Tag: masks

Sheet Mask Not Delivering Glow-Enhancing Results? This Could Be Why

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Turns out there’s actually a fine art to applying a sheet mask that, until now, nobody was aware of. 

It’s a little known fact that face masks can solve any of life’s problems. Bad day at work? Face mask. Overplucked your eyebrows? Face mask. Rent is due next week and you have less than five euro in your bank account? Face mask.  Accidentally swiped left to a super hot guy with a dog on Tinder? Face mask.

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While it may not exactly ~solve~ those problems, a face mask will, however, distract you long enough that you won’t become a nervous wreck and that’s pretty much the same thing. But face masks can be time-consuming, especially if you go the DIY route. So that’s why when sheet masks first came on the scene, our lazy but enjoys-being-pampered selves were thrilled. 

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Simply take out of the packet, pop on your face, leave for 15 minutes and boom, glowing skin. Easy right? Well, actually no – it’s not that simple. Turns out there’s actually a fine art to applying a sheet mask that until now, nobody was aware of. 

It may be that you forgot to set a timer, you applied too much product, or you simply picked up the wrong formula. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Thankfully, this is a judgement-free zone and we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for common mistakes and a few tips on applying (and removing) a sheet mask correctly.

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NOT USING THE RIGHT KIND OF MASK FOR YOUR SKIN

So okay, maybe this seems like an obvious one but we bet at some stage in your sheet mask life, you’ve bought one just because it’s metallic gold…and not because it’s actually good for your skin. Hey, no judgement, we’ve done it too, but as fun as it is to have a metallic gold face for 15 minutes, you really should start paying attention to what skin type those face masks are designed for and buying the ones that best suit you and your skin.

USING TOO MUCH PRODUCT 

From foundation to ketchup, we’ve got a heavy hand when it comes to liquids and it’s no different when we use an ‘apply it yourself’ face mask. Look, there are days where our skin feels extra crap so we tend to whack on a thicker layer than usual to give our skin that bit more TLC but the truth is:  it’s actually doing more damage.

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TREATING FACE MASKS AS A TREAT

If we have a special event coming up, we often get a bit too excited because it gives us an excuse to pamper ourselves. But guess what? You don’t need an excuse to treat yourself.  You should be incorporating a face mask into your weekly skincare routine. If you’re unsure of how frequently you should be using a face mask, check the back of the packaging because no two face masks are the same. Some will suggest once a week only where others will recommend 3-4 times a week. 

NOT PREPPING YOUR SKIN BEFOREHAND

So picture this: you’re having a no make-up day and it hits about 8 pm and you’re feeling very proud of yourself for giving your face a chance to breathe so you think about treating it that bit more by doing a face mask, so you just lash it on without washing your face first. Sound familiar? Us too. Just because you haven’t applied makeup to remove doesn’t mean you can skip a cleanse. You should be applying your face mask to clean, dry skin so not giving your face a wash beforehand just means you’re layering a face mask on top of dirt and bacteria it’s picked up during the day… #gross.

THINKING A FACE MASK IS THE FINAL STEP

Hate to break this one to you but a face mask doesn’t solve all of life’s problems. After masking, you aren’t finished. You need to carry on with your regular skincare regime, applying toner, serum and most importantly a moisturizer is key to locking in all those face mask benefits.

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USING A SHEET MASK STRAIGHT OUT OF THE PACKET

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Okay, so maybe you’re thinking we’re the silly ones for not already knowing this but you should be cutting your face mask to make it fit your face. We mean once you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. You cut your false eyelashes to fit your eyes, so you should be cutting your sheet mask to fit your face instead of almost suffocating because it’s too big.

USING A DIRTY BRUSH

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Now judge us all you want, but sometimes we just can’t find the energy to wash our brushes but applying a face mask with an unwashed brush is utterly pointless. Not only are you contaminating your tub of face mask by dipping a dirty brush into the pot, but you’re also then smearing all that bacteria around your face which is doing more harm than good. 

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LEAVING A FACE MASK ON TOO LONG

It happens: the packet says to leave on for 15 minutes so you take to Instagram to fill the time but you get carried away creeping on your crush account and suddenly, an hour has gone by. Leaving a face mask on longer than it should be is actually super harmful to your skin because the benefits only apply while the mask is still wet. Once the mask dries out, it begins to draw moisture and vitamins away from your face as opposed to nourishing the skin like intended.

YES, THERE IS A RIGHT SIDE

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Again, so maybe we really just didn’t have a clue about sheet masks to begin with but we’re feeling confident that you too have at one stage or another worn a sheet mask the wrong way round. It’s time to set the record straight reveal that the side facing the paper is the side you should be applying to our skin. Groundbreaking, we know. 

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Hype or Not: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Review

Published on by Lee9 Comments

While there are hundreds (if not thousands) of face masks options available, you’d be hard pressed to find one that boasts more five-star reviews and celeb love than the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask. Amazon customers are practically writing novels about how it has transformed their skin, sharing astonishing Aztec Clay Mask before-and-after photos.

Since going viral a few years ago, the mask has racked up over 13,000 positive reviews from Amazon shoppers who have referred to is as the “holy grail of face masks” for acne—and it makes sense because it’s made with 100 percent bentonite clay, which helps to draw out the skin’s impurities. Unlike most face masks—which come ready to apply—you’ll have to whip up your own concoction using equal parts Aztec Indian Healing clay and apple cider vinegar or water. Yes, it’s a little extra work, but reviewers and stars alike agree it’s totally worth the time because it leaves their pores feeling so refreshed.

WHAT IS IT: AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY is natural Calcium Bentonite Clay from Death Valley, California, where it is sun- dried for up to six months in temperatures that sometimes reach 134 degrees. The unique structure of the molecules in Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay carry a negative electron charge. This comes from the valance electron count from the specific minerals found in Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. This Indian Healing Clay lifts the pimple and blackheads into the clay bed to cause accelerated healing and nourishment to the skin with over 50 minerals.

  1. 100% NATURAL
  2. Deep pore cleaning with 100% natural calcium Bentonite Clay
  3. Does not contain: additives, fragrances or animal products
  4. Use for acne and blemishes. Use it once per week

HOW TO USE: After mixing with vinegar, apply the smooth, paste-like substance to the skin using your fingertips or, as reviewers recommend, with a silicone brush applicator, and allow it to dry for up to 20 minutes. (Note: Dry time can vary depending on your skin’s sensitivity.) As it dries, you’ll feel a pulling and tightening sensation, which is just the deep pore cleansing in action. The mask is so powerful that many customers recommend only using it once a week and moisturizing right after, as it’ll leave your skin feeling a tad on the dry side.

WARNING: Please note that when you rinse off the mask your face may be red and this is normal with this clay mask. This redness will be gone within 20 to 30 minutes.

PRIMP TIP: It’s easy to customize this clay mask depending on your skin’s mood. If you want a shot of moisture, add a teaspoon of raw honey to your mixture. For a more soothing formula, add some Aloe Vera gel, and if blemishes are an issue, a few drops of Tea Tree Oil will do the trick. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is as powerful as it is versatile.

“This product is AMAZING. It’s an official Holy Grail product of mine,” another reviewer wrote. “I ideally use it once-a-week, and it feels as if angels themselves have taken the time, to delicately renew my skin with the magical touch of their wings.”

Dramatic, yes, but the mask is so popular, it even has a long list of celeb fans, including Kourtney Kardashian—the latest A-list to chime in on her love for it. In a recent post on her website, Poosh, she shared that the Aztec clay mask is one of three products she rotates in her “self-care Sunday masking routine.” As it turns out, her sister Khloé Kardashian is also a huge fan, along with Mindy Kaling and Lili Reinhart.

In 2015, Kaling shared a photo on Instagram wearing the Aztec mask that she mixed with Bragg’s organic raw apple cider vinegar (also available on Amazon).

PRIMP TIP: I learned from some people that you should spray a hydrating facial mist on your face while the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is on your face. That way it will be kept moist and easier to remove and the clay will not take moisture off from your skin. It’s the same logic with sheet masks.

MY EXPERIENCE: This pulsating sensation is pretty intense as the clay mask is working hard to rid your skin of all the dirt and grime. You will feel some tugging! After the recommended 20 minutes, the clay concoction hardens and makes your face feel a little tight. That’s your cue to wash it all off. I was left with slightly reddish skin, but this dissipated after five to ten minutes. I looked in the mirror, and an unbelievably squeaky clean face greeted me. “Is this really MY skin?” I marveled.

That’s not all. After prolonged use, you will find that your skin is no longer as prone to breakouts. And there’s still so much clay left in the tub!

This clay mask is truly no joke. It leaves a wonderful sensation on your skin but more than that, it is healing. It heals by getting rid of all the grit and sebum that causes breakouts. With a great price to boot, great reviews by thousands of users and some pampering time on offer, you can’t go  wrong with this one.

*This product may or may not help you. If the pimple persists, you may need to know the type of pimple you have or better, consult a doctor.

Did you try the Aztec Secrets Indian Healing Clay Mask – the world’s most powerful facial!? Lemme know about your experience….

This $12 Cooling Mask Is The Best Thing To Use Before Makeup

Published on by Lee1 Comment

If you’re anything like me, you find Amazon a little addictive – there are so many cool gadgets and unique beauty products that you won’t find anywhere else. My latest discovery that I’m totally obsessed with is this Hot and Cold Therapy Gel Bead Full Facial Mask, $12, which is perfect for wearing before makeup, and I love that you can use this over and over again!

I like to keep the mask in my fridge and use it cold for 10 minutes before I start my makeup routine. The cold from the mask helps depuff, tighten pores, and smooth the skin by constricting blood vessels and reducing the natural heat in the skin. I feel like it also really helps smooth out the appearance of fine lines and just generally has a tightening effect on my skin. In fact, applying something cold to your face is so good that the Victoria’s Secret models famously do ice facials before a show. And, although ice facials work so well, I feel like this cooling mask is just as effective and way less hassle than splashing your face in freezing water. You can also use this mask if you have sunburn, puffy eyes or a headache, to help calm and soothe.

I love that this can be used hot as well – if you’ve ever tried steam eye masks, you’ll know how therapeutic it feels. So, before you go to sleep, you can pop this in the microwave briefly, and then wear it while it’s warm. By using the mask hot, it helps improve blood circulation, relieve eye strain, and just generally helps majorly zen you out. If you get dry eyes in winter, the heat from the mask can help to moisten your eyes as well.

The best thing is the mask has a really soft lining to it, so it’s really comfortable to wear (although sometimes I wear it with the beads next to my skin, so it feels extra cold)! It also has two Velcro straps to secure it, which means you can basically do anything while you’re wearing it!

Would you guys try this? Let me know in the comments below.

Everything You Need To Know To Get Rid Of Blackheads

Published on by Lee1 Comment

There are so many amazing things in life, but blackheads are not one of them, in fact, they’re annoying AF. Plus, every time you think you’ve gotten rid of the little sucker, it comes back with more in its place. Lucky for me I don’t have that problem but you know who do – my MOM. And because I’m constantly getting asked about how to get rid of blackheads, I thought I’d do a roundup of all the tips, tricks, and hacks as well as some hero products that save the day whenever your blackheads pop up again. The first thing to remember is not to worry about them – no one really notices them besides yourself. So, here’s everything you need to know…

What causes blackheads?

A blackhead is a pore that’s blocked with oil, dead skin, and debris – ew! This blocks the pore and prevents the gland from secreting the debris, which then causes the wax plug to be pushed toward the surface of the skin. This then oxidizes causing the contents of the pore to turn black – et voila, you have a blackhead!

But sometimes, what looks like a blackhead is, in fact, a tiny hair or sebaceous filament, which are a combination of sebum and skin cells. So be careful, because that one ‘blackhead’ you’ve been trying to squeeze all week could be a hair. This is why you should avoid squeezing your blackheads (we know it’s tempting) as you’ll only bruise the skin, and it could even trigger a breakout.

How to get rid of them?

Use blackhead-busting ingredients:

When it comes to getting rid of blackheads, these skin saviors will kick ass:

Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is your secret weapon when it comes to the keeping blackheads at bay. It’s super effective as it’s able to penetrate deep into the skin, dissolving the ‘glue’ that binds the debris together, and exfoliating the inside walls of your pores. I love the Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Facial Scrub with 2% Salicylic Acid, $4.47, as it exfoliates skin to lift away the trapped dirt, oil and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. As it’s amazing for unclogging pores and removing impurities.

With regular use, this exfoliating facial cleanser helps reduce the number of blackheads allowing for clearer, healthier-looking skin. Its unique formula contains natural micro-scrubbers for surface skin exfoliation. Made with 2% salicylic acid, it contains a proven acne medication that is known to treat and clear blemishes and blackheads. Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub is recommended for daily use and features a gentle, oil-free formula that is suitable for all skin types.

Retinol: I know the prospect of using a retinol may seem a bit much, but many of the best skin specialist’s that I came across suggest incorporating a retinol-based cream into your regime from your 20s. If you’re not familiar with retinol, it’s a vitamin A derivative that boosts skin cell renewal. Retinol thickens the deeper layer of your skin and helps decrease oil production, which helps tighten pores and keep blackheads at bay.

Clay: Clay is an amazing purifying and extracting ingredient, which makes a clay mask ideal for combatting and preventing blackheads. Clay will extract oil and purify pores, while gently exfoliating the skin. I’m obsessed with the L’Oreal Clay masks; they have different masks to cater to different skin concerns, but with all of them, you can literally see the oil being extracted from your skin – totally gross but also super satisfying.

Tools and DIYs

Use a cleansing brush: If you’re prone to getting blackheads, you could consider getting a cleansing brush. This will intensify your cleansing routine, and help remove any dead skin, oil or debris from your pores. If you’re prepared to make the investment, the Soniclear Petite, $89, is amazing or Soniclear Elite, $149 which is a bit pricey but it is so worth it! Although if you have sensitive skin, limit yourself to using the brush just twice a week, and don’t use too much pressure.

Steam: A gentle steam can do amazing things for your skin. Most importantly it will hydrate your skin and open your pores so they’re more receptive to other topical products that you apply.

Silk Cocoons: Silk cocoons are a super easy way to exfoliate your skin, leaving your skin feeling soft but more importantly free of dirt, oil, and bacteria! They feel like cardboard when dry, but the silk balls contain sericin, a protein that is hailed for having anti-aging properties as well as great exfoliation power. All you do is run the ball underneath some warm water or soak it for a couple of minutes to soften it, then pop it on your finger, and using small circular motions, gently pass it over your skin. Do it twice a week to keep blackheads at bay. You can buy a pack of them here, $6.45.

Bioré Limited-Edition Deep Cleansing Pore Strips: These pore cleansing strips help extract any dirt or oil clogging your pores by extracting them. You can get them on Amazon here, $5.64.

Let me know if there are any other skin issues you need help with, or want me to discuss in the comments below.