The Face Shop - Pearl - Essential Mask Sheet

Now that the weather is warmer...I'm starting to use more of my sheet masks. I finally tried my first 'The Face Shop' sheet mask. I'm not sure the exact name of it but the package says Essential Mask Sheet, Pearl.   

See image:

 

I've purchased this mask a while back in New York. I believe this cost me $2.

From The Face Shop website this mask is suppose to do:

1) Instant brightening & illuminating

2) Pearl is well known for it's amazing skin brightening function: brings an instant glow to the skin

3) Great for dull/pigmented skin

And like all sheet masks the instructions are all pretty much the same. 

This particular one says:

1) pull out sheet mask

2) unfold and place it on face

3) remove after 15-20 minutes and let it absorb into skin. 

One important step I think they left out is that you should always clean and tone skin before using sheet masks. 

So what's my impressions of this sheet mask?

I don't like it and I won't re-buy. 

First thing that hit me when opening the packet was the smell. OMG!!  It was soo strong. It was very heavily perfumed. Some kind of floral scent. It made me feel a little nauseous while using it. So if you're someone who's sensitive to smell you need to stay away from this sheet mask. 

The mask was also very thick. This usually doesn't bother me but for this particular mask it didn't stick to my face very well. Is it because of the material the used?  The sheet mask was pretty large so for people out there that has a larger facer like me than you don't have to worry it not fitting. 

There's not enough essence in one mask. This might also be the reason why it didn't stick to my face that well. 

I left the mask on for 15 minutes. Once the mask was removed I tried to message the essence into my skin. I noticed the mask left a very sticky film on my face. I waited for it to dry a little more and the film still remained. I do not like this feeling. Also there's no instant brightening or moisturizing effect. 

I was glad I did purchase this one mask to try. It wasn't worth the $2 but at lease I know not to buy again or to buy it in bulk. There's a couple more The Face Shop mask i still have in my stash. Hopefully those would be a huge disappointment like this one. 

What are some of your favorite sheets masks?  Let me know. I would love to continue to try more. 

Face Q Grape Seed and Green Tea Sheet Mask

This box of various sheet masks from Face Q was purchased a while back.  And just recently I've realized that it will expire by the end of this year.  So I opened the box and tried my first sheet mask from them.

I purchased this box from sasa.com.  I don't remember how much I got this box but I believe it was cheaper than the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  This box came with 10 sheet masks.

They are: 
2 Grape Seed + Green Tea Mask 
2 Luffa +Adlay Mask
2 Red Pomegranate Co Q10 Mask
2 Ocean + Aloe Mask Marine Collagen Mask 
1 Caviar and Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Mask
1 Peony Snow Lotus and Sake Yeast Whitening Mask

I love how sheet mask has a cute cartoon and a colorful packaging.

The first mask I tried was the Grape Seed & Green Tea sheet mask.  

Once opened I noticed it's very similar the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  

The description: 

Face Q Grape Seed + Green Tea Mask with a unique micro-emulsion technology turns nourishment into micro-emulsion particles that are smaller and easier to penetrate into the skin, improving moisture replenishment. Mask is made from 100% wood pulp with silk, it fit your facial contour perfectly, rapidly infiltrate moisture for the skin, after use your skin with become supple with natural radiance.

Formulated with all natural botanical extracts, grape seeds contain powerful proanthocyanidins antioxidant, can prevent the skin from oxidation damage, thus lose luster and flexibility. Grape seed also has synergistic effect with collagen and elastin, making skin a shiny and flexible, and prevent premature wrinkles and skin spots.

The sheet mask has a plastic lining.  The thin mask was tough enough that it didn't rip when I used it.  I remember reading from other bloggers that some complained that these mask ripped too easily.  Well it didn't happen to me.  There's also extra serum inside the packing.  I couldn't detect any scent to this particular mask.  So I believe this mask is unscented.  I left this mask on for 30 minutes and afterwards my face was smooth and moisturized.  I liked it.  The next day I noticed that my face did have some red blotches around my cheeks.  I'm not sure if it's related to this product or if it's some other new face product that I had tried out that day.  Since I have so much more left I will try these mask again and will let me know if these masks are irritating my skin or not.  

Over all I find these Face Q mask very similar to the My Beauty Diary masks.  Only difference is that I didn't find a scent and the price is cheaper.  Again, I will check back with you guys and let you know if this mask still continue to irritate my skin or not.  (I have combination skin)

Let me know what you all think of these Face Q sheet masks or this particular Grape Seed & Green Tea sheet mask. 

My Scheming Camellia Japonica Hydrating Sheet Mask

Since I have so much old sheet mask to use up I decided to used this particular one from the My Scheming collection.  This sheet mask actually came from a mixed sheet mask box I've gotten from sasa.com.  It's actually one of the first sheet masks I've purchased from sasa.com too.(http://beautyfornewbies.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-first-purchase-from-sasacom.html)  

I find that these My Scheming masks are very similar to the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  I find that the quality are very similar.  

This particular sheet mask, the Camellia Japonica Hydrating mask is very hydrating.  It's prefect for the cold dry New England weather that we've been having.  I had the mask on for around 30 minutes.  I believe these masks are gentle to leave it even longer if you want.  The quality of the mask is pretty strong so it won't rip when trying to adjust it on your face or unfolding from the package.  I have a pretty round wide face too and it fits perfectly too.  After the mask is in placed on your face, you can take the extra essence or serum in the package and place it everywhere were you need a little extra moisturizing.  I used them around my neck area, arms, and hands.  

Sasa.com description:

My Scheming Camellia Japonica Hydrating Mask contains natural camellia extract to increase the moisturizing and soothing function. And, it also repairs skin. Hyaluronic acid, saccharide isomerate, and jojoba oil improve skin and prevent moisture loss. The mask comprehensively firms skin and leaves it watery and lustrous. 

how to use it

1. After cleansing, remove pearl paper and place the mask over your face. Press it lightly onto your face.

1. Leave on for about 15 – 20 minutes before removing the mask.

1. Pat and leave for essence absorption.

I will re-buy this sheet mask again.  It's a great quality mask in an affordable price.  I apologize I don't have the exact about that I've purchase this at but I'm sure you can find this information on sasa.com very easily.  The My Scheming products are also cheaper than the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  So if you don't want to spend the extra buck or two for it I will certainly consider buying My Scheming sheet masks. 

NY Asian Haul - The Face Shop and Detclear

Sorry but it's been a while since I've last posted.  I've been sick and kids have been keeping me busy as usual.  :)

This weekend I was at a wedding in New York so I was actually able to do a little shopping.  So now I have something new to show you all.  There were so many things to look at there and I was always tempted to buy more.  I was able to control myself and got these items below.

Items only purchased items from The Face Shop and from Mitsuwa, Japanese Supermarket in New Jersey.

At the time I wanted to check out the Missha store that I used to shop at.  But I guess 3 years since I've been back is a long time because now The Face Shop had taken over the shop.  I was still very excited because I have never used The Face Shop products before and now it's my face to try.

While I was there I purchased a bunch of face sheet masks.  They were $2 each and with the special they were currently having it was buying 10 and gets one free.  Of course I took advantage of that and got myself an extra one.  I brought two types of sheet masks.  I brought 4 essential masks (I don’t know how else to explain it) and 7 Real Nature masks (two I had given to my sister so I didn't include the pictures here.  I will post later once my sister tries it out and let me know how she liked it). 

#1.  Lemon
#2.  Pomegranate
#3. Soybean
#4. Aloe Vera
#5.  Rice
#6. Raspberries (not in this picture)
#7.  Olive (not in this picture)

#1.  Hyaluronic Acid
#2.  CO-Q10
#3.  Pearl (two)

And lastly from the face shop I purchased a peeling gel mask.  I've always wanted to try them.  I've heard so much about the Cure gel but of course that's $50 and I was too cheap to buy it.  So this one at the face shop, the White Jewel Peeling Gel was only $15, I pick myself a bottle.

Once I checked out they had given me a couple of samples.  I got two FLEBOTE Collagenic EX V lifting cream, two FLEBOTE White Crystal Effect Essence, and two Rice Water Bright Cleansing foam.  Anyone out there tried these items?  How do you use these and how do you guys like them?  Please share with me.

I've also sighed up to be a member.  Membership is free.  And with this purchased I earned 10% off my next purchase and 5% after that on my other purchases.  But since I don't live in New York anymore I think it will be a few years before I'm able to return and use my discount.  Oh well.

And look...Kim Hyun Joong!!  After doing a little research I found out that he's now the official international ambassador of the Face Shop brand.  I remember him from the Korean TV drama Boys Over Flowers.  Hehe...

Once I got home I found out I've over paid for my sheet masks.  Damn it!!  Sasa currently has a sale for $1.50 each.  Damn damn damn!!  Oh well...

The next day I went to the Mitsuwa Japanese market and purchase the Detclear Fruit Peeling Gel.  This one was $17.  I've heard a lot of good things on this item too.  So again, once I get the chance I'll compare two peeling gels I've purchased on this trip and let you know now I feel about them both.

So any recommendations on other The Face Shop items I should try?  Or other Asian beauty products?  Let me know.  I really want to try more.

My Scheming - Deep Ocean Water Saccharide Isomerate Mask

 

This mask came in a sample or tester box of 7 different masks.  The set was called "My Scheming 7 Days Hydrating Mask Set (7 piece)".  I purchase this set on sasa.com for $8.60.  

 

Front



Back

Ingredients

This was the first My Scheming masks I've used. From the sample box of 7 I happened to pick this one first, for no particular reason. First thing I have to say is this mask reminds me of the My Beauty Diary line masks. Both have very cute packaging and both have similar masks quality.

For who can't see what I had written on the back of the package here's a type up version below.
 

Description on box: The deep sea water is extracted from the deep ocean water which is under 800-ft sea level with negative pressure. The deep ocean water involves 60 minerals and microelements, which sizes are similar to the water in our body. Therefore, it is easy to be absorbed by our skin and promote metabolism. The nutrients of the mask penetrate into and be sunk by skin. It has good effects on maintaining long-term skin moisture, activating skin, and give you a pure and jade-like skin with brightness and lightness.

 

 

Ingredients: Deep ocean water, xanthan gum, 1-3 butylene gylcol, glycerin, cucumber extract, allantoin, dipotassium glycyrrhetinante, sodium hyaluronate, sodium pca, methyl parabenm sorbeth-30, methlysothiazolinone, perfume.

 

 

Directions: After cleansing, remove pearl paper and place the mask over your face. Press it lightly onto your face. Leave on for about 15-20 minutes. Remove the mask. Pat and leave for essence absorption.
 

I like how there's actually ENGLISH on this packaging. You know exactly what you're using and how to use the masks. Unlike the My Beauty Diary masks EVERYTHING is in Chinese.

There was really no scent for this mask. I used masked for 30 minutes. This mask was very moisturizing. It was very cooling and relaxing too. There was TONS of essence left over too. So of course all essence is massaged onto my neck and arms. And one thing I want to note is this mask is a little thinner than the My Beauty Diary Mask.

Inside - Lots of essence

 

Mask



Plastic lining

My Beauty Diary - Strawberry Yogurt Mask

Another week past and it's time to use a sheet mask again. I've been using a sheet mask every Sunday and so far it has been working out for me.

This Strawberry Yogurt Mask is from the My Beauty Diary line. It was purchase from the sasa website. The main reason for choosing this mask was because there was currently an extra 10% off on that particular product and I was also trying to test out other types of My Beauty Diary masks. A box comes with 10 sheets, each mask packaged separately.

Both the box and the packing was very cute. Strawberries everywhere. When I opened the package I could smell the strawberry scent. Oh my...I just love that smell. Sweet strawberries...kinda like the Strawberries Pocky sticks.
There's also a lot of essence in the package. The mask, like all of the My Beauty Diary Masks are very soft and thin. They fit perfectly and feels great against my skin. I used it for 30 minutes. Once I pulled off the mask, I noticed my face was very moisturized and my appearance had brighten up. I'm very happy with the results. I than rubbed the excess all over my neck, arms, and legs. Why waste it right? There was still so much essence left.

I would recommend this mask. And once I run out I will rebuy.

Description on sasa:
description
My Beauty Diary Strawberry Yogurt Mask whitens and refines skin and control excessive sebum secretion.
Natural strawberry extract contains AHA, minerals and enzyme to leave skin clean, fair and fresh. Yogurt extract balances sebum secretion and tightens pores. Arbutin leaves skin luminous.

It also helps enhance skin’s moisture level.

It is suitable for normal skin and combination skin.

how to use it
After cleansing and toning steps, tear off the package of the mask and gently place it on the face.
Leave on for about 20 – 30 minutes. Then remove the mask.
Massage the remains, if any, into the skin. Follow with normal skin care procedure.

country of origin
Taiwan

suitable for
normal skin / combination skin

So anyone else tried this mask? Please tell me how you all feel about it.

 

 

Dermal Cucumber Collagen Essence Mask

I brought a bunch of Dermal masks at a Hmart last week. Hmart is a supermarket that specializes in providing Asian foods. Some stores even sell small appliances and beauty products. So before I left the market I noticed on display that there's a deal on all their Dermal masks.  It's originally $0.99 and it is now for $0.80. I'm not sure how much they are usually online but I thought it was a pretty good deal and got some.

Sorry. I don't know why I can rotate the photos.

As you can see I got: 

• Charcoal
• Red Ginseng
• Bamboo
• Q10
• Pomegrante (2)
• Apricot
• Cucumber
• Green Tea
• Aloe
• White 

I wasn't planning to keep them all.  I gave these three to my mom.

And these three to my sister.

I tried my first Dermal mask last Sunday. I chose to use cucumber first since my face felt kind of dry I wanted something moisturizing and smoothing.



Front image

Back image

Close up of directions and ingredents
(it's in english unlike most of the masks I've tried)

Inside of the packet



This mask has lots of essence. It has no plastic lining. They probably left that lining out to cut cost and also there wasn't really a need for it since this mask is much thicker compared to other higher quality masks.


I find that this mask is wide. It fit my face but there was a small part of my forehead that wasn't covered. I like how this mask has eye flaps though. You can smell the cucumber sent. It was pretty noticeable scent but wasn't overwhelming. I did enjoy the scent. After I took off the mask I did notice that the mask was very moisturizing and in some ways it had brighten my complexion a little bit. There was one thing I really did not like though...This mask left a very thick sticky residue. I thought it might just take some time to just absorb but it took forever. I actually feel asleep waiting for the stickiness to go away. When I washed my face in the morning I feel there was still a layer of something lingering on my face.

So how to I feel about this mask?  It's ok but most likely would not be repurchasing them.  I wonder if it's just this particular mask that leaves this film or if they are all like that.  My mother who tried two of the masks also said she did not like it.  She could tell that it's a cheaper quality mask and it had given her a little irritation which made her face slightly red. 

So how does everyone who feel about these Dermal sheet mask? 

Dried sheet mask.  As you can see it's a wide sheet mask and there's eye flaps