First Impressions Review: Karuna Exfoliating Face Mask

What’s good y’all! I’m back and back with another first impressions review. I’m sharing with you today a sheet mask that has quickly found it’s home in my heart, Karuna's Exfoliating Mask. We all know I've tried my fair share of sheet mask, but I had never tried anything from Karuna so you know I had to change that this year, right? Being the product junkie that I am I couldn't just try one mask that would be too easy I went online and purchased the Karma Kit Face Mask Set from Sephora for $28.00.

http://m.sephora.com/product/P386023

If you do the math it’s a way better value than purchasing each masks individually for $8.00 a piece. The Karma Kit is available exclusively online and contains four Karuna face mask, the anti-oxidant face mask, hydrating face mask, age defying face mask and the exfoliating face mask. The exfoliating mask has been my favorite thus far and I'll probably buy the four piece set of exfoliating mask because they’re bomb. Let’s just get into it, shall we?

Prior to purchasing the mask I knew very minimal information on the masks or the brand itself. Upon receiving them I went ham on my research. Karuna was founded in 2009 by Linda Wang. After surveying her area and coming to the conclusions that she wouldn't find a mask to her liking in Asia she decided to create her own. With her knowledge of Asian beauty regimens and Western beauty traditions, having moved from Taiwan to the US at the tender age of 10, she came up with the brilliant mask we love to use today.

I refer to these masks as brilliant because not only do they contain amazing ingredients their made from 100% all natural, biodegradable wood pulp fiber cloth. Wood pulp fiber retains about 50% more moisture than synthetic materials giving your pores a chance to absorb all the essential nutrients and nourishing ingredients packed into these masks.

Using wood pulp cloth mask provide your skin with so many added benefits, your pores are opened and cleansed after using one allowing any serum, cream or moisturizer you use after to really penetrate into the skin as opposed to just sitting on top of your skin.

I mentioned in my post all about face mask that some sheet masks are serum infused, but not all serum masks are created equal.

Karuna doesn’t skimp on the serum and I'm glad they don't because it actually work. Linda can just go ahead and bottle this up for me because my skin was noticeable brighter and softer after removing this mask and patting the serum into my face. After I removing a sheet mask I normally splash my face with ice cold water to wash some of the serum away because my face is coated in it and it doesn’t do much for my skin. After removing this mask something told me not to wash it off, I pat it into my face and down to my collarbone. Girl…I can't begin to tell you how much I loved my face. If I could’ve wrapped my arms around my head for a huge hug I would’ve.

I love when a face mask, a sheet mask especially has a list of ingredients in English and that I can understand.

Normally the back of a sheet mask is in full Korean with a small quarter of the instructions in English. Not only is this mask in all English, but the ingredients are easily comprehensive. 

A few of my favorite ingredients,

•Pineapple Fruit Extract, do you have any idea how much of a super food pineapple is for you? Pineapple juice is packed with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, manganese, potassium, beta-carotene, folic acid and dietary fibers. The best way to get the full benefits of pineapple juice is through ingestion, but pineapples contains a wonderful enzyme by the name of bromelain. Bromelain not only helps to soften skin, but it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Making bromelain a great acne treatment.

•Chinese Licorice Root has been used for centuries in Asian countries. The root contains plant sterols that can help promote skin elasticity, fight inflammation in the skin and the formation of wrinkles. It’s also been used as a natural alternative to hydroquinone which has had negative affects for users.

•Hyaluronic Acid is actually a natural structural component of skin, it’s present in connective tissues throughout the human body. It’s considered to have to ability to retain moisture than any other natural or synthetic polymer.

•Chamomile Flower Extract is a wonderful antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. It’s often found in numerous beauty products because it’s considered a hypoallergenic having the ability neutralize skin irritants.

•Lemon Fruit Extract like most citrus fruits is full of vitamin C, vitamin B, phosphorus and carbohydrates. The natural acids found in lemons gently remove dead skin cells, lighten age spots and helps fade facial discoloration.

As I’m trying and experimenting with sheets I’m learning very quickly that you get what you pay for. This mask comes in the outside packaging, but once you open it up there’s a protective sheet of plastic that comes over the actual mask.

It not only protect the mask from any environmental pollutants prior to use, but it makes fitting the sheet to your face ten times easier. Sheet masks have the tendency to slip off my face as I’m applying them. The protective plastic on this mask gives my fingers the needed grip or traction to get it on my face on the first try.

What makes these sheet masks so unique for me is their thin texture. I’ve never used a sheet mask that was so thin that I could visibly see my skin under the mask. I’ve never noticed just how normal cotton sheet mask are. After using this mask I noticed distinct differences in mask types. I also noticed just how comfortable and pliable this mask was. I was literally able to tug and tuck this mask on my face. I’ve never been able to tuck a mask under my chin a it stayed. It was a bit long on my forehead area, but it wasn’t in my hair so I didn’t have too many qualms about that.

After removing the mask and quickly patting the serum into my face I followed up with my normal moisturizing routine. If you follow me on IG, you’re well aware that I swap out products I use every night, but even if the products change the order will always remain the say. I pat an essence into my face, followed by a serum and a moisturizer.

(May Coop Raw Sauce, NUDE ProGenius Treatment Oil, Isabel Fay Hyaluronic Cream)

This product trio is like the dream team for me right now. Do you see a reoccouring theme with hyaluronic acid? They all work so well together, can you tell by my smile that I’m pleased with this mask and trio?

That shinner on my forehead is from a hormonal breakout we all know I had no control over that. I’m extremely pleased with my skin and how it’s been progressing. 

Stay connected with me on IG and Twitter. Next up my January GlossyBox!

Until my next post ✌.

First Impressions Review: May Coop Raw Sauce Hydrating + Nourishing Essence

What’s good y’all, Babe and I were doing some shopping last night and you guys already know I can't walk past Sephora without at LEAST going in to browse. I found myself in the skincare section because I'm running low on toner and I just feel at home in the skin care section. I came across a product I had my eye on online, May Coop's Raw Sauce, hydrating + nourishing essence. Let's be honest the name is what caught my eye, raw sauce? Not going to lie I was intrigued. 

I had done some minor research on the product at home prior to going, but the skincare consultant who works at Sephora gave me an overview of the product and how it should be used. I left with a better understanding of what I purchased and after using it last night and this morning I can't wait to share some information on this product along with a first impressions review.

This product is extremely unique, it’s an essence packed with a high concentration of maple tree sap to give your skin immense hydration nourishment. I was a bit confused about the difference between essence and toner. In some articles and videos I watched used the terms interchangeably. In a Korean skincare regimen an essence is supposed to be used after you’ve cleansed and toned your face. After applying an essence you should follow up with a serum. The main goal is to hydrate the skin, allowing the serum to absorb easier and go a longer way.

Let's jump back to that “high concentration of maple tree sap,” this is one of the main reasons I purchased. The essence is formulated with a base of Acer maple water. The particles of maple tree sap closely resemble the size of those we have in our own bodies giving it the unique ability to absorb easily into the skin. The early spring sap used for this essence is one of nature’s best hydrating agents.

Along with maple sap this essence is packed full of unique ingredients, a few:

• Sea Water is sensational for acne and semi permanent scars. Salt is an amazing skin clearing and cleansing agent.

• Chestnut Bark Extract has high levels of saponins making it an extremely efficient skin purifier.

• Olive Fruit Extract is packed with antioxidants like Vitamin A and Vitamin E along with polyphenols, phytosterols, and avenasterols working to neutralize free radicals combat environmental pollutants on a daily basis.

• Black Currant Fruit Extract is full of Vitamin C among other antioxidants that are synonymous with fighting premature aging.

This essence is quite pricey the full size is $43 at Sephora. I wasn’t ready for that type of product commitment so I went ahead a picked up the travel size for $14.00. If I repurchase, I’ll definitely update you guys if I do, I’ll be purchasing the travel size. It’s convenient, purse friendly and I’m confident that this size will last for some time. If you’re interested in the travel or the full size hit the link below,

http://m.sephora.com/product/P398843

I’ve used this three times since I've purchased and I think I’m it  enjoying it. The first time I tried this I applied after toning my face with Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water and I noticed that my skin was tacky and sticky immediately after applying this. I followed up with a serum and a moisturizer, my face felt fine. The second time I applied I didn't use a toner I applied right after I washed my face, my face didn't feel tacky at all. The exact opposite actually it felt extremely soft and hydrated, after moisturizing and applying my makeup there was a noticeable in the way my foundation looked. 

The third application was after applying toner and once again my face felt extremely tacky, but after applying a moisturizer my face felt fine. I’m not sure what's  going on, but my face looks good either way. I’m definitely going to swap toners when using this product to see if the same thing happens with another toner.

I can’t place my finger on exactly what this smells like. It’s a fresh, clean, almost earthy smell. It doesn’t permeate long, but it’s definitely present. I’m glad the smell doesn’t last long we’ve already established that I'm smell sensitive. The scent of a product is a huge selling point for me if I didn’t like it, it would’ve went right back to Sephora. The only thing I really don’t like about this product so far is the bottle itself, I feel like I’m shaking for days before I get enough out to cover my face. 

Hence why I said this bottle will last a while, I’ll be shaking it for days before I get enough to apply. So far I’m enjoying this, but I’ll definitely keep you posted on how this is working for me. I’m thinking about making next week subscription box week. I’ve received my January GlossyBox and my Target beauty box I’m still waiting for my BirchBox, Ipsy Glam bag and my Walmart box. It’s easier for me to share them with you all in one week, way less of a headache. Definitely stay tuned for that, more first impressions and reviews. Oh! AND keep up with me on IG for sneak peeks and all that jazz.

Until my next post ✌ . 

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser Review

What’s good y’all! Happy New Year and all that jazz I’m back and I have a MacBook  full of reviews to share with you. In addition to the awesome Christmas gifts I was blessed with this year I've also been shopping like an addict. I love after Christmas sales what can I say? The product I’ll be sharing with you in this post is a Christmas gift from my love, he listened and listened well. I was pleasantly surprised to unwrap Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser daily exfoliating and clarifying treatment.

I’m extremely excited about everything I received for Christmas and I can't wait to share everything with you. If you follow me on IG you’ve already seen what I received for Christmas along with the amazing products I’ve been receiving on a daily basis, my December Ipsy Glam bag and GlossyBox. If you’re not following me you’re missing out. Now let's get chat about this amazing cleanser, shall we?

I’m in the process of trying to revamp my skincare collection this year. I want to become a lot more conscious of the products I’m incorporating into my regimen. This cleanser is the perfect building block towards my skincare goals. This gentle exfoliating cleansing treatment acts as a four in one product to thoroughly cleanse and improve glow while purifying, minimizing the appearance of pores and helping to protect the skin’s natural hydration balance. Free of soaps, alcohols and detergents, this cleanser clarifies with fresh enzymes, clays and essential oils, while microspherical beads polish the skin and reduce appearance of blackheads, all without stripping the skin of moisture. This cleanser is amazing, I love it and I don't plan on not having a bottle…or two in the stash. It’s just that good.

Not only is this product amazing for all skin types, the care that goes into the cultivation of the ingredients in the product and the steps taken to protect our ecosystem should have you running out to go pick out a bottle of something to try by Tata Harper. I plan to try as many products as I can get my hands on. The majority, if not all of the ingredients in her products are grown certified organically on their 1,200 acre farm in Vermont. All the farming and gardening on the farm is done without chemicals to not only respect our bodies, but the entire ecosystem. To help keep their facilities as sustainable as possible, they purchase green energy from Vermont to be specifically used on their cow powered farm recycling methane gas. If I could insert a million heart eye emojis I would.

This cleanser is packed with eleven high performance ingredients, let me tell you about a few of the wonderful ingredients in this magic cleanser,

• Apricot Seed Powder gently and effectively exfoliates the skin to reveal smooth and glowing new skin.

• Pomegranate Enzymes dissolves debris and blackheads, while reducing the look of pores.

• Willow Bark is a natural form of salicylic acid, helping to fight breakouts and reduce redness & inflammation.

• French Pink Clay detoxifies the skin, stimulates circulation and helps reduce pore size.

I use this cleanser interchangeably with a few others I have and experimenting with. I love that its extremely lightweight, but strong enough to be used morning and night. The first time I used this I got the unmistakable oil feeling I get when using an oil cleanser like Josie Maran's Argan Cleansing oil for example, but then I woke up and realized this cleanser is in a class of own.

I apply two to three pumps of this onto a dry face and then massage my face. This smells amazing, it has a light floral scent without being overbearing. I love that the fragrance comes from the actual florals in the product as opposed to chemicals. I’m leery about the prospect of using an exfoliating cleanser in a daily basis, but the exfoliating beads are so gentle that I either don't feel them or they melt. It's really hard for me to find a negative about this product and I love finding negatives!

I guess a not so positive about this cleanser is the price. If you’re buying from the actual website, https://www.tataharperskincare.com you might grip your chest when you see the price. If you’re subscribed to BirchBox you're able to get the 1.7 fl. oz. bottle for a bit of a steal whenever I need to re-up on bottles of this you know where I'll be going. If you’re not subscribed to BirchBox why not? You're really missing out let me help you out,

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/Ari123

Another not so positive, this cleanser isn't for makeup removal. It doesn't claim to be a makeup remover, but if you're someone who prefers that your cleanser remove your makeup all in one shot saving yourself a step or two, this cleanser isn’t that face wash. It definitely works wonders, but girl, no.

I can't wait to share allllll the products I test out this year the outstanding, the mediocre and the banes of my product stash. I'm getting excited! I have quite a few great things planned for this year definitely stick around for that. Keep up with me on IG I’m always posting great products and my random shenanigans.

Until my next post ✌.