FIVE TO TRY . H¥DRATION MASKS FOR DR¥ SKIN

Winter takes a toll on our skin – especially given the current temperatures. Sometimes it feels like no matter how much moisturizer or beauty oil I apply to my skin, it will never feel truly hydrated, soft or satisfied. This type of situation calls for an army of hydrating masks that are prepared to rejuvenate your skin from the driest of conditions. I've assembled a team of five hydrating products to call to battle whenever my skin begins feeling tight or dry. It may seem excessive to some, but each product is so truly unique, and effective that I simply cannot fathom saying goodbye to a single one.

THE ARM¥

Arbonne | RE9 Advanced Intense Hydration Overnight Mask [*]($81) – I've mentioned recently that I've been striving to create a more natural skincare and beauty regime, and this overnight mask brings me one step closer. The RE9 Advanced Mask features algae, stabilized vitamin C, peptides, mango seed and shea butters, cassava extract, and golden jojoba and olive oils to 'soothe and nourish, keeping [skin] hydrated all night long, so you say good morning to a glowing, refreshed face.' The formula sinks deeply into the skin, disappearing within an instant, meaning I can either layer on argan oil for added hydration, or simply sleep peacefully, without feeling the mask on my skin. Plus, it's so light that it can be used daily without causing breakouts – a sign that I need to stock up on this ASAP, especially given that this was a limited-edition released for Arbonne's 35th Anniversary. 

Kiehl's | Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque ($36) – This was one of the very first overnight masks I ever tried, and it has maintained it's place in my skincare posse thanks to it's effective formula. The Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque is formulated with 'Ophiopogon Japonicus, also known as Fountain Plant, which fills skin's ’'hydration reservoir'' to help reduce moisture depletion.' It leaves my skin intensely hydrated, even after a single use, however it does take a few sleeps to get accustomed to. The formula is rather sticky, which means you're often found peeling yourself from your pillow come the morning – a small price to pay for such wonderful results. It also makes a great option for those with sensitive skin given that it is silicone-, paraben-, fragrance- and colorant-free. 

GlamGlow | THIRTSYMUD Hydrating Treatment ($76) – I had been dying to try out this hydrating treatment and finally got the opportunity thanks to this trial-sized version I snagged in a Sephora Favourites kit from Christmas. THIRSTYMUD moisturizes, restores, replenishes, and calms the skin via three complexes. 'Dewdration™ boosts and locks in moisture for a dewy and youthful result, while HydraPack™ leaves skin with an instant silky, soft, and supple feel, and GreenEnergy™ smooths and energizes the skin, giving you a healthy-looking, glowing complexion.' Like most products from GlamGlow you experience a slight tingling, cooling feeling upon application, which would feel especially lovely when used on vacation, as it also features a coconut scent. And yet it's still found a home in my winter loves despite the summery scent, because of the healthy, dewy glow it adds to my skin.  

Origins | Drink Up 10-Minute Mask To Quench Skin's Thirst ($29) – This is my go-to hydrating product – primarily thanks to the scent, partially thanks to the speed. The  Origins Drink Up 10-Minute Mask is an apricot-scented mask that was created for days when your skin is feeling extremely dry and you're looking for a quick boost of moisture. Within 10 minutes this mask hydrates, and delivers a soft and supple appearance to skin, through the use of ingredients like emollient-rich apricot kernel oil and algae extracts. I find myself predominantly using this mask on morning when my skin is looking worse for wear, and I somehow forgot to apply an overnight mask the night before. I simply apply it all over my face before I begin styling my hair and wipe it off before applying makeup to create a smooth base for makeup application.

Peter Thomas Roth | Cucumber Gel Mask ($56) – The Cucumber Gel Mask only reaches it's full glory when it's been left in the refrigerator for a few hours before application. The coolness of the gel feels refreshing on the skin and helps to remove puffiness, and redness. But the Cucumber Gel Mask does much more than just that thanks to the inclusion of botanical extracts from cucumber, papaya, chamomile, pineapple, sugar maple, sugarcane, orange, lemon, bilberry, and aloe. These extracts make this mask one of the most hydrating masks I own. It's also the most versatile, and can be used to calm and soothe irritated skin after sun exposure, peels, waxing, and facials. I swear there is nothing that the Cucumber Gel Mask cannot do, and the best part is that I'm not even showing the full size here, which is actually 150mL. That's a whole lotta mask!

If you're interested in testing it out, Peter Thomas Roth also offers this adorable set of minis in the Mini Mask Magic Kit.

What mask do you reach for come winter?

AM¥     XO

[*]Some of the items in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer.

SUNDA¥ PAMPERING ESSENTIALS ..OO1

Ahh Sunday, how I look forward to you – it's the one day each week where I devote time to truly pamper myself. And this week it couldn't come soon enough.

I've never had a set regime for my 'Sunday pampering sessions' – partly because I never know whether the day will call for an indulgent bath or simply an extended shower. And partly because the products vary based on what samples I've collected throughout the week – if I've stumbled upon a sample I deem 'decadent' or 'exciting' it will definitely be thrown into the mix. But regardless of what products I'm using I know that once it's all complete I'll be left feeling calm, moisturized and ready to catch some blissful Zzz's. The regime I'm sharing today is one that I've come back to time and time again when I'm in that 'shower mood' – most likely because it features a lot of vanilla and apricot scented products, my true kryptonite.

No matter what Sunday regime I choose there are two products that are sure to be incorporated; the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and the Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Masque. Each week I refresh my locks with the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo – it's ultra-clarifying formula removes product build-up giving my hair a much needed detox. However, with such a clarifying formula it can leave my hair craving moisture, which is why I always follow it up with my Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Masque. The rich, nutty scent is what first attracted me to this mask, but it's the deeply conditioning formula that keeps me coming back – it's the type of mask that sinks into the hair, almost disappearing the second it's applied. The combination leaves my hair feeling silky and smooth with a beautiful shine. For body care there are only a two things necessary; exfoliation and hydration. This week I've turned to the Cake Beauty Milk Made White Sugar Scrub, which scrubs away dead skin while filling the shower with the scent of vanilla and raspberries. The scent doesn't linger on the skin, meaning that I can bask in my all of my Vanilla Apricot moisturizing glory. My weapon of choice? The Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot followed by the Josie Maran Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil to provide extra hydration to any of my 'rough bits'. I then slip into my favourite Zara sweater before giving myself an at home 'facial'. 

The facial portion is truly my favourite part of my sunday pamper nights – there is simply nothing quite as relaxing. I begin by cleansing my skin – this week I'm sampling the First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay. I was a little naughty this week and slept with a full face of makeup more than once so a deep cleanser is just what the doctor ordered.  I then follow it with a trio of masks – but don't freak out, they each have a specified purpose. I begin with the GlamGlow YouthMud TingleExfoliate Treatment – I'm currently using a sample, however I love this mask so dearly that I've repurchased the full size twice previously. And it's not the only GlamGlow product found in this regime, I also use the GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment to instantly rid my eyes of dark circles. Together, these products leave me bright-eyed and glowing. Although, they lack hydration, which is where the Origins 10-minute Mask to Quench Skin's Thirst comes into play – another apricot-scented beauty. To maximize hydration when using this mask I tend to simply wipe of the excess with a tissue rather than washing it off completely – it also means that I'm left to inhale the heavenly scent as I sleep. And sleep I will. 

What products do you like to pamper yourself with?

AM¥   XO

MORNING SKINCARE REGIME

I haven't been able to consider myself a 'fully functioning adult' until earlier this month. Why you ask? Well up until now I've been seriously avoiding committing to a skin care regime. It's not that I didn't have great skin care products, I did, and skin care is one of my favourite categories to purchase from. I just couldn't get behind the routine of it all. But now, on the verge of 25, I've finally come up with a morning regime that takes less than five minutes and has left my skin rejoicing. I wouldn't say that this is my 'be-all and end-all' skin care regime – I'm still on a hunt for the perfect moisturizer – but it's pretty damn close.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser ($44)

Those of you who followed THE PRETT¥ VAIN pre-makeover will know that this is, and most likely will forever be, my HG face wash. I grew up using Cetaphil, one of the gentlest cleansers on the market, and now, years later, I consider Purity to be it's high-end older sister. The pH-balanced formula dissolves dirt and makeup with ease – I never feel the need to use a makeup remover – and never leaves my skin feeling tight. A great option for those with sensitive skin or anyone on the search for a gentle cleanser.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($53)

With a fan base that includes Liv Tyler, Karlie Kloss and Victoria Beckham you know that the Beauty Elixir simply has to be worth the hype. This part-toner, part-serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients instantly wakes my skin up leaving me refreshed and radiant for the day. It's not often that a skin care product can deliver such immediate results, but I truly notice lackluster skin on days when I forget to spritz. I even carry a travel-sized version with me at all times to wake me up when I'm looking bogged down.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($79)

This is the first full-sized serum I've ever purchased, and to be honest I probably would have doubted purchasing it more had it not come complete with a travel-sized Beauty Elixir in Caudalie's Instant Radiance Set. This highly concentrated serum is dispensed via a dropper and contains Viniferine, a molecule collected from grapevine sap, which is 62x more powerful at minimizing the appearance of dark spots than Vitamin C. I wouldn't say that I have an abundant level of dark spots, however during that dreadful time of the month I get pimples which always result in discoloration. I've been using the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum for about 3 weeks now and have already noticed a decrease in these areas, resulting in a more even skin tone. It also is brilliant at increasing radiance, which is my main goal in skincare and life – I was born to shine.

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Moisturizer ($48)

Sheer Transformation is the only product in my routine I'm still on the fence about. In some regards I absolutely love it; the oil-free, lightweight formula feels great on my skin, and completely disappears almost immediately. However, with a name like sheer transformation you would expect just that. Albeit loaded with potent ingredients like vitamin C, licorice, sugar cane and multifruits AHA's, I've yet to notice a difference in my skin that I can attribute to this moisturizer. It hasn't led my skin astray and certainly hasn't created any new issues but I know in my heart that this simply will not proved the protection my skin needs for the harsh winter ahead. I may revert back to my previous love, Origins A Perfect World, but I'd love to hear what moisturizer you guys suggest!

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($35)

A brief history on my life with Avocado: when I was in Grade 8 I was obsessed with becoming a biochemist and was constantly re-creating beauty recipes from the internet, my favourite was an avocado, honey and olive oil hair mask. Flash forward to University where my roommate got me addicted to avocado slathered on toast with salt and pepper. And now I use the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado (of course) to help brighten my under eye region. The formula is truly unique; the look and feel of this treatment is that of a cream... until you start to work it into the under eye area, at which point is takes on a water-like texture, absorbing instantly. I've noticed a decrease in the darkness of my under eye circles and an increase in moisture, which means it'll be a few more years before I start noticing those dreaded crows feet. Thanks Avocado :)

GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment ($76)

Some days it feels like a mountain of makeup is the only solution to tired eyes, but instead I turn to the GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment. I don't use this treatment on the regular since it is quite a steep price point, but on days when I look and feel like a zombie it is the only product that will revert me back to human form. The treatment itself only takes 3 minutes and requires absolutely no water. You simply 'tap' it onto the under eye region, wait 3 minutes and wipe it off with a clean cloth. The brands Tapwipe™ Bioactive Mud works immediately to brighten and hydrate the under eyes to make you look and feel as good as new.

What products complete your morning skincare regime?

AMY     XO