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

BEAUT¥ BU¥S TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARNESS

Nowadays it's becoming eerily rare to meet someone who hasn't been affected by Breast Cancer in some shape or form. October marks the month of Breast Cancer Awareness, a time to 'think pink' and show your support – which is made easier with commemorative products. From a fun glitter polish to a lash/brow enhancer with the Cancer Survivor in mind, these fun – and adorably pink – products deserve a spot on your vanity, regardless of whether you needed a new pink lipstick or not.  

Wink Natural Cosmetics • Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer ($39)

The desire for longer lashes and thicker brows is one felt by nearly every girl I know, and I can only imagine how true that is for the cancer survivor. This October, Wink Natural Cosmetics launches their Buy One Give One For The Cure campaign – with every purchase of their Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer, the company will donate one tube to a cancer survivor. Each 5ml tube supplies enough product for 3 months of application, with visible results seen in just 2 weeks. I've been using this 2 in 1 serum for roughly 2 weeks now and can definitely say that I notice a difference in my lash length and brow volume, however full results are only seen after 8-12 weeks of use, at which time I will show off my complete results. 

Another feel good reason to enhance your natural beauty with Wink? This product is formulated without: parabens, sulfates, hormones/prostaglandins, artificial fragrances and artificial dyes. 

Essie • Nail Polish in Pinking About You ($9) 

Every October a slew of nail polish companies, including Essie, OPI and China Glaze create bubbly, pink collections to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year Essie released a gorgeous pink glitter top coat, called Pinking About You, with pretty pink pailettes that I couldn't resist. And while none of the proceeds of this polish directly support cancer research, Essie Weingarten, the founder, supports City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer, with a one-time flat donation of $10,000. And that alone was reason enough for me to don this top coat over Essie Blanc – although the internet has led me to conclude that Essie Pink Happy is the more appropriate base.

Origins • Drink Up Hydrating Lip Balm in Pink Guava ($17)

When a hydrating lip balm comes disguised as a lip gloss and supports Breast Cancer Awareness you simply say yes. This year Origins has released their Drink Up Hydrating Lip Balms in two colours; Berry Splash (LE) and Pink Guava with commemorative pink packaging to help support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation – a donation of $3.50 will be made with each purchase. These lip balms are ultra nourishing thanks to apricot kernel and avocado oils, and add a beautiful shine to your lips without feeling sticky like a gloss. I went for Pink Guava, a milky pink that appears rather transparent on the lips, meaning it can be worn to enhance your natural lips or paired with a lipstick to add a sexy sheen. And with the tingly, minty scent it will quickly become your 'partner in kissing' – pucker up.

Clinique | Pink With A Purpose Long Last Lipstick in Power With Pink ($19)

This lipstick set, complete with the small, yet versatile two-toned bag, is about as pink, bright and girly as it gets! And at a mere $19 it is the perfect way to test out Clinique's Long Last Lipsticks – which like me, you've probably overlooked – all while letting your generosity shine. Clinique will donate $3 from each purchase of this set to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation from now until 01/31/15, and trust me you don't want to miss out on this LE shade. Power With Pink is a medium-toned rose with subtle shimmer that offers 8 hours of crease free colour, housed in the brands classic, sleek silver packaging. The perfect everyday lip colour for all ages.   

How do you show your support?

AM¥     XO