GlamGlow BubbleSheet Mask

by lovesandluxuriesJanuary 22, 2018

If you haven’t already heard of GlamGlow, let me fill you in.

Glam Glow was designed specifically for A Listers who were in need of a product that would make them instantly camera ready. It was soon used by most of Hollywood and eventually was available for retail in 2011. Their Super Mud treatment became a success in retail and earned plenty of beauty awards. GlamGlow have continued to grow their brand adding more treatments which has had just as much success.

When this first popped up on GlamGlow Instagram account I couldn’t wait to try it. A quick and easy sheet mask promising to detox my face in 3 mins… Take my money!

As tempting as it is to try their other new products I really have enough to get through at the moment. Beside, every purchase comes with 2 free samples so that’s enough to keep my skincare addiction going for now.

So what is this new bubblesheet?

oxygenating deep cleanse mask with green tea works to reveal glowing, deeply purified skin in just three minutes. Upon application, this bamboo charcoal-infused sheet mask activates an oxygenating and tingling 3D bubbling experience that instantly invigorates, detoxifies, and removes face makeup.

So the instructions are to dampen face then apply, smoothing it down. Leave for about 3 mins. After you have removed the mask, massage in the remaining bubbles. Rinse and pat dry face. Easy enough.

The mask was a little tingly while it was on. Not uncomfortable and its not like its on long. There wasn’t really a smell to it. Its a creamy foam texture so was nice to massage in. Its a quick and easy face detox with no mess.

My face feels like its had a good clean. I wouldn’t say it was glowing but I do think it would be really good for oily skin types as my skin feels a bit matte. I would still use a moisturiser as my skin is a bit dehydrated generally – just not straight away. Maybe leave for about 20mins to breath a little. If your wanting to apply make up make sure you use a primer. Im sure it will give you a nice smooth base to apply products too.

For £7 its not a terrible price. Im not sure I love it enough for it to become an essential part of my skincare routine every week but, its something I would use again. Its one of my favourite detoxifying sheet mask’s. And I have used a few…

Soap And Glory Face Mask Review

by lovesandluxuriesNovember 12, 2017

The Soap and Glory brand have been around since 2006 and became quickly known for their iconic super plumping SEXY MOTHER PUCKER gloss. The brand covers bath, body, make up, hair and skincare. Available on line or exclusively to boots and a price range that will suit any budget.

Ive never tried any of their skincare and thought would probably be easier to start with their masks.

I have combination skin. so I get dry patches on my cheeks, forehead and some times on the top of my nose. But I also have oily patches too.. On my chin and sides of my nose. Nothing too distressing.

The masks I thought would suit me better were…

Purifying De-clog mask

2 applications

£4

The mask promises to lift out all the dirt and impurities that can clog skin.

Firstly, the scoop thing is ridiculous just chuck it out, use a brush to get it on evenly. Not too thick you don’t want it dripping everywhere for the first few mins before it sets. Its bright pink and there is so much product in these little pods.

It was fine on. No itching or tingling. I left it on half an hour. Wait for the mask to completely set before trying to take it off. It will make it easier to come off in one motion.

It does pull a little when taking off but nothing more then is to be expected. It all came off in one go so that made life a little easier.

I wasn’t blown away by how much it removed. It does help to lift the dead dull skin off but it didn’t seem to remove any blackheads. Ive used other products before that were slightly more expensive but I think done a better job. So for me I wouldn’t buy this again.

Radiance Boosting Mask

Sheet mask

£3.50

‘multi tasking sheet mask solution for dull-tired and stressed-looking complexions’. Who doesn’t need that in their life?

Pretty simple as with all sheet masks. Carefully unwrap and apply to face.

well, mine wasn’t that easy. I really struggled to unwrap the mask and ripped it a few times. I managed to get it pieced on and it stayed on the full 20 mins. But it was so fiddly I nearly just threw it away.

It was fine on. No tingling or itchy and it did have a strong smell of grapefruit. Considering it had ripped in a few places I am surprised it stayed on!

Im not a fan of this mask. I didn’t feel it done anything except enlarge my pores.

My skin didn’t feel radiant, its just felt like loads of product sitting on my skin. I used a couple of cotton pads to remove some of the product then, massaged the rest into my skin, After about half hour my skin felt a little dry and itchy so, I put my usual moisturiser on.

Under Eye Brightening Hydrogel Patches

£3.50

Soap and Glory’s promises to ‘smooth, revitalise, brighten and moisturise’.

We are all looking for a product that will magically take away the puffy darkness from under our eyes but I have to say I am not very optimistic as the other masks are not for me. I was going to put it in the fridge before using it as that will help to reduce puffiness but I forgot…

So open up the packet and remove the under eye patches from thier little platic holder. Remove the backing and stick to your under eye area. These stayed in place for the whole half our I was very impressed. They were no problem, forgot they were on.

Out of the 3 products I brought this was the best one.

They were easy to use and I did feel they reduced some under eye puffiness. I didn’t put any make up on after using these as I was having a no make up day and the results lasted all day. I would get these again. They were very cheap, so great for any budget, available locally at boots and they actually do what the packaging promises.

Overall I probably wouldn’t try any other skin care products from Soap and Glory. I did like the under eye patches but don’t think the other mask’s were any good for me.

Have you tried any Soap and Glory products? would you recommend any?

Sheet masks under £5 any good?

by lovesandluxuriesJuly 5, 2017

As always when you walk into a drugstore/department store your overwhelmed by the choice. It becomes hard to make a decision as they all promise to.. well they all promise the same thing don’t they. Unless you know exactly what your looking for it becomes a long task. Reading the same thing over and over again while your other half stands next to you waiting for you to make a decision… The pressure!!

Sheet masks originated in Asia and have become popular in all cosmetics/department stores. Cloth /paper is soaked in a serum or cream and is individually wrapped. You apply to face for 15-20 min and take off. No rinsing or applying moisturiser after. Quick and effective.

I am obsessed with skincare so , ive tried a few. some ive loved and some have been a waste of time so I have done a little review of a few all under a fiver

YesTo

Detoxifying Charcoal Paper mask
£2.99
1 use sheet mask
I have used some of the yesto range before. The brand promises they use a minimum of 95% natural ingredients without silicones SLS and Parabans. To read some more about the other YesTo products I used click here.
The charcoal based sheet mask promises to detoxify and clean pores.

As with all types of face mask they need to be applied to make up free, clean dry skin. I used this mask in the evening, before bed.

It was soaked in product and stuck to my face nicely, enough so I could walk around without it slipping off. It does warn on the packaging it will tingle, if its too much take it off. left it on about 15 mins, I didn’t notice any tingling.
After I took the mask off I massaged the left over product in, as you do with all sheet masks. If I am honest, I wasn’t expecting much of a difference but, WOW I was wrong.
My skin looked amazing after. More hydrated, toned and clearer.
The next morning my make up went on smoother which made it last a little longer while complexion stayed clear and bright. I also noticed I used less foundation then I would usually.

Overall I love this mask. As part of a weekly facial or before you put your make up on. After using this mask I wouldn’t use a heavy coverage foundation. L’oreal Nude Magique Cushion was perfect. Enough coverage with a dewy finish. Together making my skin look smooth, clear and hydrated. For £2.99 its cheap enough to be able to use once a week/couple of weeks. Without a doubt something i will use again

While on the subject of Yesto…

Buh Bye Dark Circles Under Eye Mask

£4.99

As I have mentioned before I have used a few of YesTo products. If you have already seen my Yes To – Product Review you will know what I think of these. And it was not good. A waste of money as far as im concerned. The under eye masks were so dry I couldn’t get them to stick. I got so frustrated with them they went in the bin. If you have tried these let me know what you think. Did I just so happen to get a dodgy one?? -Really dont like this product.

Sephora Collection Sheet Mask

About £5
There are 8 different collection masks available. Each mask has an exotic active ingredient with different skin care benefits. Without Parabans and another company who proudly don’t test on animals.
My favourite 2 are the Pearl and Rose sheet masks.
They promises to perfect and brighten creating a high luminosity and visibaly minimised irregularities.

I love the Sephora masks. They are drenched in product and stay on great. After the recommended time my skin looks clear, smooth and hydrated. Again they are great under make up. The luminosity is not masked by make up. It just gives a lovely dewy finish. Which, is always perfect in the summer to get the goddess glow. Like the YesTo mask I prefer the l’oreal lighter coverage over these masks. As they even my skin so well I dont need a heavier coverage. I found with the Sephora masks, the results last a couple of days. After ive taken my make up off with facewipes, cleanser and toner my skin still looked hydrated, smooth and glowing. Not as much as when I first used it but it has amazingly lasted longer then other sheet masks I have used. These would also be great if your going away on holiday. After sitting on the beach all day tanning you need to keep your skin hydrated. It will stop you from peeling and will help your tan to last longer. There is enough serum left in the packet to use as a moisturiser for a few days. So you will have beautiful glowing healthy looking skin in the evenings . They are slim light weight packages… A must for holiday

The only thing I don’t like about these masks was that with them being Sephora, you can only get them online. I prefer going into a shop rather then ordering on line.

Boots Ingredients

£2.50

Charcoal & Willow cleansing and Purifying

Just like all the other masks, it was drenched in product. once unwrapped and put on my face it stayed on well. No tingling sensation just refreshing. I’ll be honest this was not as good as the YesTo purifying mask. My skin looked well hydrated but I cant say it was actually clearer. I used the mask after a shower before bed. The next morning it just looked normal. There were dry patches where I usually would have them so it had not hydrated as well as I thought it had.

So this is not a mask i would be buying again. I did pic another sheet mask from this range

Lotus Flower and Tiger lily, For Radiance and Brightening.

I liked this one. I used it after a shower and before I put make up on.

It was nice on, lots of product and refreshing for the morning. After I had taken it off my skin looked great. Bright, even and clear. I used a heavier coverage foundation this time. My skin looked nice, I still used less product as with the other masks. Once my make was done my skin looked healthy and glowing. This mask did not last very long. When I took my make up off it didnt seem as bright or glowing, or the next morning. But they are £2.50!!

Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue mask

£2.99

Super hydrating, revitalising tissue mask.

So Garnier are promising a weeks worth of hydration with this one. Made with pomegranate, hyaluronic acid and plant serum.

When you take it out the packet it feels a little slimey. I instantly didnt think I would like this one. It stayed on fine and I left it on half hour. Im just not in love with it… I dont think my skin looked amazing after. Not a weeks worth of hydration in one hit. I know its only cheap but there are far better masks to use for the same price. I used the mask before bed, expecting my skin to look great in the morning. And it honestly looked the same as any other morning. Maybe its better to use before you apply make up, like a primer. But I won’t be using it again to find out!

So my overall favourites were the Sephora Masks and the Charcoal based YesTo Mask. I really felt they had made a difference to my skin. I would get them again. Especially the Yes To mask. Easily accessible and cheap.

But let me know if you have tried the YesTo undereye mask. I would love to know what you thought!

Yes To – Product Review

by lovesandluxuriesMay 14, 2017May 14, 2017

oh look a skincare range I haven’t tried before. Among all the other products on the shelves, this range stands out. And if you’ve read my other blog’s you’ll know i’m a sucker for a new skin care range. This range promises they use minimum of 95% natural ingredients of high quality without the use of silicone’s , SLS and Parabens. Sadly Boots does not stock their full range, so I had a look on line to see what they offer and there is a lot more then I expected. The have broken it down into 6 sub ranges:

Carrots, for normal to dry skin / hair

Blueberries, for mature skin to correct fine lines, wrinkles and signs of aging

Tomatoes, for combination or oily skin to detoxify and minimise breakouts

Grapefruit, for uneven skin tone. Diminishes appearance of dark spots and hyper pigmentation

Coconut, for dry skin and hair. To hydrate

Cucumber for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested

As I said boots don’t hold a large range so excitedly i pick up one of each mask, here’s what i thought…

All About Face

Refine pores and even skin tone with grapefruit and vitamin C.

£4.99

So this is a 2 step treatment, a facial scrub and a brightening peel mask. When you open it there is a fresh grapefruit smell. Its not very overpowering which I like. The first thing I notice is how much product is in the little packet. There is enough product to use it twice. With all scrubs I try them on the back of my hand first. Its very important your facial scrub is not to gritty, this can cause damage to your skin. The grit in this scrub is very fine so I apply to clean damp skin and gently exfoliate using small circular motions. Rinse off with plenty of clean warm water.

I did like it. My face feels cleaner and looks a lot brighter. so far so good, now for step 2.

Again there is a lot of product in the packet definitely enough for 2 applications and smells lovely. Its slightly yellow? not thick like a cream more of a thinner gel like consistency but not sticky. I left it on for 10 mins while I had a bath and didn’t notice any stinging or tingling. Skincare really shouldn’t be making your skin feel like its burning (I’ve experienced that a few times..Superdrug Face Mask Review ) The mask was pretty easy to get off. No mess, no fuss but I did expect it to peel off. That really is just because it said brightening peel?

For £4.99 I would use it again. There was a lot of product, enough for 2 applications and my skin did feel clearer and brighter.

Buh Bye Clogged Pores Nose Kit

£4.99

2 step nose kit contains a cotton swab to apply the face scrub and a pore removing strip.

we’ve all used the pore strips before. but I always find that the skin on my nose peels for days after using them so I usually stay away from anything like it. but in the name of research, I am willing to try this one.

Again there is a lot of product. At least enough for 2 applications. If im honest it doesn’t feel like the scrub is really doing much. I get the idea of it. It will remove any dead skin cells making it easier for the pore strip to work, to remove whatever is clogging my pores on my nose. But we shall see.

So the strip is on, pretty easy just got to wait.

After 10 mins I remove the strip, don’t worry its not too bad, its not like the black mask fails that have been doing the rounds on social media.

As you can see from the pictures it did remove some stuff that has been clogging my pores. And this has been the only pore strip that doesn’t leave me with dry flaky skin for days. Would I get it again? erm… Well… Your really paying £4.99 for a one use pore strip. It didn’t unclog all my pores but it did remove some gunk. But £4.99 each?

Buh ByeBags And Dark Circles

Cucumber, caffiene and Evodia fruit

£4.99

So this maybe the shortest review I have done on a product…

What a load of crap that I wasted a fiver on.

Where to start… the paper eye masks, are they supposed to be bone dry? which way do they go on? Are they supposed to stick? these are the questions I was asking myself. I didn’t last the 10 mins they suggest. They went in the bin.

lets try the cream. Smells refreshing i’m optimistic cucumber is good for the eyes!

So I rub a small amount in using my ring finger. Its important you don’t use too much pressure as the eye area is very delicate.

I potter around waiting for the cream to absorb and banish my puffiness under my eyes.

After about 10 mins I return to the mirror to continue with my make up routine and whats staring back at me in the mirror MORE PUFFINESS, who the hell pays for puffier eyes? It looks like I’ve spent the last few hours crying. Crying that I just wasted a fiver on this! I go back and forth between reading the back of the pack and looking at my PUFFY eyes. And yep, they definitely look worse. Has any one used this before..? let me know what you thought of this. Is it just me? SO I wont be paying for puffier eyes again.

Pucker up lip kit

Coconut, Sugar and Sodium Hyaluronate

£4.99

This 2 part lip kit is a little like the eye kit. Instead of a cream there is a sugar based lip scrub and a paper mask for your lips. Hopefully this paper mask will be a bit easier to use.

Step 1- I loved this. Not too harsh to exfoliate lips with, slight coconut smell and wasn’t too greasy. My lips look lovely and even, no dry patches. And like all the others there is soo much product in this little packet. If they sell this online I will order it now (Too impatient, couldn’t wait. Just checked, they don’t)

The paper mask was a lot better then the eye mask. This one is drenched in product, now i’m optimistic

So it goes on and stays on fine!

It didn’t really tingle like I expected it to, I didn’t really feel anything. Everytime I looked in the mirror the lip mask was where i put it. No slipping, no peeling off.

After 10 mins I take off the paper mask and rub in any excess serum on my lips. My lips did look softer, smoother and a little more plump after using the scrub and paper mask but it is only a 1 use. I think if im honest there are other products available that perhaps last a little longer and are easy to re-apply.

so overall… I would purchase scrubs from this range. Facial scrub or lip scrub. I like they use mostly natural ingredients without many harmful chemicals oh and the pore strip was good but I cant imagine them becoming my ‘cant live without skin’ products..

If you’ve used them or any other products in the range let me know what you thought of them. Until then, on with the search for the best skincare range…

Superdrug Face Mask Review

by lovesandluxuriesDecember 23, 2016December 23, 2016

So we have all seen the masks in superdrug haven’t we. The 99p ones. A variety of clay’s and cocktails promising to cleanse and soften. But are they really worth bothering with. There are 19 different mask’s. Peel off, Clay based or self heating. There are so many to choose from so here is a little review of the ones I tried.

Before applying any of these masks I made sure all my make was taken off and I washed my face with a face wash.

I usually put my face mask’s on in the bath. Not only is it more relaxing but less mess when applying/taking them off.

When removing mask’s, add a little water and massage skin to break the mask up a little. Use plenty of clean warm water to rinse.

Manuka Honey Peel Off Mask.

Nourish and moisturise – for sensitive skin

Looking forward to trying this one as its Manuka based. Its smells sweet as soon as you open the sachet. Its sticky like you would expect a honey based product to be. Apply a little at a time otherwise it can be messy getting the product out of the packet. Other then that it applies nicely. I put on a even layer like you would usually do with a peel off mask. I felt it slightly tighten on my skin during the 20 mins it was on but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

I found it difficult to remove. I had to rinse the mask off rather then peel and it just went a bit gloopy with the water. I wouldn’t say my skin really looked any different to be honest. Its not one i will try again.

Orange and Black Lava Exfoliating Mask

Gently polishes and brightens skin- for all skin types

This is a grey clay looking mask with a thick consistency. It has got a few grainy bits but doesn’t seam very harsh. It smells a little like oranges.

I didn’t like this mask at all. From the start it made my skin feel very hot and itchy.

It was only on for a few mins then i rinsed it off with plenty of water.

The next day my skin was a little dry and flakey in some places.

so unfortunately I don’t have much to say about this one, I wont be getting it again again.

Chocolate Orange Self Heating Mask

Deeply purifies and hydrates skin – For normal to dry skin

This smells amazing, you can really smell the orange oil. You can feel the heat from the mask as you massage it in. The heat it generates is supposed to open your pores to allow the mask to draw out impurities. The heat didn’t last long but was lovely. It didn’t feel itchy or tingly on.

It was one of the easier ones to get off as it didn’t really set. however, if you put too much on it can drip down. Which is the problem I had, it kept dripping down onto my lips.

Overall it was a pleasant mask. I didn’t feel my skin looked much clearer but my skin did feel a little tighter. My skin does feel more hydrated and any dry patches of skin I had before are now gone. I didn’t even apply a moisturiser after as my skin felt so soft .

I would use this one again especially as its only 99p. And did I mention it smell’s just like Terry’s chocolate orange.

Sugar And Spice Self Heating Mask

Brightens and softens skin-ideal for all skin types.

After the last self heating mask I am looking forward to this one. I love the smell of this.It looks and smells just like caramel. As soon as you start to massage into your face it starts heating up and its so nice…

It wasn’t a problem while it was on. It didn’t drip, or burn its been really nice. So far this has been my favorite one of these Superdrug masks. If i’m honest I don’t think my skin looked much different maybe a little brighter. It feels lovely. I wont need to use moisturiser. I would use it again but its not going to be my go to face mask.

Cucumber Cooling Mask

Refreshes And Soothes Skin – For sensitive skin

Its a very strong fresh cucumber smell as soon as you open the sachet. Its thick like a clay and applies nicely but I don’t really have much to say about it to be honest. My complexion doesn’t look clearer or brighter. I dont feel refreshed. Not one i will get again.

Dead Sea Mineral Mask

For a clearer vibrant complexion – Normal to oily skin

When you finally get the packet open the first thing you notice is the smell of lavender. Had I of realised in the shop this was lavender I probably wouldn’t of picked it up. I normally avoid Lavender like the plague but as I’ve succeeded in opening the packet im going to use it. It’s a light grey colour the same thick consistency you get with clay based masks. It goes on easily and is very soothing.

You can feel the mask drying and tightening slightly. It dries to a white chalky looking mask. Its not the easiest of mask’s to get off but that’s expected with clay based products.

My skin is looking clearer, but it does feel very dry and a little sensitive. I Didn’t hate this mask but I also wouldn’t use it again.

White Chocolate Mousse Mask

Cleanse and deeply nourishes skin – For normal to dry skin.

It promises a radiant complexion,I am happy to try this one.

Eww not sure I like the smell of this. Its not the worst smelling mask I’ve used it just doesn’t smell like I was expecting it to.

Hated it!

Same problem as the Orange and Black Lava Exfoliating Mask. Its not even a tingly sensation like you would get with something minty. This just burns! Took it off straight away. I have a dry patch of skin on my chin,sides of nose and forehead. I know everybody is different but no, just don’t try it. Promises a radiant complexion HA by BURNING YOUR SKIN OFF!

So overall what do i think of these mask?

Well, the sachets are very generous with the amount of product you get in them. There is easily enough for 2 applications. They are only 99p and at the moment there is an offer of buy 1 get second half price that’s pretty good value for money. They are not going to clear up acne or repair damaged skin but there was a couple I really liked and would buy again. Like the self heating masks.

But there was also a couple of masks that really were uncomfortable on, and 1 of those left me with dry patches that lasted a few days. I know everybody is different and some are more sensitive then others but i’ve never had a reaction like this to any skincare. I’m not sure I would try the other masks now. So if you have sensitive skin perhaps only try the masks that are for your skin type. Like i said i would use the self heated masks again but I didnt love them enough to be my go to fav face masks.

Let me know what you think of them xx