Glam Glow - Is it really worth the hype?

UPDATE (24/10/15): I have found the GlamGlow YouthMud to be TOO ABRASIVE for my skin and had been a contributing factor to my breakouts a while ago. However, the GlamGlow Supermud is indeed fairly effective. But for the price point of both products, you're much better off getting a tub of Aztec Indian Healing Clay Mask off iherb. Trust me, that's more effective :)

 After reading tons and tons of reviews on the GlamGlow masks for months, I caved in and bought these babies. I initially wanted the GlamGlow Supermud mask, but it was out of stock in EVERY SINGLE Sephora store here in Singapore. The SA told me that the closest to the Supermud was the Youthmud, and they were having a 15% discount for it until the end of October, so I picked it up anyway.

A few days ago (in early November... That was how long I took to complete this post haha), I received a mailer from Sephora and guess what! The Supermud mask has been restocked! Yipeeeee. Received a 10% discount together with my Sephora Black card upgrade, so I just went ahead with the purchase. I even got a deluxe size Thirstymud sample and a Brightmud sample. NOT A BAD DEAL.

Let's start with the Youthmud review! (rubs palms together)

Firstly, the Youthmud smells DIVINE, to me at least. The scent smells luxurious, it's a very fresh green tea scent which I major love. I feel very relaxed and pampered when I use it, like I'm indeed at a facial. The texture of the Youthmud is gritty, and its full of green tea chunks. I know many people have had issues with it falling out when the mask has dried up, but I haven't experienced it thus far. I apply a thin layer with a synthetic foundation brush and I find that I use less product but just enough to cover my face this way.

I must say, the first time I went Sephora to check the mask out, the SA smeared some on the back of my hand and my skin actually BURNED. After she cleansed it, the portion where the mask was left on was actually red. She scooped a fair bit of sample from the pot for me to try, so despite the burning sensation I felt on my hand, I went back home and slapped the mask on excitedly. I must say the burning sensation wasn't actually THAT BAD on my face. It was tingly enough, I mean hey it's called 'tinglexfoliate mask' for a reason right. Went back the next day and purchased the full size jar... I think I actually have a dying need to get what I want no matter what happens hahaha.

I would say, steer clear from this mask if you have very very sensitive skin. You definitely would not like the burning sensation. It does get better with subsequent uses though. It gives you this lovely glow for about 2 days? So it is good as an 'emergency facial' if you have an event or a night out, but is unable to fork out extra time to head down to the facial parlour. In fact, I do love this mask more than the Supermud, just because the results are fairly instant.


Next, lo and behold the most coveted mask of all, the Supermud mask.

I have heard so many good things about this, probably made me expect much more from it. Firstly, I DO NOT like the smell. It smells a little like sour plum and licorice and what not. Definitely not my cup of tea. I know everyone has been raving about how it actually sucks the gunk out of your pores and you could actually see it with its revolutionary POREMATRIX technology. It just feels gratifying to see those black dots and you'll be like YES GOT YOU NASTIES OUT!

What I do feel about the Supermud as a full face mask, is that it does slightly close your pores and clears those gunks that are nearer to the surface of the skin, and in fact is much gentler as compared to the Youthmud, as it is less gritty. However, it leaves my skin a little dry when I'm done with the maximum 20 minutes treatment. I always make sure to follow up with a slightly better moisturiser to keep my skin hydrated.

BUT WAIT FOR IT.

What I really love about the Supermud is to use it as: A SPOT TREATMENT!

Each time I feel that a nasty blind pimple is coming up, or if I start to break out a little after a massive workout session, I'll dab the Supermud on those angry spots and they will subside the next morning! Major love.


Which would I recommend then?
If you do not have acne-prone skin and your skin is not sensitive, go for the Youthmud as it gives you a glow that you can be addicted to.
If you have acne-prone and oily skin, go for the Supermud! You can not only use it as a weekly mask, but also as a super effective spot treatment.


With that being said, these aren't products that I think you would have to run out to grab one to add it into your routine, but it's nice to have. Moreover at SGD$92 per bottle, it doesn't come cheap at all. But let me know remind you that as of 21 November, both the Youthmud and Supermud are SOLD OUT at all Sephora outlets again. (Secretly thankful I got mine...) Fret not! Tangs and escentials @ Paragon do carry them so for those of you who are interested in getting your hands on one, do check those stores out!

With love,
A

SK II Facial Treatment Mask Review

Omg I literally just used the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask just an hour ago after I cleansed my face, and here I am, an hour later, penning down my review. THAT IS HOW MUCH I LOVE IT.

During the recent Luxola sale, I jumped on the chance to get my hands on the Pitera Essence Set which consists of: a 75ml SK-II FTE, 30ml Facial Clear Lotion and a piece of Facial Treatment Mask. All for SGD99 before discount! It's a really good deal as a 75ml SK-II FTE already cost SGD99 on its own. Okay so no pictures of the me or the product as I excitedly ripped open the box upon receiving my item, and excitedly ripped off the package to use the mask.

Honestly, I had 0 expectations for the mask because after using the FTE for close to a week, I didn't see any obvious change to my skin texture, perhaps just slightly more hydrated. I just did my usual routine and slapped on some GlamGlow Youth Mud for 10 mins, use my Alpha H Liquid Gold to tone my skin, then applied the SK-II mask as instructed. Firstly, I must say that the cotton mask is thick and of high quality and the essence contained in the packet is sooo generous. It fits my face shape really well too! And I usually have some problems with face masks because they usually don't fit my face shape very well... so I am very impressed. I think I left it on for about 20 mins because there was so much essence that is too precious to be wasted! There was also a good amount left in the packet so I put in my low quality face mask (sobs) that doesn't really fit my face, sealed it up and put it back in the fridge, ready for a second use.

What won me over was the effect after just a mere 20 mins. My face was clearly well hydrated from within, very plumped up (boing boing), somewhat lifted and very dewy! I patted the remaining essence into my face and my skin felt very nice to touch. I had a few blind pimples that grew over the week, and although they have flattened and popped on their own, there was still some pigmentation and redness :( But my face was very refreshed and the redness became only very minimal. There was still a lot of essence absorbed in the mask so I squeeze those out and applied it all over my neck, arms and thighs!

I cannot emphasise how much I love it. I proceeded to tell all my friends how the mask was the bomb and if anyone is going to get anything from SK-II, this is a must. What else can I say but I AM SOLD! SK-II TAKE ALL MY MONEY!

I rarely use or rave about facial masks because I don't usually experience any miracles with them and I'm already contemplating on getting the 6 or 10 pc pack, that is how much I love it. I supposed you're able to get about 2 usages out of 1 pack if you have additional blank cotton face masks at home. If you're actually hesitating on whether you should get this, hesitate no further! Run out and get it now! Or if you're wondering which SK-II product should you invest in (and you already have a skincare routine that you love), I would highly recommend this as it is a really good perk-me-up for the skin!

Till next time,
A

2014, thus far

It's been too long since the last proper post. I did post irregularly a few times but I've decided to clean up this space for a fresh start!

Biggest milestone achieved this year would be, I've finally GRADUATED! Of course with that being said the graduation ceremony would only be held next year because, private uni. I haven't gone for a graduation trip as well since I've been working on the online business since exams ended. Let's hope that we'll be able to plan something at the end of the year! And this just reminded me that we were at Bali last year around this time, bummer.

I have also started accumulating new skincare and makeup over the past few months, hence I've decided to 'restart' my blog to pen down reviews and share the love for the products, which worked for me, with more people! The closet can hardly fit my growing collection anymore... Oh and I have also just ordered new Laneige trouble relief skincare from Luxola a few hours ago. Haha I blame the promotional discount and my accumulated points.

I don't know how long can I keep up with this, but I hope I can. I promise an upcoming skincare/makeup post next!

xx
A