Review: GlamGlow Youthmud Tingleexfoliate Treatment

Wearing makeup daily can cause skin congestion over time, even if you properly remove it at the end of the day. My skin is mostly congested in my t-zone and the chin area. I've read so many great reviews of GlamGlow's facial mud masks that I had to try it for myself. I opted for the Youthmud as the sales assistant recommended I start with Youthmud and progress to the Supermud if needed.

I've always like the idea of mud masks and have tried at least a dozen different ones, from drugstore to high-end. I've found a few which I do like but haven't found "the one" until I discovered this little gem, which has quickly gained HG status in my beauty cabinet. 

It was like love at first sight. I wanted to rave about it from the first time I used but wanted to make sure I would give it a good use before reviewing. 

How I use it? 

I currently use this mask on a once weekly basis. My tip, follow the instructions carefully on this one. I use a spatula to loosen and mix the product before each use. I initially applied it to a clean face using my fingers but found that a brush did a better job. I leave it on for 10-15 minutes until the mask is dry and remove it using cool water, gently massaging in a circular motion.

Results

The first time I used this mask I was quite shocked at the results. My first reaction was OMG my pores look huge. Shortly I realized the mask did its job and the reason my pores were so visible was because all the gunk that was congested under my skin for all that time had washed away with the mask! With each use I could see an improvement in skin clarity and my pores are looking less visible. 

This mask did cause crazy tingling which was almost a burning sensation but it went away after a minute. It didn't bother me too much as I could feel and see it working. My skin wasn't irritated or left with any redness afterwards either. I will start using it twice weekly as recommended. I only started with once a week as I was scared it was too harsh to use too often but I am absolutely loving this mask and it hasn't caused any problems. 

Would I repurchase?

Yes. I would definitely repurchase this mask. I am now eager to try the Supermud version as well.

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Sheet Mask Favourites

I hate to admit it but I'm a face mask junkie, especially the sheet varieties. Over the years, I've tried loads of different masks from different brands that promise to do all different things for my skin. Today, I will share with you the ones I tend to reach for and repurchased multiple times. These are my top eight, including six facial masks and two eye masks.  

Above pictured (left to right): TonyMoly Intense Care Snail Hydro-gel Mask, SK-II Whitening Source Derm Revival Mask, My Beauty Diary Natto Mask & Apple Mask, TonyMoly Intense Care Snail Eye Mask, My Beauty Diary Dark Circles Intensive Care Eye Mask, Black Pearl Mask and Imperial Bird's Nest Mask.

        

SK-II Whitening Source Derm Revival Mask

This is my "special occassion" treat as it is the most expensive retailing at AUD160 for 6 pieces. I usually wait for Myer's beauty sales to splurge on these. These are perfect for when I know I have a special event on the next day. They also have little eye flaps which go over the eye lids so my eyes can also benefit making it a two in one treatment. I'd pop one of these one for 30 minutes and by the next day my skin is plumper, more even and radiant allowing for better makeup application. I also love the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask but these work better on my dark spots.

My Beauty Diary Masks

These are my go to face masks for every other day as they are reasonably affordable and easily accessible. I usually purchase mine in Chinatown or on websites like Sasa and YesStyle priced between AUD12-15 for 5/10 pieces. I usually use a sheet mask 2-3 times a week where I can, changing up different types depending on my skin situation at the time.

Natto Mask (Moisturizing and Tightening): I use this mask on days where I feel my skin is a little sensitive or on days where I only feel the need for basic nourishment.

Apple Mask (Pore Tightening, Brightening and Clarifying): For those troublesome times in the month, I use this mask to keep those blemishes at bay.

Black Pearl Mask (Optimal Whitening, Brightening and Moisturizing): One of the bestsellers in the range. It's perfect for when my skin is looking a bit dull and lifeless.

Imperial Bird's Nest Mask (Ultra Nourishing and Hydration): A new winter favourite. Whenever I feel my skin is dehydrated or when I get those annoying dry patches around my cheeks and chin these save me.

Dark Circles Intensive Care Eye Mask: These eye masks are great for dark circles and puffiness. Although the results are only temporary and last only a day or two.

TonyMoly Intense Care Snail Masks

Snail mucus?! I was initially a little squirmish at the thought but I gave it a try and loved it! Both of these have a unique texture. They are gel, almost jelly like rather than a cotton sheet that is more commonly seen. This makes them feel a little more delicate to work with but I find they form better on my face.

Hydro-gel Face Mask

The face masks are pricier than the My Beauty Diary ones but they are more intensive. They cost around AUD8 a piece but I stocked up in Hong Kong where they had a buy 5 get 1 offer which worked out to be around AUD5 a piece. I like to use these every now when I need a complete pickup. These just leave my skin feeling so nourished and I feel it helped with my overall complexion. 

Eye Mask

The eye masks can be purchased as a pair but I opted for the more economical jumbo jar of 15 pairs which costs around AUD30. I like these as they are hydrating and cooling on the eye area. I place a pair of these once a week and enjoy the soothing relaxation.  

What's your favourite face mask? I'm always looking for new things to try and would love to hear your recommendations :)

Review: Benefit The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine

I was immediately attracted to this product because of its packaging. How incredibly travel friendly! I must confess I'm a loose powder kind of girl but it is a nightmare to carry around. Agent Zero Shine is so cute and compact I have no problems at all taking it with me whenever I need to touch up.

How to use it?

The packaging allows for super easy application especially when you're out and about. The mouth of the bottle resembles that of baby powder, which makes it spill proof. Remove the cap, twist open the chamber, tap the appropriate amount of product into the lid and sweep! It is even equipped with a hidden brush in the base. The brush itself is really soft, especially for something that came together with a powder. No scratchy brush here and a brush is always more hygienic. It's super easy to use, I probably didn't even need a mirror.

Results

Agent Zero Shine claims to:

- Minimises shine: tick!

- Smooths the look of pores: tick!

It definitely delivers what it promises. It pairs well with multiple base products. Chanel's CC Cream, Giorgio Armani's Maestro Foundation and Skin79 BB Cream just to name a few. It eliminates shine and minimizes pore with ease.

I also tried using this product to set my base makeup to test out it how well it performs in the oil control department. I didn't see any mentions of oil control on the packaging but you would assume a product called Agent Zero Shine would keep oiliness at bay. I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. The shine surfaced around the 6 hour mark in my oily t-zone. Compared with other setting powders I own, this one was not the standout. Tarte's Smooth Operator is still my HG. 

Would I repurchase?

Yes. I liked the packaging concept of the Agent Zero Shine it's definitely my favourite touch up companion so far. However, I still prefer other powders to set as I feel the oil control is better. If only it was refillable with any powder of choice.

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Review: Clarins Double Serum

The Clarins Double Serum promises to deliver intensive anti-ageing treatment with the power of two serums in one. The two serums containing hydric (water-soluble) and lipidic (oil-soluble) ingredients based on 20 different plants are kept in separate chambers and are combined once pumped onto the palm and mixed well. 

Clarins claims the use of this power serum can reactivate of our skin's five vital functions:

- Hydration

- Nutrition

- Oxygenation

- Protection

- Regeneration 

How I use it? 

The directions advised two pumps, day and night but I preferred one pump day and two at night when I feel my skin needs the extra nourishment whilst I sleep and recover. I pump the product directly into my palms and warm it up between my palms before I pat it onto my face, neck and decollete. I use it after my SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and follow with my moisturiser. My current favourite moisturiser is the Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel.

Results

This serum is a surprise favourite of mine. One of my close friends tried it and loved it but she had normal to dry skin. I didn't think it would've been suitable for my combination skin due to its oily texture but it did and it didn't make my t-zone more oily. I can honestly say that this is the first serum I finished completely without feeling the need to try another one in between because I saw an improvement in my skin overall in a short period of time.

The outer box suggests the serum will:

- Firm and reduce the look of fine lines: As I am only in my early twenties, I can't speak much of fine lines and wrinkles but I did see an improvement in some lines I had on my neck and my skin felt overall more firm and supple.

- Restore radiance and even out complexion: This I definitely saw within 2 weeks of use. My skin had that glow, redness was at bay and some darker areas around my chin seemed to lighten.

- Make pores less visible: My pores do seem slightly less visible but as I do have enlarged pores in my t-zone particularly on my nose. It will take longer use to see a better difference or perhaps a miracle product to make them invisible.

Overall, my skin feels healthier, firmer and more balanced with the use of the Double Serum. The product absorbs very quickly and does not feel heavy or sticky as I had thought. It wears well under my makeup and gives me a little bit of a radiant glow. By far one of the best serums I've tried as it delivered results fast.

Would I repurchase?

Definitely yes! In fact, I already picked up a duo pack as backup at the airport on the way back from my recent holiday. 

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My Skin Story

As I started this post, I was going to review a skincare product that I have been absolutely loving lately but decided to hold that off for my next post. I will start by telling you a little about me, my skin story to be exact. Let's start with my teen years, age 12. The first year of high school, puberty hit me quite badly, my skin suffered. My skin broke out and was oily overall. Now I can tell you about my decade battling skin troubles but that'd be excessive. To cut the story short, I've tried so many products I've lost count. None seem to have worked nor made it any better. From drugstore to higher end brands, I've experimented with countless blemish fighting products. I even tried Proactiv which did more damage if anything. I gave up believing it is all hormonal and all I can do is wait.

The acne and oiliness stayed for most of my life until my early twenties, which was when I learnt the importance of a good skincare regime, a healthy healthier diet and most importantly drinking plenty of water. In my first few years of uni the breakouts began to clear. My skin was now combination, oily in the t-zone and normal to dry in the cheek area. While I can't speak for the troubles during my teen years, I discovered in the past year that the true cause of my oily t-zone was due to dehydration. My skin is also quite sensitive which means the wrong products would irritate it more, cause breakouts and redness.

I found recently that by switching out my usual oil control moisturiser for one that was gel based which also targeted hydration, my skin has become as close to normal than it has ever been. I'm now only slightly oily in the t-zone towards the end of the day where in the past I was usually a fry pan by midday. Now I only need to find a treatment for the years of acne scarring, hyper-pigmentation and enlarged pores. Which is probably the toughest ones to treat.

That's it guys a summary of my skin history. The important thing to remember is everyone's skin is different. What may work for me, may or may not work for you and vice versa. But if your skin is similar to mine - combination/sensitive, then hopefully my experiences will help you. I will share with you in the future the products I love which have worked for me. Stay tuned for makeup and skincare reviews soon to come!