For the past few months I’ve basically been searching for a mask that makes me look like a supermodel. I mean, is that really too much to ask? I don’t know if it’s my age or just realizing how many masks are out there (being a blogger will do that to you) but I’m way too into it and felt it only fair to share my reviews with my awesome readers.
Since I’ve been a longtime user and fan of Peter Thomas Roth’s Therapeutic Sulfur Mask, I figured I’d start with this trustworthy brand’s other masks. I scored a sample pack of 6 masks at Sephora which was a great way to try many without spending a bundle on products I wasn’t sure I’d like.
As we all know everyone’s skin is different so I’ve included both the packaging description as well as my review below. Please keep in mind that I have somewhat oily, acne prone skin (although I’ve luckily been able to control that the past few years with my new best friend, Retin-A). Also, throughout this process of testing so many masks, I realized I like the ones that make an immediate impact. Whether that’s through a tingling or cooling agent, it just makes me feel like it’s working and apparently, that’s my thang!
Therapeutic Sulfur Mask
Description: Acne Treatment Mask. 1-% maximum strength sulfur. Clears acne. Oil absorbing. Deep pore cleansing. Soothing aloe. Purifying kaolin & bentonite clays.
Review: I’ve used this mask for years and swear by its results. It keeps my skin clear which has been a god sent in my book. The second you put it on you can feel it working and although it seems somewhat harsh those first few minutes of having it on, it leaves your skin soft and rejuvenated. I have tried to use this mask at least twice a week for the past few years and I really think it works. I can’t say enough good things about this one! (User’s note: Don’t be stingy with this mask, a thick layer really does work better then spreading it thin.)
Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
Description: Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer. Three-in-one intensive skin resurfacer mask exfoliates with pumpkin enzyme peels with alpha hydroxy acid. Polishes with aluminum oxide. Reveals smoother, younger, radiant & revitalized skin.
Review: For those of you who have never used pumpkin enzymes before, let me tell you, they are intense!!! Yes, that sweet flavor that tastes and smells amazing can actually burn your face off. I’ve learned from experience (eeekkk). So to say the least, I was a little nervous about using this one. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. As all pumpkin things do (side note: I’m such a sucker for pumpkin, esp pumpkin candles) it smelled amazing and had the perfect amount of tingling to make me know it was working but not resulting in any pain. I don’t know if it was the alpha hydroxy acid that tingled or the exfoliator from the pumpkin enzymes (that I rubbed into my skin when I first put it on and rinsed it off) but this mask left my skin feeling radiant. Definitely my top 2 of this sample pack.
Cucumber Gel Mask
Description: Extreme Detoxifying Hydrator. Refreshing, cooling, moisturizing, calming gel. Helps soothe dry, irritated skin with extracts of cucumber, papaya, chamomile, pineapple, sugar maple, sugarcane, orange, bilberry and aloe.
Review: With the amount of wine I consume, the word “detoxifying” is like music to my ears so I had really high hopes for this one and it did not disappoint! I enjoyed the cooling effect, it has a refreshing smell and my skin was super soft after. For a mask without a tingle or stinging sensation (which I seem to prefer), I loved this one. It would be really amazing after a day in the sun! (Side note – why didn’t I think to go to Hawaii to test this out???? It would have been blog research at its finest! Oy, I always think of these things too late. Darn it!)
Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask
Description: Purifying, refining, decongesting, hydrating mask. Nutrient and mineral-rich. Irish moor mud helps purify and refine the look of skin. Hijiki seaweed hydrates. Volcanic ash revitalizes. Activated charcoal draws out toxins and impurities.
Review: This one I found slightly disappointing. I honestly didn’t feel anything different while it was on or after I rinsed it off. And the dark color made it sort of a nightmare to clean up (imagine splashing black water all over your sink as you are rinsing it off, never mind the look of my white towel now). Not worth the mess (or $) in my opinion.
24K Gold Mask
Description: Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask. Pure 24K gold and colloidal gold helps lift and firm. Imparts an opulent glow. Peridot re-energizes the look of skin. Caffeine helps tighten the appearance of skin. Revitalizes, lifts, firms, brightens, smoothes and refreshes.
Review: In all honesty, I expected more from this mask. I mean it’s made from 24K gold – how can it not make me fabulous? This one did make my skin soft and maybe if I used it more consistently I’d start to see some of those lift and firming benefits. But let’s be honest, the name sets it up to be a letdown and with a description like that, how can one not expect to look like a super model after? Sadly, I won’t be purchasing this one to use again.
Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Masque Gel
Description: Cutting-edge plant biotechnology isolates and replicates five perfect reparative rose stem cells. Four nurturing rose extracts helps reduce the look of fine lines & wrinkles. Regenerates, hydrates, brightens, firms and tones.
Review: Best thing about this one is it smells amazing! It reminds me of my old English grandmother (in a good way). She’s all kinds of sophisticated and only likes the most proper, elegant smells. Aside from that, I didn’t notice too much improvement with my skin. It was soft but this must be one of those masks that works over time. I might try this one again down the road when I’m ready to commit.
Blue Marine Algae Intense Hydrating Mask
Description: Nourishing, refreshing, hydrating gel mask. Nutrient-rich glacial lake blue marine algae delivers maximum anti-aging moisture. Energizing Korean Jeju Island tea. Arctic glacial antarcticine creates an eco-bubble barrier.
Review: I don’t have a whole lot to say about this one which sadly, isn’t a great thing. It smells nice and felt refreshing on my skin but I didn’t notice any obvious results from using it. Sadly, unless this is one of those you need to use for weeks or months before seeing results, I don’t think this one would be worth the time or money.
AND THE WINNERS ARE……
For one that packs a punch – go with the Therapeutic Sulfur Mask. Along with a combination of other miracle workers, this mask changed my life when I was going through a crazy adult acne phase. It stings a little at first but at least you know it’s working. No pain no gain people!
And for a more a soothing, moisturizing option, my favorite was the Cucumber Gel Mask. The cooling effect of the mask I found calming and my face felt like a baby’s butt after I washed it off. I mean, what could beat that???
Leave a Reply