Skimono - Beauty Masks

Living in the world of fast-paced London, it sometimes makes it difficult to remember to slow down and devote some ‘me’ time. Then we heard about Skimono, who have launched a range of beauty masks targeted at helping those who have big-city living. We first discovered them as Winner’s in 2018 The Beauty Shortlist Awards, and we’ve been itching to try their masks ever since. At The Amazing Blog, we think that Skimono offers the perfect solution to slow down, take stock and relax with their bumper selection of revitalising sheet masks.

Although beauty masks first originated in Asia, Skimono has developed these on with their innovative technology and modern approach. With application of a Skimono Beauty Mask, the 3D bio-cellulose matrix sheet delivers serums into your skin, restoring it in the process. Skimono describes itself as not only a brand but a lifestyle, helping to achieve: “Your time, devoted to you and to be relished…” What we particularly like about these masks is that they help to combat our dreaded city air pollution and drying effects from summer air conditioning. These masks not only target the face, but also the hands and feet too.

We all tried four masks from the Skimono range, each has their special 3D bio-cellulose matrix sheet which works on specific skin issues. Out of the three, the one that came out top for us was the Advanced Moisturisation+ . We loved the ingredients with rose flower extract and hyaluronic acid - wonderful for plumping up the skin and giving a dewy after effect. The Anti-Ageing+ mask targets wrinkles and dullness with the collagen, extracts of oat and grape seed all helping to rejuvenate tired looking complexions.

If you are suffering from dry or scaly feet, particularly if you expose feet to the summer elements. We recommend trying the Total Conditioning+ feet mask, this contains shea butter, olive oil, tea tree and chamomile. It works almost instantaneously to perfect hard skin and cracked heels. For dry hands, the Intense Nourishment+ mask delivers a serum infused with shea butter, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid restoring softness and brightening skin tone. Both these products are ideal to use as prep for a home mani pedi.

Skimono recommends that their masks be used as part of a weekly restorative treatment for face, hands and feet to battle the nasties that we face from all our environmental stress. The face masks are priced at £15 each, the hand at feet mask at £10 each. You can buy each of the Beauty Masks separately here. Or as a collection with their Induglence Masks 7x Multipack at £50, which will certainly have you covered!

Mitomo's Face Masks

Most of The Amazing Blog team swear by a weekly face mask. It’s our (not so) secret method of maintaining a clear complexion, but equally, is a ritual we don’t always have the patience for. This was until we discovered Mitomo, a brand producing sheet face masks packed full of goodness. For the past month or so, a weekly face mask has been firmly back in our regime!

Mitomo provide high-quality beauty and healthcare products, with ingredients sourced from Japan. We tried their innovative Eye Masks (see here) in January, so were keen to see whether our face masks would live up to the hype. The verdict? We were highly impressed, and although we don't like to speak for others, we know we’re not the only one in the office to have snaffled a few extras to take home! We tried three of their face masks: Hyaluronic + Lithospermum, Q10 + Lithospermum and Collagen + Lithospermum - all part of their Essence Mask collection.

The Hyaluronic + Lithospermum Essence Mask is a hydrating and anti-ageing solution for your skin. Hyaluronan is a highly moisturising ingredient, injecting your skin with much-needed plumpness, thus decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lithospermum, on the other hand, is a plant extract well documented as soothing and antiseptic. The combination of these two ingredients left our skin feeling supple, less inflamed and smoother; making for a brighter and clearer complexion. We were also big fans of the Q10 + Lithospermum Essence Mask, a profoundly anti-ageing mask, enriched with Coenzyme Q10. It regenerates the skin, working well on deep-set wrinkles, and as with all three masks, it cools and soothes even sensitive skin. The added bonus? They are eco-friendly and all masks are made solely from bamboo.

Finally, the Collagen + Lithospermum Essence Mask proved effective at making skin more elastic, promoting skin renewal and smoothing imperfections. We noticed a decrease in mild acne scarring from the first use, as this masks help to plump up the skin; simply apply for 20-30 minutes (the same with all three masks) and once removed, pat any excess product into the skin. We recommend using each mask before bed, for a glowing and refreshed complexion. To try these anti-ageing gems for yourself, visit the Mitomo website here, where a pack of 10 masks are from £27 and an individual mask is available from £2.99.

Khadi's Face Masks

The best way to start a relaxing self-care routine is with the perfect face mask. We at The Amazing Blog are always on the quest to find top quality products that work with the skin’s natural balance, so we were excited to discover Khadi, an skincare company with 100% organic and natural products.

Khadi combines Ayurvedic formulations (developed with Ayurvedic doctors), to create a strong unity of body and mind. The concept of the company was formed after one of the co-founders took a trip to India. H had always suffered with a dry and itchy scalp, a problem that was solved by using a Ayurvedic shampoo. So effective at ridding him of dandruff, he brought his findings back from India. He subsequently helped to set up the brand Khadi developing handmade herbal products like Ayurvedic shampoo, handmade soaps and skincare. Although these products are from India they are also German organically certified. All their ingredients are 100% natural made with herbal ingredients which are vegan, free of parabens and artificial ingredients. These products work with the power of India’s nature, using exotic ingredients and age old wisdom.

We tried three of their herbal face masks and were very happy with the results. Starting with our favourite one the Sandalwood, which is suitable for all skin types. We found that when using this, that our pores significantly reduced. Those of us with sensitive skin were also pleased to discover that it was particularly effective at cooling and calming the skin, even protecting against sunburn. It provides a fresh and healthy complexion, moisturising the skin and subsequently smoothing any small imperfections and wrinkles. The Orange mask is slightly sweet-scented - it immediately brightened our mood when applied. Perfect for combination skin, this mask works as a natural cleanser, helping to create a smoother complexion. It can also be used on the body, by stimulating blood circulation, helping to prevent both cellulite and bloating. Finally, the Neem mask is primarily suitable for normal to greasy skin, as it works as a natural antiseptic, preventing infections, removing toxins and restoring a natural and healthy glow. It really detoxifies your skin, freeing it from impurities, as well as refining pores. It also works to fight bacteria, leaving your skin feeling fresh, without a tight sensation.

All three herbal masks use clay as a base, which clarifies and prevents inflammation. No matter which skin-type, you will find the perfect mask to leave you feeling relaxed and fresh. By cleansing, hydrating and supporting regeneration, all three masks promote more harmonious complexion. To use, mix one teaspoon of the powdery mask with water (you can add milk for dry skin, or yoghurt for greasy skin), and apply a thin layer on face and neck (or even the body if you wish). Rinse after 15 to 20 minutes, and you’ll be greeted with a hydrated and fresher skin.

To purchase one (or all) of these face masks for yourself, click here, where you will find each Khadi Herbal Face Mask for £12.90.

Marie Reynolds - MRL Restore

Here at The Amazing Blog, we are all in agreement that a girls night in, is long overdue. We’ve got our chick flicks, chocolate (and wine) lined up, but one thing we couldn’t forget, is a good face mask. We were therefore pleased to discover MRL Restore by Marie Reynolds, part of a successful skincare range designed to balance and brighten the skin. Marie is most well known for her facial treatments, which she undertakes at Fortnum & Mason in London and her clinic in Norfolk.

This very special skin food facial mask supports imbalances within the epidermal flora, and is completely cruelty-free. It is also 100% organic and uses no artificial colours or preservatives. The product is entirely natural and, just like all Marie Reynolds products, it doesn’t only focus on visual and physical causes of skin imbalances, but also aims to combat the impacts of stress and lifestyle.

The mask adapts to every skin type and condition, balancing the skin’s natural flora and fauna. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating and brightening results thanks to the plant-produced chemicals (phytonutrients) which are used to protect the skin from environmental toxicity. Using eight strains of live bacteria during the production process, a wide range of imbalances in the skin are targeted. The MSL Restore multi-strain formula works in multiple areas, providing protection against a wide range of harmful bacteria, fungi and yeasts that may be present on the skin.

We can confirm that the cleansing effect kicks in immediately, and as one jar contains about 19 applications, you can deliver a refreshing cleanse time and time again. To use this mask, you simply mix one teaspoon of MRL Restore with a small amount of water. Blend this into a smooth paste and apply it evenly on your face and neck. After 10 to 15 minutes, loosen the mask with wet hands, massage it again for a further minute and then remove the residue with warm water. This process is best followed by moisturising your skin, preferably using the Marie Reynolds’ Epidermal Blanket, but of course, any desired moisturiser is suitable.

Ramp up your girls night, and purchase your own MRL Restore jar for £68.00 (80g) here. Pass us the popcorn!

Eleni and Chris facemasks : Glow, Detox, Hydration

If you keep up with us here at The Amazing Blog, you'll know we're fans of the Scandinavian hair and skincare brand Eleni and Chris.  So naturally we were thrilled that we get to review all three of their new Sincell Face Masks. These sheet masks are perfect for a quick and easy pick me up for any age or skin type and can be easily catered to your skincare needs, whether you need some added Glow, a Detox, or a bit more of a Hydration boost.  

What makes these sheet masks stand out amongst the crowd are the pure ingredients that are only found in the dreamlike landscape of Scandinavia. Your skin will quickly crave unique ingredients like the cloudberry extract found in the Glow Sincell Mask, which is renowned for its ability to increase cell production by 22% within 24 hours to smooth your skin tone, leaving you with nothing but a natural glow. Scandinavian glacier water and SEA3Oil are two more key ingredients carefully sourced in Scandinavia and then infused in the ultra-fine fibres of each mask to retain the delicate osmotic balance of your skin.

The Detox Sincell Mask is also packed with grapefruit, oat and liquorice root extracts, which protect your skin against all those toxins and free radicals. Last, but certainly not least, the creamy Hydrating Sincell Mask is sure to bring back that much needed moisture that the winter weather has sucked away. The apple extract, cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid and sage leaf extract will instantly rehydrate your skin while also improving its ability to keep that moisture in its place.

These user-friendly sheet masks go on dry skin; no water necessary means one less step. These sheet masks give a great creamy consistency, they also don't contain any fragrance or mineral oils which is a huge plus. Leave on the face for 15-20 minutes, remove and gently massage any excess into the skin. Eleni and Chris recommend using the mask 1-2 times a week for good results. If you’d like to get your hands on these revolutionary sheet masks first, you can purchase them individually for £9 or a 6-pack for £49 here.