My skincare journey truly gets better with discovery and new found knowledge about ingredients and products available in the market. I have only started using sleeping mask a little less than a year. It is now one of my must have and must do part of my skincare routine – even on lazy days, I always make sure I put on a sleeping mask as the last step of my routine.



Enter make p:rem Peel Me Sleeping pack. I am still in the process of learning what skincare ingredients do to the skin and this is the first time I delve on to Peel Me’s star ingredient - PHA.





What is PHA?

PHA or polyhydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants. It was discovered in the 90’s by Dr. Eugene Van Scott and Dr. Ruey Yu. They are the same people who discovered AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) earlier in their career.  It has been around for quite a while but due to patent and rights, not a lot of brands can afford to include this amazing ingredient in their products. Only now after the patent expired can it be readily be available in the mainstream market.

PHA, like any other acids, peels ad exfoliates the skin however; this particular one attracts water molecules which moisturizes the skin thus making it the perfect sealant to a skincare regimen.  PHA also prevents the weakening of the skin’s collagen and elastin. It repairs the surface of the skin making it look plumper and smoother. To top it all, PHA does not make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Unlike other acids, PHA makes the skin more tolerant of the sun. Caution though – that doesn’t mean ditching sunscreen!  

PHAs are safe for all types of skin. It can even be used by people with skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. It is also an alternative to those who are sensitive to AHA.

Now, back to make p:rem Peel Me.



Similar to most sleeping packs, Peel Me is in a gel form but very lightweight and almost like water. It contains parfum, hence the light scent that is similar to alcohol. I apply it as the last step of my routine to seal off all the other products.

Beautiful light weight gel.

The jar comes with a good sized plastic spoon for scooping the gel like mask.

The jar has a dedicated space where you can write the date you opened. 
Peel Me is good to use one year after opening it. 

This exfoliant is not like the old-school peeling product where in your face literally peel-off and turn bright red. This works while you sleep. All the magic is done gently without any adverse effects.



What I love about this sleeping mask is the way it locks in moisture. This is very noticeable in morning after I wash my face. I noticed that my skin looks more vibrant and softer to the touch. I also noticed a more even skin tone.  My sunspots are lighter and the skin looks brighter.




I received this item courtesy of make p:rem via Credithink. All opinions are my own.






I tried the Miss De Gaspe dry mask that I got from the Beautycon LA event last summer. This sheet mask is the total opposite of the mask that we have all come to love and embrace because it’s dry…bone dry. However, with some science voodoo, it claims to moisturize and impart nutrients (and any other ingredients) to the skin. It uses a technology based on biomimetic lipids delivery system in which the ingredients are woven to the fabric of the mask. Body heat (and massage) activates and melts the ingredients which are slowly absorbed by the skin.


Now, with that smart explanation of what it is, I say – NO. I do not like it nor do I find it to work for me. 



First of all, the fit is small, it barely covered my chin. Width wise, it is ok since the fabric is designed to stretch and hook around the ears. The texture of the sheet mask is soft and not scratchy. I kept the mask on for 15 minutes (as instructed) and massaged my face while I have it on me.




When I removed the mask, I noticed that my skin has a very thin film of moisture but not enough to make it feel that it is hydrated. There is also no immediate improvement to the texture and appearance of  the skin. No brightening or plumping effect either. What I notice is that there are bits of shimmer on my skin similar to those body shimmer lotion. Weird. I am not into shimmers and I do not understand why a mask would impart specks of silvery glitters on the skin – maybe this is the ‘glow’ part of it.



With a price point of $32 EACH, this mask is just too steep for a cheapo like me. It is supposed to be used more that once – 3-5 times at least.  Uhm, my nose was sweating when I had the mask on so should I still put it back on the next day?


Just a thought too: It’s funny how the dry mask is being presented as a better alternative to the wet sheet mask.  Wet masks were described to be unhygienic, gross and too much of a hassle to use. Really? Why? I have been using wet masks for years with zero problems.

In case you are interested, Miss de Gaspe mask is available HERE.






This vegan friendly and cruelty free sunscreen essence feels very light on the skin. It works to protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. It is water based and can be used under and even over make-up. It also works for sensitive skin.

Retail: $23.00

FORMULA

It is formulated with Niacimide which is known for its anti-aging and brightening properties. It also contains Hyaluronic acid for complete skin hydration. Sea Buckthorn Oil is also in it for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial components.

Scent wise, it contains Orange oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis) hence the citrusy scent upon application. The scent doesn’t linger, it immediately evaporates seconds after applying the sunscreen.
As always, Klairs doesn’t add any artificial ingredients in their formula. It also paraben free.

TO USE:

I use this sunscreen as the last step on my skincare routine. I apply a generous amount all over my face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure. I also reapply (sparingly if I have make up and generously if I don’t) every after 3 hours.





MY THOUGHTS

What I like about this sunscreen is that:

1. It is not oily. The formula is very soft, lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin. Since it is water based, I do not feel like I am applying sunscreen at all.
2. The scent is clean and fresh. Typical generic and old fashion sunscreen smells like damn sunscreen. I don’t want to walk around smelling like Coppertone.
3. No white cast! Now, this is the best! Who wants to look like a ghost anyway?
4. It moisturizes my skin and it keeps it hydrated throughout the day!
5. I also love the brightening effect – which got better with continuous use.



For more information on KLAIRS Soft Airy UV Essence please visit Wishtrend.

To Purchase click HERE. 


Visit Wishtrend and get 40% qualifying products. CLICK HERE for more products. 

Aha Peeling Pad and Essence Sheet Mask by Bbosong Lab

This 2-part set comes with a peeling pad and a sheet mask. The peeling pad is soaked in botanic AHA which is effective in gently peeling dead skin cells. The sheet mask in saturated in a this essence containing ceramides and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.

Peeling Pad 

Both the concoction in the pad and mask smells sterile – it reminds me of the hospital – perhaps faint alcohol? The smell does not linger but it is something noticeable.

Sheet Mask

I used the pad on my face (and on my KP ridden arms since AHA is good for Keratosis Pilaris). After that, I applied the mask (and the remaining essence on my arms). I kept the mask on for 1 hour. It left my skin feeling moisturized and well hydrated. It also brightened the tone of my skin.

Yes, Oh Yas! is a monthly beauty subscription box featuring 3-7 full sized products. The cost of subscription is $14.99 plus shipping cost is $3.99 (including Alaska, Puerto Rico and Hawaii) making it a total of $18.98 per month.



Click here if you want more information about Yes, Oh Yas! You can also use coupon code: WHAT10 to get 10% off of your subscription.

Here are the items in the box:



The theme is 


Believe in Unicorns. So I guess, unicorns are still "in". It's been what? 2 years? 

Here's a closer look:


Naked Cosmetics 
Holographic Highlighter Palette
Retail: $32
Can be found for $29.99 at www.nakedcos.com

Whew. I am sorry but this palette is not for me. It photographs nice and pretty but heck, it doesn't work for me. Too shiny and colorful - looks like a kid's make up toy. But then, not because I don't like it doesn't mean that it is not good quality. It is very silky and pigmented! So, yay! for that!




Aesthetica 
Pro Series 3-Piece Eye and Brow Brush Set
Retail: $45

Whoa! I checked it twice, and yah...it is really worth $45!!!


Chella
Beauty Matte Lipstick
Retail: $20


Glo Stix 
Semi-Matte Liquid Lipstick
Retail: $18

I am not really happy with Yes Oh Yas' products this month. I am so over the unicorn thing and honestly nothing from the 4 items is a winner. The Chella lip color I received is unflattering. The Glo Stix formula doesn't work for me - it cracks my lips. The highlighter is so not me. The brushes are fine but not spectacular.

Hopefully next month would be a good one.









I am more of a lipbalm person than a full on lipstick user. I honestly find lipsticks too heavy for my liking BUT of course, it is inevitable not to put on to complete a good make up look. 

What I like about Keep Cool’s Double Sensational Lips is that it feels like a smooth satin lip balm with a beautiful pop of color. The colors are not sublime, it is amazingly striking! Each stick has a two tone lip balm – one light and the other darker and creamier. With this, I can create an easy ombre lip effect with a simple one step sweeping application. Press the lips for a shinier balmy look. 



This lippie also doesn’t have any taste, flavor or scent – which is PERFECT! I do not like my lipstick smelling and tasting like anything. It is also very moisturizing and it doesn’t dry up the lips. 



Colors that I tried are: 
Moonlight Red
Juice Coral
Ash Rose

My personal favorite is the Moonlight Red. This is the only red lippie that looks good on my skin tone (I think). I have tried several red color lipstick but it's just too much for me - too red.