Breakfast Face Masks 3 x 10ml - Review

This pack of face masks were sent to me along with my Alpro Dairy Alternative Goodies and I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised at how nice and effective they are!

There are 3 face masks in the pack and I have got two applications in each so six face masks if you think of it that way...

Yoghurt - This is a smooth(ie) mask and smells so delicious and a little bit like a vanilla yoghurt. It's nice and creamy to apply. The result is gorgeously soft and silky skin, skin feels hydrated and looks bright and clear. I was surprised actually as this is such a gentle mask.

Coffee - Another great smelling mask that has a wonderful, light coffee aroma - oh my! Once again this is a smooth, creamy mask and works in exactly the same way as the yoghurt version. Good results. It cleans out pores without you even realising.

Oatty - This mask contains bits so it is gritty but not overly so, just a great scrub feel when you rinse it off. A nice smell like the other two. It leaves skin super soft and clear.

All in all, these are so gentle, effective and such a pleasure to use.

Breakfast Face Masks are available from Asos, Prezzybox and various online sites at around £6

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask Review

The Body Shop says 

Refine and revive your skin with our Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask. Inspired by Ayurvedic traditions, this 100% vegan tingling clay mask is infused with bamboo charcoal, green tea leaves and organic tea tree oil. And it’s been formulated without parabens, paraffin, silicone or mineral oil. This invigorating charcoal face mask draws out impurities and refines the appearance of pores for healthy-looking skin with a glow that shows.

• 100% vegan
• Tingling charcoal clay mask
• Absorbs excess oil
• For skin that needs extra purification to reveal a healthy, youthful glow
• Formulated without parabens, paraffin, silicone or mineral oil
• Ideal to create a facial at home
• Packed with bamboo charcoal from the Himalayan Foothills, green tea leaves from Japan and organic Community Trade tea tree oil from Kenya

My thoughts 

The mask sample was in a copy of Stylist Magazine. I don't remember whether the information accompanying the mask mentioned that it was tingling and to be honest I might have been a reluctant to try it. It's a good job I did though, as happily I didn't experience any tingling from my mask.

This mask is exquisite. It really works a treat and does what it claims. Its scent is gorgeously zesty and fresh. If you have smelt any green tea fragrances that is what it resembles. The mask is smooth with some bitty strips. It dries quickly, drawing out impurities and softening the skin. As you wash it off the bitty strips become an exfoliator, really cleansing and smoothing the skin. The result is glowing, bright skin and super cleaned out pores. Skin feels wonderful and beautifully soft to touch. A winning mask that I would head out and purchase.

Love it.

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask costs £15 for 75ml 

Nuxe Crème Fraiche de Beauté Mask Review

This winter my usual scalp psoriasis has flared up and made its way onto my face, appearing in patches. When this happened last year I was told not to use a deep cleansing/exfoliating mask and so I avoided doing so until things improved. This year has been no different. However, I felt like my face was missing a moisture boost/pamper and so I have been using Nuxe Crème Fraiche de Beauté Mask which has really helped plump up my skin, softened and brightened it and restored its glow after use.

Nuxe say 

24 hour soothing and rehydrating fresh mask. De-thirsts, relaxes. Face and Eye Contour. Suitable for all skin types.

A source of well-being and immediate freshness, this moisturising mask with Plant Milks and White Blossom provides intensive moisturisation even for the driest skins. A rescue treatment, it provides intensive relief, instantly soothing skin discomfort. Hydrates and soothes for 24 hours, leaving skin radiant.

My thoughts  

As I said my face has patches of dry psoriasis and I didn't want to irritate it or aggravate it. This mask is creamy, just like a face cream but it feels cooling and refreshing and extremely gentle to use. It has the most wonderful fresh, floral scent. It contains 8 plant milks, aloe Vera Sap and Salicornia. It is enriched with Almond and Orange White Flowers and it intensely soothes skin bearing any discomfort such as stinging, redness or sensations of heat. 

To use - Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes, either wipe off with a toner or massage in the excess.

Results - skin feels softer and looks instantly more radiant, ready for the rest of your skincare regime and makeup application.

Top marks from me.

Nuxe Crème Fraiche de Beauté Mask 50ml £18.50

*This product was in October's Glossybox

October 2014 Glossybox - Andy Warhol Inspired Pop Art Collector's Edition Box

Ooh I absolutely love the print on this month's GlossyBox! The Andy Warhol Pop Art design is so apt for a beauty blogger and is bright and cheery for this dreary October ... I will have no problems recycling this after I have used the contents.

As ever though, the outer is very nice but do the contents live up to expectation...

What's inside the October Glossybox

Inside my box features no less than 4  full size products, a fairly generous perfume sample and a bonus sample product.

From Left to Right -

Etre Belle Cosmetics Liplift Peel € 12.95 (Full Size)

They say - Get replenished and defined lips in an instant with this moisturising lip exfoliator. The gentle formula removes dead cells, refining the skin's surface for perfectly soft lips.

Out of all the products this is probably the one I am least enthused about getting use from as my lips are in pretty good condition, but you never know with the changing weather this could come in useful.

Yves Rocher France Quelques Notes D'Amour 5ml sample (Full Size £33 for 30ml)

They say - This scent encapsulates the feeling of falling in love through fusing notes of Damascus Rose , Guaiac Wood and Patchouli.

I like perfume samples and this is handy to pop into my weekend bag. This scent is lovely too, a bit like a delicious Turkish Delight.

So Susan Cosmetics Flutter Mascara £14.95 (Full Size)

They say - An intense carbon-black mascara formulated with hyaluronic spheres to help you achieve the darkest, curviest lashes possible.

I am always up for trying new mascaras and this sounds good, watch this space for my review!

Nuxe Creme Fraiche de Beaute Mask £19.50 (Full Size)

They say - A 24hr moisturising mask which hydrates and soothes the skin, instantly reducing discomfort or redness. Skin is left looking radiant and relaxed.

I am a big fan of Nuxe products so I am looking forward to trying out this mask which sounds ideal for the Winter months.

Ciate London Paint Pot £9 (Full Size)

I received Talent Scout a purple creme shade that be dressed up or down.

Bonus product - Rimmel London BB Cream Matte (sample size)

They say - This mulitasking 9 in 1 skin perfecting makeup cream with a natural formula contains kaolin, witch hazel and salicyclic acid for a flawless matte look.

I haven't tried this BB Cream so I will be interested to see how I get on with it, watch this space for the review..fingers crossed it is shade perfect!!

Final thoughts

This month's box represents outstanding value and with a great mix of products enclosed.

Thumbs up.

*PR Sample

Jurlique Intense Recovery Mask

I was lucky enough to win a photo competition run by Jurlique which meant that I was sent a box of lovely goodies from them. Needless to say I set to work trying out the products almost instantly but it will take me time to work through all of them.

However, the first product I picked up was the Jurlique Intense Recovery Mask ( my goodies arrived on a Friday and for me Friday is face mask day!) and it was love at first try.

Jurlique say 

A natural clay revitalising and restorative treatment mask with antioxidant ingredients to remove skin impurities to help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while protecting against environmental damage.

The Benefits
Moisturises and hydrates to revitalise and rebalance the skin
Helps provide protection from environmental aggressors.
Helps absorb skin impurities to help purify and balance the skin.
Helps soften the appearance of fine lines.

Key IngredientsGreen Clay helps absorb impurities and rebalance oiliness.
Green Tea, Grape Seed, Turmeric and Ascorbic Acid are rich in antioxidants helping to protect skin from environmental aggressors.
Aloe Vera, Carrot Root Extract and Rose Hip Oil hydrates skin to help rebalance dryness.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Retinyl A Palmitate help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

My thoughts 

Easily squeezed out of the tube, the product comes out as a murky, sludgy green shade. It is so smooth to apply it feels like silk on the skin. It soothes and calms with its scent, a beautiful and relaxing scent that is a treat for the senses and just reinforces the feeling that this mask is doing good things. I also find it to be cooling to my skin.

To use - Apply an even layer and sit and relax for 10 minutes (well that is what I do..)

It dries to a muddy shade, but doesn't feel overly tight. Remove with warm, damp pads.

Afterwards skin looks smoothed and calmed, fine lines are blurred. Skin feels super soft and skin is bright.

I don't find anything at all to dislike about this mask. This will be a weekly treat.

*At the moment I have psoriasis on my face and this does not irritate it in the slightest.

Jurlique Intense Recovery Mask 100ml £49.99 

Pur Minerals Mineral Mudd Masque Detoxifying Masque with Pascalite Review

Friday is face mask day, well it is for me! I like a good clay mud mask and this is a good mud mask.

Pur Minerals Mineral Mudd Masque Detoxifying Masque with Pascalite 

Pur Minerals say

Unlike anything you have tried before, this amazing masque will detoxify and clarify all skin types! Pascalite, a unique form of calcium bentonite clay, contains rich minerals and is ideal for deep cleansing for a brighter, smoother complexion.

Usage instructions 

Apply masque liberally to clean skin and treat for 2-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 

My thoughts 

This is a brown coloured mask, that has a fresh but not overpowering scent. It dries quickly and very, very tight! I couldn't leave it on for more than 10 minutes and actually I don't feel it is necessary to leave it much longer than the time it takes to dry, believe me it soon feels uncomfortable.. It also takes some effort to remove. However, the results once removed are worth it. My skin is left looking really bright and clear, the mask does a superb job of unclogging pores and drawing impurities from the skin, a sigh of a good mud mask. Also it does indeed leave skin feeling super smooth and soft.

It is pricey but I would only use it once a week.

Pur Minerals Mineral Mudd Masque Detoxifying Masque with Pascalite costs £25 and is available to buy from Marks and Spencer online and in the new Beauty Halls.

*PR Sample

Superdrug Detoxifying Dead Sea Mineral Mask - 99p!

Friday is the day when I pop on a facial mask and today I was specifically looking for a deep cleansing mask to really draw out the impurities and generally brighten my skin, Superdrug's Detoxifying Dead Sea Mineral Mask seemed to fit the bill.

Superdrug say 

Detoxifying Dead Sea Mud Mask contains ultra purifying dead sea minerals and nutrient rich seaweed that combine to penetrate deep into the skins pores to improve skins vitality.

For the ultimate relaxer- the aroma of Lavender leaves skin feeling relaxed and de-stressed.

Suitable for normal to oily skin
Suitable for vegetarians.
Paraben Free
BUAV Approved

My thoughts 

Smooth to apply, you apply an even layer to the skin and wait 10-15 minutes for it to dry. I found the faint scent of Lavender really pleasant and I am not normally a fan of it, the mask felt soothing and gentle. It tightens and lightens while it dries. Rinsing off with warm water was easy and my skin looked bright and pores really clean. My face felt soft to the touch and not at all red and irritated which trying to remove some masks can leave it.

A treat for the face at the super bargain price of 99 pence a sachet, this facial mask is fantastic.

Superdrug Detoxifying Dead Sea Mineral Mask costs 99p

*Using it once, there is still enough left in the sachet to use it about twice more

DIY Beauty With The Multi-Tasking STEAMCREAM

STEAMCREAM is well known as a fabulous light and airy moisturiser suitable for use on face, hands and body. It uses ingredients including lavender and oatmeal infusion (now I am not a huge fan of a lavender scent but this is delicate and doesn't linger) It is also known for its tins and their many designs which I personally love!

The team at STEAMCREAM recently contacted me to take part in a Blogger Challenge which would show that not only is STEAMCREAM a great moisturiser but can be used in other ways too. I am not known for making my own beauty products so I was looking forward to giving it a go. STEAMCREAM supplied a DIY Kit consisting of

1 bottle of STEAMCREAM
1 bag of unrefined brown sugar
1 bag of organic jumbo oats
1 empty STEAMCREAM tin 

I know what you are thinking... perfect porridge ingredients, right? I was tempted !!

I enlisted the help of my 5 year old son who was very excited to be helping mummy make some make up! We had a great afternoon of fun and most importantly discovered that STEAMCREAM could indeed be made into 3 other wonderful beauty products that really work. Versatile indeed.

Invigorating Sugar Scrub

Mix a few pumps of steam cream into a small amount of sugar and there you have a fast homemade body scrub. I love this, it smells wonderful and is creamy too. This is a really effective sugar scrub, leaving my skin silky soft and smooth.

The sugar helps to naturally remove dead skin cells. The almond oil, Vitamin A & E strengthen and nourish skin whilst the neroli oil with soften dry, hard skin.

BeautySwot Tip - Mix up as you go along with only the amount you need as it soon melts!

Gentle Exfoliating Face Mask

Mix a few pumps of STEAMCREAM with a small amount of bashed up oats (hence the need for a rolling pin, my little boy had great fun with this!) Dampen face, apply mask to skin and leave for 5 minutes. Remove with warm water.

Another really effective use for STEAMCREAM, when I had removed this homemade mask I was left with skin that positively glowed. It was radiant and incredibly soft.

The oatmeal infusion gentle soothes sensitive, irritated skin and brightens skintone. The added oats work to naturally remove dead skin cells.

Homemade BB Cream 

I took my favourite full coverage foundation Estee Lauder Double Wear SPF10 and mixed it with STEAMCREAM (one part STEAMCREAM to two parts foundation) to make a lighter, more dewier finish foundation with skincare benefits (BB Cream!) This worked really well. Coverage was good, my skin felt good and it lasted.

Simple, easy and effective uses for STEAMCREAM. I have to say I really enjoyed this challenge.

STEAMCREAM costs 12.95 and is available from www.steamcream.co.uk , Selfridges, John Lewis and ASOS.com

*PR Sample

Win With APIVITA - Face Masks & Face Scrubs Giveaway! *CLOSED*

*GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED*

I have got together with the lovely people at APIVITA the natural Greek Brand that has arrived in the UK recently. For this fantastic giveaway for readers of BeautySwot.com, I have 3 FULL sets of the new range of express masks and scrubs that have just been launched in the UK via selected M&S Beauty Stores. 

I have been using the express mask with grape and will be posting a review shortly.

The prize - 7 x 40ml tubes of masks and scrubs - I have 3 to give away.

Face Scrub with apricot - 89% natural ingredients

Main Action:
Gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and impurities

Face Mask with green clay - 89% natural ingredients
Main Action:
Deeply cleanses the skin, removes excess sebum and closes the pores

Face Scrub with olive seeds - 89% natural ingredients 
Main Action :
Deeply cleanses and exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells and impurities

Face Mask with pomegranate - 89% natural ingredients

Main Action:
Rejuvenates and offers radiance to the skin

Face Mask with grape - 94% natural ingredients

Main Action:
Reduces wrinkles and expression lines

Face Mask with royal jelly - 97% natural ingredients 
Main Action:
Enhances skin’s firmness and helps cell regeneration

Face Mask with aloe- 95% natural ingredients 

Main Action:
Intensively hydrates the skin

How to enter 

• You must be a follower of this blog - Please leave a comment stating how you are following the blog
• You can gain an extra entry by tweeting about this giveaway. Just tag your tweet with @BeautySwot at the end so I can see it. 

The (not so) Small Print -

• Maximum entries per person is 2
• Open only to UK residents
• All entries will be logged and numbered, and the winners will be selected by www.random.org
• Entries close at 23.59pm, 2nd June 2013 
• Winners and instructions as to how to claim your prize will appear on the blog on Monday 3rd June. You will have 48 hours to get in touch before I select a new winner.

 Thanks for entering and good luck!

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Review

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution 
Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution is a Glycolic peel off mask and serum duo which promises to reveal younger, smoother skin.

Sanctuary Spa say

Straight away from the very first application skin looks smoother and glowing.

After 1 week - Skin feel firmer, toned and looks brighter

After 2 weeks - Skin glows with radiance and fine lines appear reduced

After 3 weeks - 72% of women noticed a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a glowing radiance

After 4 weeks - A flawless complexion and younger looking skin

How to use 

After cleansing skin thoroughly apply peel to dry skin. Using the brush provided apply a thin and even layer of peel avoiding the delicate eye area. Relax for 15-20 minutes allowing mask to dry. Mask should be completely dry and not tack to the touch when ready to peel off.

To remove, start at the base of the face and gently peel off mask to reveal fresh, smooth skin. Rub off any excess.

Immediately after apply a pea sized amount of the Anti-wrinkle Activation Serum.

Use peel twice a week but not on successive days.

SPF should be worn every day when completing this treatment to protect newly revealed skin.

My thoughts

This at-home facial system was really pleasurable to follow. It was so easy to do and it never felt like a chore. I looked forward to peel day as there is something immensely satisfying applying a sticky, gooey gel, feeling it tighten and dry into a shiny, clear mask and then peeling it off and seeing all the dead skin cells coming away to reveal softer, smoother skin.

It took me back to my school days when we would apply glue to our hands and then spend the rest of the day peeling it off in lessons! Happy days.

The Anti-wrinkle Activation Serum smells nice - fresh and citrusy. It is simple to add this into the daily skincare routine.

After the first use of the peel I could see that my skin was brighter and smoother instantly and as the days passed into weeks I really noticed a difference in my complexion. It seems more even and glowing, the fine lines are almost undetectable now and I have noticed an improvement in my blemishes. I have had some spots on my cheeks that have been there for an age and this system made these disappear. My skin looks so much better and almost flawless that the amount of foundation that I need to use has dramatically decreased.

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Kit costs £22.50

*PR Sample

Sample Sachet Sunday - Rodial Glamtox 5 Minute Facial

This sachet was in a GlossyBox along with Rodial's Glamoxy Snake Serum.

Reading back I see that there were 2 sachets of each product in the box, this is important,you will see why further on..

Rodial 5 Minute Facial

Rodial say

5 minute facial is an exfoliating and decongesting mask packed with active ingredients to restore a youthful glow. The gently exfoliating formula clarifies and absorbs impurities; reducing pore size to reveal smooth, bright, glowing skin.

How to use 

This thick clay mask should be generously applied to clean dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Allow to dry until the peel can be removed by gently rubbing the skin with fingertips. Finish by rinsing thoroughly with warm water.

My thoughts 

After great results from two facial masks recently - GlamGlow and Sanctuary Spa, I was really looking forward to trying this one from Rodial.

Anything that promises results within 5 minutes appeals to my impatient side. This mask smells lovely and fresh, I really like the scent. The mask is white/very pale cream and resembles toothpaste in texture. Unfortunately I thought I only had the one mask (have no idea where the other sachet is) and 1ml really doesn't go far even on my small face! I had to really eke it out and so I ended up with quite a thin mask.

I am not sure whether this made a difference to its performance as the instructions do say to apply generously . As a result the mask dried fast, and when removing was gritty so appeared to be exfoliating well. However, I felt that the mask didn't really do much or make a difference to my after appearance at all.

If I was judging the performance of the Rodial 5 minute Facial based on a sample sachet, I wouldn't be making a purchase of the product as it left me distinctly unimpressed.

Rodial 5 Minute Facial £35 for 50ml

GLAMGLOW Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask - Review

Despite the product description that it was a 'tingling' mud mask, which is something I would usually avoid,  the claims were just to good for me to ignore. I HAD to try this mask and put the claims to the test.

GLAMGLOW Tingling & exfoliating Mud Mask

The claims

A serious WOW facial treatment for when you need great skin and a glowing complexion in just 10 minutes.

GLAMGLOW delivers both instant and cumulative results and leaves your complexion revived and glowing for 3 days after each application. With its heritage in Hollywood film studios, GLAMGLOW has flown off the shelves stateside and is now available in the UK.

Super Sexy Super Radiant Skin

Skin collagen synthesis for a noticeable 3 day glow
Brighter, radiant skin in minutes
Leaves skin noticeably soft and smooth
Multi-level resurfacing exfoliation
Penetrates into the deepest layers of the skin to soften fine lines and wrinkles
Tightens, tones and lifts the skin
Relives dark circles and minimises pores
Absorbs impurities without removing natural oils
Suitable for all skin types, ages and for both men and women
Contains no artificial colours or fragrances

Ingredients include Volcanic Rock, French Sea Clay and Green Tea Leaf Pieces.

My thoughts 

For a mud mask the scent is sublime - fresh, green tea. It smells just like Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea which I absolutely love. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!

To use you apply in a smooth medium thick layer across the skin, it then tingles and dries lighter (in around 10 minutes). To remove you either rinse off with water or in circular movements to get the full exfoliating effect (from the volcanic rock).

My goodness I was not expecting much I have to be honest, well I was wowed by this tiny taster of a mask.

The tingling was actually quite pleasant as opposed to unbearable. The mask dries so incredibly tight you don't dare move a muscle. I opted to exfoliate so felt the full harshness (it was fine!) of the rock.

The results 

My skin looked amazing. Like I had just had a facial. It was bright and radiant with a real glow and so, so clear. I would actually have been happy to have walked out the house with no make up. Incredible.

Very, very impressive product that I will be investing in.

However, as this mud mask is not cheap I will be saving it for more special occasions.

GLAMGLOW Mud Mask costs £22.50 for a 15 ml tube or £49.99 for a 50ml tub - Marks and Spencer now stocks this product.

The tube pictured is 7ml (£4.99) a deluxe mini that gives between 1-2 applications. Available from the GLAMGLOW website.

*PR Sample

Sample Sachet Sunday - Sanctuary Spa Active Reverse Thermal Transformation Mask

As promised, on Friday, I tried the mask which came with the January 2013 Glossybox  so that I could have this review ready for Sunday.

Sanctuary Spa - 30 Day Thermal Transformation 

Comes with 2 sachets

One is the Peptide Transformation Serum the other the Thermal Rose Clay Mask.

How to use - 

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly, removing all traces of make-up. Pat skin dry
2. Smooth a generous layer of Peptide Transformation Serum (Step 1) over the face & neck
3. Next, massage a generous, even layer of the Thermal Rose Clay Mask (Step 2) on top of the serum to generate warming effect, ensuring the whole face and neck is covered. Avoid the delicate skin around the eyes
4. Allow the heating effect to cool naturally while you relax for 15 minutes
5. Rinse off with warm water using the muslin cloth & pat dry
6. Follow with the Peptide Protect Day Cream SPF 20 to protect the newly revealed skin
7. Use this treatment 2 to 3 times a week but not on consecutive days

Claims - 

Reveal smoother, glowing, more youthful skin with our 30 day Thermal Transformation Mask.

The special peptide and hyaluronic acid contained in this treatment have been shown to strengthen the collagen network to plump and repair skin’s structures, as well as giving a tauter surface to reduce any ‘crepey’ skin.

When combined with powerful natural extracts that provide a hydration surge, the treatment leaves skin feeling firmer and looking smoother and refined, with a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.

The Thermal Transformation Mask begins with the Peptide Transformation Serum, followed by the Thermal Rose Clay Mask. An intensely warming effect helps optimise the action of the encapsulated enzyme to deeply cleanse & refine the skin surface. After 4 weeks the two step mask visibly firms and refines to reveal an even skin tone and to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Encouraging cell-renewal and boosting hydration levels, means that when the mask is washed away, your complexion has a glowing, dewy finish.

L- Serum R - Clay Mask

My thoughts 

As mentioned in the Glossybox review the product did promise instant results after one use of skin looking brighter & tauter and noticeably reducing 'crepey' skin. The sachets provided only one use.
I liked the ritual of cleansing, applying the serum (which I was surprised to find was a thick cream) and following this with the clay mask over the top of it. I loved the feeling of the warming sensation but to my intense disappointment this didn't last long at all. I sat back and relaxed for 15 minutes whilst reading a book, waiting for the magic to do its work.

The results

Scent wise this has a slight herbal smell and the rose clay mask has a very subtle rose scent, very pleasant to use and apply.

Once I had rinsed off the mask, my face felt so soft and actually I am very pleased to report that my skin looked incredibly smooth (fine line free) and plumped. This works!

I would actually be very interested in trying a full size product as the effect was visible to see and I want to know if it lasts..

Sanctuary Spa Active Reverse Thermal Transformation Mask costs £27.50 

Organic Surge First Class Mask - Review

As part of my weekly skincare routine I use a facial mask. One that I turn to when time is short is Organic Surge First Class Face Mask for fast, visible results.

Organic Surge says

For All Skin Types

First Class Face Mask deep-cleanses and nourishes to give dull or dehydrated skin an instant boost. Skin-calming chamomile and soothing marshmallow deep-cleanse and nourish while natural oils and plant extracts give the skin a valuable burst of moisture. The non-drying, rinse-off mask works quickly to leave the skin clean, clear and revitalised.

My thoughts

The First Class Mask has the same delicate lemon scent that another of my favourite Organic Surge products has - The Skin Perfecting Polish. Simple pump action bottle dispenses the product, which is soft and creamy and semi opaque. I smooth over my face and leave for just 5 minutes. This feels gentle when on and doesn't dry or feel tight. Once rinsed off skin is left feeling wonderfully soft and the appearance of my face is brighter, with pores looking smaller. Skin feels hydrated and calm, overall I am very happy with the performance of this product.

Enriched with organic Rosemary and Lemon Essential Oils, there are no nasties in this product or indeed any of the Organic Surge range.

Organic Surge First Class Face Mask costs £8.99 for 50ml

Limited Edition Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel

It is the 10th Anniversary of one of my favourite products - the rather fabulous, award winning Papaya Ezyme Peel from Elemis. To celebrate Elemis have teamed up with British designer Laura Oakes to create this gorgeous limited edition packaging for the Peel in aid of the SOCO charity.

For every product sold Elemis will provide a 5-in-1 Pentavalent vaccine to immunise a child in Africa against 5 leading diseases and they hope with your help to donate 50,000 vaccines.

Limited Edition Papaya Enzyme Peel launches June 1st 2012 RRP £28.60 


*PR Sample

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel has to be one of the nicest smelling beauty products I have used and as regular reader's of BeautySwot know, scent means a lot to me. I have actually been using the Papaya Enzyme Peel for a couple of years now and I have just realised I have not done a review of it!

The claims - 


The natural exfoliating fruit enzyme action of Papaya and Pineapple smooth, brighten and clarify the complexion. This unique, non-granular exfoliating cream contains nourishing Milk Protein, Anti-Oxidant-rich Vitamin E and Marine algae to moisturise, repair and protect the skin. Perfect for complexions which are sensitive or mature.

How to use - 

My thoughts - 

This is a real pamper treat, I use it probably every 2 weeks. The face peel is creamy and luxurious and is a really gentle exfoliator with no scratchy granules, it is completely smooth. It doesn't harden, I feel a slight tightening on my skin and the product appears to sink into the skin a bit. Rinsing it off leaves me with instantly softer, smoother and clearer looking skin. Whenever my skin needs a little pep, I turn to this delicious peel. 

Papaya Enzyme Peel is one of my favourite face masks of of all time. My only disappointment when I used it for the first time was that I wanted to peel it off!

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel costs £28.60 for 50ml 

*This full size tube was part of a gift set which was a PR sample but I have purchased this product before.

Good Things Five Minute Facial Face Mask

I had just finished my usual face mask and whilst perusing the aisle looking for something else to try,  I was drawn to Good Things by its white packaging and simple, attractive design.

I like the fact that it is free from parabens, SLS, mineral oils and animal products (making it suitable for use by vegetarians and vegans). Although it is marketed at young skin (from their website I believe that to be under 25 years old), one of my favourite masks is also marketed for young skin, so I thought I would give it a whirl.

This is a mask that takes just 5 minutes to work, excellent for busy mums like me who simply don't often get time to sit down 15 minutes for a treatment. It is green and very smooth - I found it easy to apply and obtain even coverage and see where it has been applied. For me, the thing that makes it really special is its scent - it is so fruity!

Described as being designed to make your skin clearer, brighter and smoother.  Ingredients include green clay and kaolin to draw out impurities, avocado oil to moisturise, goji berry extract to soothe and willow bark extract for radiance.I tested this out when my skin was in need of a real boost, it looked dull and had visible pores.

I followed the directions for use  - After cleansing, smooth on a thin layer of product, avoiding the delicate skin around the eyes. Relax for five minutes while the mask dries, then splash with warm water and rinse off . Use weekly.

I was pleased with the results. The mask dried perfectly in the 5 minutes I had allocated. My pores were clean, my skin was left soft and I looked revived, just what I was looking for in a face mask. I would repurchase this.

Good Things Five Minute Facial Face Mask costs £6.12 for 100mls and it is available from Boots stores and online www.boots.com

Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask - Review

As I mentioned in the post reviewing SuperBalm, I have been getting through this winter with a few items to keep me protected and moisturised. Here I review another of those items -

Click picture to enlarge

This Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask is for dry, dehydrated or stressed skin. My skin was beginning to suffer from the elements (usually I have normal/combination skin) and needed a bit of a boost. It felt tight, dry and itchy so I knew I had to do something.

This promises to replenish, calm, condition and moisturise skin and lists the following ingredients -  St John’s Wort, Borage & Rose scented Geranium amongst others - a full list of the ingredients are available on the website.

I applied this after cleansing, generously covering my face with it. It comes out of the tube like a thick cream and the only downside for me is that it has no smell except well the smell of cream..(Looking at the ingredients that could be the Talc)
I  sat down with a magazine and waited 10-15 minutes for it to do its magic.. 15 minutes later my skin felt hydrated as it had literally drunk the mask  - there was just a slight amount to remove which was done with the accompanying muslin cloth. I soaked this in hand hot water (as per instructions) and wrung before gently wiping off. I finished off by using a toner.

Results - My skin felt incredibly soft, moisturised and hydrated.

I like this mask as it is so gentle, in fact it feels just like a normal cream and I would imagine you could put a thin layer on your face and leave it all night as the skin just absorbs it.

I was impressed with the results and I use this now whenever I feel like my skin needs some real TLC

Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask comes in a 50ml starter kit which includes a muslin cloth for £12.75.

Available to purchase from Liz Earle and John Lewis stores or on-line from www.uk.lizearle.com

Montagne Jeunesse Dark Chocolate Deep Cleaning Mud Masque

I don't know how to pronounce this either!

Well what I can say - if you are looking for a pampering treat and love chocolate then you will love this. This mud masque is dark chocolate and orange flavour ..mmmmmm. It smells amazingly yummy, you will really want to eat this.

They say - Indulge in Dark Chocolate, Moisturising Cocoa & Shea butters infused with Sweet Orange Oil & Dead Sea Salt to deep cleanse and nourish your skin.

After cleansing my face I applied this liquid chocolate all over my face and it covered nicely and evenly. Very easy to apply. I then had to wait 15-20 minutes for it to dry so picked up a book to read. I would say this is a pampering treat as I don't often have 15-20 minutes to myself. It doesn't sting me (a bonus in my book) and whilst it is drying I could feel it tightening around my face.

Washing it off is messy though, with chocolate splashing everywhere! And it does take a bit time of for it all to wash off. The first time I used this I could not have washed it off properly as my face was left feeling a bit sticky.

But it is a really pleasurable experience and leaves the skin refreshed and soft. I love using this but not entirely convinced that it cleaned out my pores...

The one thing I would say is that there are no instructions on how often to use this product so I would suggest once a week.

This bottle holds 100g which they suggest provides up to 10 applications and is £4.99.

I am looking forward to trying the other chocolate products from the range now!

Available from www.montagnejeunesse.com and other cosmetic retailers.

Yes to Carrots C the Difference Exfoliating and Smoothing Mud Mask

I first came across the Yes To Carrots range of products in the beauty section of a Sunday magazine and as I hadn't heard of it before was keen to find out more. So I carried out the obligatory google search and found out a bit more about the company (they also have a Yes To Tomatoes range) and was keen to try it out for the following reasons -

It is Paraben free
It is Organic
It uses Dead Sea mud and minerals
It contains fruit and vegetables

This mask promises to tone, purify and revitalise. Use it once a week by applying a thin layer all over your cleansed face avoiding eyes and mouth. Allow to penetrate and dry for 5 minutes. Remove using a damp cloth.

As this product is aimed at Dry to Sensitive skin, today's guest review comes from my adorable (fussy about what she uses) little sister Roxanna -

Here are her comments about the mask

1. It seems quite hard to apply, very thick and paste like, didn't glide with my fingers however my face looked like the traditional "girls night in mask" the type you would see in the movies!

2. I quite like that there is no strong smell and that it dries nicely within the 5 minute timeframe. I have quite sensitive eyes and when products such as masks or creams are placed near them they tend to water. My eyes did not water with this product which was a nice surprise.

3. When washing it off, it formed lumpy bits but despite this was easy to remove.

4. Once it was all off and I patted my face dry, I noticed the parts of my face that had blemishes appeared clearer

5. The overall feeling of my face seemed to have transformed in the total of 7 minutes.  It felt much softer and very silky! My skin sometimes when using other products dries out again fast and becomes tight but using this mask I haven't felt any dryness, in fact it feels hydrated.

6. Would I say Yes To Carrots??? I WOULD NOW! :)

Thanks Roxanna for trying the mask for me.

The Yes To range is available from http://www.victoriahealth.com/or Debenhams stores nationwide.

C the Difference mask is priced £11.99 for 50mls

Look out for future reviews of products from the Yes To range.