Tried & Loved - Boscia - Luminizing Black Mask

 It looks a little odd, but stick with me - this is a fun mask with super benefits!

I originally purchased this mask when I was in America ohhhh, in 2010 it was actually (how sad, I need to get back ASAP!). I believe I had heard about this mask from other beauty bloggers in the states and was super excited to be able to get my hands on it. It's still a mask that I turn to today, 4 years later.

The mask is described by Boscia as:

"An innovative peel-off mask that helps boost skin clarity and minimize the appearance of pores. Removes dirt and impurities, absorbs excess oil and reveals a healthy, glowing complexion."

This mask works best if you place a generous enough layer that you can barely see your skin through it, avoiding the eye area of course, but not so thick that it won't dry. I used to be a little bit too skimpy with the product to start with as I never wanted it to run out, but trust me, the tube will last for ages! If you have a generous layer similar looking to what mine is in the pictures above, you will find it a lot easier to peel off too.

As the mask dries you will feel it tightening a little on your face. It's certainly not an uncomfortable tightness, and there's no tingling or burning like I've had happen with other masks. Once it's dry you will know by moving your face and feeling like your skin and the mask are moving together and that it's dry to touch. Now for the fun part... peeling it off!

Remember peeling off PVA glue from your hand and fingers in primary school? It's a little like this, but with your face. Haha. I try to test myself and see if I can peel it all off in one piece. You might be impressed to know that this time, pictured above, I got it all off in one single piece apart from 2 thin spots on the very edge of the mask. Ha. The parts that don't come off, trust me when I say it's a lot easier to rub the skin until it balls up and peels off than to wash it off with water. Wetting the mask resets the mask properties and it's a little bit messier to get off that way.

Once you peel off the mask you will literally be able to see how the mask has benefited your skin. You can see little pieces that have been pulled from your pores and skin surface. Kind of gross, but quite satisfying. Your face will feel completely smooth and fresh, and I do believe that the claims from Boscia are true, you will be left with a healthy glowing complexion free from impurities.

This mask is also apparently quite similar to the Kose Mask White - more details on that here. If you've tried that, did you find it as effective as I've described?

You can read more about the Boscia Black Face Mask here, and I am assuming this brand will be available once Sephora hits the Australian shores this December. Finally! ^_^

What's your favourite face mask to clear blackheads and brighten your skin? Would you like to try this, or is it a bit too strange? x

Tried & Loved - Facial Fresh - Vitamin C - Cloth Facial Treatment Mask

Recently I was lucky enough to test the Facial Fresh - Vitamin C - Cloth Facial Treatment Mask and I'm happy to share that it was an easy, rewarding experience! 

The cloth masks are something that I've seen appearing a little bit more frequently lately, and I have to say that I'm definitely a fan. They are super easy to use and to clean up after. The packaging is small and neat so they travel well, and because they're packed individually you never have issues with them drying out. 

Applying the mask is as easy as described in the 3 step diagram on the back of the packaging seen in the photo above. Remove the mask from the silver foil fresh packet (be careful as you're opening this as I found there is quite a lot of liquid within to keep the mask fully soaked - no skimping here!), then fit the mask to your face lining up the eye, nose and mouth holes provided. The mask is quite wet with the active liquid so it sticks really well, and there is plenty of room to breathe through the holes provided, I was even able to eat with it on (I was hungry and couldn't wait, hehe). I left the mask on for around 15 - 20 minutes as suggested and the mask stayed moist the whole time. Taking it off was simple, and I opted to rub the leftover moisture into my skin. 

The Vitamin C mask that I tested is described on the Facial Fresh website as: 

"Brighten and energise dull or lack-lustre skin, with a boost of youthful radiance. With its immediate invigorating effects, the Vitamin C Mask leaves skin looking clear, revitalised and glowing with health. One of the most favoured natural antioxidants, Vitamin C helps nourish and protect skin cells. Suitable for all skin types, including mature skin.

Each Facial Fresh face mask delivers a precise dose of fresh concentrated serum to your skin in hygienically sealed sachets."

The mask definitely felt like it delivered as the description suggests. After using the mask my skin appeared instantly brighter, felt softer, and the pleasant smell left me feeling energised. The scent is not overpowering at all, it's a refreshing somewhat citrus scent. Leaving the mask on for 15-20 minutes my skin didn't tingle or burn so I think it would be appropriate for all skin types as they suggest. It's a really gentle mask, that still delivers on results. I can imagine using this every week would really benefit my skin!

The mask is availabe from The Facial Fresh website here and there are several other versions of this mask with different benefits that would be great to check out depending on your skin requirements. The masks range in price from $8.95 currently for a single mask, or starting at $20.95 for a 3 pack. 

Have you tried a Facial Fresh Cloth Facial Treatment Mask before? What's your favourite skin care mask that you can't live without? x