FOREO UFO ACTIVATED MASKS - CALL IT A NIGHT

I am pretty obsessed with my beauty gadgets and one of my favourite brands is Foreo, to the point where I have pretty much every device they have ever released! One of my favourites is the *UFO Mini Smart Mask Treatment which I’ve reviewed here.

The UFO is designed to be used with FOREO’s mini sheet masks, developed exclusively in Korea and combining plant and fruit extracts and botanical oils. So with my Beauty Expert Voucher, I decided to buy some new masks to try and opted for the Foreo Call It A Night UFO-Activated Mask* (£9.99). The joy of this device is that there is an abundance of masks to choose from, I usually always get the coconut oil ones which I just adore, but you know what they say about change.

Maintain flawless skin with FOREO Call It a Night UFO-Activated Mask; a Korean-inspired treatment to be used in conjunction with the brand's UFO device for maximum absorption of nutrients and active ingredients.

These masks are fortified with some really lovely ingredients such as 

• Ginseng - which is known to help tone and rejuvenate, for skin that looks younger and more luminous.
• Olive Oil - which helps nourish and soften skin, leaving you with smooth skin that feels supple and replenished.

Together these two ingredients make quite the powerful couple. The mask itself is made up of a soft microfibres which glides effortlessly across the skin and when it has been secured to the 'UFO' device, T-Sonic™ pulsations gently warm and activate the ingredients so you get the most out of each treatment. Using the mask in conjunction with the UFO device is said to help to revitalise and nourish skin while you sleep, so you can wake up to a radiant, healthy complexion.

I am a huge fan of my Foreo UFO* and what I love is that these masks are not drenched but there is enough liquid on them so that you can feel it when moving the device around your face as instructed.  After using this mask, what I have loved is no irritation or the feeling of dryness on my skin. I use my device with the mask before bed, it is quite relaxing as I finish a chapter of a book and then leave it to finish working its magic.

These Call It A Night Masks* come packaged in a box of 7 which for £9.99 is amazing value for money. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Miin Korean Cosmetics

If like me you are a bit of a fan when it comes to Korean Beauty, then Miin Korean Cosmetics is definitely somewhere not to be overlooked. Featuring a whole host of much loved Korean brands including Son & Park, Aromatica, Klairs and P:Rem, there is also a whole host of other brands to get to know and I am sharing some of them on the blog with you today which I have been kindly sent.

It is a known fact that the Korean skincare routine can include 10-11 different steps with cleansing, toning, masking and essence playing a huge part. From Miin Korean Cosmetics, all of their brands are 100% Korean, cruelty-free as well as being mostly natural and vegan.

I have been wanting to read The Korean Skincare Bible for some time and now I finally have my hands on it. Described as being the ultimate guide to K-beauty secrets, what it does is make understanding K-Beauty much less daunting that it needs to be. It is easy to read, easy to follow, packed with advice and tips.

The Korean Skincare Bible is available in Kindle Format or Hardback and it costs as little as £3.99 via Miin Cosmetics or Amazon.

Also included was the Freshen Up Body Wash by LoveBod. I absolutely love this body wash, everything about it from the scent to the feel of it on my skin. Described as being a hydrating, pH-balancing body wash to cleanse your skin in the shower.

The clear gel lathers up really nicely when it comes into contact with water and because one of its main ingredients is Moringa Seed Oil, I am sure you can imagine just how amazing it does smell!

Then we have Papaya-D Sun Cream SPF38 by Benton. I am really picky when it comes to Sunscreen, I don't like thick, greasy feeling creams on my skin at the best of time, but for some reason Sunscreen just lingers on the skin a lot longer.

From Benton, what I have loved about this product is that it uses Papaya Water, so it isn't a thick cream, it has a similar consistency to a face cream. Papaya Extract provides the skin with vitamins and antioxidants which in turn help promote cell renewal.  There is a slight floral scent to this SPF which I quite like and it is great for wearing with or without makeup of course, with makeup it doesn't affect application or how anything sits.

The final item in my little package comes from A. By Bom with the (2 step) Ultra Floral leaf Mask. I adore sheet masks, any excuse to lay down and take some time out whilst letting your skin have some goodness too.

This 2-step mask is a little more fun than others I have tried and totally different in application. It has two sections the first is flower patches which you apply to the areas of your face you want to give a little extra attention too - around the eyes and mouth for example. These little patches contain organic Floral extracts which includes Cherry Blossom, Peach Blossom, Lotus Flower and they are combined with pharmaceutical grade Niacinamide, to help brighten the skin and plump up fine lines. Then the sheet mask, which is a soft natural cellulose sheet, is saturated in lotion and is absolutely soothing and cooling when applied to the skin. 

If you are looking to learn more about the world of K-Beauty but are not too sure where to start, Miin Korean Cosmetics is a great place to begin. All of the products are really well placed and if you are unsure, then head to the tab titled 'Type of Skin' and that should help with your choices!

Have you ever used any K-Beauty products?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

It's Skin - Cookie & Hand Cream Strawberry

I love Korean Beauty, the whole subject just fascinates me and It's Skin is a brand I have started to get to know through various products, some of which I have featured on my blog such as Power 10 VC Cleansing Foam and Power 10 VC Effector Serum which I absolutely loved and I now have my eye on the Tiger Cica range, which sounds incredible. However, today it is the turn of Cookie & Hand Cream Strawberry (£9.50) which is one of three hand creams available from this range. 

Described as being a rich, sweet-smelling hand cream, it comes packaged inside a sturdy plastic tub, which could be forgiven for looking very similar to a tub of ice cream you might very well treat yourself too at the theatre. Once the lid has been removed, it looks very much like a dessert and smells good enough to be one, though the scent could have been a little bit fresher than it is.

The cream is said to instantly nourish and soften the skin and once applied, its ice-cream like texture, which is really easy to scoop out of the tub, melts onto the skin when it comes into contact.  What I like about the cream is that the little brown particles, which remind me of Oreo Cookie crumbs but they do have a purpose within this cream and that is to exfoliate the skin, which they sort of do, but because the pieces are not abrasive, they just dissolve and disappear on the skin.  The hand cream uses Macadamia Seed Oil and Shea Butter. Mango Seed Butter and Sweet Almond Oil gently nourishes and heals the skin.  

I have fairly dry hands, so I had hoped for a cream that would be intensely nourishing, but it isn't as good as I had hoped it would be, it is nice and I love the concept, but I just have better hand creams to use which work much better on my skin.  In its favour, it is lightly textured and it doesn't feel greasy or tacky on the skin and once it has absorbed, the scent only lingers for an hour max afterwards, so even if you didn't like the scent, it isn't too long lasting.

As mentioned, as well as being available in a Strawberry scent, there is also the option to have Mint or Original and you can find them right HERE* via Beauty Bay.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

J.One 'jelly pack' Multi-Functional Gel Primer

It is no secret that I am obsessed with Korean Beauty, anyone who reads my blog regularly will have noticed that not a week goes by when I don't have a Korean beauty product to share. Today it is the turn of J.One and the much coveted Jelly Pack Multi-Fictional Gel Primer, a product which was always out of stock whenever I tried to order it, even national newspapers reporting that not only did one tube sell every 15 seconds but in Korea over 5 million were sold within just three shows!

J.One is the brainchild of Korean actress and influencer Ha Ji-Won, the J.ONE collection, which grows by the week, contains a variety of multi-functional products which have been designed for people on the go. On a mission to continue to develop formulas that save time without compromising on quality and performance, this innovative brand is, like many other Korean brands, ahead of the curve. 

Described as being a multi-purpose anti-ageing mask and primer, it features a unique jelly formula that when applied, melts into the skin to brighten, plump and prep. Enriched with Fermented Black Tea and Peptides for anti-aging benefits, Hyaluronic Acid and Fullerene a carbon molecule which acts as a powerful antioxidant (also a Nobel prize winning ingredient) to hydrate as well as niacinamide to brighten and also Chamomile Flower Water to soothe and replenish.  All of these ingredients come together to infuse the skin with long-lasting moisture and hydration, whilst defending against pollution and environmental aggressors for a smoother, more refined complexion. As it is multi-functional there are two ways in which you can use it:

In the morning - After washing, cleansing and toner, to use J.One Jelly, you spread a thin layer onto the skin and gently pat it until it is fully absorbed.  A clear gel-like texture, it has a slightly tacky to the touch feel about it and having used it every day since it arrived and I just love how it feels. it grabs your foundation and grips it to the skin I have combination skin and that means dry cheeks, so most foundations can stick to that dry skin and ruin how my foundation sits. Not with this product, instead, that dry skin is non-existent as the foundation I apply sits on my skin as it does everywhere else on my face. Gone is the streaky look, this is literally a game changing product for me and I totally get the hype.

In the evening - Again you simply repeat the steps above with regards to completing your cleansing routine and again applying a thin layer, pat it onto the skin until it is absorbed and then leave it.  I am yet to give this a try because I am so impressed with how it works as a primer.

Now I know some of you will be thinking it is just a primer, and yes it is, but it is one of the best primers I have ever used in terms of makeup longevity. Just a few days ago I was up at 5am and working through the night until 9am the following morning, so having applied my makeup around 6am when I was ready to leave the house, come 10pm and having had a day of rushing around, my makeup was still in place, I hadn't suffered the mid-afternoon sliding off the face and with only a touch up of powder and lipstick needed, I am just so impressed. 

Found online in most stores a 30ml tube will cost £20 (here) and a 50ml tube £32 (here). 

Have you tried anything from J.One yet?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Erborian Spray-To-Mask

Erborian is one of those brands that I have featured quite a lot on my blog, I love it, I like what it stands for and best all Katalin Berenyi, one of the women behind the brand whom I have had the pleasure of meeting on numerous occasions is so lovely and has this amazing passion when she talks about each product and such a kind heart. One thing about Erbrorian is that they always manage to come up with some amazing products - the black cleansing oil is one which still wows me even now with how my skin feels after using it. But now I have something new that wows, Spray-To-Mask.

Spray To Mask is the product that I think most people will want to know about and it is unlike any other product that I have used. Katalin explained that the use of lotions in Korea is part of a daily ritual that has become part of the essential skincare routine we now boast about here in the UK and across Europe.  I know I am all for changing and adapting my routine to make it work for my skin and I am not sure I will ever be that person who has a routine and sticks to it. However, if you have a multipurpose product that can do more than one job at any one time, then I am going to love it.

Inspired by hydrogel masks, Spray-To-Mask helps to revive even tired skin. When used it coats the top layer of skin, the epidermis, with a gel-like spray which is formulated using a natural gum. Once on the face, it forms a film and as it does so, its key active ingredients are released and working with the newly formed film, helps to seal the skin's moisture.  The key active ingredients include:

White Ginseng Complex: Antioxidant, smooth wrinkles, prevents signs of ageing, moisturizing, strengthens skin barrier function, protects the skin, soothing

• Ginseng root extract 
• Licorice root extract 
• Wild yam root extract 
• Kigelia fruit extract 
• Horsetail extract 

Glycerin: Moisturising, prevents skin dehydration

Niacinamide: Brightening, helps to maintain skin hydration, improves the appearance of ageing skin.

To use you simply need a quick spritz onto clean skin and you wait for a film to form, again if you have tried a hydrogel mask, then it feels pretty similar on the skin, though at no point does the mask harden on the skin. As you do apply it, you get that same feeling of freshness that comes with using a facial mist and if you read my blog regularly, you will know I am a huge fan of those.  Once on the skin, you leave Spray-To-Mask on the skin between five to ten minutes, you then wash it off using warm water.  The whole process is really simple to follow and afterwards, my skin feels just incredible and I love that it is a spray-to-mask and totally unlike anything I have ever seen or used.  It also comes in a 60ml tube and retails for £34.  

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Erborian Ginseng Royale Collection

Skincare brand Erborian has announced the launch of its new Ginseng Royale Collection, available from February. The range harnesses the power of red ginseng, which helps to fight against the visible signs of ageing to moisturise the skin and improve its elasticity.  Ginseng takes 4-6 years to reach its full maturity before it can be harvested. Red Ginseng, which is used within this range is used for its moisturising and smoothing properties.

Products from this range include Eau De Ginseng, Ginseng Cleansing Milk and Elixir Au Ginseng.  I have been using two of these products and I have to admit, I am smitten with both.

Eau Ginseng (£32), a concentrated lotion to provide instant moisture to hydrate the skin and help skin look more radiant, noticeably smoother and softer; and Elixir Au Ginseng (£80), a youth micellar emulsion essence that mixes powerful ingredients to prevent the breakdown of collagen to delay to wrinkle formulation process, reduces skin redness and helps active collagen synthesis, while maintaining the structure of the dermis. I absolutely love Eau De Ginseng, it is one of those products which instantly hydrates the skin and in this weather is something we all need.  I use this after completing my cleanse both morning and evening and again apply using my fingertips but instead of massaging, I use a patting motion as suggested.

Elixir Au Ginseng (£80) - A Youth Micellar Emulsion Essence which is described as bring a youth Micellar Emulsion Essence, it has a really creamy but light texture which rapidly absorbs itself into the skin. The powerful ingredients help to prevent the breakdown of collagen, reduce redness and helps active collagen synthesis.  Again, another amazing product from the Ginseng range which is just absolutely divine to use, the pipette applicator is really helpful to dispense two drops onto your fingertips which you then massage into dry, clean skin.  It is ideal for being used both morning and evening into your face and neck.

Erborian is one of those brands that I just love.  Everything I have used has been just incredible and if you haven't yet discovered anything from the range, then it is one I really recommend trying.

MasqueBar

MasqueBar is a Korean brand that has just launched at Boots. As the Korean beauty trend seems to have well and truly kicked off here in the UK, I was really interested to see what MasqueBar had to offer.

There are four masks within the range and they are; Anti-Blemish Mud Mask, Brightening Sheet Mask, Pore Refining Creme Mask and Anti- Wrinkle sheet mask. So a little something for everyone.  If you don't like sheets masks, you can use the cream/clay mask and vice versa.

What I love is the bright coloured edges around each mask sachet to denote which one it is, I love little things like this and I love that they are easy to open, yes even with wet hands and if like me you are stingy, you can get a good 2-3 masks out of each sachet, obviously not the sheets ones, but there is plenty inside.

So what do they do?

Pore-refining creme mask - said to minimise the appearance of pores for a more refined even complexion. Using a gentle blend of Coenzyme Q-10 and anti-oxidants to leave your skin feeling balanced and looking radiant.  The key ingrediants for this mask are Raspberry extract to soothe and calm the skin, Lemon Fruit extract to detoxify and clean blemishes caused by excess oil production whilst also brightening dull skin and lightening the pigmentation of acne scars and Vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental pollution and repair damaged skin!

Anti-Wrinkle sheet mask - A collagen-infused facial sheet mask which contours your face to help reduce wrinkles as well as hydrating your skin, leaving it feeling soft and looking refreshed.  The key ingredients here are Green Tea extract which reduced the UV damage to the skin and prevents collagen breakdown and Vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental pollution and repair damaged skin!

Brightening Sheet Mask - Helps minimise the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation for a more even complexion. This facial sheet is effective on all tones, leaving the skin noticeably more radiant.  Key ingredients are Vitamin C to reduce inflammation and promote collagen production and Liquorice Root to encourage a more even distribution of melanin to naturally brighten the skin.

Anti-Blemish Mud Mask - This mask is said to soothe irritated skin whilst helping to control excess oil. This mask is a non-drying formula which purifies and balances the complexion, leaving skin feeling calm and looking clearer.  Key ingredients afe Tea Tree to calm irritations and breakouts, Kaolin to increase the skins circulation, helping to stimulate healing and reduce irritation and Vitamin A to stimulate the turnover of skin cells and increase collagen production.

I have used the pore refining mask and after thoroughly cleanses my face with warm water, you apply the mask using your fingertips, or a brush if you prefer, ensuring you cover the whole of your face (except the obvious) and neck. Then lay back and relax for between 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. 

As I applied the mask to my face, it was quite a thick texture, so it is a case of a little going a very long way. White in colour as it is a creme mask, once applied to the skin it does begin to dry quite quickly, so if you want to remove after those initial 15 minutes it will be dry, but I decided to wait for the full 20 minutes.

After removing the mask did it live up to its claims? Well I don't have large pores so I didn't notice any difference but I do have combination skin which leans to an oily t-zone for me and I did notice that for a few days after using, my shiny head and nose had almost disappeared, so that for me was quite impressive and did my skin look brighter, well it felt much more refreshed and definitely much cleaner, so the answer for me is yes it did.

I am really looking forward to trying the rest of the masques which I was kindly given and put them to the test.  They will be sold in boxes of three at £9.99.

Do you use any Korean skincare products?  Do you think you will try these masques?