Sparkled Beauty

It is definitely a case of Blue Monday today guys. We had a crazy whiteout blizzard on Friday, so the weekend had been busy with snow removal and getting groceries among other things. As a result, today I am just so out of it.

A good thing from the weekend: I found Masque-ology masks at Winners. I am going through a mask phase right now. Remember my Face mask haul when I was on vacation? I did go back and get all 3 types of mask packs, so Masque-ology is a nice addition to the bunch :)

I found 4 types of Masque-ology masks ("Researched and developed by top dermatologists in Korea"). 3 per pack (3.17oz/ 90g) for $8.99, comparable to $24. If you are in the US, they are $5.99/ box at Marshall or TJ Maxx.

The first mask I was excited to find is the Anti blemish mask with Tea Tree Leaf extract.

Supposed to soothe and calm blemishes, help to control sebum production, this mask sounds like a good one for me.

Key ingredients:
- Tea Tree Leaf oil (clears skin infections and acne, soothes skin irritations)
- Pinecone Bud extract (anti inflammation)
- Hogweed extract (calming)
- Aloe Leaf juice (anti bacteria/ fungus/ inflammatory, soothes skin).

The full ingredient list is listed on the packaging but since this is not a review, I chose to mention just the key ingredients FYI.

The Pore minimizing mask with Mushroom extract is to minimize the visible appearance of pores and refine skin's overall texture and appearance.

Key ingredients:
- Sodium Hyaluronate (hold 1,000 times its weight in water, helps skin absorb more water effectively)
- Panthenol (improves hydration, reduces itching and inflammation, improves healing of epidermal wounds)
- Mushroom extract (reduces inflammation and irritation, impacts the appearance of lines and collagen production, helps brighten, fade sunspots and acne scars, etc.)
- Ceramide 3 (repairs damage to the skin's moisture barrier, smooth away wrinkles and crows feet).

I do know that pores aren't going anywhere no matter what you do, but minimizing the look of them with a mask is good enough for me.
The Anti aging mask with Hydrolyzed Elastin (note the age-appropriate model): helps to restore a youthful complexion, diminish the visible signs of fine lines and wrinkles. Sounds good! :)

Key ingredients:
- Collagen (helps produce and build collagen in the skin)
- Oat Kernel extract (anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties)
- Hydrolyzed Elastin (naturally derived, water-soluble protein)
- Caviar extract (high in Vitamin content: A, D, E, B1, B2 and B6 with amino acid, iron, copper and cobalt, highly antioxidant and nourishing, provides moisture and repairs skin damage).

Again, I don't expect to erase years off my face with a mask, but having a nice facial night at home with good ingredients for the skin does not sound half bad.
And lastly, the Hydrate & Repair mask with Caviar extract. It is meant to hydrate the skin to maintain a lasting moisture balance, repair and restore the skin's youthful appearance.

Key ingredients:
- Caviar extract (mentioned above)
- Green Algae extract (with 13 different vitamins and 20 essential amino acids)
- Brown Algae extract (rich in sea minerals, highest content of Iodine found in any food group, great detoxification properties and anti-oxidant).

I looked up the brand trying to find more information. Looks like Beauty Architects brought Masque-ology to Sephora (North America) in March 2012. The brand participated in a Birchbox release in June that year, but haven't been very active since. The brand's social media pages (twitter, FB) haven't been updated since October 2012. What's up with that?

There are other types of masks at Masque-ology: Brightening, Lifting and Firming, Anti oxidant, Cell renewal, Collagen hydro gel, and Revitalizing Eye. If you happen to come across them at Winners and give them a try, I'd love to hear your thoughts.