I only really got into beauty and skincare after the age of 40. Before then I didn’t wear much make-up and never put little thought into my very basic skincare routine. Now I’m making up for lost time and thought I could use the blog occasionally to share/gain information and this new found passion.
One aspect of skincare I really enjoy is the use of face masks. Unlike a lot of skincare it feels – argh, this word makes me cringe but I can’t think of a better one – pampering. I run a bath and have a soak while my mask/s of choice gets to work.
I have been quite the fan of “multi-masking”: putting more than one mask on at the same time. I use the Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant on my oily T-Zone and the Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque on my cheeks and neck where the skin tends to be dry. But this winter I got the Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Mask by Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins and it is LOVE.
This creamy treatment mask with Cordyceps and Reishi Mushrooms plus Ginger, Holy Basil and Turmeric instantly reduces visibly redness, blotchiness and reactivity.
I apply liberally all over and it tingles for a few seconds. I like this because it feels likes it’s actually going to do something. It’s also definitely a tingling, rather than a stinging, sensation. As per the instructions I leave it on for around 10 minutes and rinse off.
I notice the difference immediately. My skin feels firmer, less sensitive and even strengthened. Of course this is my impression rather than a measurable result. It’s like getting a new layer of stronger, healthy skin.
I don’t think I’m completely imagining this though because I felt this before I read on the Origins website that this treatment mask “helps revitalize and restore luminosity to stressed skin and rebuild a protective barrier to help avoid future flare-ups. Leaves skin calm and comforted.”
It’s categorised as best for redness and sensitivity but is suitable for all skin types. At £37 for 100ml it’s not exactly a bargain but I do think it’s worth the money for the results it gives me. Especially at this time of year, when my skin is suffering the ill-effects of harsh cold winds and drying central heating.
Right now, I’m curious about the Korean sheet masks which are having a moment. Have you tried them and would you recommend them? Please tell me your thoughts in the comments and let me know whether you have a favourite face mask.
A Bottled Rose 
I shall be looking forward to reading all about your forays into skin care. Masks though, was something I could never really warm to, unless they are overnight sort of thing, I’m too impatient. Hair masks… Even worse than facial ones! but then it’s probably because bath tubs are very (sadly) unusual here, and masks are really a bath thing, aren’t they? 🙂
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Bathtubs are unusual there? That is very upsetting to me! Honestly, I love my baths. Yes, I think that’s a big factor. I probably wouldn’t have the patience either otherwise.
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Wow! I’ve never heard of a product with cordyceps in it before. You know it’s the fungus that mind-controls ants, of course! I don’t have a favorite face mask because I just started using them too. I have tried a Korean BB mask, and it made my skin really soft. It was sort of a budget version; if you have a Daiso near you, you can pick a pair up for $2. I’ll also have to try multi-masking now.
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I had no idea about Cordyceps mind-controlling ants!
I’ll keep an eye out for Korean BB masks – another new one on me. Thanks for the tip.
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I have tried a few sheet masks, and they are funny. Weird funny. I have only recently realised that you could multi mask…and now it seems to be a thing. A good thing, I guess. Did you see today’s post by British Beauty Blogger Jane about the Origins mini mask pots? I will definitely look for the Weil one you’ve mentioned.
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Weird funny? Now you have me intrigued. They certainly look weird funny.
I didn’t see the post about mini mask pots but what a great idea. I hope you like this one.
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Ah, and forgot to mention: Good mask brands are Nuxe and Dr. Haushka for medium price range. The latter also does mini versions, which are a great way of testing the products.
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Thanks for the recommendations, Sabine. I’ll definitely check out the Dr. Haushka mini versions.
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I laughed out loud at ‘multi-masking’, but to be honest I can rarely be bothered to single mask, never mind apply several in a patchwork quilt fashion, th. Though I will be bothered to exactly do that with my serums and things! Like Asali, I am usually too impatient to wait for masks to work, even though I have a bath. This is partly to do with the fact that until I replace the cast iron tub, the water gets cold quite quickly, so I don’t tend to linger that long. And might lack the patience to do so even if that weren’t an issue, hehe. I do have the Dermalogica one you mention though I wouldn’t describe it as gentle – though I might have super sensitive skin, and I do suffer from redness etc. Paula A does agree with me, citing the lavender and sulphur as possible irritants on some people. The mushroom one you like sounds well wacky and worth a shot, mind!
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Age may also be a factor – my (mature 😉 ) skin is thinner, and more jumpy generally. It’s the only bit about me that is mature, come to think of it.
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I don’t think so, V. That Dermalogica mask is pretty potent stuff.
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Isn’t the term “multi-masking” great? I wondered if you’d have heard of it before.
Never mind the water temperature, I doubt Truffle could wait that long to bat about the plug. If you were happy to try it outside the bath, Sabine says they’re doing mini pots which are a good option.
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You are spot on about Truffle! She would have flicked water over me long before in a bid to get me to hurry along. 😉
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Ha! She knows who’s the boss of you 🙂
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The mushroom mask sounds good would like to give it a try. Multi-tasking face mask that’s a brilliant idea.
Yes I recommend the Korean sheet masks I use them for hydration that’s my thing. Not too expensive in a pack of ten. Did one tonight sitting on lounge watching a film, I thought I was multi-tasking!
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Hahaha! You were multi-tasking!
Yes, applying more than one mask at once is a great idea as most people’s skin isn’t the same all over.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the Korean sheet masks. My skin does get very dry in winter, so good to know they can be great for hydration.
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Hi Tara, a timely post as my skin has been red and itchy, sort of eczema-y and breaking out, something I have never experienced before (must be the mature thing Vanessa refers to ;-)…always had fairly easy skin). I will check it out, although I am not one for multimasking! Our bathtub takes an hour or more to fill to we rarely use it. Last summer I have used the cottony facemask, bought a whole batch on ebay, and drench them in (organic) orangeblossom water or rosewater. Just leave it on 2-3 minutes and it refreshes and somewhat plumps up my skin. I don’t use it at the moment as everything seems to aggravate my skin at the moment.
BTW I hope you will post the perfume book post, it was announced in my mail but it didn’t appear on the Bottled Rose
BTW I have found 2 roses I am courting seriously, an attar, and Amouage’s Lyric.
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Hi Hamamelis,
I’m no expert but I think you’d find this mask soothing for your sensitised skin. Sabine says above that you get it in a mini pot now to try out. You don’t need to multi-mask it either! I just slather it all over.
I’m excited for you two rose options. Lyric is great and rose attars are beautiful.
I will publish the perfume and books post on Wednesday. Sorry about the premature notification – I’m still getting to grips with WordPress.
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I would have probably tried going with some masks in my skincare routine if I had a proper bath: showers do not stimulate time-consuming “pampering” 😉
But please keep writing about your discoveries: who knows, maybe I’ll get inspired enough to overcome my laziness.
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Yes, it does seem that face masks and baths go together.
I really appreciate the encouragement in branching out into beauty. I wasn’t sure how it would be received, but so far so good.
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Sorry, I’m late to the party (I blame my travel schedule… 😒)
My Oscar goes to Sarah Chapman’s Instant Miracle Mask – one of the few products I really see a difference after application
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It’s a wonder you have time to breathe let alone comment on blog posts with your schedule, M. Thanks for taking the time.
Really appreciate the Sarah Chapman mask tip. I do feel strongly that you have to be able to notice a real difference after using a mask.
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I’m intrigued by your mushroom mask – it’s on my shopping list ! (stressed skin ? all that, and some more… 😕)
Dearest T., I wouldn’t want to miss Bottled Rose – it’s so nice to find it after a long day !
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You say the loveliest things, M! I’m lucky to have you in my life.
Yes, I think the mushroom mask would be good at comforting your stressed skin with all that flying you do.
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