REVIEW: Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask

Photo credit: Peter Thomas Roth

~AG~

The skin around my nose area has been clogged and full of blackheads. So it is time for me to address these problems with a mud mask. Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask was part of a 6-piece kit that I purchased. Since it was part of the Peter Thomas Roth Mask Kit, this tub only costs me US$12.50 (S$17), which is a great deal. Each 50 ml tub usually retails for US$42 (S$57). That saves me S$40! This tub should lasts me for more than 6 months with weekly use. 

PTR Mud Mask purify, decongest and hydrate the skin. It contains:

• Irish Moor Mud Mask to draw out impurities 
• Hijiki Seaweed provides nutrition for the skin
• Volcanic Ash & Activated Charcoal that draw out dirt and impurities 

The texture of this Peter Thomas Roth Mud Mask is different than that of other mud mask. It has a soft cream texture. You are supposed to leave it on for 10 minutes then remove it with a warm, damp washcloth. Though, my preferred method of removal is simply with warm water. One thing that I like about this mud mask is that it does not make my skin to feel dry. On the directions, it states that you can use it 2-3 times a week. 

So what I can tell after using this PTR Mud Mask is that it does extract impurities. Each time after use I would get a small whitehead pimple. I feel that the PTR Mud Mask brings the excess grime and dirt to the surface and the skin is trying to remove it through the whitehead pimple. This cause-and-effect does not stop me from using PTR Mud Mask. Regarding blackheads, PTR Mud Mask does not completely remove it, but my skin feels less congested after use. 

Overall, it is a decent mud mask for my sensitive, combination skin. I much prefer it to the expensive Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment Though I would probably not repurchase it as there are other mud masks to try on the market. 

REVIEW: Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment

~AG~
Bought this Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment mini for S$25 during the Sephora sale. 
One of GlamGlow best-selling products. This product is also Allure 2018 Readers' Choice Winner. This activated charcoal mask contains 6 acids to visibly clear skin. The 6 acids are glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, and tartaric acid. Glamglow Clearing Treatment targets clogged pores, dead skin cells and excess oil. It removes dirt and impurities from deep within the pores.

So what are my thoughts about this award-winning product from Glamglow?
My skin felt tingly when Glamglow Supermud was applied. On the website, it says that it is normal for the product to tingle as it is working. This SuperMud can be used 1-3 times a week. You apply the mask to dry skin and leave it on for 5-20 minutes. Since my skin is rather sensitive, I only use this SuperMud once a week. I apply the Supermud to areas that is prone to clogged pores and blackheads such as my nose, chin and forehead. Since my cheeks can get dry, I do not apply Glamglow Clearing Treatment there. A good thing about this the mud mask is that it washes off easily with warm water.

Having use this Clearing Treatment for over a month, I cannot notice significant improvement to clogged pores or blackheads. I would not repurchase Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment as it is pricey product, and other affordable mud mask does the job just as well. Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment is not a must-have for my skincare regimen.

REVIEW: Sephora Members Sale

~AG~

Sephora was having 20% for its members last week. It created the perfect opportunity for us to stock up on some beauty products. 

AG Purchase

Fenty Beauty Bomb Baby Mini Lip and Face Set (S$23)
Two of Fenty Beauty's bestseller in a mini set. Their universal lip luminizer, Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow. The peach champagne Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

 

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment mini (S$25)
This activated charcoal mask is designed for those with oily and combination skin. It supposedly helps to clear clogged pores and minimizes pores. What is special about Glamglow Supermud is that it contains 6 acids: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, and tartaric acid. 

Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder mini (S$18) 
This ultra-refined mini powder formulated with light-reflecting particles to blur imperfections.
This powder blurs the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles for an airbrushed finish.  

MG Purchase

Kora Organics Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening & Exfoliating Mask (S$68)
A 2-in-1 facial exfoliating mask that is designed to brighten and support skin cell renewal. It is a gentle alternative to AHAs or acid based glycols.  

Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask (S$95)
This wash-off mask was highly recommended by a friend. She mentioned that this mask will create a noticeable brightening effect after use. This anti-aging mask contains Japanese beautyberry that is high in antioxidants.

Dr GL Restore Gel Mask mini (S$18)
This skincare product is packed with antioxidant, anti inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients to soothe skin. It can be used as a mask or a gel moisturizer to counteract redness, irritation or dryness.

REVIEW: I'm From Volcanic Clay Mask

~MG~

Bought I'm From Volcanic Clay Mask last August from Wishtrend. It costs S$34 for 110 grams of product. For clay mask, I like it to be in a jar packaging. Since I can see the whole product and I can scoop it all up so no product will go to waste. I bought a spatula to scoop out the product because I do not want to dip my finger into the jar. This product has pinkish brown colour with the typical clay scent.

 

Previously,I had used the innisfree Super Volcanic clay mask for a few years but I was getting annoyed with its texture. The innisfree clay would get harden in time, even though I used the mousse form that was in an aerosol can. So when I saw that I'm From Volcanic Clay won the 2016 best awards on Wishtrend,  I knew I had to get it. I bought it in hope to help absorb my sebum and to purify my large pores.

REVIEW: Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

Travel-sized Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

~AG~

Saw a travel-sized version of Caudalie Instant Detox Mask while I was in Europe, and decided to try it. Caudalie is a well-known French skincare brand, which uses grape-seed polyphenols. MG has tried some of their products, while I have not tried any. Often, after traveling overseas, my skin will feel congested and in need of deep cleansing. My wish was for Caudalie Instant Detox Mask to help purify the impurities on the skin.

According to Caudalie, Instant Detox Mask helps bring stressed, city-dwelling skin back to life. It contains 99.3% natural clay formula that removes skin impurities. The pink clay eliminates toxins and even out complexion This mask also helps to refine and tighten pores.

The pink clay is gentle on my skin. Some clay mask such as Boscia Luminizing Black Mask stings my skin. Caudalie Instant Detox works well for my sensitive skin. You can use this Detox Mask twice a week. After facial cleansing, I apply a thin area to my skin and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Then I wash it off with lukewarm water and continue the rest of my skincare regimen - Toner, Blemish Formula, Max C and Laneige Water Bank Essence.

Been trying to use this Detox Mask at least once a week for the last month. So do I notice any significant difference after using this Caudalie Instant Detox Mask? This Detox Mask does help to clear the blackheads and whiteheads on my nose. However the effect is minimal when I use it alone. I usually use Avène Purifying Scrub before applying the Detox Mask.The dual effect of the scrub and clay mask helps to noticeably eliminate the unsightly whiteheads and blackheads.

NEW BUY: The Body Shop Spa of the World Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay

~AG~

Browsing through a Body Shop store, I chanced upon this Spa of the World Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay. This was so interesting as I have never seen a clay product for the body. Clay face masks are commonly used to soak up impurities, and excess sebum. So, I asked the helpful saleslady what the difference between this Body Shop Charcoal Body Clay and regular clay face masks. She mentioned that the skin on our face is more sensitive, so clay face masks are much more gentle. She added that everyone has different skin types and not every skin type is suitable for clay face mask. While, we do not define the skin on our body the same way as we do the face on our skin. The skin on your body is more resilient compared to the skin on your face. 

This Body Shop Charcoal Body Clay is to be used once a week on areas such as your chest and back. Since recently, I have been suffering from some back acne, I decided to try this product out. It contains Bamboo Charcoal for the Himalayas. How cool is that! It comes with 200 ml of clay and retails for S$36.90. With the Body Shop membership discount, it came to be S$33.21.

While looking through the ingredients list, I found that Spa of the World Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay contains Salicylic Acid, a known acne-fighting ingredient. 

This has a minty sensation when applied. You leave it on for 10 minutes to dry. The saleslady told me to massage the areas in circular motions when rinsing it off with water. 

I would have to use it for a longer time to see whether it helps with my back acne. Stay tune for my review on The Body Shop Spa of the Worl Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay. 

5 Skincare Products I Regret Buying

~AG~

A compilation of products that I purchased over the years. Skincare products that did not live up to my expectations. They either did not work for my skin or cause my skin to be worst. Read all about it below.

1) Ole Henriksen Truth is in the Eyes Vitamin C Peel Concentrate 
--> This product has since been discontinued. But this peel concentrate from Ole Henriksen was the worst! It did not help reduce my dark circles, nor did it help with my millia. It aggravated the millia that were under my eyes. 

2)  Ren ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser  
--> This clay cleanser from REN did not work for my sensitive combination skin. Moreover, it seemed to trigger my skin to breakout more. The texture is baffling as well. It does not foam up, the texture is more like a moisturizer. Your skin does not feel clean after use. It left a residue on my skin after use. 

3) Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence
--> This treatment essence from Missha was supposed to be a dupe of SK-II treatment essence. But it was so TERRIBLE! My skin had a severe adverse reaction to it. Many white bumps appeared on my cheeks area. *thumbs down*

4) Kiehl's Centella Recovery Skin Salve
--> Another product that is supposed to work on sensitive skin.  But this Kiehl's skin salve was HORRIBLE! It made my skin red, and it caused a stinging sensation. My sister who also has sensitive skin, had the same adverse reaction. 

5) The Face Shop Volcanic Clay Black Head Heating Gel Mask
--> This heating gel mask from The Face Shop does nothing for my blackheads. When applied to the skin, this clay mask heats up to supposedly melt blackheads. But it did not remove my blackheads at all! The blackheads on my nose remained the same with the use of this clay mask. What a waste of time.

 

REVIEW: Nature Republic Hawaiian Clay Pack

~AG~

This clay pack has been part of my regular skin care regimen for over three weeks now. So it is time for me to do a review on Nature Republic Hawaiian Clay Pack. As mentioned in the previous post, this clay pack was bought last year during my trip to Korea. I have never heard of this product prior but because in the store there was a sticker that indicated that it was one of Allure Korea Editor's Picks for 2013. The actual price of the clay pack should be less than USD$15. It has been a long time so I cannot remember the exact price.

As you can see, the clay has a slight pinkish tone

Clay pack applied on my troubled T-zone

The reason for buying this clay pack was also to do a product comparison with Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask that MG is a big fan of. A skincare tip that I learned from a dermatologist's assistant was to leave on clay mask overnight to shrink pimples. You basically use the clay mask as a spot treatment. It sounds like an aggressive approach, but TRUST ME, it works WONDER on whitehead pimples. If you are unsure of how your skin might react to having clay pack overnight, it might be best instead to leave clay pack on for an extended time of 20-30 minutes then rinsing it off.

Recently, I have been plagued with constant tiny pimples on my T-zone areas especially between the eyebrows (which a rare occurrence). I am not quite sure what is wrong with my skin. So, I turned to the power of clay pack for help. I use the clay pack as spot treatment two or three times a week. Try to avoid using it everyday as a spot treatment because it can be too drying for the skin.

Nature Republic Hawaiian Clay Pack is surprisingly good. Its formula does not irritate my sensitive skin. I have been using it more than 10 times, and so far, there is no adverse reaction to it. It has a fresh floral scent that is not overwhelming. The clay has a slightly pink tone. It is soft and easy to apply.  It hardens as it dries, and wash off easily with warm water. 

The clay pack comes with 95ml worth of product. This amount of clay can lasts easily more than a year. It is totally worth the price! I will recommend this clay pack to those with oily or combination skin. This clay pack really helps dry out whitehead pimples and emerging pimples! A must-have if your skin is acne-prone!

NEW BUY: Nature Republic Hawaiian Fresh Clay Pack

~AG~

Nature Republic Hawaiian Fresh Clay Pack is one of Allure Korea 2013 Editor's Pick. When I saw the 'Allure Award Winner" sticker on the product while in Korea, I did not hesitate to put it in my shopping basket. I cannot remember the exact retail price, but I am sure it cost less than USD$15. It is a reasonably priced clay pack as it contains 95ml worth of product. It will take me more than a year of use to finish it all. Quite worth it!

This clay pack is for acne-prone skin as the clay removes impurities from the pores and absorb excess sebum. It contains Hibiscus and Morinda citrifola extract that supposedly makes skin feel cool and clean. 

The ONLY thing that I am wary of on Korean skincare products is that is not free of artificial colourings and fragrances. My ultra sensitive skin does not take well to unnatural ingredients. So I hope my skin does not have any adverse reaction to this clay pack. *cross my fingers*

I will do a review of this clay pack after I have used it for a reasonable amount of time. Stay tuned for  review! 

Full Credits: Nature Republic Hawaiian Fresh Clay Pack