Tried and tested: face masks and eye creams
This mask feels luxurious but contains quite a bit of fragrance, which can dry and irritate skin over time. More antioxidants and emollients please, Clarins!
This mask is choc-full of great emollients, antioxidants, water-binding agents and skin-mimicking ingredients. These are all fantastic for dry skin. Try using this mask as a rich night cream. None of the ingredients give even a temporary tightening effect however (though they will help keep skin firm, provided you use broad-spectrum sun protection daily).
This creamy, unscented mask can be worn overnight and safely used around the eyes. The formula contains a good mix of emollients, water-binding agents and proven antioxidants. The morning-after residue makes skin look dewy but you will probably want to wash this off before applying makeup.
This mask is quite high in denatured alcohol, which extensive research shows can be drying and irritating to skin. Even if skin’s surface reaction to this ingredient is not apparent, damage can occur beneath.
Every acne-sufferer should have this in their bathroom. This five-minute, oil-absorbing mask is perfect for those struggling with spots. The kaolin clay formula contains healing, antioxidant plant extracts. It is also fragrance-free. The mask cleanses deeply and gently, helping to prevent breakouts and keep skin shine-free.
This is another great kaolin-clay mask. It cleanses deeply but gently and removes excess oil without leaving skin dry and tight. The formula contains lots of lovely antioxidants and skin soothers. I dock a star for the jar packaging, which could not keep active ingredients stable for long.
This fragranced mask contains peppermint oil and African marigold oil, which are potentially very irritating and, for me, negate the benefits of the rest of the formula.
This mask is very fragrant. The kaolin-clay will reduce excess oil immediately but the perfume and irritating plant extracts like peppermint could have a long-term cost to skin.
NeoStrata specialises in exfoliants and has several patents related to the use of glycolic acid in anti-aging skincare. This cream is 4% gluconolactone though, which may irritate very sensitive skin. This acid is combined with some great antioxidants, moisturisers and skin-soothers. Overall, this is a great wrinkle-smoothing option for normal to dry skin.
The formula is packed with antioxidants proven to repair damaged skin cells and support collagen production. Added emollients plump and smooth the eye area. The brand claims this cream can “dramatically diminish the appearance of dark circles” but no moisturiser can really do this without additional makeup ingredients.
Estee Lauder provides a tiny gold spoon for this cream. The box bears a long ingredients list filled with fantastic antioxidants, collagen supporters and emollients. Pearl powder brightens skin temporarily.
There is quite a high concentration of denatured alcohol in this moisturiser. Non-fatty alcohols like this can have a drying, irritating effect on the skin though. The star ingredient is LR2412, a brand-patented jasmine derivative that helps the plant repair itself. Ingredients like titanium dioxide and mica will lighten the skin temporarily.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
