We review three skincare products in a bid to recreate an at-home facial experience. If you get the right face mask or facial scrub, you can save heaps of money and time – and a more regular pampering must be a good thing for face and mind!
Al’s Beauty 24K Gold Peel-off Mask, $59
This made-in-Switzerland peel-off mask contains real 24K gold (in fact, it’s the second ingredient on the list), which has multiple benefits like brightening the skin, reducing inflammation, and smoothening out wrinkles.
The product has a viscous consistency that spreads out easily. The visible gold sparkles make it really fun to watch while you’re applying it across the face, but you need to ensure it doesn’t get onto the hairline or eyebrows, or else removal will be a painful process! The mask feels cool on the skin and has a strong floral scent from the natural flower extracts, but that disappears after the first few minutes of application. Once it has set, you can peel it and wash your face with lukewarm water.
I think this gold mask would be a fun one to do with friends for an at-home spa party, or a hen’s staycay! There’s a fair amount of product, so one jar will probably last you a long time.
– Anthia Chng
Sen’se by De Belle Hydro Intensive Silk Mask, $12
Sense De Belle, 14 Scotts Road, #02-02 Far East Plaza
I’ve never been great at sitting still, so I need a mask that allows me to keep busy without it slipping off or obstructing my view. This Hydro Intensive Silk Mask by beauty salon Sense De Belle is ideal; it’s paper-thin, incredibly lightweight and made with silk, so it feels like second skin and is barely noticeable when contoured to the face.
Infused with apple stem cells and intensive moisturiser, 20 minutes of this mask twice weekly promises improved elasticity and reduced visibility of fine lines. Though it may take a while for it to work its magic on my wrinkles, my skin certainly feels more supple and soft after just one use!
– Leanda Rathmel
Bema Blue Defence Organic Peel Mask, $58
For over 50 years, Italian beauty brand Bema has been manufacturing organic-certified skincare and beauty products without nasties. I’ve enjoyed using their skincare for a while now. The products really do live up to the claims, so I find the brand pretty trustworthy.
I love how the mask has a soft, bubble gum-like texture. After washing my face (I double cleanse to make sure everything is gone), I put on a thick layer and leave for 15 minutes. I then wash it off with warm water, and the result is great. My skin feels more moisturised and looks brighter. I try to do this three times a week as I feel my skin needs a bit of extra love, especially when I’m stressed.
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, the mask contains rice and argan to exfoliate. It’s also formulated to tackle ageing caused by harmful blue light rays from electronic devices – perfect for me!
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Foreo UFO Sheet Mask, $408
“Made by Swedish beauty-tech brand Foreo, this tool is programmable via an app to either heat up slightly to open the pores, vibrate to infuse the ingredients into the skin, glow with various LED lights to fight ageing, dullness and acne, or cool down to close the pores and seal in the active ingredients.
The mask sheets come in a rejuvenating “Make my Day” formula or “Call it a Night”, which calms and hydrates for overnight repair. The app talks to you through the 90-second treatment while you rub it over your face and neck. It was surprisingly relaxing and I repeated the process four or five times because it felt so nice. The mask sheets had plenty of solution as well, which was not absorbed in the skin in the initial 90 seconds, but was after a few rounds.
I do try to use sheet masks on a weekly basis but it’s difficult finding the time to lie down and wait. This easy and relaxing treatment really did deliver nearly as good a result as a spa facial – just without the neck and shoulder massage!”
– Danielle Rossetti
Hovita Aromatherapy Gentle Face Scrub, $68
“I love that this natural scrub doesn’t sting my skin like some products do. The fine grains, when massaged onto the face, provide enough to gently exfoliate my skin. Suitable for all skin types, the scrub is also moisturising, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue either. Made with lavender and camellia seed oil, the scent is soothing and relaxing, and I like that I can use it a couple of times a week for a quick refresh. This facial scrub is definitely suitable for all skin types.”
– Jacqui Young
Green Detox French Green Clay Face Mask
“I’m in love with this natural skincare range. This mask is beautifully handcrafted with French green clay, spirulina and matcha, all of which provide a great mix to healthier skin. The healing clay cleanses well, getting rid of impurities and excess oils while exfoliating and removing dead skin cells. The matcha, which is high in antioxidants and boasts great anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce redness and the negative effects of sun damage. Spirulina is high in nutrients, vitamins and minerals to detoxify and promote new cell stimulation.
This mask is a winning combination to clearer skin. It’s also super easy to use: simply mix a teaspoon of the powder with water and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Great for all skin types, it’s natural enough to use once or twice a week.”
– Jacqui Young
Or if you’d rather have a spa session out, read up about these fab facials!
This article first appeared in the September 2020 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
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