Sheet Mask Update!

Here are two of the sheet masks that I used this week!

LuLuLun Kyoto Premium Geisha Mask 
~ If you have travelled to Japan and gone into a beauty section of a drug store, you likely have seen one of the many LuLuLun sheet masks.  There are many different kinds of LuLuLun sheet masks, which are, for the most part, distinguished by the color of their packaging - from the original pink, silver, and blue varieties, to their Precious Anti-Aging red and gold masks, and more recently their Regional Series masks.  In the Regional Series, the sheet masks incorporate local ingredients from a specific area and have been made to feature locations such as Okinawa, Hokkaido, and Kyoto.  During my last trip to Kyoto, I picked up the Kyoto Premium Geisha Mask.
~ Geisha (also called Geiko in the Kyoto dialect) are professional entertainers that are trained to perform for guests often during meals and special occasions.  While they are often recognized for their distinctive make-up, geisha are also known to have beautiful skin.  In the historic Gion district of Kyoto, if you're lucky, you may be able to see one of the geisha as they walk along the streets.
~ This sheet mask claims to moisturize, brighten, and leave your skin with a youthful glow.
~ It is formulated with a sake extract that was first made in Kyoto's sake district and contains fermented glucosyl ceramide which moisturizes and brightens the skin.  In combination with the sake extract, this mask also contains a natural oil from the goby fruit, which is traditionally used on the geisha's hair, however has also been shown to effectively moisturize and improve skin elasticity.
~ After cleansing, apply this mask for 5-10 minutes.  Use once per week.
~ This mask is nearly unscented - great for those sensitive to fragrance.  It has a very thick but soft cotton sheet that adheres well to the skin.  I have a rather small face, so the area around my nose did not fit too well, but this was easily fixed with a little folding of the mask.  The essence of this mask is very thick, creamy, and milky.  After using this mask and patting in the extra essence, my skin still felt slightly tacky.  The essence really did seem to absorb into my skin but due to its thicker consistency, still left some residue on my skin.  Overall, my skin felt very moisturized and looked plump.  I liked the results of this mask, however honestly still prefer the silver (brightening/fresh clear) or pink (balance moisture) LuLuLun masks.  LuLuLun masks are very affordable (approximately $1 per mask) and available online at amazon.com.

Eight Wonders Choc Choc Propolis Black Mask Bamboo Charcoal Sheet
~ This sheet mask claims to firm, plump, and lift the skin.
~ The featured ingredient in this sheet mask is green propolis extract.  Propolis consists primarily of the plant materials that bees gather, mixed with wax and pollen.  Propolis comes in various colors including brown, red, black, white, and green.  Green propolis from Brazil is the type of green propolis most frequently studied.  The plant source that bees use to produce Brazilian green propolis is a medical plant, which accounts for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.  This mask contains 20,000ppm of green propolis extract in comparison to the 10,000ppm that is often used in other honey-based sheet masks.
~ In addition to the green propolis extract, this sheet mask also contains other great ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, ginger root extract, and camellia sinensis leaf extract.
~ After cleansing, apply this mask for 10-20 minutes.
~ When you take this mask out of its packaging, the first thing you will notice is that it is black in color.  This mask is a bamboo charcoal sheet that aids in drawing out impurities from the skin and fighting breakouts.  It is of moderate thickness (not too thin, not too thick) and has an abundance of clear, watery essence.  It has a light floral and honey scent, which smelled so good!  This sheet mask adheres well to the skin and the placement of the cutouts for the eyes and mouth fit my face well.  This mask was cooling and the fragrance was very relaxing.  After removing this mask, my skin looked bright, clear, and plump.  The essence absorbed very well when patted into the skin, which is one of the most important things I look for in a mask.  I really enjoyed this mask and would definitely repurchase! This mask is very affordable - $10.99 for 10 masks on amazon.com.

Happy sheet masking!