ARK Skincare Triple Action Exfoliator & Hydration Injection Masque

(Samples) I'll start by saying these two products are the perfect partners; one exfoliates and preps the skin before the other comes in and delivers a whole lot of hydration.
Together they are an ideal addition to your Sunday night skincare ritual or equally, they're so quick and simple to use, they're ideal for those of us that are short on time but want a little something extra to get skin glowing.

These products are my second venture into ARK Skincare (you can read my previous review here) and I have another product to try out next, but for now, onto the goods!

Ark Triple Action Exfoliator Review

The Triple Action Exfoliator has the word triple in the name for a very good reason, that is, it exfoliates using three actions- physical, fruit acid and enzymatic.
The physical action comes from bamboo micro particles that literally slough dead skin from the surface of the face for a polished, smooth look and feel.
Fruit acids (AHAs) include Bilberry, Orange, Lemon, Sugar Cane and Sugar Maple support skin renewal and help to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and acne scarring.
Capping things off nicely, a Skin Regenerating Enzyme works to dissolve the bonds that 'glue' cells together on the surface of the skin and therefore aid in fading pigmentation and improve absorbtion of the skincare you apply afterwards (in this case, the Hydration Injection Masque).

Designed for use once or twice per week, the exfoliator is applied to a damp face and neck and then massaged gently using circular movements. The amount of time you leave it on your skin depends on your age; Teens and Twenties are advised to wash it off after massaging, Thirties and Forties leave it on for two minutes and Fifties and beyond are advised to leave the Exfoliator to work for up to five minutes. To remove, you need to use a damp, warm cloth and by need, I mean you need to use a cloth to take this off - trying to rinse it off is just not going to work given the texture of the formula.

Ark Hydration Injection Masque Review

Like a big old drink of water for your face, the Hydration Injection Masque was created for tired, stressed out skin that lacks radiance. Featurimg a 'Hyaluronic Acid Booster' to drench the skin, this is a multivitamin mask that plumps and restores vibrancy. The masque contains an encapsulated blend of vitamins inlcuding Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Vitamin A is in the blend to boost Collagen production while Vitamin B5 smoothes the skin, Vitamin C fades pigmentation and Vitamin E is included to act as an anti-inflammatory and provide some protection against UV damage. Rounding off the formula, Sugar Beet and Abyssinian Oil offer intense nourishment for a soft, smooth look feel.

On application, the Hydration Injection Masque feels instantly cooling and calming and instantly relieves irritation and discomfort - perfect for using after active products like the Triple Action Exfoliator really! Though it's worth mentioning that I didn't feel any irritation after using it.
To use (once or twice a week), simply smooth a think layer over the face and neck and leave on for the amount of time recommended for your age. For Teens and Twenties, leave on for five minutes, leave it to work for ten minutes if you're in your Thirties or Forties and for Fifties onward leave it on for up to twenty minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth, pat dry and follow with your usual skincare. The Masque can also be left on overnight for an intensive treatment.

I really like both these products individually but when used together they are an absolute treat with instantly visible results that left me looking refreshed and hydrated with a buttery-smooth feeling face.

Both the Triple Action Exfoliator and Hydration Injection Masque retail for £35 each for 75ml. As a side note, I've just discovered that ARK also have a range of scented candles in a range of scents including Vanilla, Sandalwood & Amber and Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Clove (which sounds perfect for Christmas). You can find the candles here and the Exfoliator and Masque here.

Secret Santa Gift Idea: Bobbi Brown Mini Mask Trio

I know the Bobbi Brown Mini Mask Trio was released a little while ago but I spied it in John Lewis on the weekend and thought it's exactly the kind of Secret Santa gift/ stocking filler that I would like to receive! Bobbi Brown isn't exactly a cheap and cheerful brand so the fact that this little pack of three face masks is only £10 further sweetens the deal.
The trio includes cute 7ml tubes of Radiance Boost, Instant Detox and Skin Nourish masks so it's a great little kit for multi-masking or sampling Bobbi's masks before committing to the full sizes (the full sized 75ml tubes are £33 each).

The Radiance Boost Mask is an exfoliating mask that contains fine walnut grains for a physical exfoliation action. It also contains Orange Oil and is designed to instantly pep up the complexion and get things glowing.
The Instant Detox Mask is a clay mask that features an Amazonian White Clay base and is formulated with Hawaiian Sea Water. This is a pore-unclogging, clarifying mask which is a bit different to your standard clay mask in that you just leave it on for three minutes rather than wait for it to go all dry and crackly.
Finally, the Nourish Mask is a tissue-off formula that features Coral Grass and Green Algae. Similar in consistency to a face cream, I feel like this soothing mask would be particularly nice in the autumn/ winter months. In other words, perfect for now.

You can find the full size masks and Mini Mask Trio at John Lewis and Bobbi Brown online.

111Skin Meso Infusion Micro Mask Review

111Skin is a brand I am very new to. Founded by Harley Street Plastic Surgeon Dr Yannis Alexandrides, 111Skin was developed in collaboration with two space Scientists who worked on the Soviet Space Program (!). These scientists had retained a patented formula they had supplied to Astronauts to protect their skin while they were in orbit - apparently the combination of zero gravity, exposure to radiation and varying temperature wreaks habit on one's skin!

111Skin boasts an impressive collection of products - from the Lift Off Exfoliating Cleanser to the Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil, the brand has every step in the skincare routine covered, and then some. Actually, and then a lot more.
While extensive research, exclusive ingredients and space-age technologies have been poured into each and every one of 111Skin's products, one of their latest products really stands out for one very good reason; there is simply nothing else on the market quite like it.

The Meso Infusion Micro Mask really is unlike anything I've seen before. Yes, the concept of targeted mask treatments is nothing new, but the technology behind the Meso Mask is truly ground breaking. I realise that I might sound a bit like I am writing a press release here but I really have been doing a little excited dance in my head ever since I read about this mask because it's just so different.
The Meso Infusion Micro Mask is touted as the closest you can get to an authentic Mesotherapy treatment in the comfort of your own home. Don't know what Mesotherapy is? Neither did I, until I found about these masks. It's a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that involves administering substances such as Hyaluronic Acid directly into the skin via a series of tiny injections. Sounds like it has the potential to be a bit painful but from what I've read, it's not particularly uncomfortable. How can a mask possibly mimic this treatment? Well, this is the fun bit.

The Meso Infusion Micro Mask consists of four sachets. In each sachet are two mask patches, with an adhesive border to ensure the masks stay in place while the formula does its thing. The masks feature self dissolving micro structure technology. The micro structures are made up of 94.5% Hyaluronic Acid to plump up fine lines and diminish wrinkles and 4.5% Vitamin C to tackle pigmentation and discolouration. These micro structures - there are 150 on each mask - administer the ingredients by penetrating deep into the skin. The micro structures are basically teeny tiny, very fine 'spikes' that literally prick the skin, delivering the Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C directly into the targeted area. After around 40 minutes, the micro structures dissolve completely, leaving you free to remove the patch, though you can leave the patch on overnight for a really intensive treatment.

The patches can be used pretty much anywhere and so far I have used them on my eyes, to plump out my crows feet. I know I am 30 and I am still relatively wrinkle-free but I grew up in sunny Queensland and you're unlikely to find an Aussie my age who doesn't have any tell tale signs of years of squinting in the sun!

111Skin Meso Infusion Micro Mask

Around my eyes, the masks didn't feel unpleasant but they did feel active- as if they were really doing something. I did press down gently on the masks a few times in an effort to send the micro structures further into the skin (which I'm not sure is advised!) and still it was not a painful experience. I removed the masks after a couple of hours and had a bit of redness where they were placed (and also probably as a result of me applying pressure). The redness subsided very quickly and I was left with smooth, plumped-up skin where my wrinkles once were. OK, the wrinkles were still there BUT the lines were much, much softer and less noticeable to my toughest critic - myself.
As I've only just used the masks today, I can't comment on how long this effect lasts but I will say that before a special occasion or on days when you just want a boost, these are a fantastic treat. Besides the fact that I have genuinely noticed a difference, I think the Meso Mask is a brilliant product because it feels like a proper treatment and is in a whole other league to the usual pre-special occasion prep of applying a more traditional mask.

At £100 for a box of four pairs, the 111Skin Meso Infusion Micro Mask is an investment beauty buy but if you love your skincare and like trying new products and concepts, this is something to get your hands on. The 111Skin Meso Infusion Micro Mask is available at Space NK.
I'll be keeping the remaining three sets of masks stashed away for very special occasions.

Joik Chocolate Facial Mask

I found Joik on LoveLula the other night and my eyes were immediately drawn to the candles (crème brulee, apple glogg etc) and this little beauty - the Chocolate Facial Mask.

I've not experienced the whole chocolate-on-face thing (intentionally anyway) since Lush introduced their Cupcake facemask and figured it was about time. Besides, I like chocolate and I like putting things on my face, so why not combine the two eh?

The Joik Chocolate Facial Mask is designed to rejuvenate and tighten tired and stressed out skin and contains:
Rhassoul Clay - A natural Moroccan lava clay to absorb oil, sort out impurities, tone and rejuvenate
Milk Powder - To soften and smooth
Honey - A natural antibacterial that soothes and moisturises
Cocoa Powder - Naturally rich in vitamins and contains anti oxidant compounds. According to Joik, the scent fills you with 'happy hormones' that aid in relaxation, relieve tension and ease stress.

And that's it. Four, fairly simple natural ingredients. Well played Joik, well played.
The mask comes packaged in a round, plastic 50g tub and is in loose powder form, meaning you have to mix up the mask yourself, which is kind of fun in itself.
To make the face mask, mix about one teaspoon of the powder with equal amounts of your choice of water, milk or herbal tea. I really like this element of choosing which liquid to use and thought perhaps mixing it up with some chamomile tea might be a winner.
This time though, I used milk. Controversial.

I used way too much milk though, so ended up with a much thinner consistency than I would have liked, but I still put it all over my face.
As this is a clay based mask, it sets and hardens, indicating when it's time to wash it off. I used a warm damp flannel to do this and it came off easily enough and left my skin feeling rather heavenly.

I'm sure you've already guessed what this smells like - pretty much exactly like a steaming cup of hot chocolate - so it's certainly not unpleasant to wait around for it to dry. Unless you don't like chocolate, obviously.

While it's certainly not what I'd call a beauty essential, it is a lovely treat product and would make a great gift for any sweet toothed friends/ family this christmas.
The Joik Chocolate Facial Mask is £11 at LoveLula.

Magicstripes Lifting Collagen Mask

I've reviewed the Magicstripes eye strips recently and now I've had the opportunity to try another one of a kind beauty innovation from the brand - the Lifting Collagen Mask.

 As you can see, this is a very unique face mask! The Magicstripes Lifting Collagen Mask is a cloth 'hydrogel' mask that you wear on your jaw like a sling (as you would if you had somehow broken your chin) so it can get to work targeting the jawline.

The mask is infused with a cocktail of collagen, caffeine, Vitamins C and E, Macadamia Nut Oil and water and aims to define the facial contours, lift and streamline the area and provide a boost of nourishment.
Collagen - forms a moisturising film on the skin, 'filling up' fine lines
Caffeine - stimulates and promotes blood circulation.
Vitamin C- supports the development of collagen. An effective anti-oxidant that neutralises free radicals.
Vitamin E - Protects against premature ageing and combats harmful environmental influences.
Macadamia Nut Oil - Smooths and regenerates the skin.

The actual shape of the mask plays a part in the lifting and firming as it literally 'lifts' the skin while the formula gets to work.

To use the mask, you hook it over your ears and across your chin, sit back for around an hour and pray with everything you have that the doorbell doesn't ring. By the way, if you follow me on Instagram, you can see me doing just that.

Before now, I'd never tried a face mask quite like this (though this one comes close) and initially found the whole chin-sling-thing quite bizarre. After putting it on though, I can't deny that it feels fantastic on the skin. The mask has a refreshing, cooling effect that is particularly welcome now that the sun is starting to show his big, fiery face and has a very subtle, clean and fresh scent.

It's worth noting that only one side of the cloth mask is 'wet' - once you've pulled it out of its sachet, the mask is peeled off a backing and the moist side is applied to your face.
While the Lifting Collagen Mask felt nice and cooling, I did find it a little uncomfortable around my ears (though not so uncomfortable that I took it off before one hour) as it sort of tugged on them.I do have a fairly giant head though so you probably won't have this problem!

Once removed, the skin around my chin and jawline felt smooth and soft, possibly even a little 'tighter' though I'm not particularly saggy around this area anyway. Yet.

All in all, the MagicStripes Lifting Collagen Mask is a definite 'treat' beauty item that should be pulled out before a special occasion for a little more lift and definition. Besides the obvious funny appearance of the mask, the fact that it isn't gooey or sticky means you go about your other beauty business without fear of getting product on your clothes/ towels/ walls.

The MagicStripes Lifting Collagen Mask is available from Harvey Nichols, www.beautyworkswest.com and My Showcase for £39 for a pack of 5.

Post contains sample

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask Review

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask 

I've read so many great reviews about the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask that I'm almost ashamed it's taken me this long to try it myself!
The concept in itself seems both genius and bizarre - genius in that sleeping is a perfect time to feed your skin with a massive dose of hydration and bizarre in that there is every chance you'll wake up with a creamy mess in your hair and all over your pillow. Or so I thought.
This night time mask doesn't exactly work like that. You don't smother your face in a thick layer and then fall asleep concerned it's going to end up smeared all over the duvet, rather you massage it in and 'tissue off' the excess, or if you're like me, grab a bit of loo roll. I'm sure it has the same effect.

The mask is a thick cream formula full of essential oils and brown sugar that give it a beautifully organic, relaxing scent. The texture is not unlike a heavy moisturiser and doesn't feel cloying or sticky once the excess is wiped off.
It's worth mentioning that when I applied this for the first time last night before bed, I was actually surprised (and maybe a little bit annoyed) that it felt so refreshing and almost invigorating - not exactly the effect I wanted when I was merely minutes away from sleep. While the invigorating, refreshing feeling wasn't unpleasant in the slightest, I just wasn't expecting it and now has me thinking that the mask could well double up as a morning moisturiser.

Come morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see and feel that my skin had in fact, 'drunk up' the mask while I slept. How cool is that? I don't really know how to describe how my face felt, but hydrated and soft are two words that certainly spring to mind.
If you haven't tried Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask yet, I think now is the perfect time as it's definitely more of a wintery-weather skin treat. Origins recommend you use it twice a week but I'm not sure I'll be able to stop myself slathering this on every night. A great product.
Origings Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask is £20.70 for 100ml from Boots - my 50ml sized tube came in a gift pack.

Super Indulgent Sjal Face Masks

I've recently had the pleasure of trying out two beautiful, ultra indulgent face masques from Sjal Skincare.
Sjal - a Swedish word meaning spirit, mind, heart and soul- is the brainchild of mother/ daughter duo Karen and Kristin Petrovich and is renowned for merging Eastern and Western beauty concepts and technologies.
Sjal products utilise the latest in scientific advances whilst maintaining a holistic approach to skincare using a unique combination of Ayurvedic, Chinese, Tibetan, Homeopathic and Vibrational medicinal elements that come together to create some truly luxurious products!

Pearl Enzyme Exfoliating Mask

I'm not joking (for once), this product is incredible. It's actually probably the only mask I've used recently where I've literally thought 'wow, that's actually done something' after I've wiped it off!

This mask contains two types of pearl - a 'micro pearl extract' for brightening and evening out skin tone and crushed pearl to gently polish the skin.

Fruit and vegetable enzymes including mushroom, pomegranate, pumpkin and papain (a component of papaya) provide a thorough yet gentle acidic exfoliation while royal jelly and fennel extracts go to work softening and nourishing the skin.

This is already a heck of a lot to get excited about but the really gorgeous thing about this mask is the fact that it contains derivatives of DIAMONDS, SAPHIRE, RUBY, AMETHYST, CITRINE and SMITHSONITE.

Sorry about the caps, but I think they're warranted in this case.

Now, what on Earth could diamonds and rubies have to do with skincare?

Well this is where the Vibrational Medicine aspect of Sjal comes into play - these gemstones are added to promote clarity and balance and bring vibrational energy to the skin!

That's a lot to fit into one pot but all of the components I've mentioned come together to create one surprisingly gentle but ultra effective face mask -  there was no tingling or discomfort while the mask was on and once I'd rinsed it away my face felt like I'd just had micro dermabrasion minus that stinging feeling.

Sjal Pearl Enzyme Exfoliating Mask retails at £110 for 60ml at Space NK.

Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask

This little pot of luxury was developed to calm and firm the skin as well as aid in minimising pores.

A variety of Chinese herbs, silk proteins and Blue Lotus extract combine to protect, soften and calm your face while a Copper peptide and 'DNA Booster' containing GOLD, SILVER and PLATINUM (there we go with the caps again) contribute to a firming and lifting effect.

Blue Sapphire, which is believed to stimulate the pituitary gland (which in turn increases melatonin production to combat aging) is the vibrational energy component of the Kashmir Saphir mask and is included to promote clarity and purity!

This mask also incorporates bio-chemical tissue salts into the mix which aid skin recovery after exposure to harsh elements including cold wind and sun.

The mask can be used after the Pearl Enzyme Exfoliating mask to leave skin soothed and smoothed with improved elasticity.

I found that the Kashmir mask is rather tingly when on the skin but afterwards my face felt refreshed and energized with zero discomfort/ reaction.

Sjal Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask is available at Look Fantastic for £112 for a 60ml jar.

This dynamic duo may be jaw-droppingly pricey but truth be told, a little bit of product goes an awful long way. I received small sample pots of each, used both twice and have barely made a dent.

Much like Creme de la Mer and La Prairie, Sjal face masks are investment pieces indeed but good ones at that!