It's that time of year again were I make random purchases at ULTA so that I can continue my Platinum Status through the next year.  I love trying new hair masks, especially when I'm in between Brazilian Blowouts; so I thought I would give Wella a whirl!

WELLA
FUSIONPLEX Intense Repair Mask Review

Wella FUSIONPLEX Intense Repair Mask Review

INFO SHEET

Scent:  Fresh, Floral
Price:  $23.10 (5.07 oz tub)
Where to Buy:  Amazon, ULTA

My Brazilian Blowout has finally faded, and during this time I usually enjoy trying new deep conditioning / repair masks to help tame my curls.  The last one I used was the Ryo Damage Care Treatment; which was amazing and left my hair silky smooth (review here).  

The Wella FUSIONPLEX Intense Repair Mask is at a considerably different price point; so I was curious as to how it would compare.  However, let's remember folks, price does not always equal quality.  So with that in mind, Wella claims that their Intense Repair Mask helps repair and protect damaged hair with the help of silk amino acids.  Let's see if they can back up that claim!

The Wella Hair Mask had a very thick and non-runny consistency.

Opening the tub, I was met with a lovely fresh and floral scent that wasn't overpowering.  The consistency of Wella FUSIONPLEX Intense Repair Mask is quite viscous so there should be no issues with the treatment dripping off of my head.  Like the Ryo Damage Care Treatment, the texture is similar to that of a whipped petroleum jelly.  Luckily for me, the ingredients list is fairly short meaning I wont have to spend so much time researching them for this review lol.  

INGREDIENTS

Water/Eau, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Fragrance/Parfum, Isopropyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium Edta, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Histidine, Glycine, Citric Acid, Alanine, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Silk Amino Acids.

Notable Ingredients:

• Behentrimonium Chloride - Derived from canola oil, this softening agent helps condition the hair.
• Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone - A type of silicone that binds to the hair shaft and can have a smoothing effect.  It is not water soluble, but can be washed out with mild cleansers; thus avoiding build-up.  
• Histidine - A type of amino acid that is said to help improve hair strength. 
• Glycine - Some studies show that when this amino acid is applied to the hair, it can result in an increase in tensile hair strength and thus reducing breakage. 
• Alanine - Another amino acid that also increases hair strength in addition to improved hydrophobicity.  An increased hydrophobic layer of the hair cortex can physically manifest as improved shine and body.  
• Silk Amino Acids- These amino acids are hydrolyzed from silk fibers, and are said to be able to deeply penetrate the hair shaft and provide increased moisture. 

Okay... so I'm a bit perplexed at this formulation because many of the ingredients are fragrance additives.  We have Fragrance/Parfum (obviously), Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, and Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.  Then we have the alcohols, silicones, and preservatives leaving only a few ingredients that actually do anything to improve the condition of the hair.  Hopefully the strength of these notable ingredients are sufficient to provide positive results in a mask application.

I'm also concerned because my hair can be somewhat finicky when it comes to certain silicones; so I am not sure how it will react to Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone.  Fingers crossed that it doesn't dry out my hair!

BEFORE & AFTER

I did not feel much of a difference afterward :(.

Rating

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  

None of these reviews sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.

It is not often that I review a product from Skyn Iceland, so when I came across their Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels I was more than happy to give them a try.  The company and their values have always resonated with me so I wish I had gotten around to this sooner. 

SKYN ICELAND
Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels Review

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels Review

INFO SHEET

The Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Eye Gels have a gel side and a fabric side.

The Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels are slightly different from other eye masks that I have tried.  They weren't soaked with serum and actually had a fabric-feeling exterior.  The instructions are simple:  Peel away the backing and place the shiny side down against to under-eye area; leave on for ten minutes then remove.  

INGREDIENTS

Since the serum within the Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels didn't feel watery, I wondered what ingredients lied within.  Let's take a look.  

Water/Aqua/ Eau, Polyacrylic Acid, Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Angelica Archangelica Root Water*, Sodium Hydroxide, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Agar, Caprylyl Glycol, Perfluorodecalin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Ubiquinone,Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus (Arctic Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Oxycoccus Palustris (Arctic Cranberry) Seed Oil, Aluminum Glycinate, Polysorbate 60, Ceramide NP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sucrose Palmitate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.


Notable Ingredients:

• Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil - This antioxidant is rich with fatty acids and is said to have be beneficial for those with dry skin.
• Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract - A powerful antioxidant that helps the skin retain moisture while also promoting collagen production; so it is often used in anti-aging formulations. 
• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 - aka Argireline.  A synthetic peptide that helps temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Perfluorodecalin - This fascinating fluorocarbon helps dissolve oxygen so that it may be delivered to the skin on a cellular level. 
• Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - A non-comedogenic plant oil with skin-soothing properties.
• Ubiquinone - aka Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10.  Studies show that this ingredient improves skin smoothness and reduces wrinkles when consumed.  Topically, the coenzyme can have antioxidant properties by protecting the skin from free radicals.
• Buddleja Davidii Extract - A plant-based antioxidant with skin soothing properties.
• Rubus Chamaemorus (Arctic Cloudberry) Seed Oil - aka Cloudberry Seed Oil.  A skin-conditioning agent that is high in Vitamin C
• Oxycoccus Palustris (Arctic Cranberry) Seed Oil - A powerful antioxidant that helps mitigate UV damage to the skin, in addition to containing fatty acids which nourishes the skin. 
• Ceramide NP - This ingredient reinforces skin's natural lipid barrier thus helping ward off irritants and preventing dryness.  
• Sucrose Palmitate - A sugar ester with hydrating properties.

The Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels contain a lot of very fascinating ingredients that are highly beneficial for the skin.  I haven't come across Cloudberry or Cranberry Seed Oils in my reviews so I'm interested as to how my skin will react to it.  

COSDNA ALERTS

COSDNA only flagged two out of the 26 ingredients.  Surprisingly it wasn't the usual culprits such as Butylene Glycol, but something a little different...

• Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil - 2 out of 5 (Acne),
• Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - 2 out of 5 (Acne), Up to 2 out of 5 (Irritant)

My acne-prone skin typically does not like oils, and Olive Fruit Oil is pretty high up on the list.  Fingers crossed that there are no adverse affects!

BEFORE AND AFTER

The results were noticeable after only 10 minutes of wear.

I wore the Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels for about 10 minutes per the instructions.  They were noticeably cool and soothing as soon as I put them on.  One thing that I particularly liked about these gels is that they really stayed put.  As much as I enjoy the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Hydrogel Eye Patches, they do tend to slide down a little bit.  Not these however.  I could even look down and focus on writing in my notebook without them even budging.  

After I removed the eye gels, my under eye didn't really feel moisturized; but they did make my skin extremely soft.  In the above photo, you can see some improvement with the orange peel texture and added smoothness to my fine lines.  My under eyes are also not very puffy, but it did subdue whatever little puff I did have.  However, the most surprising thing for me about these eye gels was the fact that this softness was noticeable for days.  I mean DAYS.  I have never encountered the same effect with other eye gels.  

FINAL THOUGHTS

I was really happy with my experience using Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels.  While they are significantly more expensive than the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Hydrogel Eye Patches, I do believe they are worth it.  Plus Skyn Iceland often has sales (and 15% off your first order) so I don't think I will ever need to pay full price.  

STORE	PRICE	OFFERS
Amazon	$33.00	Free Shipping
Skyn Iceland	$33.00	Free Shipping Orders $50+ and Free Samples
ULTA	$33.00	Free Shipping Orders $35+

Next time I see the Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels on sale, I will definitely pick up a few pairs.  I believe that with continued use the results will be even more compelling.

Rating

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  

None of these reviews sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.

Nose strips aren't great for the skin, but let's face it - it's satisfying to see all of that gunk being pulled out in all of it's disgusting glory.  On occasion I will use a pore strip on my nose when it is looking particularly sad.  To me, it is less traumatic than the BHA + Clay Mask + Oil Cleanser Massage method to clear it out.  

TONYMOLY
Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack Review

TONYMOLY Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack Review

INFO SHEET

Instructions are quite simple:  Place on wet nose, wait 15 minutes, remove.

It kind of looks like a little octopus.  So cute :).

I'll be honest.  I didn't do any research about the TONYMOLY Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack whatsoever before I bought it.  I thought it would just be for the nose and was pleasantly surprised that the nose pack made a cute little octopus shape covering part of the forehead too.  I only really have sebum on my nose though so I don't believe I'll benefit much from the forehead area, but I'm sure some people will enjoy that feature!

INGREDIENTS

When reviewing the TONYMOLY Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack I was surprised as to how long the ingredients list is.  Is it really necessary?  This isn't really a skin care product, because it's only meant to be worn for 15 minutes and then rinse off the residue after.  All a nose strip really needs is some sort of adhesive agent, something that removes excess oil, and perhaps something to help reduce redness and inflammation.  Let's take a look at it further...

Also another thing to note, the ingredients list on every website I visited was a huge mess and didn't really match what is listed on the packaging.  None of the ingredients are in any particular order, no comma separation, and there are many repeat items listed.  I'm surprised that ULTA, Soko Glam, etc. all had copy and pasted the same ingredients list that didn't make any sense.  This is the true ingredients list taken directly from the Nose Pack packaging:

PVP, Water, Glycerin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Kaolin, Butylene Glycol, VP/VA Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Taurine, Sea Silt Extract, Maris sal, Sea Water, Peat Water, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Wine Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

Notable Ingredients:

• Kaolin - A type of clay mineral that is often used to absorb oil in the skin.
• Sea Silt Extract - Absorbs excess oil in the skin.
• Hydrolyzed Collagen - A water-binding agent that helps increase skin smoothness.
• Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract - Derived from an herbaceous perennial plant, this ingredient is said to reduce inflammation and have skin-soothing properties.
• Pueraria Lobata Root Extract - aka Kudzu Root.  This powerful antioxidant helps reduce inflammation in the skin.
• Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract - Used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, this water-binding agent is said to have highly effective moisturizing as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
• Bambusa Vulgaris Water - Water extracted from Bamboo which has skin-soothing and anti-oxidant properties.
• Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water - A soothing agent that moisturizes and alleviates discomfort in dry skin. 
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract - aka Green Tea Extract.  An antioxidant that calms the skin with it's anti-irritant properties.  Said to improve the overall appearance of sun-damaged skin.
• Wine Extract - This ingredient calms the skin and helps reduce redness.

So the adhesive component in the TONYMOLY Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack is PVP which is short for Polyvinylpyrrolidone.  It is a common binding agent found in mascara and hair spray.  If it's safe enough to put in mascara then it's probably fine to use on the nose.  There were a lot of ingredients that had redundant properties such as absorbing excess oil, and some that are said to be skin soothing (according to companies trying to push their products) but I could not find much evidence supporting those claims so I didn't list them.  Aside from that there are still quite a lot of goodies listed.  I did notice that there aren't any ingredients that helps reduce the size of pores such as Witch Hazel though.

COSDNA ALERTS

• Butylene Glycol - 1 out of 5 (Acne)

The only possible trigger in the TONYMOLY Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack is Butylene Glycol; which is honestly present in a lot of skin care products.  I don't believe my skin will have an adverse reaction to it.

BEFORE AND AFTER

The TONYMOLY Tako Pore Nose Pack wasn't very effective.

TONYMOLY Tako Pore Nose Pack took out some sebum. Also, 🤮🤮🤮.

The instructions say to apply to wet skin and leave on for 10 - 15 minutes.  I did have to leave it on for 20 minutes to dry a little more though.  The TONYMOLY Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack wasn't as painful to remove as other nose strips out there, but it also wasn't as effective.  I only use these strips every once in a while so my pores were very full of sebum.  Sadly, the Nose Pack didn't have much of an impact when it comes to removing them.

As a matter of fact, I think it made my nose look a little worse as shown in the second photo.  This is because it had only pulled the sebum out half way making it much more noticeable...

FINAL THOUGHTS

I will not repurchase the TONYMOLY Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack.  To be honest, at $3.50 for one strip you aren't getting much.  The Pacifica Cosmic Vanish Pore Strips (full review here) were way effective and you get six strips for $6.00 (2x Nose, 2x Chin, 2x Forehead).  Plus they are all similarly shaped so I actually did use them all on my nose.  

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Amazon	$3.50	Free Shipping
Jolse	$4.25	Free Shipping Orders $30+, Free Gift with Every Order
TONYMOLY	$3.50	Free Shipping Orders $50+
ULTA	$3.50	Free Shipping Orders $35+

I feel sad that this product didn't work out because I do think TONYMOLY is a decent company with fun products.  Perhaps the ingredients were lacking something to effectively pull the sebum out and minimize the pores the way the Pacifica strips do.  To those who do like this product - it does go on sale occasionally.  I believe right now ULTA has buy two get two free and Amazon is showing a coupon as well, but it just wasn't for me.  

Rating

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  

None of these reviews sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.

With constant hand washing throughout the day, alcohol wipes, and hand sanitizers; my hands are certainly left feeling a bit neglected.  When I came across these Esfolio hand masks at the store... I was intrigued.

ESFOLIO
Hand and Nail Vital Mask Review

Esfolio Hand and Nail Vital Mask Review

INFO SHEET

Esfolio Hand and Nail Vital mask comes with three pairs of hand masks.

The Esfolio Hand and Nail Vital masks came neatly folded within the pouch.  I expected the interior to be a bit of a watery mess, but luckily the Esfolio formula is quite thick and didn't drip out.  I also like how the package comes with three pairs of hand masks as well.

The instructions are simple:  Put the gloves on clean dry hands and gently massage the essence in.  After 15 to 20 minutes, remove the gloves and tap the remaining essence on hands.  Easy enough. 

INGREDIENTS

I'm excited to see what goodies lie within the Esfolio Hand and Nail Vital mask.  My hands could really use some TLC!  Here are the ingredients.

Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance


Notable Ingredients:

• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - A rich and creamy fat derived from the nut of a karite tree with skin smoothing properties and is also a great source of antioxidants.  
• Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract - A soothing agent that moisturizes and alleviates discomfort in dry skin. 
• Freesia Refracta Extract - Skin conditioning agent.
• Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract - An antioxidant with skin calming properties.
• Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract - aka Chamomile Extract. An antioxidant that soothes the skin.
• Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract - A fruit extract with anti-aging properties as it hinders the break down of collagen in damaged skin tissue.
• Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract - aka Acai Berry Extract. This powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals.
• Betaine - Helps balance the skin's hydration levels.

There are some good ingredients in here that are beneficial for the skin, and some that are pretty much fillers that sound nice (I'm looking at you Lemon and Grapefruit Extract).  Shea butter is very high up on the ingredients list, which does support Esfolio's claim that the Hand and Nail Vital Masks will provide "hyper moisturization" in addition to having other ingredients that will help achieve this goal.  

COSDNA ALERTS

Plugging the above ingredients list into COSDNA reveals the following:  

• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - 1 out of 5 (Acne)
• Cetearyl Alcohol - 2 out of 5 (Acne), 2 out of 5 (Irritant)
• Butylene Glycol - 1 out of 5 (Acne)
• Dimethicone - 1 out of 5 (Acne)
• PEG-100 Stearate - 1 out of 5 (Acne)
• Sorbitan Stearate - 1 out of 5 (Irritant)
• Carbomer - 1 out of 5 (Acne), 1 out of 5 (Irritant)
• Triethanolamine - 2 out of 5 (Acne)

There are a few triggers found, however most of them are for Acne which I do not believe is applicable for use on my hands.  The only way I think it would count is if used before bed where hands may touch the face while sleeping.  For me, the Esfolio Hand and Nail Mask will be used prior to going out so my hands look nice and hydrated.  

As far as irritants are concerned, I think the soothing agents within the ingredients will be sufficient to cancel out any irritating effects.  At least I hope so!

BEFORE AND AFTER

Hands look less thirsty and feel very soft.

BIG improvement on the underside of my hand.

Some improvement on the cuticle.

The thicker formula for the Esfolio Hand and Nail Vital Mask was helpful in not making a mess while I worked.  It was a bit difficult to type on my laptop though, but I did manage.  Surprisingly, the touch screen of my phone was still responsive while wearing the gloves so I was at least able to browse the internet 😊.  I thought wearing gloves for 20 minutes out of my busy day would be a bit of an inconvenience but it really wasn't.  

After the vital mask gloves were removed, there was a bit of excess essence.  I massaged it into my hands and up into my forearms but there was still a lot of essence remaining.  I had to wipe off some of the excess and only then it was able to fully absorb into my skin after a few minutes.  Had I not done this then it would just stayed a greasy mess.  

The end result was my hands feeling incredibly soft.  This softness lingered for several hours even after handwashing as the day went on.  The before photo shows how dry the underside of my fingers were, and the improvement in the after photo is quite visible.  

FINAL THOUGHTS

I am very happy with the results of the Esfolio Hand and Nail Vital Masks.  I think I will purchase a few more since my hands could always use some love.  I also purchased some foot masks and I'll be writing a review for those as well!

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The moisturizing effect on my cuticle was okay but to be honest, I believe a cuticle oil will probably be much more effective.  Also the number of triggers limits the product to daytime use only, since I may get it on my face if used before bed.     

Rating

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  

None of these reviews sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.

Maybe it's the lack of sleep or not enough water, but my undereyes have been looking pretty dark.  I love my concealer but figured my eyes could use a little boost, and NYX is one of my go-to brands when it comes to playing with makeup!

NYX
3C Color Correcting Concealer Palette Review

NYX 3C Color Correcting Concealer Palette Review

INFO SHEET

The NYX Color Correcting Palette has a nice selection of colors.

BEFORE AND AFTER

NYX 3C Color Correcting Palette complemented my concealer nicely.

NYX Color Corrector on Undereye (Peach) and Nasolabial Fold (Green)

Unfortunately my camera didn't do a good job catching the bluish / purple hue of my undereye in the before shot, but trust me the correcting concealer made a huge improvement.  I found that the NYX Color Corrector can be worn on its own or under concealer.  It does a great job blending and evening out the skin without concealer though; which is preferable for me since I tend to not wear much make up at all.  

The formula for the NYX 3C Color Correcting Concealer Palette was a bit waxy so it can feel heavy on the undereye if too much is applied.  Luckily a little goes a long way so I was able to apply it sparingly.  I also was certain to moisturize the area prior to application, because this correcting concealer can feel a little dry on top of thirsty skin.  Another thing to note is that the color is a lot less pigmented than it appears.  I thought the peach tone would be too dark on me, but it was just right.  Something to take note of for those with darker skin tones though.  

I liked how the NYX 3C Color Correcting Concealer didn't really settle into my fine lines.  It also played nicely with my Clé de Peau's Radiant Corrector for Eyes concealer.  Let's give credit where credit is due:  this concealer by itself is amazing.  However, a very small amount of NYX color correcting concealer underneath it certainly kicked it up a notch.  The peach corrector from the palette made my undereye instantly brighter, and the green color made a big difference on the redness around my nose and nasolabial folds.  

FINAL THOUGHTS

I can't imagine ever running out of the NYX 3C Color Correcting Concealer.  I wear so little makeup that it will probably go the full year without having to replace it (the label recommends to use within 12 months of opening).  For just $12, it is certainly a great value!

The only downside is it can feel a little heavy if you don't apply it sparingly.  It can also feel a bit drying if you don't moisturize the area first.  At the end of the day though, it does it's job and does it well; and that's what matters to me!

STORE	PRICE	OFFERS
Amazon	$7.99	Free Shipping
NYX Cosmetics	$12.00	Free Shipping + Free 2-Piece Gift Set Orders $35+
Target	$11.99	Free Shipping Orders $35+

I would certainly repurchase this product when needed.  I believe this will probably be one of the longest lasting, yet most affordable makeup product in my lineup!  

Rating

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  

None of these reviews sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.

Despite not being a fan of sheet masks, the success of trying Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Masks made me wonder if there are other masks out there that I may be missing out on.  Dr. Jart+ seems to be pretty popular so let's give it ago!

Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Soothing Mask Review

INFO SHEET

INGREDIENTS

• Niacinamide - AKA Vitamin B3.  Provides a wide range of benefits including the increase of moisture retention and elasticity, brightening, excess sebum control, and improved appearance of enlarged pores.
• Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil - A skin softening / soothing agent.
• Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter - A plant based skin softening agent containing fatty acids which soothes the skin.
• Allantoin - Conditions and soothes the skin.  
• Trehalose - A plant sugar that helps hydrate the skin.
• Betaine - A balancing agent that helps hydrate the skin.
• Melia Azadirachta (Chinaberry) Leaf Extract - Derived from Neem Tree leaves, this skin soothing ingredient is said to have antiseptic properties.
• Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract - A potent antioxidant protects the skin from free radicals.
• Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract - This antioxidant is said to have wound healing properties.  
• Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract - Improves the appearance of scars while also having antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Asparagus Officinalis Extract - A skin conditioning agent with anti-aging properties.  
• Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract - Helps smooth out wrinkles, increases hydration, and maintains skin thickness.
• Undaria Pinnatifida Extract - AKA Brown Algae.  A powerful antioxidant that hydrates and soothes the skin.  It is also said to help even out skin tone.
• Sucrose - Hydrates the skin.
• Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate - Derived from licorice root extract, this ingredient has anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties.  It is also said to help regulate sebum production.
• Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract - A skin conditioning agent extracted from Ivy Gourd.
• Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract - Derived from the aloe vera plant, this antioxidant helps soothe the skin. 
• Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract - AKA Holy Basil Extract.  This powerful antioxidant contains anti-inflammatory properties.
• Xylitylglucoside - A plant based sugar that helps the skin improve and retain moisture.
• Anhydroxylitol - A natural humectant that helps the skin retain moisture.
• Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract - A potent antioxidant that acts as an anti-inflammatory while also preventing damage from UVB radiation.
• Centella Asiatica Extract - AKA Tiger Grass Extract.  This antioxidant hydrates and soothes the skin.

COSDNA ALERTS

• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - 1 of 5 (Acne)
• Butylene Glycol - 1 of 5 (Acne)
• PEG-100 Stearate - 1 of 5 (Acne)
• Dimethicone - 1 of 5 (Acne)
• Cetearyl Alcohol - 2 of 5 (Acne), 2 of 5 (Irritant)
• Tocopherol- 3 of 5 (Acne), 2 of 5 (Irritant)
• Chondrus Crispus Extract- 3 of 5 (Acne)
• Potassium Chloride- 5 of 5 (Acne), 1 of 5 (Irritant)
• Algin- 4 of 5 (Acne), 4 of 5 (Irritant)

The ampoule is a thick cream.

The Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Soothing Mask comes in two parts.

The Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Soothing Mask is a two step process where you apply a generous amount of ampoule in the first step and then proceed to lock it in with a hydrating "rubber" mask.  I don't think it's really made out of rubber because it feels more like a hydrogel (don't even try reusing it).  The instructions say to leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes; gently patting the excess ampoule into the skin after removal.  

I like how the mask comes in two pieces for the upper and lower half of the face.  I often have issues with sheet masks being too big for my face, so the two sections can be overlapped for a better fit.  The rubber mask was cool to the touch after being removed from the pouch despite not being refrigerated.  This must be that "cryo" technology Dr. Jart+ was referring to, but to be honest most of the hydrogels I've used feel exactly the same way.  The mask was also moistened with a thin film of product.

BEFORE & AFTER

Not much improvement at all...

I wasn't expecting the ampoule to be so thick since usually these are more watery.  However, the consistency appeared to be like that of a hand cream.  I applied it evenly all over my face and then put on the mask for 40 minutes per the instructions.  I wouldn't necessarily say it was soothing, because the "rubber" technology doesn't really allow the skin to breathe.  The soothing effect must come afterward...

When I removed the Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Soothing Mask I initially noticed an increase to my skin's hydration.  Prior to application my skin's moisture level measured at 45.3%, and after removal it had increased to 58.5% (I have a skin moisture meter).  Unfortunately the ampoule did not absorb very well.  I tried patting and massaging it in, but it still felt tacky and unpleasant.  My skin did feel a bit softer to the touch, but I did not see any visual improvement whatsoever.  The results were much more apparent with the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Masks.  

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sadly, I didn't care for the Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Soothing Mask.  The moisturizing result did not last very long.  After about two hours, my skin's moisture level dropped back down to about 47.0%.  The softness carried on for a little longer, but in the end there was no lingering benefit to this mask otherwise.  No glow, no radiance; not even the temporary plumpness to fine lines.  Of course I did get four whiteheads the day after using this mask - so I guess that answers the question on whether the goodies will cancel out the bad lol.  

STORE	PRICE	OFFERS
Amazon	$6.20	Free Shipping
Dr. Jart+	$14.00	Free Shipping $40+
Sephora	$14.00	Free Shipping $50+; Free Samples

I don't think this mask is worth the price.  The concept is neat but it just didn't work out very well for me.  I'll stick with my Sulwhasoo sheet masks, which is a far better value and well worth every penny. 

Rating

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None of these reviews are sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.

I used my NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen in Ash Brown to death, so when it came time to repurchase I picked up the Espresso shade.  Ash Brown is a lovely neutral medium brown, but I need something with a little more oomph on these dark brows! 

NYX
Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen Swatch

NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen Espresso Swatch

INFO SHEET

SWATCH

NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen - Shade Espresso Swatch

Right away I noticed that the color payoff for the NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen in Espresso is a lot more pronounced than Ash Brown.  In the full review for Ash Brown, I had listed the color payoff as "Decent" because the formula seemed just a bit more shy coming out of the pen.  This is not the case with Espresso, which is wham bam in your face so you have to apply sparingly and build up as needed.  

BEFORE AND AFTER

The Espresso color is a lot more pronounced.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I did enjoy using the NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen in Ash Brown, but I think the Espresso shade is a much better match for my dark brow hairs.  My original review for the product still stands:  The pen does a great job and is quite affordable.  When I ultimately repurchase, it will be the Espresso color.  

STORE	PRICE	OFFERS
Amazon	$10.99	Free Shipping
NYX	$11.00	Free Shipping + Free 2-Piece Gift Set Orders $35+
ULTA	$11.00	Free Shipping Orders $35+

The Milani and NYX pens are able to hold their own against the competition such as Urban Decay and Stila.  The pens are also way WAY better than MAC Shape + Shade Brow Tint pen (that pen is awful, really).  So why pay more when you can get the same result without breaking the bank?  

Rating

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  

None of these reviews sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.