ProductWhores

Rubberize Your Skin

I love to use face masks, but even I have to admit, they do get a little boring sometimes.  So anytime I can try one that doesn't have your run of the mill apply, sit for 15 minutes, rinse off process, I'm excited.  Bliss' Fabulous Skin Reviving Rubberizing Mask definitely fits that bill.  To use it, you empty one of the packets in the box into a mixing bowl, then add a scoop of water and mix it into a thick paste.  Then you apply the paste to your face and hang out for 20 minutes while it rubberizes before you peel it off.  

First of all, rubberizes is such a weird word that I was totally curious what it would look like.  It really does form some sort of thick, rubbery consistency on your face, but it's not painful or stingy at all.  It's just kind of... cool, for lack of a better word.  Definitely different than any mask I've ever used before.  The one thing that I would be careful of though is to keep it away from your hairline and your eyebrows.  I wasn't really thinking about that when I applied it and once the stuff rubberizes, it's a nightmare to get out of hair.  At one point, I was really worried that my eyebrows would come off with it, but I was able to finally get it all out without becoming eyebrow-less.  But still, you can easily avoid that torture if you  take your time, so just be careful.  It's also really fun to peel off - it's totally satisfying to do it, plus it doesn't come off in tiny pieces, so it won't take you three hours to get it all off.  (There's nothing more annoying than a mask that has great results, but requires you to spend an entire "Scandal" episode to take off).  It basically peeled off my face in about five big pieces, then there were only a few places where I had other small pieces to peel seperately.  Totally easy and kind of fun!  

You're supposed to use it once a week and I've only tried it once so far, so I can't really talk about long term results, but my skin did look really clean and glowy after I took it off, plus it felt all smooth and hydrated.  I'll definitely use the other packets in the box to get Blissed-out!

Note:  A sample was sent to me by a PR representative working with Bliss   

Score Yourself Some Loot

Summer officially ends on Friday, which I'm actually a little excited about because I am so ready for colder weather.  Boots!  Jackets!  Scarves!  But until the chilly weather actually makes it to L.A., I'll just be holding on to one last summer treat - June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Masque.  I just got a sample of it in the mail so I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but I can tell you that it smells AMAZING, all tropical and delicious.  It smells like something you would drink while floating in a gorgeous pool with an ocean view in a luxury resort.  The masque (I feel fancy just typing it with that spelling!) is a combo of papaya's natural fruit enzyme, papain, with extracts of mango and pineapple.  Yum, right?  Well you can smell for yourself because tomorrow (Friday, September 23rd) they're giving away 5000 deluxe samples and it's super easy to grab one for yourself.  All you have to do is "like" June Jacobs Spa Collection on Facebook by going here, enter in your mailing info, and wait for the fruity goodness to be delivered to your door.  Do it early though because I have a feeling the samples will be gone quickly and then you'll miss out and no one wants that.  I think missing out on free stuff is one of the ten deadly sins.  And if it's not, it should be. 

Pore Minimizing Masque

I have already raved about KeSARI's Indian Oil Hair Serum (the absolute BEST serum I've used in my hair) so it's really no huge surprise that I have fallen in love with KeSARI's Pore Minimizing Indian Clay Masque.  This wonderfully hydrating mask takes the pre-ceremonial beauty ritual of rubbing Ubtan (a mixture of Indian spices and saffron) said to brighten and rejuvenate the skin and modernizes it into a masque.  I love the way it smells (reminds me of being in a spa) and I noticed a big difference in the look and feel of my skin after only using this for a few weeks (at two times a week).  The masque contains saffron which helps to firm and smooth dry skin, Triphala (an herbal concoction which revives tired skin) and Indian Clay (the hero in this formula which removes dirt and impurities from the pores and skin).  I love how soft my skin is and how it has a lovely glow even when I don't wear makeup.  For something that only costs $29.50 and you only have to use a few times a week to see results, I consider it a miracle worker.

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with KeSARI 

Summer Mask

I am soooo coveting Ole Henriksen's Blue/Blackberry Enzyme Mask right now!  I can't think of two better summer-y fruits to slather on my face, and it's supposed to be good for sensitive skin!  Not to mention the fact it contains lavender and a blend of fruit extracts to smooth and polish the skin. I really need this one.  Anyone already checked it out?!  Retails for $32.00.

 

 

Fabulous Pumpkin Mask

 

I am so happy to report I have found the most fabulous pumpkin mask!  Sanitas, a skincare company out of Colorado, has completely wow-ed me with their Pumpkin Enzyme Mask.  First of all, it smells amazing and has a great, smooth texture (not sticky at all).  It's cooling on the skin and my face seriously looks and feels wonderful even after just using it once.  The mask contains fresh pumpkin and a host of other vitamins and amino acids which help to remove dead skin cells and hydrate the skin.  I just love this mask for fall!  I  mean, who doesn't want to be surrounded by the delicious smell of pumpkin AND improve the look of their skin.  I made my mask-ing experience even more fall-like and added a cup of Dunkin Donuts' new Pumpkin Spice drip coffee (seriously, addicting and minimal calories).  Pumpkin Enzyme mask can be purchased online at getsanitas.com and is great for all skin-types (even my sensitive skin).

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to be by a PR representative working with Sanitas

Power Through

I've been obsessed with Dermalogica for probably two years now and it really doesn't show any signs of letting up.  Their products are just fabulous - every single one that I try, I love.  I'm also kind of obsessed with face masks.  Because, really, is there anything better than being in your sweats, putting one on, and reading magazines on the couch while a reality show you're ashamed to admit plays in the background while the mask does its job.  (I think I need an intervention because I cannot stop watching "Jersey Shore" and "Teen Mom."  I can practically feel my IQ dropping with every episode, and yet I'm powerless to stop).  I finally tried a mask from Dermalogica a few weeks ago and now I can combine my two favorite things: laziness and improving my skin.

The Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque is made from concentrated antioxidant vitamins that are meant to help your skin recover from damage (AKA, Los Angeles sun and smog for me) while promoting healthy tissue regeneration.  It's a light orange color and has a medium consistency - it's not super thick, but it's definitely not one of those watered down masks either.  It has a fresh, clean scent that's soothing on, and once you apply, you leave it on for about 15 minutes or so to let it work.  The mask doesn't harden or start to peel off - it basically stays the same consistency until you wash it off, which is nice because once I'm in lazy mode, it sometimes stays on for longer than the allotted time (basically, the number of minutes it took me to read Lucky's new September issue this week) and I hate masks that start to feel uncomfortable like a minute after you're supposed to take them off.  Every single time I've rinsed this mask off, I've marveled in the mirror at how nice it made my skin look - healthy, glowing and clean.  It's the mask I like to use before I go out for the night because it just makes my skin look better.  (It's also perfect for bringing with you when you travel to help rebalance your skin after a long plane ride with its soothing and calming ingredients).  I still have an entire stack of September fashion magazines to go through before the new magazines come out.  Bring on the Power Recovery!   

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Dermalogica

Fall For Pumpkin

My favorite, favorite part of fall is all the different pumpkin products that come out once the weather gets a little cooler.  Starbucks has the Pumpkin Spice Latte and a fabulous Pumpkin Muffin, and then there's Pumpkin Soup and William Sonoma's Pumpkin Bread Mix... It's all good.  So of course I love all of the pumpkin themed beauty products too.  If you're looking for a good splurge to kick off the beginning of autumn, treat yourself to June Jacobs' Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque.  It's a thick skin purifier that smells delicious - totally like the spicy filling in a pumpkin pie.  You smooth it on your clean skin and let it sit for 10 minutes or so while the natural enzymes gently exfoliate your dead skin cells and infuse your skin with the pumpkin's repairing benefits (including age-fighting anti-oxidants and Vitamin A).  It's so relaxing because it's literally impossible to be stressed out when you're inhaling the soothing pumpkin scent.  It's the kind of masque that you put on before you recline on your couch while reading a magazine to de-stress from a bad day.  When you rinse it off, your skin is smooth, glowing and soft to the touch.  (And you'll probably totally be craving a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but that's a whole different issue...)  I'm going to be using this masque all season long as my weekly treat on Sunday nights while I watch "Brothers and Sisters" and mentally prepare myself to face the work week.  I highly suggest you do the same.     

Facial in a Jar

My skin doesn't like anything harsh on it.  I can't do lip plumpers, and if I use any exfoliator that's too chemically based, my face screams out in pain.  So when I discovered Bioelements Kerafole Deep Exfoliating Mask, I was delighted!  Finally an exfoliating mask that doesn't make me want to cry and hit people (hmm, anger management problems?)  This mask, while it initially does tingle a lot, leaves skin feeling smoother, looking brighter and really helps to control my blackhead problem.  The creamy texture takes a little getting used to at first because you can't really see where you've put it.  The huge advantage:  the UPS guy doesn't have to witness me in a face mask, which I know he must appreciate.  It contains no synthetic fragrances, artificial colorants or animal by-products, and is glycolic acid-free.  Not only does it make my skin glow, but the mask smells fresh (like sea water) and at $45.00 is a bargain, in my opinion.  What a great product to help your skin stay healthy in between facials and you won't use a lot so the jar will last a long time.  You gotta love anything that will last a long time - except for airport security lines or work days or DMV appointments... Okay, I'm stopping now.

Photo courtesy of Bioelements

Chocolate Cupcake

I'm slightly obsessed with cupcakes right now. And by slightly, I mean, I've eaten one almost every night for the past week and a half. I've actually gone out of my way to visit different cupcakeries (I think I just made that word up, but technically if that's all the place serves, that's what it is, right?) in the greater Los Angeles area. It's bad for me on all levels - gas money, travel time, cupcake money, bigger pants... And yet, I can't seem to stop eating them. (And for the record, my favorite right now is Yummy Cupcakes. If I ever leave Los Angeles, I'm going to miss that place even more than The Coffee Bean). Anyway... this fits in nicely because Lush has a bunch of fresh face masks and the one that I like the best so far (out of the three I've tested) is called Cupcake. (It's like we were destined to be together, isn't it?) They're all made from fresh ingredients and are refrigerated for maximum freshness, so you know they're (drumroll please...) fresh. The Cupcake mask is for problem/oily skin, but it worked well on my normal skin too. And it smells like chocolate. Really, that's all you would've had to say to sell me on it, but the bonus is that it left my skin glowing. The only bad thing about it is that it looks kind of gross - sort of like grainy mud. But then again, it's not like you're putting on a face mask and heading out for the night anyway - they're more of a watching TV/reading magazines kind of activity, so I guess that doesn't matter. Also, be aware that because they're so committed to keeping their masks fresh, you can't order them for delivery and can only purchase them at a Lush store. I want to say that's really admirable on their part, but it's probably just a clever marketing ploy to get you into their stores so you'll spend even more money. And it totally works. The people at Lush are evil geniuses! Evil geniuses, I tell you!

Get Out Of Trouble

There's something calming about a face mask. When you put it on, it gives you a built in excuse to grab a drink, sit on the couch, watch some bad TV and read gossip magazines while it dries. (At least I hope it does. That's what I've always loved about them). One of my favorites is Origins Out of Trouble. It's billed as a mask for troubled skin, but I've used it for years and my skin is usually pretty clear, so I don't think that's a requirement. It contains salicylic acid, which helps to keep breakouts away - always a good thing - but it still smells fresh and clean. That's important to me because I've tried some masks that really reek - not a big selling point. Who can relax when their face smells like rotten eggs? It's kind of hard to tell how well masks work because you don't use them every day, but my face always feels great when I take this one off, almost like it does when I get done with a facial at Burke Williams (Ahhh, Burke Williams). It's reasonably priced too, only $20 for 3.4 ounces, enough to last a long time unless you're a face mask addict who can't stop putting one on every night. (I don't know if there actually are face mask addicts, but I'm constantly surprised by the things people get hooked on. I guess if I had to pick something to be out of control with, masks are the way to go).