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! 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!

Whitening is all the rage these days with many brands putting out ranges and products to aid us in our quest for fairer, brighter and more translucent skin.

Whether you are a fan of fair skin or not, one cannot deny that the concept of acquiring clearer, brightened and translucent skin is quite appealing.

I was recently introduced to a new (in my terms) whitening product that aims to give you a 'glowing complexion in less time than it takes for a catnap'. Whitening products are a plenty and while it's not my ultimate goal to be a Snow White (hurhur mask name) state of fair, I like the idea of combatting pigmentation and keeping the skin clear of dark spots for as long as I can.

But back to this.

This entry will mainly be an introduction to the science, technology and ingredients of Skin Inc Pure Snow White+ Mask. If it's too text heavy for you to start the week with, I have an application entry coming right up so if you feel intrigued enough after that, you can always come back to this!

The Pure Snow White+ Mask comes concocted with 16 potent ingredients and equipped with mind-boggling technology, it is the new secret to draw out skin-darkening melanin, prevent further pigmentation and reflect maximum light.

The product claims to be able to:

• Lighten the overall skin appearance
• Present a brightened and more translucent complexion
• Shrink pores
• Moisturize and plump skin for a beautiful glow
• Prevent photo-ageing
• Minimizes fine lines and rev up blood circulation + collagen production

It sounds like a lot to offer and if you are intrigued about how this product claims and aims to achieve all that, read on.

The following would be an elaboration of how this product works with the context and informative bits referenced from the press release - not my personal opinion of it. I have re-worded majority of it as best as I can and tried to make it an easy yet informative read - tried.

Whitening Force Field

Upon slathering a thin layer of the mask, positive ions will form over the skin's surface and pull negatively charged melanin (pigmentation) from deep within the skin to the surface. This technology helps purge the skin-darkening melanin to give you instantly brightened and translucent skin with just one application.

A Beauty Paradox

Those cursed pigmentation and melanin spots are actually your skin's defence mechanism to UV rays. Regardless if you have slathered on a sunblock or sunscreen, your skin will do what it is structured to do once you're out basking or exposing yourself to the sun. Ohgon Extract, present within Pure Snow White+ Mask, is an ingredient that actually helps to regulate this defence and prevents your skin from going into a frenzy and darkening; Since it's not like we can tell our skin, "no I have sunblock today, don't go overboard with the melanin production on me."

Thus this pre-emptive approach is to prevent pigmentation from forming in the first place. Licorice Root Extract is also present in this, which serves a similar purpose. The combined result promises skin that is a few shades lighter after a month of use.

Banish Pores Instantly

Ohgon Extract, which I gave mention to earlier, also doubles as a powerful astringent to help shrink those nasty P things called pores. One application is said to be good enough to show results.

Fundamental Whitening Truth

This somewhat mirrors (no pun intended) the idea of Lancoôme's Teint Miracle, minus the profound aspect of pink and blue pigments. Okay, maybe it's a lot different in concept but Teint Miracle was the first thing that creeped into my mind. The secret to a brighter appearance is through reflecting more light off the skin, in a subdued manner that is. We're not talking disco ball sparkly reflecting here.

To attain a better light reflecting quality, the surface of the skin is made smooth and even with a concoction of products. With Ohgon Extract keeping the pores in check, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Natto Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract and Hyaluronic Acid help plump the skin surface. Aside from reflecting light, Magnesium, Chorella Vulgaris and Aluminium Silicate does what Whitening products are made to do - lighten melanin.

Anti-Ageing Benefits

For those concerned with achieving a youthful skin appearance, the Pure Snow White+ Mask contains Chlorella Vulgaris Extract to prevent photo-ageing (ageing of the skin due to UVA/UVB exposure). Protection aside, it also nourishes the skin with key youth generators such as Panax Ginseng Root Extract which minimises fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps improve blood blood circulation and collagen production.

Phew! Did you manage to go through all the above information? If you did I'm guessing you must be one that's keen on this product or perhaps whitening as a whole?

Regardless, this Skin Inc's Pure Snow White+ Mask is sounding like a heavy weight contender in the whitening industry with promises of improvements and results with just one session.

A one-time application will reap you these benefits:

• Whiter and more translucent skin
• Visible decrease in pore size
• A perfect cavas for makeup application

Use it weekly for a month, and see:

• Renewed skin and improved skin condition
• Greatly reduced pigmentation, as brighter, translucent skin is revealed
• A reduction in pigmentation formulation
• Smoother skin and improvements to acne-plagued skin
• Reduced sebum production and increased moisture levels

I will raise my hand to giving this product the initial eyebrow raise just because it does have some really big promises to live up to! Though, more about my thoughts and opinions in the upcoming post!

Skin Inc Pure Snow White+ Mask (100ml) retails for S$268 at all Skin Inc concept and specialty stores.

List of Skin Inc stores (locally and internationally)

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

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!