My Everday Luxury ~ Masks

My coveted collection at the moment...

The early bird does catch the worm.  I woke up slightly earlier than the rest of the family this morning, and so I decided to give myself an extra boost on my face on my birthday... in the form of a mask sheet. 

This morning's mask: My Beauty Diary ~ Japanese Cherry Blossom Mask

On leisurely days (e.g.: the kids don't have school, we are not rushed to head out of the house...) I will give myself mask sheets twice a day instead of just my nightly mask.  I find that a morning mask will help wake me up and give me the necessary glow to start off the day.  Especially since I did a wash off mask last night (Tony Moly's Tomatox Brightening Mask), I felt like it is not such a bad idea to do a mask sheet this morning.

Last night's mask: Tony Moly Tomatox Brightening Mask

A lot of people ask if masks are meant to be done daily or twice a week.  I had that same question too, but I later found out that the answer will vary depending on whom you asked.  Most Chinese people I asked said "twice a week" (please note, those are the ones who considered themselves diligent in skincare), with the exception of one my facial ladies who applauded my diligence to do masks daily.  The Korean ladies I asked usually said that it's fine to do masks daily.  I think that the masks we do at home are usually way milder versions of the ones done at facial places, so it is really fine to do them daily.  Especially in harsh winter like Canada, where it is very dry, a hydrating mask really makes a big difference.

Here are some other masks that I am currently using and love for different reasons:

Skinfood's Royal Honey Essence Mask ~ fits like a glove on the face and very hydrating but slightly on the expensive side.  It's said to have anti-wrinkle properties.

My Beauty Diary: Aloe Vera Creamy Gel and Luffa Mask (2-Steps Summer Mask Pack); I am very much in love with this one and like using it even though it is Winter now.  I find it very hydrating (I'm so about hydration these days).  It's inexpensive, Cdn$12+tx for a pack of 8 masks

My Beauty Diary: Shea Butter Creamy Gel & Olive Leaf Mask (2 steps Winter Mask pack).  Just as good as the Summer one, probably with the added bonus of being moisturizing (Shea Butter) as well as hydrating.  I love them, because they are so affordable (also sold for Cdn$12+tx for a pack of 8).

The cheapest masks I own (at Cdn$1 each if you buy in bulk ~ in 10s (10 for Cdn$10+tx).  Individually, they are Cdn$1.49+tx)  They come in many varieties (see if I can name them all, as I used up most of them already): Tomato (pore reducing), Vitamin, Lemon, Green Tea, Aloe, White, Co-Enzyme Q10, Collagen, Herb, Royal Jelly, Apricot.  For $1 a day, they are pretty good, but not as hydrating as the "My Beauty Diary" hydrating masks, in my opinion.  If I can afford it, I would buy "My Beauty Diary" masks or Etude House masks.

This is also a good mask with ampoule, given to me by a friend.  (I used up the others she sent me, so this is the only one I can take a picture of.)

Masks for the eyes, by Etude House.  Not sure how well they work, but I got them at a deal.  I will finish off the stash I have at home, but I highly doubt that I will buy more in the future.

 Skinfood's Papaya Yogurt Mask (Wash off mask).  It smells really nice and very mild that even my 7 yr old uses it.  It is also for hydrating the skin.  Description also mentions removing dry, dead skin... not sure about that, but I like this mask.

Skinfood's Rice Mask (wash off mask).  What can be wrong with rice mask?  It's like the most natural ingredient you can put on your face.  Description reads: A wash-off mask containing rice extract that moisturizes skin and brightens tone. With its texture of ground rice, it leaves skin bright, soft and lustrous.
I also share this with my 7-yr-old.

*What I find with Skinfood's wash off masks is that they are made with ingredients you can find in nature.  People often argue why we have to spend lots of money on skincare when you can mix your own masks in the kitchen.  Well, these wash off masks are really affordable (you only need a little bit each time) and it's no where near as messy as making your own kitchen concoction.  And with the prices of food these days (just went to bulk barn to buy almonds, and the usual type that we buy has probably doubled in price), it is probably cheaper to buy ready made.  Just have to know the right manufacturer, that's all.  For me, I trust Skinfood and many other Korean brands, because Korea is really dedicated to promoting their skincare business.  I also looked into home remedy masks a few days before, and I just got discouraged after reading the list of ingredients, some of which I have either not heard of, or have no idea where I can find it in the area where I live.

Tony Moly Tomatox Brightening Mask.  It stings a bit when applied to the face, but I guess this is the brightening agent working (other bloggers also have the same comment).  Not sure if I'll buy it again, but I will certainly try other Tony Moly masks.

Also sent to me by a friend in Hong Kong.  These eye masks (they're dry, not wet) are really effective in taking away the fatigue in the eyes area.  You may not believe it (cause I didn't at first), the pack turns really warm a few minutes upon application, making it really comfortable to leave on... like a mini sauna for the eyes.  The only downside is that I will have to be stationary for the entire time as I will not be able to see (with mask sheets or wash off masks, I still put on my glasses and walk around the house or doing things like I normally do.).  These will probably be more suitable for bedtime.  I would buy them, if I can find them here in Toronto.