Naisture Aqua Brightening Mask

I have yet to try a Naisture sheet mask and thought this mask was intriguing because it included a 3-step process.  Not only did it include ampoule, but it also had essence and sheet mask.  I usually put the essence prior to sheet mask so it was a worth a try to see the difference in changing up the routine.

The ampoule was quite light while the sheet mask was thick.  After getting used to the Taiwanese sheet mask, the Korean kind does not compare.   The mask did last a while, more than 30 minutes.   Afterward, I waited until the essence from the sheet mask absorbed into the skin before I applied step 3 - refresh essence.  

The whole process took longer than normal and although I'm not a big fan of the sheet mask, my face did feel brightened and full of essence.

Where to Buy: pharmacy in NYC

My Scheming Raw Job's Tears Brightening Black Mask

After a long week of work, I decompressed by double masking.  I used the

Su:m 37 Bubble De Mask first and then applied the My Scheming Raw Job's Tears Brightening Black Mask.

From the packaging:  Raw job's tears, also known as dehulled adlay, contain rich Vitamin and dietary fiber on their outer layer of bran film.   With rich grain amino acids, they provide superior anti-aging effect for skin as well as soothing, nourishing, and moisturizing benefit on skin.  The protein in raw job's tears can decompose enzyme and soften skin keratin to reduce fine lines.

The Black Mask smells a bit like coconut but is smooth and nourishing.   After 30 minutes, it has not dried out and is still full of essence. 

After the two masks, my face feels refreshed and moisturized. 

Where to Buy: Taiwan

London Travel Glow

I travel quite a bit for work and for a recent trip to London, I brought all my essentials.  Little did I know London would go through a heat wave (over 90 degrees!) and it was almost stifling to walk outside.   Good thing I have some masks to make it through the week. 

Here are my travel essentials:

- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

- Clarins Facial Cleanser (which I used as a double cleanser and toner)

- SK-II Essence

- History of Whoo Brightening Gel

- Lirikos Marine Hydro Ampoule

- CeraVe Facial Lotion PM

- Sulwhasoo Eye Cream

- Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen

- Sheet mask for the first night: Nasture Aqua Brightening Mask

My Scheming L-Ascorbic Acid Whitening Mask

This is another find from my Taiwan trip.   My Scheming seem to be a big brand in Taiwan with a lot of choices.  I selected the L-Ascorbic Acid Whitening Mask because I want to target pigmentation.   L-ascorbic acid helps regulate uneven skin color while Arbutin enhances the protective function of skin.

This mask is truly invisible as it's thin and disappears into the skin.  Not sure if it's because I did a peeling mask prior to the mask but I do feel the tightness (and almost stinging sensation) of the acid in the whitening mask.   There is plenty of essence and the masks fits and stays on well.   Love this brand and this type of mask!! 

Where to Buy: Taiwan 

Apivita Royal Jelly Face Mask and Aritaum Fresh Essence Lemon Mask

When I have the time, I like to double mask because the sheet mask is best absorbed on super clean skin.  

I started with the Apivita face mask with royal jelly.  This brand is from Greece and I picked it up on my March trip to Barcelona.  It boast of natural ingredients with no paraben.   The face mask is silky and creamy like a moisturizer.  There's a bit of faint fragrance but not very strong.  The directions say to leave on for 10 minutes and after 15 minutes, my face did feel tightened.   Upon washing off the face mask, my face super tight - there's definitely some firming effect!!

I put the Aritaum Fresh Essence Lemon mask to restore moisture and essence back to my skin.   The mask is silky and fits well.  It has plenty of essence with a faint lemon smell.   The sheet mask lasted over 30 minutes and face felt refreshed with plenty of moisture.  After the double mask, I continued my night routine.

Where to Buy: Apivita purchased in Barcelona pharmacy and Aritaum mask gifted by a friend

Sokoglam #Onlygoodskindaysahead

I participated in the Sokoglam #onlygoodskindaysahead challenge by picking 3 kbeauty finds.   My list included the following:

- erborian Seve de Bamboo Eye

- Etude House Moistfull Collagen Emulsion

- Cosrx Triple C Lightening Liquid

I also included my new cosmetic travel purse by Coach - love pink and butterflies!