Lucy likes face masks (a bit too much apparently...)

Hola!


Right, I thought I'd start by chatting about a few of my favourite face masks that I've been using over the past few months. 


It's probably important to mention my skin type before wholeheartedly recommending face masks that work for me, obviously they won't be everyone's cup of tea. My skin is ridiculously temperamental, and has been getting a lot worse recently due to stress, which is a massive pain. I think I have normal to combination skin, with an very oily chin (sexy), although around this time of year my skin gets drier quicker. I don't feel like my skin is particularly sensitive but particularly harsh products will definitely dry it right out.


I've narrowed it down to four corkers, and here they are:

4. I think my least favourite of my favourites (hope that makes sense...) is probably the 'Planet Spa: Mediterranean Olive Oil Hydrating Face Mask' from Avon (RRP £4.50)
(http://avonshop.co.uk/product/planet-spa/planet-spa-mediterranean-olive-oil-hydrating-face-mask.html)
On the Avon website they claim that the mask will 'Soothe stressed skin with this replenishing face mask. Skin is left feeling fresh, soft and supple. With a mild and gentle formulation, it’s especially suitable for sensitive skin' and I definitely agree.
I really like the smell of this face mask (quite 'herb-y' and natural) but I'm not mad about the consistency. I personally like masks that dry hard on your skin, as they feel so damn satisfying, whereas this just slowly sinks into the skin (if you have a spare few hours). As recommended, I usually leave the mask on for around 20 minutes and once rinsed off you can immediately feel a difference. 
As this is for sensitive skin, it's not the most dramatic difference, but it is definitely softening and brilliant for winter when my skin normally feels a lot tighter. 
I would definitely recommend this product for anyone who has slightly dry skin as it does what it says on the tin, and lasts forever so gets a thumbs up for value.




3. My third favourite has got to be the 'Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask' from Bliss (RRP £39.90 - I definitely did NOT spend that much on a face mask, I got it off eBay for around £13 because it didn't come in a box)
(http://www.blissworld.co.uk/skincare/shop-bliss-products/triple-oxygen/bliss-triple-oxygen-energizing-mask/)
On the Bliss website they claim that the mask 'detoxifies the skin by creating an oxygen environment on the skin which helps prevent bacteria from causing breakouts. This mask is ideal for anyone with lackluster skin looking to get a glow going, acne prone skin who need help banishing bacteria, and travelers whose skin gets dry and dull from stale airplane and hotel air', and I partly agree.

I absolutely love the smell of this product, it's so damn fresh and fruity! I also enjoyed the way the mask sat on the skin when I got the 'dampness' of my skin right; this sounds so weird but I began to realise that this mask only worked if your skin was the right level of 'damp', too dry and it did absolutely nothing, too wet and it just slid down my face. When I finally cracked the 'dampness' problem, the mask genuinely feels incredible! It bubbles on your skin and really feels like it's getting into every pore.

I used this mask religiously (three times a week) for a few months, and didn't actually see any significance in my blemishes but I definitely noticed my skin looking brighter and just generally better (awful description). If I'd paid full price for this I would have been gutted (although that's probably because I'm a penny pinching student and was expecting unrealistic results). I've been using this for months and still have a fair bit left judging by the weight so I think for £13 it's really good value (£39.90 on the other hand...)

2. In at number two (God, I sound like such a geek!), has to be Ren's 'Pore Minimising Detox Mask' (RRP £18.00 - although again, I did not spend that much on it, another cheeky eBay find). I can't seem to find it on their website to give you a link, it might be discontinued, but there seems to be a very similar one on sale here:
(http://www.renskincare.com/p/3091/Invisible+Pores+Detox+Mask)
(Plus, if all else fails, Biomed's 'Pure Detox Mask' is surprisingly similar for me, and is a little cheaper I think. I found it in TKMaxx for £7.99 for 50ml)
I'm a big fan of this packaging as it looks all scientific and serious (probably not what everyone is looking for in a face mask bottle!). I also found the pump to be fairly handy.
I'd heard a lot of good things about this mask before trying it and wasn't disappointed at all. It comes out fairly creamy and dries in around 15 minutes so isn't too time consuming. I am fairly aware of my pores and having used this mask my face felt so much better and less oily. 
For my budget, again, I think £18 is just a little too much, although I used to buy those individual sachets of face masks for around £0.99 from Boots or Superdrug  so I suppose it doesn't work out that much more expensive, per use.




1. Liz Earle's 'Deep Cleansing Mask' (RRP £13.25 for the starter kit which includes cute little sponges to get it off at the end)
(http://uk.lizearle.com/exfoliators-and-masks/deep-cleansing-mask.html)
The website claims that 'this highly concentrated clay and manuka honey mask helps draw out impurities and excess oil to leave skin balanced, calm and clear.'
I think the world and its dog has heard of, and loves, Liz Earle products and I can understand why. I love the smell of this mask as it smells natural but also quite intense (again, another awful description, but I hope you can kind of see what I mean).
This comes out fairly runny, which I personally find to be a bit of a pain because it always ends up on my clothing or something (I don't think this should be a reflection on the product, more a reflection on me being stupidly clumsy), however, once it's on it's brilliant. I like this mask as you can really feel it working, to be honest the first time I used it I was shocked at how much you could feel! It also dries which, as you can tell, I'm clearly a big fan of.
I do feel like this mask has helped maybe not clear, but definitely maintain good skin if I'm having a blemish-free period, and I would really recommend for anyone with similar skin to me.


I hope this has been vaguely interesting/enjoyable to read, and apologies for how much I ramble!
Just wondering if anyone has any favourite face masks they could recommend, I am desperate to try new ones?!
Also, I was thinking of doing a blog on my favourite mascaras if anyone fancies that?

Hope everyone is having a brilliant Friday!
Lots of love,
Lucy xxxxxxx