Hi Divas

This past Winter has wreaked absolute havoc on my combination skin. The cold air has caused significant dryness along my forehead and mouth area causing my face to feel tight and look dull. I too am prone to flaking around my nose when my skin is particularly quenched. This is a pure sign of skin dehydration. Dehydrated skin can occur in all skin types as the epidermis lacks significant moisture. The golden element H20 is needed to replenish skin and restore it to its healthy state. Therefore I was so grateful when Clarins South Africa sent me their Hydra Essentiel range to review. I am no stranger to Clarins products as I was addicted to their Daily Energizer range along with their Bright Plus Line in the past. Clarins has always been a prestigious brand that not only offers luxury skincare but effective products with high quality ingredients. What sets the new Clarins Hydra Essential products apart is their significant attention to increasing and locking in moisture. Our faces are constantly exposed to outside elements daily causing dehydration, therefore these products can be used on all skin types to replenish our skin.

This powerful serum is a super hydrating formula consisting of Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid for intense hydration. It is a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid which provides a longer hydration life span. The serum contains Organic Leaf of Life extract, Organic Strawberry Tree extract and Crocus (Saffron Polyphenols). These all aid in balancing the skin's sebum production, tightening pores and radiating skin. The watery formula has a duo aspect and must be shaken to combine and activate ingredients. One and a half pumps are enough to quench my face for ultimate moisture. My skin loves this serum and soaks it up immediately after each use. It has a silky texture that absorbs wonderfully onto my face. The serum can be applied day and night to increase effectiveness. I highly recommend it, to add to your daily routine. Serums are truly miracle concoctions in a bottle.

 

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Cream Mask 75ml

The overnight cream mask contains Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Leaf of Life extract and Ceramides to plump and nourish skin. The concentrated ingredients strengthen the skin's barrier by providing long-lasting hydration. The mask goes a long way as it has a thick velvety texture. I apply a small coin-sized amount specifically concentrating on my problem areas such as my forehead, around my nose and mouth. This mask has a creamy formula and any white excess left on the surface will be absorbed into the skin after some time. I love to use it as a sleeping mask before bed twice a week. I wake up in the morning with beautiful plump and moisturized skin. This mask is an absolute treat on super chilly days! It is a great investment as it will last a really long time with a whopping 75ml of product.

The new hydrating mist added to the range is my favourite product. It is extremely versatile and can be used in many different ways. The mist gives an instant boost of hydration. This is a lightweight and refreshing formula to use on the go when your face is feeling particularly parched. Not only does it add intense moisture but, a burst of radiance too. I love to use this throughout the day when my skin feels tight. It is a great addition to spritz over makeup application to keep the complexion from cracking due to dry weather. My foundation looks so much smoother and well-blended after a quick spray of the mist. The ingredients contain White Hound extract, Organic Leaf of Life, Nipplewort and Furcellaria to protect the skin against outside pollution and provide a fresh dewy face.

Usually, skincare brands provide all the necessary steps for glowing skin but forget one of the most important elements on our face, the lips! Thankfully Clarins did not neglect to spare us the embarrassment of a dry and cracked pout. This nifty little balm is perfect to throw in your handbag and use on the go. The tube packaging makes for a quick and mess-free application too. The Hyaluronic Lip Technology not only moisturizes the lips but significantly plumps and adds a natural shine as well. This non-sticky formula instantly hydrates and protects lips all day. I prefer to use the lip balm at night as an overnight lip mask. I have seen a significant improvement in the softness of my lips.

Did you know Clarins is committed to responsible sourcing and eco-designs to protect our environment? Yet another reason to purchase this incredible range and support a brand that is conscious about sustainability and making a positive impact on communities around them. Their motto is to reduce, reuse and recycle. They have therefore implemented actions to purchase their raw materials in sustainable ways, along with sourcing plant ingredients while preserving biodiversity. Their eco-friendly packaging encourages recycling to reduce overconsumption and limit waste. It is great knowing that you are purchasing and using products responsibly. What a wonderful initiative Clarins has taken.

These products are an absolute delight and I fully recommend them. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @divadesle to see me use the range in action. Have you tried any of the Clarins line? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Hi Divas

Welcome back to another Pamper Sunday edition. I love Sundays as these are my relaxing self-care days, where I can indulge in much needed TLC for my body. This week I am bringing to you the strangest mask I have ever tried. This is the Sephora Silver Mask Glow Booster. I picked this up at a Sephora a while ago when I was working in Doha, Qatar. This mask intrigued me the most as it is made out of foil and contains diamond extracts. Now we all know diamonds are a girl's best friend, therefore if I can get some bling into my skincare routine, that would be real luxury living! The mask too claims to illuminate, smooth and moisturize dull tired skin. I am going to need all these promises to work as this pandemic world of late is stressful and it shows in my dreary looking complexion.

The Sheet mask is well packaged in a silver futuristic design and is enclosed by two protective mesh sheets inside. The mask is foiled on one side only and the white fabric on the back should be placed directly onto the face. Sephora states the silver look is for an awesome selfie, therefore I'm assuming that the foiled section is solely for aesthetics. The mask holds a generous amount of essence as the sheet is drenched in product. Excess serum can be stored in the fridge to be used the next day. The essence contains diamond powder extracts which is known to remove dead skin cells thus causing a brighter complexion. It too helps to stimulate collagen production, reduces the appearance of sun damage and increases deep hydration. Clearly diamonds turn out to be a real best friend indeed.

This is honestly one of the weirdest masks I have ever worn. It is comfortable to wear and does not slide down the face. It feels heavier than most masks as it has an extra foiled layer to it. The sheet fits snug on my features and I had no problems with it being too small or too big over my face. The essence feels very moisturising on the skin and has a cooling effect. I could wear this for more than 30 minutes without any hindrances. My face looked visibly brighter and felt smoother after use. This is a fun mask to try out and wear. The illuminating and hydrating benefits are for the moment but it won't give any long-lasting effects. I would say that the mask is quite gimmicky and not needed within your skin care routine. It's great to try out for fun and as stated selfie purposes. You won't be missing out on any skin care secrets if you don't pick this up. I am glad I gave it a try though. I enjoyed looking like a futuristic character from a Sci-Fi movie.

What do you think of my new look? Let me know down below.

Hi Divas

This year, 2020 has been a monumental mess in all aspects. I think we are all tired of the loss, pain and struggles of everyday life. Trying to stay above water as everything came crashing down was a reality for most of us. Things like indulging in entertainment, beauty and fashion suddenly took a back seat. With all the stress this year brought and the continuous use of constricting face masks, our skin definitely took a hard beating. Thankfully Ponds has provided luxurious face masks for an extremely affordable price. These masks come in two varieties, and I have already done a review on one here. The Age Miracle Firming Sheet Mask is what I shall be highlighting in this post. These masks are made in Korea, which is amazing as they save us shipping fees from exporting them from Korea to our door. The Ponds masks are packed with nutritious ingredients and made from similar cotton fibres which are well known in Korean Skin Care. The Firming mask promises to boost the skin's natural plumping power. I need all the power I can get as I am not getting any younger and theses face masks and pandemic woes are not doing me any favours.

 

The sheet mask is very comfortable to wear. The cotton fibre is soft and the holes are big enough to fit snug across the face. The mask is drenched in essence and the left-over serum can be kept in the fridge to use the next day. The texture of the serum is gel like and feels very soothing and moisturizing on the skin. It does not run or drip down the neck. The essence has a viscous consistency but absorbs well into the skin. There is a slight sweet medicinal scent, but it is nothing over whelming. This mask is enjoyable to wear as it fits like a glove. I can easily wear it for more than 30 minutes with no worries. It relaxes the face and feels very hydrating. All my facial creams mix well with the essence when I apply it on top. My skin does not feel sticky or congested after use.

I love the results this mask gives me at night and the next morning. It visibly moisturizes and plumps the skin. My face looks revived and rejuvenated. I don't have any visible wrinkles to comment on regarding reduction but I am hoping with continuous use, this sheet mask can help in preventing them to occur at a slower rate. Let's face it, wrinkles are inevitable but you want to reduce its appearance and slow down production, if you know what I mean! I totally recommend these masks, as they are very affordable, packed with wonderful ingredients and visibly nourish and hydrate the skin. You truly won't be disappointed. In these crazy times, I need all the help I can get. 

Hi Divas

 

On my last trip to Sephora back in March, I received my very first gift with purchase. I was so excited as this was the first time, I racked up points to have a complimentary gift. Unfortunately, there is no Sephora present in South Africa and I can only indulge when I am overseas on a working trip. I therefore gain very little points throughout the year. When the sales assistant told me, I gained enough points for a free gift I jumped at the opportunity to try some new skin care items. I chose the Origins Mega Mushroom skin care set as it intrigued me the most. I have been trying to improve my skin care regiment and thought this would be the perfect time to try out new products. Origins is an American brand which launched in the early 90's. They have collaborated with a well-known celebrity doctor, Dr Andrew Weil, to create the Mega Mushroom line. The brand sought to create natural vegetarian and vegan products which are hydrating and soothing for all skin types. The mega mushrooms Reishi, Chaga and Coprinus all contain essential properties used by ancient Chinese medicine to help improve health and promote longevity. In the skin soother set there are three travel size products which are known to be quite popular in the range. Below are my mini reviews for each product.

 

The name is very deceiving as this is not a traditional lotion but actually a very watery toner. Instead of using a cotton pad, I like to place a few drops in the palm of my hand and pat it gently all over my face. Since the product is very runny, you have to work quickly. The treatment lotion absorbs efficiently and feels very soothing on the face. This is a wonderful product for those who have red and irritated skin. It definitely calms and soothes inflamed areas. The key ingredients in this product are Reishi, fermented Chaga, Coprinus Mushrooms, as well as Sea Buckthorn. All these are proven to boost hydration and rapidly reduce visible redness. I like this toner as it is a great first step to add moisture to the face after cleansing. It revives the skin and makes it feel healthy and supple.

This is my favourite product in the line, and again the name is deceiving. It says serum but the actual texture of the product feels like a creamy light lotion. As you can see in the photo below, the serum has a milky white consistency. It feels beautifully moisturizing on the skin. It makes the face smooth and supple. If you have very oily skin, you could totally wear this on its own with no extra products needed. The main active ingredients are fermented Chaga and Reishi mushrooms. These are used to strengthen the skin barrier against outside irritants as well as calming the skin while reducing redness. The serum feels soothing and comfortable on the skin. A great product to lather on at night after a long and stressful day.

If you are familiar with Korean skin care, then you will understand when I tell you that this face mask feels like a sleeping pack more than a wash off mask. It actually feels like a thick moisturizer which can be worn to bed at night and washed off in the morning. The instructions says to smear it all over the face and wipe off with a paper tissue, but the mask melts into the skin till there is nothing left to wipe off. I therefore use it as an overnight sleeping mask. The consistency is thick and very moisturizing which is great for Winter skin. It does not leave any unwanted residue as it absorbs effectively. I have combination skin and it made my skin wonderfully moisturized without being oily. If you have a dry skin type your face will drink this formula right up. The mask contains fermented Chaga mushroom, Reishi mushroom with Sea Buckthorn to create a creamy and thick moisturizing consistency to soothe and reduce red and sensitive skin. The mask gives a healthy and calming complexion.

The Origins Mega Mushroom is a Vegan friendly and Paraben free skin care line. Each product has a distinct herbal scent which is consistent with each product. The scent is not overpowering but may be troublesome to those who are sensitive to fragrance. The products are very gentle and effective in what they sought out to do, which is soothing and moisturizing sensitive skin. I am happy that I got to test the range as the full-size products are quite expensive and I probably would have given it a skip. My favourite product as mentioned above is the serum. If I were to splurge, I would certainly add that to my cart. I hope you all enjoyed my mini review. What do you think of the brand and products? Have you tried any of them? Let me know in the comments below.

Hi Divas

 

I hope you are all healthy, happy and doing well. I am so glad to be back at blogging again after my 3-month hiatus. Blogging is a wonderful creative outlet for me and I am excited to get back into the swing of things. Cape Town has come out of a chilly end to the Winter months and I am truly looking forward to Summer. The super cold days can wreak havoc on my combination skin and cause dry, flaky and a dull complexion. This is especially prevalent around my mouth and forehead area. I therefore always have to switch up my skin care routine, when the weather changes. Thankfully, I have been using the Dr Jart+ Ceramidin line, which has been an incredible life saver. My last review was on the wonderful Ceramidin Liquid Moisturizing Toner, which you can read here. Adding on to this line is the Ceramidin Facial Masks aimed at intense moisturization. These nifty sheet masks are great to use when you need an intense shot of hydration. They are perfect for lazy spa days and to wear on the go between travel journeys.

 

I purchased these sheet masks at Sephora in a pack of 5. The box has the exact clean and bright packaging as the rest of the Ceramidin range. Compared to other K beauty brands Dr Jart opts for non-gimmicky and simple clear packaging on most of their products. They really don't need a whole lot of extra flair, as their ingredients in their products speak loud and clear to get skincare enthusiasts' attention. Speaking of ingredients, the sheet masks are packed with the same 5 Cera Complex, as the rest of the range, along with Ectoin and Moisturizing Peptide Complex. The 5 Cera Complex are ceramides which prevent moisture loss and restores the skin's protective barrier. Ceramides are naturally found in our skin but deplete overtime. Using ceramides in our products helps to keep the epidermis hydrated, supple and youthful. Ectoin is an emollient which helps maintain the water balance in our skin thus creating a well hydrated, soft and smooth complexion. The Moisturizing Peptide Complex provides an enriched moisture barrier while encouraging stronger elasticity in the skin, thanks to the building protein blocks scientifically known as peptides. All these ingredients give promising effects if used on a regular basis overtime.

 

I have used these sheet masks on my worst skin days ever, and I always had satisfying results. I would wear it on super cold stormy days when my face was dull and crusty to the touch. I even applied it on one of my worst PMS breakout moments when my complexion could make the mirror crack from fright. Both occasions the sheet masks completely transformed my dull and dry complexion to soft hydrated and healthy skin. I would use it at night and wake up to a supple, moisturized and glowing face. The ceramides in the essence does an amazing job in actually penetrating into the skin and giving results that would last for days. These sheet masks have become a holy grail in my skin care routine and I definitely want to purchase more. They have been proven to give lasting results and not superficial temporary effects. I do have to say that if you own the 150 ml Liquid Toner, you probably will not need the sheet masks as they do the exact same thing. The toner is more of an investment than the sheet masks. The masks are great though for a quick dose of intense moisturization on the go or if you want to try out the brand for the first time. If you love the range and the results it gives like I do, then definitely get both. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you so much for reading. 

Hi Divas

As some of you may know, I absolutely love sheet masks and have been using them for years. It is the first product I have ever used in K Beauty back in the day. I am always stocking up on them and love trying different varieties. On my last trip to Sephora I purchased the Sephora Coconut Face Mask as I have tried other coconut masks before and loved them. This one claimed to be nourishing and soothing, which I thought would be excellent to use for the cold Winter days in Cape Town. I decided to whip this one out during Lockdown a few weeks ago as my skin had minimal sun exposure due to the rainy cold weather in. My face was feeling very tight and dry, plus I was experiencing PMS and suffering from breakouts. From that description you can tell Quarantine life was not doing me any favours, going from beauty and turning into a beast. I needed a sheet mask that would lift my face as well as my spirits. Little did I know it was one of my biggest mistakes.

As mentioned above, this mask is targeted at soothing and nourishing dry skin. It contains Coconut fruit extract as well as Coconut oil which can be problem ingredients for sensitive skin. I have never experienced issues with both ingredients before and therefore happily went ahead in using the mask. The essence contains Quinoa seed extract as well, which was a surprising addition to me as I have never seen this ingredient in any of my skincare products. I read up on it as I was intrigued by the benefits, and it apparently helps with hydrating and softening the skin. It acts as a strong anti-irritant, anti-oxidant and has repairing properties. This description sounds wonderful and I'm wondering why brands have not added quinoa seed extracts into more of their products.

I was very excited to use this mask because of the ingredients and description on the packaging and waited for a cold rainy evening to test it out. The mask is packaged in the typical Sephora sleeve along with a protective mesh net. The actual mask is a generic soft cotton fibre drenched in essence. When I placed the mask on my face, I had to play around to adjust it since the holes for the eyes and nose were quite small. I shudder to think how someone with a bigger face stricture than me would get this mask to fit comfortably. I barely made it without the essence dripping in the inner corners of my eyes. Nevertheless, the mask is soft on the skin and feels refreshing. The essence has a sour scent though and does not smell like coconut whatsoever. That was very disappointing as I like coconut scents. It always seems uplifting and refreshing for me and I was counting on this mask to give me that same feeling. Clearly not!

After wearing this mask for 30 minutes as I usually do with all my other sheet masks, I decided to remove it and blend my moisturiser on top. Upon peeling off the mask, my face had a shocking red flush to it and felt hot. My cheek area looked highly irritated and had a tingly sensation. I tried to blend my moisturiser on my face to cool my skin down and that is when I realised my skin was getting an allergic reaction. I have combination skin and I rarely experience any sort of negative reactions or sensitivity to my skin care products. There was something in this mask that just sent my skin over the edge. I decided to do some research to see what it could be and many had similar outcomes to me. It must have been the Coconut fruit extracts or Coconut oil, which is weird because I never have reactions to these ingredients in other masks and products. Although reading up on it, many experience this kind of reactions to coconut ingredients. Could it also be the Quinoa seed extract? I just don't know.

On top of that this mask was not soothing or nourishing to my skin at all. My skin still felt dry and had a rough texture to it. This whole reaction surprised me greatly as I felt no adverse effects while wearing the mask. I went about my evening thinking everything was fine. The minute I removed the sheet mask my face was screaming back at me. I really wanted to like this mask but I have to trash it and not recommend it to anyone. If you had great experiences with this mask that is good but for those who want to give it a go, I would say proceed with caution. These are my personal experiences and I am sharing them with you in the hopes it helps you make informative decisions in the future.

Hi Divas

If you wear a lot of makeup, you would know that double cleansing is an essential component in keeping skin healthy and well balanced. It is important to remove all traces of makeup at the end of the day, as the ingredients mix with our natural oils causing clogged pores which lead to breakouts, blackheads along with white heads and dull skin. Not washing off your makeup can also lead to premature ageing as you are creating enlarged clogged pores which lead to sagging and wrinkles. Therefore, cleansing is one of the most important steps in our skin care regime, even though it can seem mundane and trivial. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm serves as the first step in your double cleanse routine. It aims to loosen up and remove all heavy makeup such as foundation, eyeshadow, waterproof mascaras and eye liners in one step. You may be thinking, why do I need to purchase this if I can just use plain old coconut oil? Well, the answer is in the ingredients. Coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning the oils will clog your pores and cause blackheads. The Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm contains non-comedogenic oils which won't block pores thus cleansing the face appropriately.


The Clinique cleansing balm comes in a whopping 125 ml. When you compare this to the amount that you would use on a daily basis, this product will last you for a very long time. The balm is packaged in a jar which is very disappointing as it is not hygienic. If you use your fingers to scoop out the product, you will contaminate it every time. I recommend using a little spatula reserved for scooping out as much as you need without adding bacteria into the jar. The actual consistency of the balm is quite soft and creamy. It is white in colour and does not contain fragrance, although there is a slight oil scent from the ingredients. There are no artificial perfumes, therefore sensitive skins would be able to enjoy this. The main ingredients in the balm are Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate and Caprylic/ Capirc Triglyceride. These all act as a skin cleanser as well as a moisturiser. You are therefore cleansing the skin without drying it out. The product contains very little ingredients which is a good thing as it is filled with the essentials and is paraben and sulphate free.


The balm has a solid wax like texture but when warmed in the hands, it turns into a buttery consistency in seconds. You only need a half a teaspoon amount to cover and cleanse the entire face. It is better suited to use it on dry skin as this would penetrate the makeup particles and break it down easier than with a water barrier. I like to scoop out a pea size, rub it between my hands and spread the formula all over my face with my fingers. You will look like a scene from a horror movie when done, but trust me it is worth it! ;-) The oil breaks down foundation, makeup, mascara and liquid liner in seconds. You really don't need to rub vigorously for the cleanser to start its magic. It does all the work for you. Once you are done, wash your face with warm water to remove the balm and makeup. What I love about this product is that it is so easy to use and wash away. There is no struggle when removing the product with water. It rinses easily and the skin is left cleansed and non-greasy.

Remember, you are not done here! This was the first step to your cleansing routine. You need to go in with your normal face wash and cleanse your face again to remove any traces of residue, dirt and makeup. After that go in with micellar water or toner and cleanse your pores once more with a cotton pad. This is where people make a big mistake and end up breaking out from cleansing balms. You can't just use this product and call it a day. This is only the beginning in your skin care routine. You must follow up with a second wash from your daily cleanser to complete your double cleansing. The balm only breaks down your makeup but it does not deeply cleanse your skin. Your face wash, whatever it may be, will wash away all remaining dirt, pollution and oils you picked up and produced during the day This would ensure clean healthy skin.



The cleansing balm does an amazing job in breaking down makeup and removing it. I was totally shocked as I tested it out on my heavy-duty Huda Beauty Faux Filter foundation, along with glitter eyeshadow and black eyeliner. It completely removed my makeup down to my intense Urban Decay Perversion liner. As you can see in the photos above, I used it on the Urban Decay liner which can be very stubborn to remove. The balm broke down the liner and it washed away easily. I am very impressed by the effectiveness of the cleansing balm. It is great for all skin types and is gentle around the eye area too. I have seen mixed reviews online regarding this product with some saying they loved it and others absolutely hating it. Skincare is very subjective as what may work for me, may not work for you. If you have sensitive skin and are prone to breakouts then do be cautious and try to get a sample to test it out. These are my experiences on my normal to combination skin. It worked very well for me and I recommend it to someone who has a similar skin type to mine.


Hope you found this review helpful.
Thanks for reading.
Divalicious Kisses!
Xxxx

Hi Divas
Dr Jart is a fairly new Korean skincare brand that is taking the world by storm. They started online in 2005 and have since expanded their wings across the cosmetic market. I have always wanted to get my hands on their products and am so happy that they are now stocked at Sephora. For those of you who don't know, I am a huge fanatic of Korean skincare, especially their sheet masks. I was very excited to pick up this mask on one of my trips to Sephora in Doha. Sheet masks are a great way to try out new brands without spending a fortune on their ranges. I figured if I like this mask, I would dip my toes deeper into what they have to offer regarding their different skin care lines. The Brightening Solution mask is marketed to those who suffer from a dull complexion and uneven skin tone. The mask promises to provide a more youthful and radiant appearance while visibly brightening pigmentation problems. Since I am a woman of colour, I do have some uneven skin tone on my forehead. This is very common around woman with tan to deep skin, as sometimes our skin tone tends to suffer discolouration due to sun exposure or blemishes. I do want to note that this is not a whitening product but a mask designed to help treat discolouration and dullness in the face.


The sheet mask is made of ultra-fine microfibre that luxuriously softens the skin. Since the mask is made of such a soft fibre it is held together by a mesh netting. The mask contains Niacinamide, Bisabolol as well as, Glutathione which is an anti-oxidant. All these ingredients are very beneficial and effective in treating dark spots, brightening the skin and preventing unwanted pigmentation spots from developing. The ingredients are listed on the back of the packaging and they seem to be very impressive. I love that Niacinamide is so highly listed, which means that there is a high percentage of it in the essence. Niacinamide is one of my absolute favourite skin care ingredients, as it not only brightens skin but aides in preventing premature ageing. With all these vital ingredients the mask does have a medicinal scent when opening and applied on the face but it doesn't last long. The actual essence has a creamy milky and thick texture. It absorbs well into the skin and feels very soothing and nourishing. It hydrates and moisturises the skin too. It doesn't feel sticky or leave an unwanted residue. Instead the leftover serum mixes well with my night cream and my skin is left feeling ultra-moisturised.


The sheet fibre is made of a soft cotton which absorbs the essence well. The mask is drenched in product which I love. The only con I have with the fibre is that it is designed way to small. I could barely fit the holes of the mask over my face without the product dripping into my eyes. I shudder to think what a man might go through if they try to use this. Men are very much into skin care too these days and I'm afraid that this mask might only moisturise half their face. Other than that, the mask fits snug on the face and adheres well. It is very comfortable to wear and I totally forgot it was on and wore it for more than 30 minutes. The fibre feels very soft and nourishing on the face. You really do feel like you are giving yourself a spa treatment at the end of the day.


 Follow me on Instagram and Snapchat at @divadesle ;-)

After removing the mask and adding my face cream, I couldn't believe the radiant glow that this mask gave me. My face looked so healthy and had a natural luminosity to it. Even though this is a brightening mask, I absolutely love how moisturising this product is. I was very surprised by this as most brightening products do not add that extra hydration. Even the next day, my face looked plump and youthful. This mask would be great as an extra step to treat hyper pigmentation. You will not see immediate results in that area, as dark spots take time to fade. It is a great addition to help in evening out your skin tone. This is an excellent mask that would suite all skin types. It is very well made and the ingredient list is top notch. I recommend it to anyone looking to add a little extra treatment and nourishment into their routine. I definitely want to purchase more when I get the chance.



Hope you found this review helpful. 
Thank you so much for reading.
Divalicious Kisses! 
Xxxx

Hi Divas

I will be shining a spotlight on a lovely mask I picked up at Sephora in Doha. Sephora have really been stepping up their game when it comes to skin care lately. They have added a variety of masks and other facial products to their range. This is awesome news as the actual Sephora Collection brand is the cheapest in store among the other high competitor brands they sell. Now a days as consumers, we have to be more careful about our spending habits in this global economy. I love that they are providing cheaper alternatives without lacking on ingredients and quality. The Pineapple Face Mask is marketed as a pore perfecting and smoothing sheet mask. It promises to be a second skin which quenches the face within 15 minutes. The mask says that it tightens pores and smooths skin texture. I don't really have a problem with enlarged pores, nor do I have textured skin. I do have pores in the normal areas on the sides of my nose which become slightly visible under really bad cakey foundation coverage. I did test out this mask on my monthly red robot visits, as that is when my skin tends to throw a temper tantrum leaving me with unsightly zits.


This mask is enriched with pineapple extracts which are very beneficial for the skin. Pineapples are filled with Vitamin C and Beta Carotene which are great antioxidants that help to diminish wrinkles, and treat damaged skin from sun exposure and free radical pollution. It also improves skin texture and promotes collagen for firmer skin. Pineapples are not only great to eat but contain a number of health benefits that aid in youthful and healthy skin, making you look and feel better from the inside out. As I mentioned above, I don't really have problem skin so I was curious to see how this mask would perform on my face. I do believe in prevention is better than cure, therefore any ingredients that prevent skin damage is a yes in my book. When opening the mask, you get a sweet pineapple scent that hits you right in the face. This scent smells so good, that it actually makes me want to eat the mask, instead of putting it on my face. It smells like a refreshing pineapple cocktail. It reminds me of Summer and makes me want to have pineapple juice on the beach. Don't worry though, as this aroma is not pungent and won't last long on your skin. You therefore won't have to worry about unwanted insects sitting on your face being attracted to sweet pineapple sap, LOL.

I loved the overall performance of this mask. It visibly made my skin look so much smoother. It even feels soft and smooth to the touch. The mask did a wonderful job in improving the surface texture of my skin. This sheet mask would be great to use before makeup as it provides a smooth and soft canvas for foundation to glide on. As far as pores are concerned, I didn't see any visible results in diminishing the look of them. They still looked the same to me. I guess you would have to continuously use pineapple extracts to see improved results. Nothing is cured overnight. This mask is not overly moisturising or hydrating though. If you have very dry skin, you might not like this product or you would need to apply a heavier moisturiser on top. I like the performance of this one on my skin and would like to buy more in the future. By the way have you seen the cute bright packaging of this sheet mask? It is absolutely adorable and fun. I love it so much and it makes me want to purchase more, just to display on my desk.

Hope you found this review helpful.
Thank you for reading.
Divalicious Kisses.
Xxxx

Hi Divas

Welcome back to another Pamper Sunday edition. This time, I am taking it all the way back to Korean Beauty. As you may know this is where sheet masks all began and they make the best masks on the market. Goodal is a fairly new Korean brand and they focus on skincare. Their brand name consisting of 'Good' and 'All', incorporates good and natural remedies for the skin. They say their products 'contain all that is good and be good for all'. They focus on harvesting natural ingredients in a safe way that benefits the environment and our skin. Their emphasis is to provide products which create clear and a bright skin tone using modern technology and infusing the skin with vitality and energy of nature. I have used quite a few products from the brand and am therefore very familiar with their style and ingredients. I enjoy almost all their products as they are effective, gentle and easy on the wallet. The only con is that they are not easily available outside Korea. You would have to use international Kbeauty websites, Amazon and Ebay to purchase them. The mask I am featuring comes from the Water Full line. There are 4 variants in the range and I have used the brightening one.


The Brightening mask consists of Vitamins B2, C and E which aids in hyper pigmentation and clears the skin from scars and blemishes. It contains orange water, kiwi extract and sea mineral water for optimum nourishment and moisture. Sea water is very beneficial to our bodies as it contains minerals which naturally heal and soothe irritated and dry skin. The term 'water full' suggest that this mask is filled with maximum hydration. The line is created to deeply moisturize the face while adding brightening benefits as well. I love the bright aqua packaging of the mask. It really highlights the ocean aesthetic and gives a calming effect to the mask visually. It comes in a pack of 5 which is excellent value for money. The actual packaging is very sturdy and is great for travel as the sheet won't get damaged.


The sheet mask has a soft cotton fibre which fits very snug on the face. It feels slightly smaller when compared to other masks. If you have a bigger circumference to work with, you may find the mask a little too small to manipulate on your facial features. The sheet is drenched in essence and feels so moisturizing on the face. This is honestly one of the most hydrating masks I have ever used. I love that the sheet adheres to the skin and does not slide down at all. I could easily go for 45 minutes wearing it without it drying out or slipping off.  The material is really good quality in holding moisture. It feels so comfortable and soft on the skin. The essence itself has a slight creamy texture but it is not milky. There is no stickiness either and the essence absorbs easily into the pores. It does not leave any unwanted residue and it mixes well with any cream you will apply on top. There is a lot of serum left over in the packet and can be used the next day if stored in the fridge.


I absolutely adore the results from this sheet mask. The essence feels so nourishing and hydrating. The next day my skin always looks well moisturized and plump after use. I can really see the benefits when I use the Goodal masks. I just came out of a cold and rainy Winter in Cape Town. We are currently in spring now, thank goodness. My combination skin went through some trials during the cold 3 months. This mask truly helped me to not have a parched and dull complexion. I highly recommend this line and the brand as a whole. They make excellent products for a fraction of the cost. I will keep repurchasing the Water Full line as well as other products. If you are looking for something deeply nourishing and effective give Goodal a try. You won't be disappointed.


Thank you so much for reading
Divalicious Kisses
Xxxx

Hi Divas

This post is seriously long overdue. I have had these masks stashed away for more than a year. I finally came around to using them and have reviews on them all. These masks are so old as the Sephora packaging as already changed on these masks, LOL. They have updated all the mask designs and I will share some with you later on the blog. If you don't know, I am a serious sheet mask junkie and love trying new variants. You can read up on some of my other face mask reviews by clicking on the Pamper Sunday link in the tags. Sephora masks are very affordable and cater to many skin types and concerns. I love that they are easy to use, store and travel with. The packaging is very colourful and makes it aesthetically pleasing to look at as well as use. I purchased the Orchid, Rose and Green Tea sheet masks a really long time ago. They were still in excellent condition when I used them recently though. The packaging is really secure and sturdy which prevents the masks from getting damaged, leaking and expiring easily. Props to Sephora for all of that! Moving on to the mini reviews:


Sephora Orchid Face Mask
The mask is enriched with orchid flower extract and is designed to visibly firm skin and reduce wrinkles. This is an anti-ageing mask which smoothes the face for a younger looking appearance. I do not have any visible wrinkles but I am not exactly a spring chicken either. I have to start doing preventive measures to keep the impending wrinkles at bay for as long as possible. The essence in this mask is thicker in consistency compared to most masks. It has a creamy texture and feels very soothing and comforting on the skin. It is soft and feels like milk on the face. It melts into the skin wonderfully and has a lovely floral scent that is not overpowering. After use my skin has a lovely glow to it. This is a comforting mask and would work well on tired skin. I obviously cannot comment on reducing wrinkles but if it is going to help in the long run then I am all for it. The mask fits well on the face and due to the thicker texture of the essence, it does not drip down the neck. There is no left-over essence in the packet though. Whatever is on the mask you will use in that one application. Overall it is a good mask but I probably won't rush to repurchase it again.


Sephora Green Tea Face Mask
Green tea in skincare is one of the most powerful ingredients. It contains antioxidants that prevent skin cancer as well as combats ageing. When I see green tea in sheet masks, I immediately get excited as I know, the mask will be beneficial for me. This mask is enriched with natural green tea leaf extract which is great for hydration. The mask is created for a clean, purified and anti-blemish appearance as well as mattifying. When your skin is properly moisturised, your face won't feel the need to produce excessive amounts of oils. Therefore, this mask is great to provide treatment to oily dehydrated skin. The mask has a gel like texture which is not runny or too thick. It is just the right density to be easily absorbed into the pores but still leave a moisturising feeling. The mask sits snug on the face and you can do other activities while wearing it. It has a fresh citrus scent and does come with a protective sleeve as the other masks do too. There is much essence left in the packet as well as on the protective sleeve and can be used for up to two days if stored in the fridge. I love the feeling this mask gives me. It is very comfortable to wear on the skin and leaves me with a soft and hydrated complexion. This is a lovely mask and I recommend it to all skin types. With continuous use, you will get a lot of skin benefits from it including treating existing blemishes. I would definitely buy it again. 


Sephora Rose Face Mask
Rose water is known to have many skin benefits such as helping maintain the PH balance as well as being anti-inflammatory and cleaning out clogged pores. This mask was made to provide ultra-moisture and brightening. It contains natural rose extract and has a rose scent that is not artificial but quite fresh. The mask is pink in colour as the essence stains the cotton fibre as well as the protective sleeve. You won't have to worry about the essence staining your clothes though, because it is not that concentrated. The essence in this one has a runnier texture and will slide down the neck if you not careful. There is lots of essence left in the rose packet too and can be used for up to two days when stored in the fridge. The sheet mask has a cooling and refreshing feeling on the skin. It gives radiance and plumps up the face after use. Even the next morning my skin still had a bright and revitalized look and feel to it. It truly moisturises well and would be great for dry sensitive skin. The mask is one of my favourites and I will totally purchase it again.


*****
 Have you tried any of these masks? What are your thoughts on the change in packaging design? Do let me know in the comments below. Thank you so much for reading and hope you found these mini reviews helpful.


Divalicious Kisses
Xxxx

Hi Divas

I'm back with another face mask review and I love doing these as I am a sheet mask fanatic. As you may know it is really cold in Cape Town lately because we are in the heart of Winter at the moment. I therefore need all the hydration I can get on my skin. Neutrogena has added these hydrogel sheet masks into their Hydro Boost family. I love using the Hydro Boost range as they are effective in moisturising my skin and they are easy on my wallet too. I was excited to see that they expanded their line by adding face masks. The fact that they decided on creating hydrogel masks is particularly awesome because they are considered to be the premium varieties in the skin care world. For those of you that don't know, hydrogel is made up of special molecules that can hold up to 10x more moisture than regular fabric material. They are often used in the medical and scientific field because of their effectiveness. When it comes to sheet masks, hydrogel masks hold a lot of moisture and therefore soak up more nutrients than a cotton fibre mask. When you place these on your skin, it absorbs the maximum amount of product making it an excellent and fast treatment for skin concerns such as dryness and sensitivity. There are three masks within the Neutrogena line and I decided to test out and purchase the Hydrogel Recovery Mask with Hyaluronic Acid.


The mask is described as a hydrating sheet mask which holds up to more than 50% of essence compared to a normal mask. It has a supply of one months' worth of serum in a single mask application. It contains hyaluronic acid found in the rest of the Hydro Boost line. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our skin and it attracts moisture from the outside environment and holds it in our skin thus keeping us moisturised and looking youthful and radiant. By adding extra hyaluronic acid into our skin, we are aiding it in retaining the ultimate moisture. The mask has a cooling technology as well, which helps to calm irritated or sensitive skin. The packaging of these masks is aesthetically pleasing as they have the same bright blue colours and the actual packet is travel friendly and shields the mask. Inside, the face mask is covered in protective sheets to keep the essence in and to prevent it from breaking. These masks are made in Korea and says it comes with 30 ml of essence.


The mask comes in two parts and you should be very careful when applying it. It has a gel texture and can be torn if you are too rough when removing it from the packaging. The gel material is soft and can easily be manipulated to fit your face well. On me, it does tend to gape at my chin and cover my nose which makes breathing difficult at first, but it is nothing I can't fix. The mask tends to slide down the face if you are doing activities or brisk movements. It would be best to sit and relax when wearing the sheet mask. As I mentioned, it has a jelly like gel texture and fits comfortably on the face. It feels really soft and cooling. This is great to use after a long day as the texture feels very relaxing and soothing. The mask comes with eye and lip flaps as well, but I prefer to not use them because I don't want product entering my eyes and mouth. The essence has a similar scent to the rest of the products within the Hydro Boost line. I personally like the scent as it smells clean and fresh to me. If you are someone that is sensitive to fragrance, do keep this in mind.


 When you take out the mask, unfortunately most of the product slides off into the packet and you are therefore left with little essence on the mask and more in the sleeve. It therefore does not feel as moisturising as I hoped it would. Since the mask is made up mainly of hyaluronic acid, it would be beneficial to lightly wet the face first before applying it. As the hyaluronic acid attracts and keeps moisture, using this after a hot shower would aid your skin the most. I usually wear masks for 30 minutes and whatever is left in the sleeve, I love to gently pat it onto my skin. To be honest after using this sheet mask my face did not feel extra moisturised or hydrated. In fact, I couldn't wait to apply my face cream because my skin was feeling quite tacky. The dry areas did disappear but I didn't get that soft and supple feeling that my other sheet masks give me. Even the next morning my skin didn't feel or look any different from when I first applied it. I think this mask is not as potent as it is marketed to be. This is a very basic sheet mask and is good to use for a boost or pick me up in that very moment. I would use it as an extra step if I was going out somewhere. For long term effects, this mask will not do the trick. There are many wonderful variants out there that are packed with moisture and beneficial ingredients which will relieve skin problems over time. I would probably not purchase this one again.


Have you tried these masks? What are your thoughts? Let me know below! 
Thank you so much for reading.
Divalicious Kisses
Xxxx

Hi Divas

We are in the heart of Winter in South Africa and of course, I had to make a few adjustments to my skin care routine. I have been using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range for a year now and have been enjoying the gel cream moisturizer and micellar water the most. I recently saw that they have expanded their range adding serums and sheet masks which is super exciting. I decided to purchase both a long with the hydrating lotion as I have been using it since last year but never reviewed it.  The Hydro Boost line contains Hyaluronic Acid which is a vital component naturally found in our skin. It draws moisture from our surroundings and locks it into our skin barrier thus keeping the epidermis well hydrated, supple and firm. When we add hyaluronic acid into our skin care, we are aiding our skin in retaining moisture and keeping it healthy and youthful. Hyaluronic acid is known to prevent wrinkles and tired dull skin. Now I am definitely not getting any younger and I need all the help I can get to prevent premature ageing and saggy sad skin.


Neutrogena Hydro Boost Capsule-in-Serum Supercharged Booster
When I saw this serum in store, I was eager to buy it. I have been searching for a good and affordable serum for a while now and I definitely found it. The product is described as being a booster serum, meaning it is giving your skin an extra push and enhancement in hydration. The word supercharged also used, means to give your skin the added energy and vitality which tired and dull skin lack. The serum contains Niacinamide (my favourite skincare ingredient), Hyaluronic Acid as well as micro bead capsules which contain revitalising vitamin E and antioxidants. The capsules are crushed and the benefits are released when you pump the serum out. Therefore, the potency of the capsules remain and their effectiveness are not lost within the serum over time. Your skin receives all the maximum nutrients and benefits in every single application thus making it a booster product. The serum has a light weight silky smooth texture. It melts wonderfully into the skin and leaves no unwanted residue behind. It is not sticky or too thick and can be worn under any moisturiser as it blends great with any product. After using this, the skin is left feeling very soft, hydrated and plump. There is a slight scent to it which is found in the other Hydro boost products as well. It's a clean fragrance and not over powering at all. The serum is packaged in a plastic bottle with a pump and comes in 30 ml. I wish the booster came in a 50 ml as I use this twice a day in the morning and night. I therefore can run out of this product fairly quickly.


Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Lotion SPF25
 Even though it is Winter time in my city Cape Town, I still need to wear SPF every single day whenever I step outside my house. It may be cold with icy winds but the sun still shines on most days. The City Shield Hydrating Lotion has honestly been one of my favourite moisturizers to date. It contains hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture and keep my skin supple on those dry chilly days. What makes this even more wonderful is that it contains agents which protects the skin from harmful pollution and free radicals. The active sun protection, prevents sun damage from UVB and UVA rays. Not only are you moisturising your skin but you are shielding your epidermis from further damage. You are preventing signs of premature ageing such as wrinkles and sun spots and pigmentation problems. The lotion comes in a 50 ml squeeze tube which is great as the product won't get contaminated like when it is packaged in a jar. The texture of the cream is soft and smooth. It is light in consistency and blends easily on the face. It gives a very moisturising feeling and look to the skin. It truly uplifts dull and tired skin making it more vibrant. What I love the most about this cream is that it is a perfect base for makeup. Any foundation blends effortlessly on top of it. It gives your face a silky texture and any products you apply on top blends like a dream. The moisturiser lasts well throughout the day and my skin looks and feels radiant and supple. 


As you can see in the photo above both products have a light weight texture but work great in giving ample moisture. They are not thick and do not feel heavy on the skin. They both work well together and on their own. They melt into the skin and leave the face looking uplifted, energized and radiant. Since they both have a light texture, they are great for all skin types. All oily, normal, dry and combination skin will benefit from the Hydro Boost line. I particularly love it as I have combination skin and tend to get dry around my forehead and mouth area. These give just enough moisture where my skin feels comfortable and not too heavy. If you have very dry skin the serum may not be as effective for you. The lotion is a top-grade product and I recommend it to all skin types. It does contain fragrance so do be aware if you are sensitive to scents. Nevertheless, this is a great affordable range to add to your skin care routine as it can be used day or night and in all four seasons.


Thank you so much for reading!
Hope you found the review helpful.
Divalicious Kisses
Xxxx