A Taste of the Korean Skincare Secrets: Sulwhasoo Skin Clarifying Mask

I have heard a lot about Sulwhasoo since their gift packs were presented to the first ladies as a souvenir in the G20 Seoul Summit 2010. It is also visible how the brand is gaining its popularity here in Hong Kong. I see more and more ladies, ranging from mothers to those in their mid-20s or early-30s, raving about their products. To quench my curiosity, I purchased their Skin Clarifying Mask to get a taste of luxury Korean skincare.

Sulwahsoo products feature the use of Korean medicinal herbs. And after testing out the Skin Clarifying Mask, I realize it's nothing gimmicky. It really works! Unlike many of the clarifying masks on my shelf, it doesn't rely on kaolin (clay) to remove the excess oil and impurities on my skin. It's a gel peel-off mask, with a consistency thicker than honey, that is produced using traditional methods for preparing Korean medicine. Because of its thick consistency, it's not as spreadable as Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, so I used more than I'd expected and that explains why it comes in a big 150ml tube. Honestly, I found the brownish gel a bit gross at the start...uhem, try to imagine it's honey or maple syrup...but look, it actually smells herbal...no, it's honeyed ginger!

I could feel quite a strong pull on my face as it dried. After about 20 minutes, I could easily peel it off downward from my forehead as instructed. I found my complexion brighter and my pores more refined even in the next day. According to the Sulwhasoo Regime, it should be used after their Massage Cream and before any replenishing serums and moisturizers. I use it after Shiseido White Lucent Massage Cream and the Skin Clarifying Mask does a brilliant job in balancing and refining my skin after the facial massage. I reviewed Shiseido White Lucent Massage Cream (HERE) last month and I still adore it. I haven't used any sort of microdermabrasion since I began the Massage Cream a month ago. It's indeed a gentle alternative to skin exfoliants. My face is still smooth and clear. The outcome is even better when I pair it with this Sulwhasoo clarifying mask, which is noticeably more effective than Shiseido Revital Refining Mask (as is used in the Shiseido facial treatment session), and the price is more attractive too!  

Findings of the Experiment: Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On

After using Garnier's newly launched Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On (HERE) day and night for a few days, the results are quite positive, though not very positive.

Sensation-wise, the roll-on serum is quite absorbable and it doesn't leave a stubborn film on my skin like some other anti-blemish products, which gives me trouble when applying other beauty products. The icy minty touch also brings my blemished face some refreshments.

Does it serve the desired function? Well, it did reduce the size of my spots. The result was particularly visible on the second morning than the days after. Though not measurable, I feel that it has sped up skin renewal without drying out my skin. However, please don't take it as an intensive or 'flash' treatment. Honestly, the effect has been pretty subtle after the second day. You will definitely need to use other skin rejuvenation or purifying treatments (such as Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque - HERE and Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque - HERE) simultaneously for a speedy elimination of your skin imperfections.

My 'zoned' last-minute rescue facial

I was horribly exhausted last week, but I had to attend a wedding ceremony on Saturday morning. Like many other girls, I'd definitely want to look great in front of my long-lost high school friends! Trust me, I was a legal zombie by Friday. The rescue started at 11:30pm on Friday. Although my friend commented that I could be better off sleeping earlier, I still did my rescue facial. After all, it only took me like half an hour more, so why not, ya?

By now, you should know that I've combination skin with an oily T-zone, dry face, and super dehydrated and dark under eyes. For a more targeted rescue, I used Clinique Pore Minimizer Refining Mask on my T-zone and chin, Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque on my face, and Borghese Spa-Whitening Eye Masque. 

I've been using Clinique's refining mask for years. The white clay tightens pores and absorbs excessive sebum from your skin in just 10 to 15 min. You can feel the 'pull' as the clay dries and it doesn't leave your skin dehydrated, but smooth, glowy, and balanced. It comes in a huge tube which is probably enough for years, many years, considered the relatively small amount you need each time. By the way, the mask is very spreadable and you don't really need to apply a thick layer. Simply make sure you've fully covered the targeted area and you can sit back to wait for the mask to do its job!

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque 'helps skin recover from damage while enhancing barrier properties and promoting healthy tissue regeneration'. It pampers your skin with a concentrated boost of vitamins A, C, E and F. It feels a bit tingling, just a  very tiny bit, which kinda worried me at first as my face can be really sensitive. But no worries, it's actually very gentle and it left my skin soft and supple, and more importantly for last Saturday, looking radiant as if I've had 7 days of quality sleep! Apply generously for best results. Although this also means that the tube will soon be flattened, I believe you won't hesitate to get the most out of what you've paid for!

Borghese Spa-Whitening Eye Masque contains a registered whitening essence, soluble collagen, and natural minerals which brightens, repair and hydrate the eye area. It can be used both as a quick-fix or an overnight treatment. Personally, I can't use it overnight as it seems to get into my eyes. I usually use it simultaneously with other facial masks, like what I did for last Friday's rescue. Again, apply it generously and it will work even on seasoned dark circles like mine! It plumps up the eye area instantly! The brightening and hydrating effect can last for around 2 days. Well, there could be a more lasting eye treatment, but my experience is that many other masks don't really brighten my eyes as the product description has claimed. This is so far the best I've found. Still in search for better ones tho...=p