Now I wound up at Kiehl's because I thought it would be the perfect place to find what I was looking for; especially since I already use a few of their products and absolutely love them! The rep at the counter thought their Papaya Facial Scrub would be perfect for my sensitive skin and she sold me on it, that is, until I realised it was a PINEAPPLE Papaya scrub. In recent years I have developed a severe allergy to fresh pineapple, so to avoid any potential reaction, I skipped out on the scrub. But of course, I couldn't just walk away from the Kiehl's counter empty handed. After 30 mins or so of thoroughly examining 2 of their mask sampler sets (picking it up, putting it down, walking away, coming back to pick it up, putting it down again, evaluating the cost per oz./g., comparing prices, searching online for a better deal, walking away, coming back... this literally went on for ages!), I eventually talked myself into getting the Mini Mask Sampler Set because it had just about every Kiehl's face mask in it (all except the Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask, which I've already tried & am not the biggest fan of).
Since I already own the Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, I was more interested in the other 4 face masks (mainly the new Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque). But while I had 5 new mini face masks to play around with, I still hadn't found what I was initially searching for- an exfoliant! So what did I do? I went online.
At the time, Ulta was having some sort of sale and because I needed a new bottle of Drying Lotion from Mario Badescu, I thought I might as well see if they had an exfoliant suitable for my skin type, and lo and behold, they sure did, so I added the Botanical Exfoliating Scrub straight to my cart. And because Mario Badescu was celebrating their 50th Anniversary, that apparently meant I got a little box filled with some deluxe size samples, so thanks Mario! Happy Anniversary!
Since there are quite a few products to go through, I thought it might be a bit helpful to explain (very simply) exactly what each product is and what it is intended for (claims and/or instructions are as stated by brand). Especially the face masks, since you are often told about how important it is to introduce a face mask into your routine, but many times you never really have a clear understanding of what your skin needs or what each mask does. So if you are interested in my break down of all of the products I purchased, then just keep on scrolling! :)
MARIO BADESCU- BOTANICAL EXFOLIATING SCRUB
"Exfoliate"
- claims to refine uneven skin tone & texture
How to Use:
i. after cleansing, massage all areas of face (avoid eye area) for approx. 30 secs
ii. rinse off
MARIO BADESCU- FACIAL SPRAY with Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea
"Invigorate"
- claims to deliver boost of hydration & provide antioxidant protection
How to Use:
i. mist onto face, neck, or hair as needed (I've never used it on my hair)
ii. can use before or after applying moisturizer, on the go, or post-makeup application (as setting spray)
KIEHL'S- CILANTRO & ORANGE EXTRACT POLLUTANT* DEFENDING MASQUE
"Defend"
- claims to reduce visible effects of pollution (great for those who live in large cities/exposed to smog + other pollutants on regular basis)
- an overnight facial mask
How to Use:
i. apply visible layer to clean, moisturised skin
ii. leave on for 5 mins & tissue off
iii. pat in excess, leaving thin layer on skin (for the mask to work overnight)
MARIO BADESCU- DRYING LOTION
"Spot Treatment"
- claims to help dry up surface blemishes overnight
How to Use:
i. do not shake bottle
ii. last step of skincare routine; dip cotton swab into pink sediment at bottom of bottle, dab directly on pimple- do not rub in
iii. let dry, go to sleep & rinse off in the morning (not to be used on broken skin-aka a popped pimple)
KIEHL'S- GINGER LEAF & HIBISCUS FIRMING MASQUE
"Firm"
- claims to soften the appearance of fine lines
- an overnight facial mask
How to Use:
i. apply to clean skin @ night
ii. leave on overnight & cleanse skin in the morning to remove mask
KIEHL'S- TURMERIC & CRANBERRY SEED ENERGIZING RADIANCE MASQUE
"Brighten"
- claims to instantly brighten dull skin & gently exfoliates while washing mask off
- a rinse-off facial mask
How to Use:
i. apply after cleansing & toning skin
ii. leave on for 5-10 mins (or until mask is dry) then rinse off
MARIO BADESCU- GLYCOLIC FOAMING CLEANSER
"Retexturise"
- claims to refine pores and retexturise uneven skin, diminishing fine lines, wrinkles, old acne marks & age spots
- gentle enough for use 1-3x a week as supplemental cleanser (1-2x for dry - combination skin & 2-3x for combination & oily skin)
How to Use:
i. use as cleanser- massage onto wet skin
ii. rinse thoroughly
KIEHL'S- CALENDULA & ALOE SOOTHING HYDRATION MASQUE
"Soothe"
- claims to hydrate & soothe skin
- a rinse-off facial mask
How to Use:
i. apply visible layer to clean skin
ii. leave on for 5 mins then rinse off, massaging gently in circular motions
MARIO BADESCU - GLYCOLIC ACID TONER
"Resurface"
- claims to refine pores & diminish appearance of fine lines, wrinkles & uneven skin tone
How to Use:
i. apply w/ cotton round 2x daily after cleansing (avoid eye area)
ii. follow up w/ serum & moisturiser
KIEHL'S- RARE EARTH DEEP PORE CLEANSING MASQUE
"Purify"
- claims to gently draw out oil, dirt & toxins from pores
- a rinse-off facial mask
How to Use:
i. apply thin layer to clean, damp skin
ii. allow mask to completely dry (approx. 10 mins)
iii. gently remove w/ warm water
MARIO BADESCU- SUPER COLLAGEN MASK
"Rehydrate"
- claims to reduce the look of fine lines
How to Use:
i. on clean skin, apply thin layer
ii. wait 20 mins, then rinse thoroughly w/ warm water
I hope this little "guide" simplified things a little or at least made it easy for you to decide which face mask/product is just right for you. And if you have any other favourites that are great for sensitive skin, be sure to share them! I'm always excited to discover new products.
xoxo
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