm no scientist here! Perhaps with a long term use the true whitening effect will kick in and visibly lighten the skin more since whitening is a continuous regimen.

As with this panned out shot, you can see the difference in tone isn't too stark that it seems I'm wearing a mask yet it's slightly visible.

Nonetheless, I will give it a thumbs up for proving it's initial claim regardless of what mystical sorcery it worked. I had fairer, brighter and smoother skin in just 10 minutes, call me a happy camper! I would definitely recommend this to those on a quest for fairness!

Going at S$268 for 100ml at Skin Inc Concept and Specialty Stores, it seems to be quite a sum to fork out and it is if you consider it point blank. Though majority counter or luxury brands do price their whitening range within the hundred over range so no harm in detouring your intentions (if any) to one that carries visible results with one use.

A slight diversion from my usual Masking Up but I hope it's informative nonetheless! I will most likely embark on a one month trial period for this and if I have any findings I'll report back with a proper review!

Are there any whitening products out there that you have tried and loved?

Thanks for reading!

I'm in no way cheating here but this is for last week's masking session which I had done on a Saturday. It's a couple days late because everything is in a whirlwind of crazy now but... all's good.

I am slowly taking a liking to these weekly masking sessions instead of looking at it as a chore because of my new years resolution. If I have a couple of hours to spare, I would normally think to throw on a sheet mask and settle down for a quick nap. Something about sheet masks have the ability to lull you to sleep so much quicker than plopping on the bed as is.

Thus, in most cases I end up leaving my sheet masks on for an hour instead of the recommended 15-20 minutes, is this a bad thing though?

Regardless, this was the mask I pulled out to use last week.

Description

This beauty buffet mask's unique recipe is made up of Charcoal to deeply cleanse & purify pores, as well as Cypress Extract to help maintain oil balance & refine pores, and Glycine to help retain moisture. After use, skin appears more supple, lightened and refreshed.
(from the package)

I may have mentioned but the boyfriend is actually more up for the idea of masking than I am, or was. Before my whole 'must mask every week!' resolution, he would mask more often than I do; that also explains the 2 sheet masks present above.

I let him pick from the masks I have and he ended up choosing this, though I am sure it is because this sounds and looks a lot manlier than the other options I have - Apple & Evening Primrose, Yoghurt etc.

The mask comes with a piece of plastic attached to one side of it, which you remove before putting it on. It has a cloth-like texture that isn't too thick and it comes well-soaked.

It is also lightly scented and since it's not a charcoal scent, my next guess would be Cypress?  Though I can't be certain how Cypress smells. If I could compare it to anything, I would say it smells like Heaven & Earth's Green Tea. The scent is quite prominent and actually lingers on the skin after the mask is removed.

The sheet mask fits perfectly on the boyfriend's face but it does leave excess around the forehead and temple region, of which don't mind.

I have to warn you though that while the mask isn't exactly fragile, it is still soaked cloth that will succumb to any rough movements. What I mean is that I had managed to make a tear while adjusting the mouth portion of it.

I doubt I was using herculean strength but I suppose you have to be a little dainty when adjusting this mask once it's on. Boyfriend managed to make a small tear in his as well so... perhaps it's not just me.

As always, the mask suggests to massage the essence in after and this would be one of those that I feel you possibly could just pat it in and live with it. Though as a personal preference I still rinsed my face after.

Here are some findings during and post mask:

• Mask has a tingling effect on, not painful or annoying yet not minty either. Those with sensitive skin might want to skip this.
• Smells like Heaven & Earth Green Tea, leaves a lingering scent after removing
• After leaving it on (and falling asleep) for 45 minutes, the mask was still moist
• Skin feels very refreshed after
• The pores definitely looked smoothened out post-mask though it's not a permanent thing
• Skin is supple yet I wouldn't classify this as a hydrating mask

In all, I am quite surprised that a sheet mask has the ability to refresh the skin as such. I assumed all sheet masks would provide their natural duty of hydration, moisture and calming the skin but refreshing... that's a nice change.

These masks are available at Watsons's Beauty Buffet corner for S$7.90 a pack (with 5 sheets).

What have you masked on lately?

Thanks for reading!

Disclosure:
Product mentioned had been provided to me for consideration.

Masking on a weekday! Go me! One of the perks about my current job would be flexible hours and that means masking while I worked from home. ha!

Alright, about the mask... let's just say I never met a mask I didn't like, until now. My logic is that a mask is a mask, right? In retrospect, most masks feel good, make the skin soft and supple even if for only a short period. What's there not to like?

It's hard to say but something about this one left me feeling a little 'mehh' about it, thinking there are loads better options out there if you're looking for a sheet mask.

The mask in question is The Face Shop Hyaluronic Acid Essential Mask Sheet.

Description:
Hyaluronic Acid is the key water maintaining substances in human skin. Can bind 100-1000 times its own weight in moisture, keeping skin silky soft. The concentration of Hyaluronic Acid in this gentle mask is effectively absorbed into skin for the ultimate hydration. Suitable for all skin types.
(from the mask)

The mask sheet is a thicker material than I am used to. Or rather, I have been using these super thin gel-like ones for awhile that the 'old' mask sheets feel akin to cloth now.

The mask doesn't come dripping wet, which I think isn't an issue because at least someone is being moderate about how much is actually used!

Most masks fit a little larger on my face and tends to stretch out but I can overlook that because even with the size I can maneuver them to fit well on my face and 'fold' the extended bits in. This one on the other hand was quite a rebel and just didn't sit well on my face no matter how much I tried to fit it. I think part of this is due to the material being on the thicker side.

I look like I am wearing a mask, literally.

Application
The intstuctions are to wash and tone the face prior to this. I only found out after I had the mask on that I didn't tone but... oh well? After which, you leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes, remove and pat the essence in.

As with most masks, I don't pat the essence in because I have yet to find a mask that has a tolerable film of essence. I hate anything oily or sticky on my face and this falls in the 'rinse-off' category.

While this mask isn't my favorite it's not all that bad... it felt very cooling on despite this being a hot day; It wasn't refrigerated before hand either.

Here's some post-mask findings:

• Pore portion (nose, below undereye to nose area) felt hydrated and smoothed out
• Overall, skin is left feeling supple and hydrated
• However I wouldn't give it credit for being very moisturizing (hyaluronic claim), I think it only does okay
• There is a slight post-mask radiance
• Masking effects fade pretty fast though. Most mask effects can go till the next day but 5 hours later, my skin is back to 'normal'

Not a mask I would recommend but yet I know this particular one has it's own fans. I find if you were looking for a thoroughly hydrating one, there are more options out there in the market but this does a decent job of cooling and relaxing the skin, just not so much hydrating. It also has a perfumey fresh scent that you can pick up when the mask is on.

Have you personally come across a mask you didn't quite like? Do share!

Thanks for reading!

Okay, I cheated... in a few aspects but firstly here is the proper name of the mask: Bidanpo Hwa-Chim TCA Mediental Clinic Mask and the one I have here is the deep emarald one that has Soothing and 'pore caring' qualites.

Though it has a funky long name, this mask is a product of Leaders Clinic, a leading and renown clinical brand that hails from South Korea.

The next thing that I 'cheated' about is that I did not manage to mask last week, no quick 5-minute mask or sleeping pack.... nothing at all!

The reason being, I wanted to indulge in the masking session. Think: whipping out a hydrating sheet mask and just lay there but apparently I couldn't find time and that didn't happen. Again, I don't know why I find it so hard to draw 15-30 minutes out just for a masking session but... that happened.

This week around, perhaps to make up for it instead of settling for a typical hydrating sheet mask, I thought to try this 2-Step Mask I had lying around.

Description:
Formulated with 'Jeong-hwa Fermentation Solution' acquired from matured bamboo, this product applies the principal of oriental medicinal aesthetics. The 2 step process by including an ampoule is to boost absorption of the mask and provide better results
(Paraphrased from the back of the mask sheet)

The first step is slathering on the ampoule solution. The purpose of this is to, as mentioned in the description, help boost the mask's effectiveness and also allow for better absorption of the product.

The ampoule comes out a slightly thick but clear substance with a yellow tinge. It's runny and the consistency reminds me slightly of cleansing oils though it's not oily in any sense.

With the satchet emptied, this is about the amount of product that is inside. While it doesn't look like much, it is definitely enough to slather on a generous coat over the face.

What I like to do is also to massage this in before I proceed to layering the sheet mask over it. I don't believe it was recommended or mentioned but I have a habit of massaging my face a little whenever laying anything enriching over.

After the ampoule comes step 2 which is the one that is common to us, laying the sheet mask on!

The mask is soaked in a gel-like solution which seems pretty close to the ampoule's consistency. I want to think that the ampoule is somewhat the pure form, perhaps a tinsey bit more concentrated, of the substance the mask is coated in but I can't be sure!

The mask's sheet material is extremely thin, you can see the vague outlines of my fingers even though the mask is still folded up. Due to that, it feels light on the skin and is not as if you have this sheet plastered on your face.

Scent-wise, despite it's whole oriental approach and the brown-ish herbal medicine insinuating vibe, this mask do not smell herby or medicinal at all. It has a very light and pleasant fragrance that is hardly evident when you have it on.

As always, here's me sharing my post-mask experiences which, again, are not anything to go by long-term:

• Ampoule felt very thick and present on after removing the sheet mask. Instructions say to pat it out but that will be nearly impossible. I rinsed it off after.
• Skin felt extremely supple and hydrated.
• The skin had this whole "QQ" thing going on, think Hada Labo's Lotion advert where skin is smooth YET not powder smooth. It feels like the ampoules/serums have really been absorbed.
• Pores seem a little subdued (for a while....)

So... that would be my sharing on this whole 2-Step Mask thing. If you ask me, I don't personally notice anything different with an additional step but it could be something you have to dedicate commitment to to see results (e.g. masking this twice a week, every week)

Nonetheless it is a very hydrating one to use, great to perk up the skin!

These are available at Sephora ION and MBS.

Have you tried these 2-Step Masks? What do you think of them?

Disclosure:
Product mentioned had been provided to me for consideration.

Honestly speaking, if not for keeping up with this series on my blog I would have totally failed my New Years resolution of masking at least once a week. I don't know what is so hard about it but somehow finding 15-30 minutes a week to just lay there and do nothing seems quite impossible!

I typically prefer masking on weekends and this weekend was filled with visitings and errands but inbetween all that I managed to squeeze in some masking time while getting errands done around the house.

Instead of the usual sheet mask, I opted for a paste-like one which you apply on. This allows me to move around and get stuff done while feeling like product from the mask is about to drip down. Aside from that, I also think this Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial Masque is probably the next best thing to Laneige's Water Sleeping Pack EX, for those too-busy-to-mask.

I received this product as part of a giftbag since I was a 'demonstration model' for it at the Metro Ladies Night a long while back. Due to my lack of interest in masking, I had chucked it aside only to rediscover it now.

Description
In 5 minutes, this high-performance oil-free facial delivers all the radiance and smoothness of microdermabrasion with significantly less irritation and stress to skin. Promotes surface cell turnover on multiple levels to instantly unveil skin that's fresher, more vibrant, even toned.
(taken from clinique.co.uk)

(click to enlarge, it was too big in the next size)

The whole point that really attracted me, aside from it being a paste and something I can wear while walking around, was that you only have to leave it on for 5 minutes!

Clinique's instructions is to apply it liberally to the entire face, avoiding the eye area and leave it on for 5 minutes. I think liberal is a subjective term but the amount I used for my entire face is about 3 1/2 'squeezes' of the blob you see above.

This masque is more of an exfoliating one hence you can spot some tiny little scrubby bits/flakes. You can feel them as you slather the mask on as well.

How I rinse this off is by first wetting my hands and massaging those granules around, giving my face a good scrub. Once I feel it's sufficient, I'll wet my hands more, repeat that, followed by finally rinsing everything off.

In point form, so it's easier to digest, here are some of my findings about this mask:

• It smells a little minty and slightly herby at the same time, which I was not expecting
• It feels a little minty on the skin but not a strong sensation
• The scrubby bits work very well at exfoliating without feeling harsh
• Skin feels immensely smooth after, I know it's the whole post-exfoliating but it feels even smoother than after my typical exfoliator, even after 4 hours
• Surprisingly the skin doesn't feel taut after but neither does it feel extremely hydrated so I went ahead to spritz on Shu Uemura's Depsea after
• Complexion appears to be brightened and freshened after, probably due to the exfoliating effect.

In all, as I said, this is probably the next best thing to Laneige's Water Sleeping Pack because it's so quick and easy to use and there are results to it too. Clinique recommends to use it 2-3 times a week but with the amount I use each time, I think the recommended usage will have you running to the store quite often.

This product is more of an exfoliant and not one I can rely on greatly for hydration and making my skin supple so thankfully I can't fall back on it too much. Else I would be lazy and just pick this up from week to week since it's so quick to use. Looks like my sheet masks and all are still saved from being neglected!

Which do you prefer more? Paste/applied on masks or sheet masks?

Thanks for reading!

Disclosure:
Product mentioned had been provided to me for consideration.