Tag: masks

NERD Skincare Masks

NERD Skincare Masks on Belle Belle Beauty

There is nothing like a whirlwind weekend of hard travel to make you appreciate a good sheet mask. No wonder sheet masks are having a moment. They are convenient, effective and still a bit of a novelty. While I will always have a soft spot for the classic SK-II Brightening Derm-Revival Mask, this trio from NERD Skincare were pretty darn amazing to use.

First a little about NERD: the products use serious science (no wonder this beauty nerd is drawn to the brand). The masks use biocellulose, a natural product used for centuries in medical treatments. The masks are hypoallergenic and send ingredients deep into skin while binding comfortably with skin – key in these pre-cut and shaped wearable skin care items.

For the fellow nerds out there, biocellulose is actual grown using acetic acid bacteria (AABs), specifically Acetobacter Xylinum – a strain no one else uses. This specific strain builds the smoothest microfibrils that work best on human skin. They make neat patterns that allow more surface area exposure to skin, allowing for maximum ingredient absorption.

NERD Skincare Masks on Belle Belle Beauty

Okay, back to the fun. The three masks work against specific concerns: dullness, dryness or damage with serums that focus on brightening, hydrating or repairing.

The Miraculous Brightening Mask uses antioxidants, collagen and elastin building blocks to add back a glow. The serum softens appearance of fine lines and tightens pores. I loved this mask when my skin was looking particularly dull after a late night and a bout of allergies.

Skin Repair Master Mask heals and soothes stressed skin. In my experience, this was the least nourishing mask but had the greatest effect on the appearance of my skin. I’d love to have it in my stash after a day in the sun at the lake. Antioxidants work against free radicals and skin cells are revitalized.

Super Hydrating Mask was my favorite. My dry skin adored the way this mask infused my skin with moisture after a long day of travel. Plus the serum infused a barrier to continue retaining hydration over my long weekend in NYC. My skin was left supple and full.

I left the masks on for 20 minutes. Because there was a generous amount of serum, I was able to work what was left on my face into my skin and decollatage. I also liked the way the substantial texture of the mask was easy to adjust on my face. Plus, they were long so they went to work below my chin and jawline as well.

Available at NERDSkincare.com and Amazon.

image via NERD Skincare

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

Favorite Masks For Radiance

Favorite Masks For Radiance on Belle Belle Beauty

I’m in the midst of another hyper-pigmentation treatment and have been using some pretty hefty stuff to battle the sun damage that has returned with the summer months. While I am loving the results (more on that in a couple weeks), I have noticed that all the strong ingredients can leave my skin a little dull. And there is nothing worst than dull summer skin.

Good thing I had my beauty closet to raid. I’ve been rotating two hydrating and radiance-boosting masks over the past couple of weeks and found two winners – depending on your skin type. The first I like for drier or more mature skin. The second is great for normal to oily skin.

First up, Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting Mask is luxe and rich. The gummy texture sounds like a mess but it is surprisingly soothing. Technically a gel, this mask was designed to be used before makeup application. Shhh… don’t tell… I have been using it in the evenings before bed. Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting Mask smooths skin and adds softness while blurring lines with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E.

The first thing I notice is this gormound, cozy smell that I can’t quite put my finger on. The gel applies evenly all over the face and doesn’t budge. After 20 minutes, my skin has a velvet soft feel and my skin looks more even and glow-y. While you can tissue this off, I felt a little weighed down and went ahead and rinsed with water. While the product is technically for all skin types, I think those who are looking for a moisture/nourishment boost will be happier with this mask.

For those looking for something a little more “deep” and/or “active”, check out June Jacobs Spa Collection Radiant Refining Brightening Masque. This often overlooked line of skin care uses plants and extracts to revive stressed skin. How’s this for a little fruit cocktail?: bearberry, mulberry, licorice, lemon peel extracts and gigawhite nourishes and clears skin. Meanwhile, lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide rejuvinate. And white, red and green tea extracts, goji berry, pomegranate and grapeseed extracts protect skin from the environment by neutralizing free radicals.

This milky cream goes on smooth and dives deep into skin. I get just a slight tingling but my skin isn’t left looking red. I can’t really detect a strong scent. And skin is immediately left more even and glowing. I apply with my fingers and keep on for around five minutes. Then rinse and pat dry.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Three Mario Badescu Masks for Sensitivity

Mario Badescu Masks for Sensitivity // Belle Belle Beauty

You probably know I fell hard for Mario Badescu from this post. Lately, my vanity MVPs have been clay-based masks that manage to deep clean and soothe all at the same time. These three masks are a great fit for those with drier, more sensitive skin. But I also think they would work for oily and acne-prone complexions – clay is a classic, proven ingredient for cleaning out pores that everyone could benefit from at least occasionally.

Azulene Calming Mask is loaded with anti-inflammatory Azulene to comfort red or irritated skin. After a little over eager exfoliation or glycolic treatment, this can snap my skin back into calmness. Also great for razor burn or post-waxing. The consistency is a thicker paste, but the clay formula does not harden. The clay and wheat starch work to clear skin of impurities. Best if you are feeling very sensitive.

Flower & Tonic Mask is more active, perfect when you really want to go after congested skin. Last weekend, I was really bad about washing my face. And when I returned home, I atoned for my sins with this pore-clearing treatment. While the Kaolin (clay) absorbs dirt and oil, Balsam Peru soothes redness and irritation. I feel a tad bit tight after using this mask, but it is perfect for a deep cleaning treatment.

Cucumber Tonic Mask is going to be clutch during the summer months when I am so prone to redness and blackheads – hello, sweaty heat! The cooling clay is made with Cucumber Extract to smooth and revive skin while it deep cleans. This mask is a great balance of the two above, when you want cleansing action but still are experiencing some sensitivity.

How to Use: Apply a thin layer of mask on clean skin avoiding eye area. Wait 15-20 minutes and rinse thoroughly with tepid water.

Mario Badescu products are also available at Nordstrom where it is triple points time now through March 24th!

Best Masks for an At-Home Facial

Best Masks for an At-Home Facial // Belle Belle Beauty

One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to do more at home facials. Since weekly spa treatments aren’t really in the budget, I’ve been adopting some at home versions and have been pleasantly surprised by how results-oriented they can be. Here are some of my most favorite masks and treatments I’ve used lately:

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask is the class spa mask loaded with Hungarian thermal mud to nourish while cleansing the skin. For all skin types, this traditional experience leaves my skin feeling uber-clean but also enriched and radiant. The white clay helps draw out oil and toxins, but without leaving my dry skin feeling stripped.

bliss ‘No Zit Sherlock’ Breakout-Busting Rubberizing Mask is what I turn to when I am feeling a little congested (in the skin that is). If I were a black head, I would shutter if I saw me whipping this stuff up. The mix-it-yourself mask transforms into a rubbery, thick texture that sops up oil and clog-causing debris. Seaweed, tea tree and menthol nourish and calm while cleansing.

Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask is a great mask when my skin is feeling a little sensitive. The rich formula infuses skin with vitamins and plant extracts to rejuvenate and plump. Fine lines are diminished and tone is brightened. If I am slightly red or irritated from dryness or too much retinol, the black rose cream soothes and softens skin.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask is my dream travel companion. I haven’t been brave enough to wear this alien-looking mask on the actual plane. But every time I happen to have one, I immediate apply for a little pick-me-up once I check into my hotel. The cotton is soaked with vitamins, organic acids and minerals to return skin to normal operating behavior. Radiance and moisture are back in the game.

Somme Institute ‘Boost’ Maska warming mask, is particularly pleasant in the winter. The warming action increases blood flow, allowing for nourishing delivery of minerals and enzymes. The spicy, pumpkin scent sounds seasonal, but you’ll be drawn to it all year long.

Shop my favorite masks here:

Dr. Jart’s Beauty Sleep Masks

I know that most of you will agree with me – we all just look better when we are well-rested. A study published in the British Medical Journal demonstrated that people who had a full night of sleep (8 hours or more) versus sleep-deprived individuals (31 hours of wakefulness after a night of reduced sleep) were rated in blinded evaluations as healthier, more attractive and less tired. We probably didn’t need a study to tell us that – but there it is.

The science behind sleep and beauty is where it gets interesting. According to Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, a specialist in dermatology and laser surgery in New York City, growth hormones are released while sleeping, which could help production of skin cells and collagen. Your skin is actually repaired while you sleep. In conjunction, your skin absorbs product to a greater degree while you sleep. So why not supercharge your nighttime routine?

Dr. Jart came up with some specifically formulated masks for bedtime. I love that you can simply apply them and let them work. No waiting, rinsing, timing. I’ve been using both of these masks – one for hydration on my forehead and cheeks and the one for firming on my neck around my mouth and eyes.

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask has a gel-like formula that provides moisture continuously during sleep.  It provides a kind of barrier while Hyaluronic acid sends moisture deep into your skin. Olive leaf and cranberry strengthen the skin barrier to boost elasticity. And essential oils provide a relaxing scent. It makes for a perfect “wind down” routine right before sleep.

Dr. Jart Premium Firming Sleeping Mask revitalizes skin with Niacinamide and kava. Korean medicinal herbs help expel toxins and stimulate cell turnover. The Firming mask also contains Hyaluronic acid to infuse moisture.

I’ve definitely noticed a diference after using these masks. My skin looks more radiant and rested. The consistency is lightweight and comfortable. And using these ingredients over the long term should just continue to improve results. I love my new bedtime ritual.