It's time for the final part of my skincare series (if you missed them, do check out my Morning Routine and Evening Routine). These are masks and treatments I like to use every so often, depending on what my skin is saying to me. I'd say I use one of these special products 3-4 times a week to give my skin something extra.
Cleansing
Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser | £19
This is such an underrated product; if you like the Glow Tonic then definitely check it out. Although it's a 'mud' formula, it has an almost gel-like texture that feels surprisingly luxurious on the skin. I take two pea-sized amounts and massage it into my skin when it's looking a little lacklustre. I like to take some time to work it into my skin before rinsing. It's only 5% Glycolic Acid and as you're washing it off, it really isn't going to make some incredible difference but my skin always looks subtly more glowing and healthy after use.
The ingredients include Chamomile Extract, Avocado Oil and Glycolic Acid. It contains nourishing ingredients along with the exfoliant and I think that's why it feels so gentle and un-abrasive on my skin. It doesn't irritate and my skin doesn't feel stripped at all after use. If you're new to AHAs (full post on that topic here) and want a gentle introduction then check this out.
This is such an underrated product; if you like the Glow Tonic then definitely check it out. Although it's a 'mud' formula, it has an almost gel-like texture that feels surprisingly luxurious on the skin. I take two pea-sized amounts and massage it into my skin when it's looking a little lacklustre. I like to take some time to work it into my skin before rinsing. It's only 5% Glycolic Acid and as you're washing it off, it really isn't going to make some incredible difference but my skin always looks subtly more glowing and healthy after use.
The ingredients include Chamomile Extract, Avocado Oil and Glycolic Acid. It contains nourishing ingredients along with the exfoliant and I think that's why it feels so gentle and un-abrasive on my skin. It doesn't irritate and my skin doesn't feel stripped at all after use. If you're new to AHAs (full post on that topic here) and want a gentle introduction then check this out.
Masks
This is the product I reach for when my skin looks and feels congested and spotty for a really deep cleanse. Although it's a clay formula, it isn't thick in consistency; in fact it's almost watery. Personally I prefer this as it means I use less product and it's easier to spread across my face (as well as to remove). I use around about the equivalent of an almond-sized amount of this product personally. I leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. It's not overly intense or drying, which is why I like it so much. I find it very balancing as it removes excess oils without leaching all the hydration from my skin. Afterwards my skin looks fresh, clean and radiant. It has a really nice balancing effect for me and is a great all-rounder.
The ingredients include Kaolin, Evening Primrose Oil and Parsley Seed Oil.
Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask | £22.99
This is an old favourite of mine and pretty much perfect for combination skin. It has a honey-like consistency, which I love as it doesn't dry on the skin like a clay mask. I apply 1-2 pea-sized amounts, leave for 15 minutes then rinse. The formula kind of starts to absorb into your skin in that time, which means the effects really do last. The natural antibacterial properties of honey mean this is incredible for blemish-prone skin but the formula itself is so hydrating. I also really recommend this if your skin is overall dry but you still get some breakouts. It isn't one of those products that's going to turn around a crazy breakout overnight, however it's a great one to use if you can feel one 'bubbling under the surface' (nice) or you just want to do something to keep the blemishes at bay every so often. I also just love the scent of this and how it feel on my skin.
Some of the ingredients for this include Manuka Honey, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E and Coconut derivatives. What I love about this is that all the ingredients are hydrating but the antibacterial nature of the honey really does help spot-prone skin.
This is an old favourite of mine and pretty much perfect for combination skin. It has a honey-like consistency, which I love as it doesn't dry on the skin like a clay mask. I apply 1-2 pea-sized amounts, leave for 15 minutes then rinse. The formula kind of starts to absorb into your skin in that time, which means the effects really do last. The natural antibacterial properties of honey mean this is incredible for blemish-prone skin but the formula itself is so hydrating. I also really recommend this if your skin is overall dry but you still get some breakouts. It isn't one of those products that's going to turn around a crazy breakout overnight, however it's a great one to use if you can feel one 'bubbling under the surface' (nice) or you just want to do something to keep the blemishes at bay every so often. I also just love the scent of this and how it feel on my skin.
Some of the ingredients for this include Manuka Honey, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E and Coconut derivatives. What I love about this is that all the ingredients are hydrating but the antibacterial nature of the honey really does help spot-prone skin.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask | £11
This is a bit of a new discovery for me but I'm pretty sure it's actually only the new packaging that's just been released. Either way this has become one of my life-saving products and at that price I really do recommend you pick it up! I've been a fan of the Tea Tree range for a while as it just clears up blemishes like no other! This is a clay mask that I apply quite a thin layer of to my skin and leave for around 10 minutes before rinsing. I'm not going to lie: the smell of tea tree is pretty strong and it feels very invigorating on the skin. But at the end of the day: this stuff works! I tend to use it the night before and by morning my little spots are usually completely cleared up and the larger ones have shrunk and dried out.
This obviously contains Tea Tree but also has Kaolin, which is a clay that's going to help absorb any excess oils on the surface of the skin.
This is a bit of a new discovery for me but I'm pretty sure it's actually only the new packaging that's just been released. Either way this has become one of my life-saving products and at that price I really do recommend you pick it up! I've been a fan of the Tea Tree range for a while as it just clears up blemishes like no other! This is a clay mask that I apply quite a thin layer of to my skin and leave for around 10 minutes before rinsing. I'm not going to lie: the smell of tea tree is pretty strong and it feels very invigorating on the skin. But at the end of the day: this stuff works! I tend to use it the night before and by morning my little spots are usually completely cleared up and the larger ones have shrunk and dried out.
This obviously contains Tea Tree but also has Kaolin, which is a clay that's going to help absorb any excess oils on the surface of the skin.
Super Facialist Una Brennan Salicylic Acid Anti-Blemish Pore Purifying Clay Mask | £9.99
This is an oldie but a goodie! I'm a huge fan of AHAs, as I previously mentioned but this one contains a BHA. This is better for oily and combination skin as it penetrates deep into the pores and clears them. It is a clay-based formula and gets a little but drying but I don't use it too regularly; usually once a fortnight or if I'm breaking out really badly and there's no obvious cause. You really don't need to apply much of this and I only leave it on for around 5-10 minutes, which is still long enough for it to do its job. I find it helps to clear out any little sebaceous pores and is amazing if you're having a bad time with breakouts. It can clear my skin up overnight and I like to use it every so often as it just helps to keep my pores free of congestion.
Aside from the BHA Salicylic Acid, this also contains some ingredients that help to counter its drying effect such as Honey, Shea Butter and Avocado Oil.
This is an oldie but a goodie! I'm a huge fan of AHAs, as I previously mentioned but this one contains a BHA. This is better for oily and combination skin as it penetrates deep into the pores and clears them. It is a clay-based formula and gets a little but drying but I don't use it too regularly; usually once a fortnight or if I'm breaking out really badly and there's no obvious cause. You really don't need to apply much of this and I only leave it on for around 5-10 minutes, which is still long enough for it to do its job. I find it helps to clear out any little sebaceous pores and is amazing if you're having a bad time with breakouts. It can clear my skin up overnight and I like to use it every so often as it just helps to keep my pores free of congestion.
Aside from the BHA Salicylic Acid, this also contains some ingredients that help to counter its drying effect such as Honey, Shea Butter and Avocado Oil.
REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask | £32
This is one of my holy grail products for sure, as I'll never forget the first time I used it and the double take I did when I saw the results! This has an unusual consistency and smell; think smooth marmalade. I spread a thin layer onto my skin, leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse. If my skin is sensitive and I leave it on for closer to 15 minutes than 10 then I do feel a slight tingling sensation but it's really nothing major. However most of the time it doesn't cause me any aggravation at all. If you have very sensitive skin though, this (and other AHA/BHA products) may not be for you. The difference in my skin really is incredible when I use this; it looks so glowing, fresh, radiant and healthy. It really is like an Instagram filter in a face mask! Whenever my skin is looking a little lacklustre and I'm going out or want to look my best for whatever reason - this is what I reach for. Another benefit is that over time it helps to fade scars and hyper-pigmentation, which is great for me as, although I never had clinical acne, I definitely have dark spots where I've had particularly bad breakouts. This has helped to fade those over the 10-ish months I've been using this. I try to use this around once a fortnight if I don't have a particular occasion to whip it out for.
This is another AHA with 5-6.5% Glycolic Acid that exfoliates your skin. It's so good that I very rarely use a manual face scrub any more (only for my nose, which seems to get really flaky in isolation sometimes!) It also contains another AHA in the form of Lactic Acid (hence the name). It's packed full of fruits, which gives it its scent.
This is one of my holy grail products for sure, as I'll never forget the first time I used it and the double take I did when I saw the results! This has an unusual consistency and smell; think smooth marmalade. I spread a thin layer onto my skin, leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse. If my skin is sensitive and I leave it on for closer to 15 minutes than 10 then I do feel a slight tingling sensation but it's really nothing major. However most of the time it doesn't cause me any aggravation at all. If you have very sensitive skin though, this (and other AHA/BHA products) may not be for you. The difference in my skin really is incredible when I use this; it looks so glowing, fresh, radiant and healthy. It really is like an Instagram filter in a face mask! Whenever my skin is looking a little lacklustre and I'm going out or want to look my best for whatever reason - this is what I reach for. Another benefit is that over time it helps to fade scars and hyper-pigmentation, which is great for me as, although I never had clinical acne, I definitely have dark spots where I've had particularly bad breakouts. This has helped to fade those over the 10-ish months I've been using this. I try to use this around once a fortnight if I don't have a particular occasion to whip it out for.
This is another AHA with 5-6.5% Glycolic Acid that exfoliates your skin. It's so good that I very rarely use a manual face scrub any more (only for my nose, which seems to get really flaky in isolation sometimes!) It also contains another AHA in the form of Lactic Acid (hence the name). It's packed full of fruits, which gives it its scent.
Oils & Overnight
Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil | £16.50 (20ml)
This honestly has to be my all-time favourite face oil - which is pretty impressive given the affordable price tag. I use 2-3 drops (it has a pipette) and take some time to massage it into my face. I personally prefer not to use any other products after cleansing and toning if I'm going to be using this (or any other oil) so a water-based product doesn't separate out from it and 'peel' off. I try to do this around half an hour before bed so it's fully absorbed before my face hits the sheets. It isn't overly greasy and feels quite nice and light so absorbs well into my combination skin. It also doesn't break me out at all. In the morning my skin looks and feels soft, healthy, hydrated and just better in every way! It's kind of hard to pin it down to one thing because this seems to do just about everything. If my skin is a bit dull or I can see some dehydration lines then I reach for this. Even when my skin was extremely sensitive, I could still use this product.
Inside the bottle, you'll only find 100% certified organic rosehip oil so don't worry about any hidden nasties!
This honestly has to be my all-time favourite face oil - which is pretty impressive given the affordable price tag. I use 2-3 drops (it has a pipette) and take some time to massage it into my face. I personally prefer not to use any other products after cleansing and toning if I'm going to be using this (or any other oil) so a water-based product doesn't separate out from it and 'peel' off. I try to do this around half an hour before bed so it's fully absorbed before my face hits the sheets. It isn't overly greasy and feels quite nice and light so absorbs well into my combination skin. It also doesn't break me out at all. In the morning my skin looks and feels soft, healthy, hydrated and just better in every way! It's kind of hard to pin it down to one thing because this seems to do just about everything. If my skin is a bit dull or I can see some dehydration lines then I reach for this. Even when my skin was extremely sensitive, I could still use this product.
Inside the bottle, you'll only find 100% certified organic rosehip oil so don't worry about any hidden nasties!
The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask* | £24
This kind of seems like an anti-aging product but personally I just see it as hydrating and potentially as a preventative product. It's a very unusual formula; sort of part way between a gel and a cream. It kind of wobbles and if you scoop a bit out it'll settle back into its original form perfectly. You only need the tiniest amount of this as it melts into pure hydration as you massage it into your skin. Again, a big pro of this for me is how quickly it absorbs into my skin. There's no excess left on the surface at all! Although my skin is combination overall, it is definitely dehydrated at the same time so this is pretty much my go-to overnight fix for that. The next morning my skin looks plumper, fresher and healthier. I measure the effects of hydrating products based on whether I can still see the annoying dehydration lines on my forehead and when I use this, they're virtually invisible! Because it's such a light, easy formula I like to use this twice a week.
The ingredients include Babassu Oil and Edelweiss Stem Cells.
This kind of seems like an anti-aging product but personally I just see it as hydrating and potentially as a preventative product. It's a very unusual formula; sort of part way between a gel and a cream. It kind of wobbles and if you scoop a bit out it'll settle back into its original form perfectly. You only need the tiniest amount of this as it melts into pure hydration as you massage it into your skin. Again, a big pro of this for me is how quickly it absorbs into my skin. There's no excess left on the surface at all! Although my skin is combination overall, it is definitely dehydrated at the same time so this is pretty much my go-to overnight fix for that. The next morning my skin looks plumper, fresher and healthier. I measure the effects of hydrating products based on whether I can still see the annoying dehydration lines on my forehead and when I use this, they're virtually invisible! Because it's such a light, easy formula I like to use this twice a week.
The ingredients include Babassu Oil and Edelweiss Stem Cells.
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask | £23 (for full size)
This is an old favourite of mine but one I still reach for regularly. I actually got this in a set so you can't buy this smaller tube individually, but even this has lasted me so long! When it's the depths of winter or the situation is severe, I reach for this over the Body Shop mask. Again, you only need a really small amount - I usually go for pea-sized. This isn't quite as fast absorbing so it does feel like I'm using a mask as opposed to a product that's one step away from a night cream. I guess that's also why I reach for it a little less (once a week at most), as it isn't quite as easy and practical. However I do still really love the fruity fragrance of this. By morning there's a little excess on my skin but it's also absorbed a huge amount of product. It really penetrates into my skin and provides lasting hydration. My skin looks and feels less dry and tired. I love the healthy, hydrated makeover it seems to give me.
This is packed full of essential oils and fruit waters such as rose, bitter orange, chamomile, oat, bitter almond and lots more.
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*DISCLOSURE - PRODUCTS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK ARE PR SAMPLES/GIFTS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
This is an old favourite of mine but one I still reach for regularly. I actually got this in a set so you can't buy this smaller tube individually, but even this has lasted me so long! When it's the depths of winter or the situation is severe, I reach for this over the Body Shop mask. Again, you only need a really small amount - I usually go for pea-sized. This isn't quite as fast absorbing so it does feel like I'm using a mask as opposed to a product that's one step away from a night cream. I guess that's also why I reach for it a little less (once a week at most), as it isn't quite as easy and practical. However I do still really love the fruity fragrance of this. By morning there's a little excess on my skin but it's also absorbed a huge amount of product. It really penetrates into my skin and provides lasting hydration. My skin looks and feels less dry and tired. I love the healthy, hydrated makeover it seems to give me.
This is packed full of essential oils and fruit waters such as rose, bitter orange, chamomile, oat, bitter almond and lots more.
I hope you enjoyed this little mini-series and taking a look at my skincare staples.
What are your favourite face masks, overnight treatments and oils?
Don't forget to follow me on:
Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram
*DISCLOSURE - PRODUCTS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK ARE PR SAMPLES/GIFTS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
I purchased the Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask a few days ago and the first time I used it I noticed my skin was a lot more hydrated, after reading your review I think I would really like the Body Shop one too! I'll have to try it out, thank you for this review it was really helpful, I'm obsessed with masks! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah it's fab isn't it? Glad this was useful :) xx
DeleteI think TBS is undergoing major redesigning, their new look is much more mature and elegant than before. I keep on reading how TBS Tea Tree range impressively got rid of blemishes, sadly they stung me really bad and did nothing on me.
ReplyDeleteps. your blog is very inspiring, I'm currently backtracking them and it definitely encourages me in writing, thank you :)
Selene Addicted
Aw thank you! xx
DeleteI love reading your skincare posts because they always seem to include several products that I already own and love, so I feel like the others make perfect personal recommendations! ;)
ReplyDeleteI adore the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask in part because of the feeling of smearing lemon curd all over my face and also for the lovely results!
I've also been eyeing up the Aesop Parsley Seed Masqur for a while so based on your other recommendations it seems like it might be a great fit for me!
Roisin x
roisinfarmer.co.uk
These all sound gorgeous, I adore the Origins Drink Up Mask! I really want to try the Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser and I love the sound of the Aesop Parsley Seed Masque - I think my skin would love that at the moment ♥
ReplyDeleteJess xo | The Indigo Hours
I've enjoyed the series although i know have skincare list as long as my arm haha. I really need to check out the Pixi Glow mud cleanser, rose hip oil and the Antipodes mask. My skin is freaking out the moment and those sound perfect. The REN mask is brilliant, I agree with you - the result are fantastic xx
ReplyDeleteLPage Beauty
I'm so glad you did :) xx
DeleteI have pixi mud cleanser and I love it! Pixi skin care line is fabulous!
ReplyDeletehttp://villemo20.blogspot.com/
I love the origins drink up mask! The Antipodes mask sounds really nice too! lovely post :)
ReplyDeletehttp://claresloves.blogspot.com/
I'd love to try TBS Tea Tree mask, the new packaging is such an improvement and I already love their Tea Tree Oil. Great post! x
ReplyDeletephoebe & abida | phoebida.blogspot.co.uk
Agreed - far prefer the new packaging! xx
DeleteThere are a few products here that I must try! I'm especially eyeing the REN renewal mask!
ReplyDeletehttp://covetedbeauty.blogspot.ca/
Have been eyeing the Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Anti Blemish for a really long time but sadly, they don't carry it over her in Singapore:( whyyyyyyyyyyyy?! Anyway, lovely post!!
ReplyDeleteWanny || thoughtsatweekend@blogspot.sg
The Pixi Glow mud sounds amazing!! I really love things like that so I must pick it up! Lovely bits hun!
ReplyDeleteFix Me In Forty Five - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Blog Lovin' // Instagram
xx
I need to try the Pixi mud cleanser - I didn't think it would suit my skin but having read your review, I've changed my mind! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin
You love the Glow Tonic, right? I definitely recommend it! xx
DeleteThese products all look lovely, but a tad pricey ! x
ReplyDeleteThere's a mix of prices in this post - 1/3 of the products are <£20, which is reasonable in the UK x
DeleteLoving your blog, so glad I came across it!
ReplyDeleteAnika | anikamay.co.uk
Origins is one of my faves!
ReplyDeleteHannah | Oh January
I've heard so much about the benefits of rosehip oils on your skin. I need to give it a go for the sake of my dry skin haha
ReplyDeleteYIGE a blog
They're amazing for dry skin! xx
DeleteI've caved and bought rosehip oil and love it!
ReplyDeleteParie x
classandglitter.com
i swear by the trilogy rosehip oil, i started getting forehead line :-( and started use the oil. they have reduced, not completely, but also no new line have formed :-)
ReplyDeleteYeah it's a great preventative product too! xx
DeleteMust try that body shop mask with tea tree!
ReplyDeleteS .x http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com
great additions! i really want to try some of the origins masks and i hear so many good things about all of them!
ReplyDeletem0llylouise.com
I really want to try the Pixi cleanser. I almost picked it up last time but I only bought the Glow Tonic. Stupid me haha!
ReplyDeleteX Marjolein
www.misscocoblue.blogspot.com
Definitely check it out next time! :) xx
DeleteThe Pixi and antipodes masks sound gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteTrilogy rosehip oil is one of my faves and staples, I love it!
Tenz
www.shesabouthatlife.com
xxxx
Yes, Yes and Yes to all the products above. I have the REN Renewal mask which is absolutely incredible and really works wonders. Una Brennan has been an old companion for me and would always be. I am keen to try the Aesop Parsley Seed Mask which I have heard so much about!! Everything else sounds fantastic and thanks for sharing as usual....xx
ReplyDeleteI think you'd love the Aesop mask! xx
DeleteI absolutely love TBS Bouncy Sleeping Mask - I really see a difference when I use it! x
ReplyDeleteAgreed! xx
DeleteSo many skincare goodies and ones that I have had my eye on for quite some time now. I'm actually looking for a new mud mask so think I may check out the Pixi version. I have also eyed up the Ren Radiance mask for some time now so good to hear you love it x
ReplyDeleteBeauty with charm
I really love the sound of the REN mask it sounds amazing. I must treat myself to one when payday arrives. I've been looking for a mask for when my skin is looking dull and dry x
ReplyDeleteDarling Jordan
Love hearing about new skincare to try, great post!
ReplyDeleteMakeup Monster
Love the trilogy Rosehip oil and Origins mask! I want the Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser so bad! They have 20% off at M&S at the minute but they dont have it :(
ReplyDeleteDanielle's Beauty Blog
Don't tempt me D: xx
DeleteI am really curious about the bouncy sleeping mask, I've never tried sleeping mask before! Tea tree masks really good when my skin is breaking down! x
ReplyDeleteEla BellaWorld
I love the REN mask! I use it once a week and my skin always feels amazing after!
ReplyDeletePhilippa x
I love the Origins mask, it gives me a new face in the morning after I use it! It actually says on the bottle to be used 1-2 times a week because it is so intense and 'mask'like.
ReplyDeleteRachelShuchatMakeup
Both are miracle-workers :) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments - hope this was helpful and you enjoyed the series :) xx
ReplyDeleteI love that Manuka Honey mask too... it's so soothing when my skin is unsettled. Not tried that particular Una Brennan but am a big fan of her brand too.
ReplyDeleteI must give the Body Shop bouncy mask a go, the texture is so unusual I was unsure about it, but sounds like it's good for hydration which I'm always in need of!
Nic xx
It's amazing for tired/dehydrated skin! xx
DeleteI love Trilogy rose-hip oil I have been using it for 2 years now, and that body shop bouncy sleep mask thing is amazing. It was my winter skin savior.
ReplyDeleteSam || Beautydetour
I've been into masks lately, so I'm glad I came across this post! I'll definitely be adding some of these to my list of things to try! Thanks girl! xo
ReplyDeleteMcKenzie | therosynook.com
I love the Rosehip oil, I picked it up after seeing it on your blog and I'm pretty sure you suggested it on twitter, it has really helped clear my skin! I want to try more from antipodes and Pixi now!
ReplyDeleteJodie | jodiemelissa.com
I think I did during #bbloggers ;) so glad you like it as much as me! xx
DeleteI love products like these, they always feel so luxurious. You've listed a few of my faves up there so I'm desperate to try out all of the others, my bank balance is not going to be impressed haha! Great post! xx
ReplyDeleteCharlotte | Just Charlotte
This was so useful! I really like the sound of the Pixi glow mud cleanser and the Superfacialist mask!
ReplyDeleteKirstie | Behind The Scent
I love the Body Shop tea tree range but I've not tried this clay mask.... this post has made me realise that I NEED to buy it!!!
ReplyDeleteJodie @ Jodetopia x
That's a lot of great products! I've wanted to try the Origins Drink Up Intensive mask for AGES now, the Body Shop Bouncy Sleeping mask sounds lovely too though. Face masks are some of my favourite skincare products, I own so many of them, of which most have a hydrating or purifying formula.
ReplyDeleteI love a face mask too - I guess I just like seeing instant results! xx
Delete