Sweet NEW Skincare treats from I Dew Care

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Sweet NEW Skincare treats from I Dew Care 

Who else loves face masks? I love giving myself spa facials at home. So, I am always down to try out a new mask...especially when they are as cute as these new ones from I Dew Care. 

I am super excited to share that I Dew Care has launched three new wash-off face masks to help smooth, brighten, and soothe your skin. These masks can take your home spa facial to the next level with their innovative ingredients that have immediate results.

I Dew Care Ice Cream Collection: 

There is no question, these uber-cutely packaged masks totally make me smile...before I even tried them with their cuteness. However, the product inside really is equally as good as the cute packaging promises. 

Cake My Day ($25) – Inspired by soft serve ice cream, this mask is formulated with hyaluronic acid, squalene, and glacier water to nourish and hydrate skin

Matcha Mood ($25) – Formulated with matcha and vitamin B3 that work to soothe skin while improving its texture and tone

Berry Groovy ($25) – Treat yourself to your “Berry Best” skin with raspberry extract and strawberry seeds that create a radiant complexion

These masks are super easy and fun to use. Here is what I do:

• Wash face with gentle cleanser
• Pat dry
• Apply a generous amount of an I Dew Care mask to your face avoiding lips and eye area. 
• Relax and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Seriously, the relaxing part is key for a total home spa experience. Make yourself some herbal tea, some lemon water, or if you are feeling for something with more kick, maybe some wine ;) 
• Rinse off with tepid water and smooth strokes with your hands. 

I honestly like and need all of these masks in my collection. With my tempermental combo skin, my mask needs vary. Sometimes my skin is irritated and I need something soothing and hydrating, sometimes my skin seems super oily and blemish prone, and sometimes I want a mask with an anti-aging kick. Well, with these three masks, I have a mask product to target all of those skincare troubles. So, I can't pick a favorite of these. I honestly enjoy them all. I will note, they are heavily fragranced. So, just keep in mind if fragrance bothers you. Sometimes fragrance irritates me in skincare, but I did not get irritated from these masks. While the fragrance is significant in these, they are enjoyable scents. I particularly like the berry scent of the Berry Groovy mask! 

If you are looking for some effective masks with a total fun factor, then totally check these out! The I Dew Care Ice Cream Collection is available now on ulta.com and in stores.

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Pixi Pretties Collaborations and NEW Skincare from Pixi Beauty and Pixi Skintreats!

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Pixi Pretties Collaborations and NEW Skincare from Pixi Beauty and Pixi Skintreats!

Have you seen the latest from Pixi Beauty at your local Target? I am so excited about the newest Pixi Pretties collections as well as some awesome new skincare launches. 

The Pixi Pretties collections are collaborations between Pixi Beauty's founder Petra and top YouTube Beauty Vloggers. Dulce Candy, in particular, is a beauty guru that I have been watching for years. So, I am particularly interested in trying out the products she created! Need ideas for how to use the items in the Pixi Pretties collection? Just hop over to the Pixi Beauty site and view some of the videos created by the creators. Super fun!!!

As far as Pixi Beauty's skincare, their Glow Tonic has been a staple product in my skincare rotation for years. So, I am always excited to try out new launches from Pixi's skincare collection. 

Pixi Pretties:

Pixi + Chloe Morello

The gorgeous Palette Chloette is a collaboration between Pixi Beauty and Chloe Morello. When formulating the products, Chloe was inspired by love & romance as she recently got married.  

I really like the selection of shades in this palette. My only wish is that they included a lighter shade for the eye shadows as I always like a light shade on my lid and inner corner. With the exception of there not being a light shade, you really do have everything else that you need to create a complete look with eyes and cheeks. I find these to be nicely blendable with about medium pigmentation (which makes the products easy to work with). I particularly like the cheek colors in this palette! 

The gorgeous Palette Chloette features 6 Eye Shades, 3 Liner/Brow Shades, and 3 Blush Shades. Retails for $24.00. 

image source: Pixi Blog

Pixi + Dulce Candy

Dulce Candy and Pixi Beauty collaborated on two gorgeous palettes that are perfect for the on-the-go girl! Dulce Candy is a busy Mom (like me!). So, she can appreciate time saving products. 

The Café con Dulce Multi-Use Palette features a powder-to-crème formulations that can be used as a highlight or to add color to the skin. These products can even be used on the eyes, too!

Dulce’s Lip Candy Lip Palette is for both the lips and the cheeks. These shades are universally flattering to a variety of skin tones and the products are infused with skin-loving antioxidants and minerals. 

Both of these palettes retail for $24.00 each. 

image source: Pixi Blog

Pixi Skintreats Skincare:

Pixi Skintreats Jasmine Oil Blend:

Have you discovered the joy of adding an oil into your skincare routine? I just love using facial oils as the "final step" in my evening skincare routine. I find that just a drop or two of oil in the evenings smoothed over my face or in key areas really improves the overall look and feel of my skin. You can also use this as an add-in to your favorite moisturizer. Just add in 1 drop and use your moisturizer the way you normally would. I am always looking for good oils...and this one from Pixi Skintreats is really nice! 

This moisturizing oil blend includes a variety of skin-loving ingredients including Jasmine Flower Extract (healing and calming), Evening Primrose (rich in omega-6), and Grape Seed Oil (antioxidant and vitamin rich). 

Retails for $24.00 for full size. 

Pixi Skintreats T-Zone Peel-Off Mask:

I just love doing facial masks at home. It is my weekly spa-like treat to myself. So, I am always looking for a good mask to add into my rotation. Sometimes I do a clarifying mask and sometimes I opt for a hydrating mask. The best thing to do is to choose your mask based on exactly what your skin needs at that moment. That is why I am so excited about this mask. This mask specifically targets the t-zone which is really one of my biggest trouble areas of my skin. So, this is certainly a mask that I opt for frequently! 

The T-Zone Peel-Off Mask is formulated with Avacado and Green Tea to nourish and purify. This mask works to detoxify and your skin and draw out impurities like dirt and oil. I like to use this mask when my skin is looking or feeling more congested and oily. To use, you apply this mask to the t-zone only. Just leave it on until it dries and then peel it off. I find this mask to be effective without irritating my somewhat sensitive skin. Retails for $22.00. 

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Kiehl's Apothecary Preparations Personalized Skincare Service (plus the launch of a NEW Face Mask!)

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Kiehl's Apothecary Preparations Personalized Skincare Service!

Plus the Launch of a NEW Face Mask: The Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask:

Kiehl's Apothecary Preparations Personalized Skincare Service:

Now ya'll know that I love me some Kiehl's, right? Well, with their personalized skincare service the Apothecary Preparations, they have even exceeded my super high expectations! 

Kiehl's has a long history. They have been around since 1851 and started then as an Apothecary in New York City. Well, with their new personalized Apothecary Preparations, they are really going back to their Apothecary roots! The Apotehcary Preparations are completely personalized to your own unique skincare concerns. I can't wait to tell you more about mine and the experience.

Kiehl's Apothecary Preparations: 
Getting Your Personalized Serum: How it works:

When you go to a Kiehl's store, a skincare expert there will sit down with you for a 1:1 consultation. For my experience we discussed my skincare concerns as we went through a book with pictures to help identify the state of your skin in reguards to Kiehl's TARGETED COMPLEXES for
Wrinkles, Texture, Clarity, Enlarged Pores, and Redness. The idea here is that you are identifying which of these are your primary concerns.

While many of these targeted areas are concerns on some level, Kiehl's helped me to identify my top two: Pores and Visible Redness. Lines and wrinkles are a "concern" of mine. However, my concern is about prevention, not diminishing existing lines and wrinkles. So, while that area is a concern. It is not a top concern. So, the wrinkle complex is not in my formula. (I kinda wish it was though as it is the target complex with Retinol!).

Kiehl's will give you a custom label for your Apothecary Preparation Skin Serum and also a personal "perscription" for when you want to come in for a refill. They can simply scan it you can refil the same exact formula. So, you take home a jar of serum with two tubes of additives that you mix in at home. I love this!!! You really feel like a home chemist formulating your own unique and custom created skincare.

For my skin, I was instructed to use this serum either morning or night or both (up to me). Since I do love using Retinol, and Retinol is not in this Apothecary formula, I will be using this serum primarily in the mornings after cleansing and before moisturizing/applying sunscreen. The Kiehl's associate made it clear that my skin will be more sensitive to the sun from the actives in my formula. So, I really like how clear he made it that I needed sunscreen (I already know this but I am glad it is part of what they tell people). I only need 1-2 drops of this serum for effectiveness. I love the feel of this serum on my skin! I have only used it for a few weeks and I am already seeing noticable results.

If you are in a lull with your skincare routine, or if you perhaps are just feeling kinda lost with what your serum needs are, you should consider getting your own custom formula at Kiehl's! It was such a fun experience and I honestly feel like I learned so much about my skincare routine. Plus, they talk you through your routine as far as the order of application and everything. With a custom formula, you really can't go wrong! Plus, you don't have actives in your formula that you don't need!

Overall, the Kiehl's custom Apothecary Preparations consultation was a fantastic experience! I walked away with more knowledge of my own skin, a better understanding of my skincare routine, and an amazing custom product which is exactly what my skin needs!!!

In addition to the Apothecary Preparation skincare experience, I also walked away with a few additional products to suppliment my skincare routine. Many of these are old favorites...but, I just had to tell you about Kiehl's brand new sleeping mask...

NEW Face Mask: The Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask:

Facial masks are a weekly part of my skincare routine. So, I am super excited to get to try out this brand new one from Kiehl's! The day that I went to the Kiehl's flagship store in Atlanta at Lenox Mall, I was able to come away with this amazing mask on the very day it launched! 

My skincare expert at Kiehl's told me to use the mask after cleansing my face. I like the idea that on mask night (with this mask), I will have a simplified routine. Literally all you do is cleanse your face and then apply this mask. You can either tissue off the excess or just apply a thinner layer and leave it on all night. For nights with this mask, that is the only skincare you will need! As someone with a long multi-step routine, I love the idea of a mask not being an "extra" step, but as a more simplified night routine. So, I am going to literally use this mask when I feel like my skin needs some extra moisture and attention but on nights that I don't want a long routine! Since this mask is on your skin all night, it really is a sleeping mask and will do its amazing work on your skin while you sleep. So, you wake up nicely hydrated! I love the gorgeous scent and feel of this mask. I do not have trouble with lack of firmness in my skin. So, I can't speak to that benefit. However, I do feel that my skin is more plumped, smoothed, and hydrated when I wake up in the morning after using this mask. 

Here is what Kiehl's says about the Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask:

Made for all skin types, the nighttime formula is infused with botanicals and essential oils that make it an indulgent and luxurious addition to your nighttime skincare routine. Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask is non-comedogenic and paraben-free. With continued use, a younger-looking complexion is unveiled.

The innovative tightening formula includes Ginger Leaf (an ingredient that is typically

discarded during the harvesting of ginger). The mask delivers it's skin-smoothing properties. The

Hibiscus flower is known to close during the night to preserve its nectar. The extraction of the plant’s seeds contain a high protein content, and is combined with other ingredients in the formula to improve the look of dull and tired skin that shows signs of aging. We have a beautiful Hibiscus tree on our back porch in the summers. The tree is unbelieveably beautiful and the blooms are just lovely. I have a special love for this mask because of my love of Hibiscus trees. 

From the premise of Kiehl’s commitment to “skincare with a mission,” this particular product benefits the female farmers of Hoa Binh, Vietnam, from where the Ginger Leaf is sourced. Kiehl’s is providing the 14 women who carefully collect the ginger leaves with education and new tools for safer, more efficient farming of Ginger Leaf.

The Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask retails for $54 for 3.4 fl oz. This jar should last me a long time since you really do not need to apply much to get great results.

Be sure to stop by at Kiehl's soon for all of their amazing new products including the Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask and for the amazing custom Apothecary Preparations skincare experience. It was such a fun experience for me! I turned it into a whole girls-day-out with my Bestie with lunch and drinks after! (see below). :)

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Morning and Evening Skincare Routine Additions from Erborian

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Have you tried Erborian Korean Skin Therapy? If not, now is the time! Eroborian is one of my favorite asian skincare brands and one that I love to explore! 

I have rounded up a few of my recent favorites from Erborian for us to chat about today: Erborian CC Creme, Erborian Glow Creme, Erborian Black Cleansing Oil, and Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Hydro Plumping Mask. 

To find out more about each of these amazing products from Erborian, then please click "read more" below!

Spa Night at Home: NEW Pure-Clay Masks from L'Oreal!

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Spa Night at Home:

Featuring NEW Pure-Clay Masks from L'Oreal:

Do you treat yourself to "spa nights"? I do, but need to do so more often! I love the relaxation of a pampering beauty night at home. It is my little treat to myself. What can I say? Life is busy and hectic and sometimes I become my last priority...with two young kids under 5, I am constantly in demand and taking care of others. A spa night is a perfect way to pamper myself! 

Often my Spa Nights get inspired by new products! My latest discovery? L'Oreal's NEW collection of  Pure-Clay Masks! I love being able to find innovative and effective skincare at the drugstore. These new masks are awesome. With three formulas, there is one for every skin type. My combo skin varies from normal, to oily, to dry. So, I tend to pick a mask that best fits with the current condition of my skin. 

To find out more about the NEW collection of Pure-Clay Masks from L'Oreal, please click "read more" below! 

VIIcode Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles

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VIIcode Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles: 

I struggle with my eye area. I have dark circles and sensitive eyes. My dark circles are for a varitey of reasons: heredity, general lack of sleep, and allegies. While I do not believe that any beauty product or eye cream can fully get rid of my dark circles, I do believe in products that can help refresh the eye area and make the most of what you have. In addition to dark circles, I also have a few fine lines that crop up in my eye area when my skin is dehydrated. As a Mom of two young kids, I never can seem to catch up on sleep. This is where having a great arsenal of products and face/eye masks on hand is key!

I am a big fan of eye masks in general. They can soothe and treat your eye area. Plus, it can give you a bit of a beauty boost. So, when VIIcode approached me to try out their Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles, I was really excited to try out the eye masks.  

VIIcode:

Keep the Secret of your age with this "Ageless Mythology": 

Have you heard of VIIcode? It is a brand available on amazon. Previously, I have tried their eye cream and was happy with my results. So, I am excited to now try the eye masks.

Before diving into my eye mask review, I wanted to give you a little bit of the background mythology of the brand. VIIcode was established by Dr Byrne Victor. He was an experienced dermatologist in the 18th century. Still now, VIIcode is welcomed by European royalty and high-end business people. VIIcode has an interesting inception and one that reads quite like a history or mythology. Apparently the "secret formula" behind VIIcode dates back to the Napoléon era. According to VIIcode, Josephine used an "eternal youth" formula to keep her looking young. The Victor family swore to Josephine that they would keep the formula a secret and the VIIcode formula was born. Mythology aside, these eye mask patches are quite a luxurious spa-like treat and they do have some good ingredients to combat signs of fatigue and aging. 

VIIcode Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles: 

The VIIcode Oxygen Eye Masks are 8-hour overnight treatments. This is different from other sheet masks and eye masks that I have tried. While I do not enjoy wearing sticky eye masks overnight, I can wear these around during the day. I don't wear a full 8-hours, however, it is nice to know that you could wear them for an extended period of time or overnight if you would like to. For me, it is just not personally comfortable to wear any type of stick on treatment for that long. 

How to Use: The Oxygen Eye masks can be applied two or three times a week for up to 8-hours for each treatment. It is so easy, you literally just stick these eye masks on and you are good-to-go. The cooling feel of the pads is so refreshing and depuffing! After cleansing your face, apply each mask gently, but firmly, so your skin can begin to absorb the important nutrients held by the mask. VIIcode recommends that this product is best used shortly before going to sleep, as it is designed to strengthen and hydrate skin over an eight-hour period, However, I don't usually wear them that long nor overnight. Repeat this process once per day until you achieve your desired results. 

Special Features of the VIIcode Oxygen Eye Masks (directly from VIIcode):

• The VIIcode eye masks are made of a gel-like material. 
• The eye masks provide “Aerobic skin care”: This is based on the notion that oxygen is essential for the formation of new cells, and when skin receives the right amount of oxygen, healthy skin will develop as a result. As such, this eye mask is designed to allow for oxygen flow during the entire time you are wearing it in order to spur healthy cell growth and provide skin with a brighter appearance.
• "Fake" 8 hours of sleep: Don't we all wish we could get 8-hours of sleep? Well, you can fake it with a good eye mask! These masks can be worn up to 8-hours when often most eye masks are worn 15-30 mins. 
• Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Cellulose, Carbomer, Mentha Arvensis, Butylene Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Triethanol Amine, VitisViniferaSeedOil, Allantoin,Tartaric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, vitamin E, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea)Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia, Aloe Barbadensis, Algin, CO-Q10, Sodium PCA, PEG-40, Betula Alba Exract, Glycyrrhetinic Acide, Sorbitol, y-PGA,CitricAcid, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propyparaben, EthylbisiminomethylguaiacolManganese Chloride. <iln:VC13350>

My Results:

As I mentioned, I did not wear these eye masks for the full 8-hours. I tended to use them for 30min-1 hour treatments as that is what I was comfortable doing and what fit naturally into my beauty routine. However, it is nice to know that, if you wanted to, you could wear these for a full 8-hours as a longer beauty treatment overnight. I did like the soothing feel of these eye masks. Did my dark circles go away? No, but I honestly do not expect any beauty treatment to get rid of my hereditary dark circles. However, I do feel that these eye masks leave my eyes feeling refreshed and do help to rejuvinate the eye area and minimize fine lines. Also, I feel like the cooling nature of the gel pads really worked well to depuff the eye area. Plus, I like the whole concept of spa-like products like this that can give you a spa mask experiance at home. These masks are expensive. However, if you are looking for a little beauty treat to yourself for a spa-like mask at home, then treat yourself to these! 

The Skinny:

You can get these eye masks from VIIcode on amazon: VIIcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles Price:$58

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Holiday Beauty Gift Guide: Mini Sets from Farmhouse Fresh!

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Holiday Beauty Gift Guide: Mini Sets from Farmhouse Fresh!

My Holiday Beauty Gift Guide 2016 continues with a highlight from Farmhouse Fresh. Farmhouse Fresh is offering three travel-friendly sets featuring minis of its bestselling creams, body scrubs, facial masks and body oils. Just in time for the Holidays! The three sets are Sweeping Softness, Skin Saviors and Quick Recovery.

These product sets from FarmHouse Fresh are a great introduction to the FarmHouse Fresh brand. The sets are a great value! Plus, they make super cute gifts. FarmHouse Fresh is certainly one of my new favorite brands for luxury spa and bath treats. There is just something so special and unique about the products. 

Details about each set:

Sweeping Softness features: Sweet Cream Salt Scrub for exfoliating rough spots all over the body; Whoopie! Cream for hydrating dry hands, arms, feet and legs; and Agave Nectar Body Oil to nourish skin post-bath and keep bare arms, legs, and shoulders glistening when wearing sleeveless dresses or body-baring attire.

Skin Saviors features a trio of Shea butter-enriched body and hand creams, including Whoopie! Cream whose aroma recalls delicious Southern cakes, Rainbow Road which has a coconut and Bartlett pear fragrance and is meant to inspire or uplift those going through a difficult time in life, and Fluffy Bunny which playfully recalls a Southern mint julep.

Quick Recovery features top facial masks including soothing and refreshing Guac Star Avocado Mask, radiance boosting Splendid Dirt Organic Pumpkin Mud Mask, and exfoliating and resurfacing Pudding Apeel Tapioca Glycolic Mask. This is the set that I got to try out and I absolutely love it! Each little mask jar is enough for quite a few mask treatments. I can pick my mask depending on what my skin needs at the moment. My personal favorite is the Slendid Dirt Organic Pumpkin Mud Mask because, I fully admit, I adore anything pumpkin related this time of year! Plus, these masks really do amazing things for my skin. These are a great way to have a spa-like treat right in your own home. 

Each set includes 3 plastic jars (1 oz) and retails between $18 - $22 (Sweeping Softness 3 Step Body Sampler: $18, Skin Saviors 3 Piece Shea Butter Cream Sampler $18, Quick Recovery 3 Piece Face Mask Sampler: $22).

Be sure to visit FarmHouse Fresh online to learn more! 

You can find FarmHouse Fresh at top destination spas, resorts, and finer retailers including Glen Ivy Resort & Spas, Four Seasons, Red Door Spas, The Spa at Camelback Inn, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, as well as Ritz-Carltons, Waldorf Astoria Spas, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Woodhouse Day Spas and more. 

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Plump Up The Volume: NEW NEEDLES NO MORE® 3-D FILLER MASK from DR. BRANDT® SKINCARE #Giveaway

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Plump Up The Volume: 

Introducing the NEW NEEDLES NO MORE® 3-D FILLER MASK from DR. BRANDT® SKINCARE! This mask is really unlike any other mask that I have tried. It is designed to restore volume, reshape, and fill your facial contour lines around your mouth area.

You see, as we age, we lose facial volume. Collagen thins and facial fat pads lose their fullness and firming power. The result? As we age, skin can take on a hallowed appearance in certain areas of the face. The great news is that this Needles No More® 3-D Filler Mask was specifically designed to combat these issues. This mask provides the volume you need to fill in those areas and get a more youthful looking firmed and filled facial contour.

The self-sculpting formula contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, and an innovative plumping complex. This mask was inspired by the idea of injectable fillers. However, the great news...no needles required here!!!

To find out more about this mask and I how I liked it, please click "read more" below! :)

Spa Night at Home: 2 Great Masks from The Body Shop!

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Looking to add a new facial mask to your Spa Night routine at home? I have two great, and very different, masks from The Body Shop in my collection that I would love to tell you about! 

For my Spa Nights at home, I like to first "diagnose" my skin and then determine what type of mask that I need for the evening. With my combination skin, I can feel anywhere from oily to dry to in-between. So, I choose my mask accordingly. For nights that I want to deep cleanse and purify my skin, I choose the Blue Corn 3-in1 Deep Cleansing Mask. For evenings that I feel a little dry, I choose the Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask to nourish my skin while I sleep. 

The Body Shop Blue Corn 3-in-1 Deep Cleansing Mask:
I love the unique and creamy-yet-scrubby texture of this mask! This a great mask to use when my skin needs a little bit of clarifying. I think that this mask is a perfect fit for my combination skin. It deep cleanses, exfoliates, and leaves your skin feeling conditioned. I think that this mask achieves a nice balance. It can suck the gunk out of your pores and lightly exfoliate your skin without overdrying it.

How I Use:
I use this mask after washing my face in the evening about once a week. I leave the mask on my skin for about 20 minutes while I relax. I like that this mask dries, but does not dry in a way that leaves your skin feeling tight or uncomfortable. Then, I wet my hands to re-emulsify the mask and use circular motions to gently exfoliate my skin while gradually adding more water to the mask to remove it while lightly scrubbing. After completely rinsing, my skin is left feeling super soft and nourished. I follow up with a moisturizer. 

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask:
This mask is completely different and unique! I honestly do not have any other masks like it in my facial mask arsenal. As a bit of a skincare junkie, I was immediately intrigued by the unique qualities of this mask. Plus, I am a busy stay-at-home Mom of a 3-year old, and a 1-year old...I am often too tired in the evenings for any complicated skincare routine. So, the idea of a facial that works *while I sleep* is so appealing!

This mask comes beautifully packaged in a large and somewhat flat glass jar. The mask itself looks a bit like glue. For some reason, I was expecting a clear gel. However, it is a white bouncy-feeling cream. The texture almost reminds me of jello with that bounce-back quality. It has a light and somewhat floral scent that I enjoy.

Tips for Use:
After washing your face, use these application tips (suggested in a video on The Body Shop's site), to get the best results from this mask. Before applying, get a small amount of the mask out of jar with the spatula (I, of course, lost my spatula, lol..so, I used a plastic spoon). Warm up the mask in your hands by rubbing the mask in your hands. Then massage the mask over your face using sweeping circular massaging motions with your hands.

I think the trick is to really use a very small amount of this mask. It has a somewhat sticky feeling on your skin. So, you don't want to overdo it or you will feel very sticky and greasy. I do notice that I wake up to very hydrated skin when I use this mask. Since it is the Summer right now, my skin is more on the oily side of combo. I think I will like and use this mask the most in the Fall and Winter when my skin feels more dry. I think this mask can be a very nice hydration boost for your skin! Plus, you need such a small amount of this mask for each use, that this jar will last me forever. So, this product is a great value for the price. You will get a ton of uses out of one jar! If you are looking for a unique overnight mask for hydration, be sure to scope this one out!

So, those are my thoughts on these two very different masks from The Body Shop. I enjoyed using them so much that I would love to explore the rest of their masks! Are you a The Body Shop fan? What are your favorite masks, skincare, makeup, or body products from the line? I always like hearing your recommendations! :)

XOXO! :)

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Makeup Wars: Must-Have Masks!

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It is time for another Makeup War! This time the Makeup Wars bloggers are sharing their favorite masks!

Doing a weekly facial mask is one of my favorite aspects of my beauty routine. Masks are a great way to give your skin a skincare "boost" of whatever it needs: clarification, moisture, anti-aging treatments, etc. Plus, the process is so relaxing! The busy pace of life as a stay-at-home Mom leaves me feeling like a haggard Mommy sometimes. I need to give time to myself...to rejuvenate. A facial mask/beauty treatment is a great way to do this with a short amount of time! When I have more time to relax (or when I am not too tired), I like to combine my masks with a nice soak in the tub or a mani/pedi. If I am feeling short on time, I just apply my mask and leave it on while I do my usual bedtime routine. 

My Skin:
I am always looking for a good mask! My skin needs fluctuate wildly. I have classic combo skin: From dry patches in the Winter to oil slicks in the Summers. My skin's needs are all over the map. So, I tend to choose my mask depending on what my skin "needs" on that particular day. Or I will use a mask to spot treat (e.g., breakout on my chin? Then I apply a clarifying mask to my chin only).

Facial masks have been part of my skincare routine for as long as I can remember. They have always been a skincare treat that I totally enjoy! I am always excited to try out a new mask. What can I say? As a beauty-blogging skincare junkie, facial masks really do thrill me, lol! When I am checking out a new skincare brand, or a brand that I am already a fan of, I *always* want to try their masks! 

Makeup Wars: Must Have Masks with Korres, Algenist, Bausch &amp; Lomb

Must Have Masks! 
So, lets get to my Must Have Masks list! There are *so many* masks that I love. This list is going to focus on the masks that are in my current rotations. These are the masks I love in my current arsenal of products and/or they are newly released masks that you must try! So, when I find myself with some extra "me time", I will reach for one of these masks! My loyal readers know that this blog has a skincare focus. So, you can imagine how many masks that I try. These that I am sharing with you are the ones that I have really enjoyed using for the past 6-8 months or they are masks that have very recently come to me for testing. Either way, I only included my very favorites in this list!

This is a *massive post* my dear readers! Actually, this is going to be a post in 2-parts since I have more masks that are in line to be tested that did not make it into this publishing date (the publishing date got changed before I could test all my masks! Ooops!). So, stay tuned for another masks post in a few weeks with more masks.

I have been working on this post for weeks already in draft form...writing about each mask as I use it. It has been fun! I mean, I always love to mask...but, it is fun having a mask-testing focus to motivate me to mask more frequently and to branch out to try some new masks. So, there are a lot of masks included and a lot of detail.

So, grab a glass of your favorite beverage (wine for me ya'll!), and lets settle in for a nice lengthy mask discussion! Shoot, you will even have time to apply your favorite mask and let it do its magic while you read this post. :) Ya'll know that I tend to be verbose sometimes. Well, masks are apparently one of my favorite things to blog/talk about!

To find out more details about each of these masks, please click "read more" below!

Give Your Skin an Effervescent Boost: Radical Skincare's Instant Revitalizing Mask

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As a somewhat haggard Mommy of a brand new infant and an energetic toddler, you know that I need not only a boost for my skin, but some pampering in general. ;) Enter Radical Skincare's Instant Revitalizing Mask: just the treat that I need for my dull and tired skin! 

Radical Skincare's Instant Revitalizing Mask: 

Here is what the box promises:

• Boost skin's radiance with effervescent bubbles
• Hydrate and nourish hungry skin with vitamins and oxygen
• Soft, smooth, glowing skin in minutes!

I am instantly intrigued by this mask before even trying it. As ya'll can imagine, as a beauty blogger and spa-night product lover, I have tried countless masks. This mask just seems so different! It uses "Trylacel Technology" which infuses your skin, through a bubbling action, with powerful active ingredients and vitamins to boost circulation and radiance of skin. This mask promises not only to deeply cleanse your skin, but also to stimulate it! 

So, how did I like the Radical Skincare Instant Revitalizing Mask? Do you want to hear more details, please click "read more" below to find out more about this amazing mask! 

Have You Ever Tried a Sheet Mask? b.liv by Cellinique

My love of masking continues with these great sheet masks from b.liv by Cellnique Skincare!

Cellnique is a Malaysian skincare line that I have had great results with in the past. If you haven't had a chance, be sure to check out my previous Cellinique skincare review here: Cellnique Paramedical Skincare. The Seaweed Cleansing gel continues to be one of my favorite cleansers (especially in the mornings for its minty feel!). 

Sheet Masking is so different from applying a clay-type or scrub-type mask! These sheet masks are paper-like sheets that are soaked in gel/liquid type ingredients. You actually lay the mask on top of your skin and let all the skincare goodness absorb! Ya'll know that, in general, I love masks. Well, sheet masks are just "fun" to use! It feels as if your skin is just getting a huge "drink" when you use these.

To find out more, keep reading!