The masquerade bal part #2 : Facial masks round-up

If you’ve read my first mask round-up (here) you know that the addiction is real. I’ve been doing rather well in reducing my oil stash, however two big piles remain: lipsticks and face masks. The pictures were taken a few weeks ago; since then 1/3 of the masks pictured above are empty.

Brightening and clearing masks
Pai Skincare Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask  (full review here)
Texture: cream
A delicate product, which gently prevents new blemishes from forming, while soothing and healing your skin at the same time. I could have included it in the acneic skin category below, but compared to the other masks I listed, this one is a much gentler option. It works better at fading scars, and keeping the skin looking fresh and bright.
Ingredients: Aqua, Kaolin, Glycerin*, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Cetearyl alcohol, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil*, Carapa guaianensis Seed Oil*,
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract*, Acacia Senegal Gum, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil*, Carya Ovata Bark Extract, Copaifera Officinalis Resin*, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Boswellia Neglecta Oil*, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Anisate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil*, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid.

Okamura Farmacopia clear mask* (see last picture below)
Texture: gel
I’ll share more infos about Okamura soon. The founder, Sherry Okamura Leonard is an empathic licensed esthetician in Portland and she has knack for combining ingredients that work synergistically. Aloe-vera based, the clear mask contains highly popular ingredients such as rooibos extract, DMAE, green tea, hyaluronic acid, white willow bark, and activated charcoal (all working to detoxify and clear congested skin as well as providing moisture). It cleanses the skin from impurities, leaving it soft and smooth. Overtime, skin looks more even. Particularly convenient for the busy bees, since you only need to leave it for 5 minutes. A quick, fuss-free skin fix. My only concern is that I can’t seem to find it on the website anymore, they only have the Antioxidant moisture mask (here) with a slightly different formula.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Extract*, Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil*, Emulsifying Wax NF, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Activated Charcoal, Salix Alba (Organic White Willow) Bark Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, (May contain sodium bicarbonate and/or citric acid as pH adjusters). *organic

Cocktail of vitamins/ Revitalizing masks
Leahlani mermaid mask*
Texture: liquid (like honey)
A while ago, I was fortunate enough to win a few treats from Leahlani Skincare, and I feel like the mermaid mask needs no introduction. Since I received this one, Leah slightly altered the formula by adding French green clay for more potency, so my version is clay-free. The mermaid mask is food for your skin, it’s filled with nutrients; spirulina and chlorella. They increase levels of vitamin A, vitamin C and glutathione, which contribute in skin renewal. Add to that antioxidant-rich Seabuckthorn oil, soothing blue tansy and a bunch of active ingredients. The smell is delightful, I feel instantly transported to a tropical island and the scent itself is enough to put me in a relaxed mood. It may feel a bit sticky at first because of the raw honey, but I really enjoyed using it as a revitalizing treatment. My face looked bright and invigorated when I was using it. Also, you get to have a little bit of Hawaii in your beauty cabinet. Doesn’t really get much better than that, does it? 😉
Ingredients: raw honey, pure hawaiian spirulina, chlorella, luminess algae, Seabuckthorn fruit, organic orange, chamomille, roman chamomille, blue tansy, bee balm geranium, palmarosa, ylang ylang, white lotus, rose, white lotus flower, vanilla beeswax, coriander. (disclaimer: 1-2 two ingredient smight be missing, because the label has faded away)

Josh Rosebrook Cacao Antioxidant mask
Texure: cream
I have a sample size and I’m not sure if I will resist getting the full-size. It has the smell and texture of a cacao-rich pudding. I love to apply this when my skin is looking dull, parched and a bit rough from the heat. The formula is stellar, with anti-inflammatory and collagen-boosting ingredients. My face looks rosy and flushed in the beginning – because cacao is high in flavonoid, and stimulates the blood circulation- but then my skin feels silky soft, radiant and plump.
Ingredients:  Structured Vitamin Water Concentrate, Distilled Water, Organic Cacao (Cocoa) Powder, Organic Witch Hazel Extract, Vinegar, Organic Oils of: Almond and Grape seed; Herbal Infusions of: Lavender Flowers, Ginkgo Leaf, Alfalfa, Bilberry, Neem Leaf, Comfrey, Marshmallow Root, Skullcap, St. John’s Wort, Yerba Mate, Sage, Bladderwrack, Papaya Leaf, Hawthorn Berry and Clary Sage, Organic COQ10, Organic Essential Oils of Orange, Lavender, Rosemary and Calendula.

Green Energy Organics – La récolte des fruits red fruit hydro gel face mask*
Texture: gel
I was introduced to it by MillaBaci , which carries an Italian brand named Green Energy Organics (made in Italy, cruelty-free, COSMOS certificate, free of sulfates, silicone, parabens, petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances). Texture-wise, it compares to Tata Harper’s resurfacing mask, but I felt like this one brought more moisture. The hydro gel face is a clear gel, with a luscious berry scent that provides a much-needed hydration. Among the ingredients, we have blueberry, grapes and black currant, all rich in resveratrol(for antioxidant effects). It’s one of my go-to summer masks because the cooling sensation soothes and relieves my skin. The heat and the pollution make my face extra greasy and sticky and the feeling I get when I come home, wash off the grime and put on the hydro gel is priceless. I can almost imagine my skin let out a big “ah” of relief and contentment lol. Skin feels and looks refreshed, glowy and plump after use. Just like Okamura’s mask, this one is really easy to use and wash off.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Kaolin, Caprylic/Capric, Tryglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 rice Bramate Se, Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Fruit Extract, Vaccinum Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Vitis
Vinafera (Grape) Leaf Extract*, Xanthal Gum, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum (Fragrance), Citral, Limonene,
Linalool, Citronellol, Coumarin, Geranion, hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellol, Hydroxyisohexyl3-cyclohexene Carboxaldeyde (naturally occuring) 

Blemish-tacklers/Impurities-removers
Herbivore Botanicals Blue Clay mask
Texture: dry powder
Currently on sale, so rhis might be your chance to give it a try. I’m not sure if will stay in store, it since it doesn’t appear in their masks section anymore, but hoping I’m wrong though! (I ordered one of their new masks as well and it should arrive soon so stay tuned for that). I loved the Blue Clay mask to pieces, it’s a gentle treatment mask which leaves the skin refreshed and calm.
Cambrian blue clay works wonders for irritated, congested blemish-prone skin. I’ve seen more and more brands using Cambrian and couldn’t be happier about that. I have noticed less spots on my skin since using it, and the cold feeling of cambrian appeased my skin quickly. It can also be used as a topical spot treatment but I used it for my whole face.  My only concern was that you defintiely need more powder than usual to create a paste to apply. I don’t know if it’s linked to the extremely fine consistency of Cambrian clay but the jar was used up rather quickly.
Ingredients: Cambrian Blue Clay, White Kaolin Clay, Rose Geranium Oil

Earthbody Purify cleanser & mask
Texture: dry powder
I’m strictly using as a face mask, so I can’t speak about it as a cleanser, but it’s pure fabulosity in a jar. Purify is more suited for oily skin. I ordered it on Petit Vour – back when they were shipping internationally –  and for 24$, it’s one of the most affordable options for a potent face mask (especially since the jar is full to the brim). Earthbody also didn’t lack generosity in their formula, just a quick look at the ingredients and you’ll understand. Spices, fruits and vegetables in a jar (like a farmer’s market for your skin haha). The potent blend of phytonutrients and anti-inflammatory ingredients ensure that all impurites are drawn out. I love finding all those greens (Spirulina, Kelp, Wheatgrass, Parsley) in my skincare. Speeds up the healing process, because blemishes fade away quicker when I use this frequently.
INGREDIENTS : Clay: Montmorillonite (French Green) Powdered Plants: Diatomaceous Earth, Spirulina Platensis (Spirulina) Powder, Macrocystis Pyriferae (Kelp) Powder*, Triticum Aestivum (Wheat Grass) Powder, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Root Powder, Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Root, Lavandula X Intermedia (Lavender) Flower*, Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark, Rheum Palmatum (Rhubarb) Root*, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf*, Petroselinum Crispum (Parsley) Leaf*, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower*, Arctium Lappa
(Burdock) Root*, Acetic Acid (Apple Cider Vinegar)* Essential Oils: Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Oil. Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Laurus Nobilis (Bay Laurel) Leaf Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil *Organic Ingredient

Mahalo Pele Mask
Texture: dry powder
Another goodness sent from Heaven on earth, aka Hawaii ;). The Pele mask had big shoes to fill in since I got it as a replacement of May lindstrom’s Problem Solver and it certainly didn’t disappoint. This is one of my most recent purchases, but it’s been already showing results. It’s as good as it gets. We have astringents (white willow bark, witch hazel) anti-inflammatories (turmeric, cayenne, ginger, neem) and antioxidants (hibiscus, noni), all in one jar. Pele also contains charcoal powder and papaya for mild exfoliation and brightening effects. It’s not everyday that you find such a unique blend of ingredients. Don’t get me started on the packaging, Mahalo wins. (refills available!)
Ingredients: Volcanic Ash Clay, Alaea (Hawaiian Red) Clay*, Rhassoul Clay, Theobroma Cacao (Raw Cacao) Powder*, Black Lava Hawaiian Salt, Bambusa Arundinace (Bamboo) Charcoal Powder, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Leaf*, Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Hibiscus) Flower*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf*, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root*, Zingiber Officinalis (Ginger) Root*, Sodium Bicarbonate, Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower*, Morinda Citrofolia (Noni) Powder*, Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil Tulsi) Leaf*, Centella Asiatica (Pennywort) Leaf*, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Powder*, Antalum Spicatum (Sandalwood), Salix Alba L. (White Willow Bark)*, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Powder*, Capsicum Annuum (Cayenne)*, Musa Spp (Banana) Fruit Extract*, Psidium Guajava (Guava) Fruit Extract*, Antalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Oil*. Organic Ingredient

The masquerade purifying mask
Texture: dry powder
Another powerhouse in the mask department. Noer Organics was meant to be part of my international brand series, but due to numerous reasons, I couldn’t post anything sooner. The original mask contains buttermilk, however you can request a non-diary formulation or any other ingredients you have issues with. (the perks of making, fresh & hand-made cosmetics). The first time I came accross Noer, I fell instantly in love with their philosophy and aestethics, and while I’ll get into more details about the brands, the focus remains the mask in this post. Exotic, sophisticated, and combining both ancient and modern beauty traditions, Noer Organic is one of those brands that will give high-end conventional skincare brands a run for their money. The Masquerade purifying mask feels like a glacial mud mask when you put it on, very refreshing and balancing. Just like the Mahalo, Noer Organics works with an extraordianry and unique array of ingredients, turning a simple mask application, into a – almost – spiritual moment. This one requires a little extra care to remove, because the base is made of Australian black clay and Rhassoul, but the result is worth it. It draws out impurities, restores balance and gives a fresh glow. With more than 5 clays combined, be assured that this will removes all toxins. I was particularl intrigued by the presence of Mung beans, and after a few researches, it turns out that it’s a wonderful ingredient for hair and skin, because it’s rich in protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and calcium. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to clear body heat and toxins.
Ingredients: Australian Midnight Black clay, Rhassoul clay, Australian Ivory clay, French Pink clay, Kaolin Pink clay, Buttermilk, Raw Cacao, Mung Beans, Oats, Papaya, Niagara Grape juice, Apple Pectin, Black Cherry, Maqui Berry, Pomegranate, Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Gotu Kola, Gingko Bilboa, Lotus, Marshmallow Root, Rosehip, Aspen Bark, Aloe Vera, Camu Camu, Chamomile, Carrot Seed, Frankincense, Activated Charcoal (coconut origins), Rhodiola.

Have you tried any of these? What is/are your favorite mask(s)?

Take care,

Liz

(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i[‘GoogleAnalyticsObject’]=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),
m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)
})(window,document,’script’,’//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js’,’ga’);

ga(‘create’, ‘UA-66125070-1’, ‘auto’);
ga(‘send’, ‘pageview’);