Review - Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque

• Alpha and Polyhydroxy Acids offer anti-aging benefits to decrease lines and wrinkles and plump the skin in a powerful peel off mask
• Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone help reduce the look of wrinkles
• Gluconolactone, a potent Polyhydroxy Acid decreases lines and wrinkles by strengthening the skin and building the dermal matrix so skin appears fuller and plumper
• Vitamins A and E and a Pro Vitamin B Complex moisturize while Antioxidant Pro-Vitamin C helps to defend against free radicals
• Polyhydroxy acid is also a gentle exfoliant and natural antioxidant andimproves the skin's clarity, luminosity and refines pore size, leaving skin truly refreshed and rejuvenated

Oh my god, girl, you do not even know how much I love a peel-off mask. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. Even when I was a pre-teen, before the ravages of mild to moderate acne, I used to love just slathering that gel on my face, letting it dry while I watched an episode of Full House, and then peeling it off and rolling it into little balls.

This mask is a little fancier than the Drug Emporium (RIP)-purchased masks of my youth, but it is just as satisfying. As you can see from all the science talk up there, this mask has a bunch of stuff in it to make you look prettier than you already are (I assume Beautifile readers are the prettiest). But what I care about more is: how does it feel on my face? This mask feels SOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOD, like you are putting pudding on your face, but then it gets tight and makes your pores feel really small (I'm not even sure how it's possible to feel that, but trust: that's what it felt like). Anyway, I really liked it, but I would so not pay $30 for it. But this Amazon seller claims to have it for $6.49, which, I don't know, but try it, I guess? I hope you don't accidentally waste $6.49! I cannot vouch for them, so let us know how it does if you risk it.

Review- Caudalie Moisturizing Cream Mask

This mask intensely and lastingly soothes and moisturizes even the driest skin. It replenishes while restoring the skin's comfort, softness and radiance. No parabens. Cruelty and artificial coloring free.

When this mask says moisturizing, it means moisturizing! I just did this mask for the second time and my face feels as smooth as a baby's bottom. There are 2 ways to use this mask: as a hydrating mask that you leave on for 15 minutes then tissue off or for the truly dry, you can use it as a heavy duty moisturizer. I've used it both ways & I love it. It completely eliminates flakey, tight skin. As a moisturizer I've only used it as a spot treatment because it has a reasonably thick consistency. All Caudalie products are based on "Vinotherapie" which is their own word for using the skin saving, anti-oxidant properties of grapes. So as this mask adds moisture to your skin, it's also infusing it with anti-oxidants. If you have dry skin or tend to get chapped in winter, I highly recommend this versatile mask.

Maria says:

Oh. My. Goodness. How I love this mask. Boy, what a homerun I scored with the Caudalie products - adore the buffing cream and I adore this mask. The first time I used it, I kept it on overnight - As Hillary says above, it really does eliminate dry, flaky skin. The second time I used it, I just kept it on for about a half hour then tissued off - loved it that way too. Would I buy it again? Probably. But I think I'd buy the buffing cream first and then this mask second. But it is so worth at least trying. I'm going to try to save some for the really cold weather - if I can. I'm kind of addicted to it and it may not make it that long!

Review- Perricone MD Hydrating Nutrient Mask

Provides instant hydration and locks in moisture. Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Imparts a fresh radiance. With Olive Fruit Extract, Jojoba & Vitamin E. $65

My skin is usually as dry as the bottom of a Bedouin's flip flop. Even in the summer my face can peel from dryness. That's why I was so excited when I got this mask to try. Perricone is a well respected name in skin care and I have to say this mask lives up to expectations. The box says to use the mask once weekly, but I'm finding it helpful to use it 2-3 times a week. But again, my skin is not average. It smells great which I suspect is because of the olive fruit. You coat your face in the thick cream and leave it on 15-20 minutes. You then tissue it off and rinse. It leaves your skin soft as a baby's bottom. The ingredient list reads like a who's who of the anti-oxidant world. This mask is the perfect remedy for winter skin, especially for those of us who are frequently exposed to the elements.

Review - Mario Badescu Calma Mask

An oil-free formulation for acne inflamed or very sensitive skin that is oily. Contains Balsam Peru, Kaolin (clay) and soothing Calamine.

My skin, as I have mentioned previously, is prone to get all red, itchy, irritated and to just generally freak OUT if I do anything that it doesn't like. I've been using this Calma mask two times a week for the past two weeks with a nice noticeable difference: way less freaking out. OK I might still freak out mentally, but my skin is pretty calm and I believe I have these cool Mario Badescu products to thank for this good stuff!

Review - Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

The original natural home treatment, developed by a dermatologist, that will actually dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and even help shrink enlarged pores.Helps dry up acne pimples. Rinses away blackheads.

It really doesn't matter how expensive or special or foreign and exotic a mudmask is, it seems to all be the same except a lot of them smell weird or are too harsh. Queen Helene has been around forever, has pure ingredients, isn't tested on animals and get this, it costs like $4 at your local drug store/supermarket. How can you go wrong with that? I try to use this mask (or the queen helene regular mud masque) at least once a week. Usually once every two weeks. It just makes my skin feel cleaner, purified, and makes it really absorb moisture after I wash the mask off.

Sure we all like to pamper ourselves with expensive sort of things, but for mud masks, this is pretty much the best even though it's pretty much the cheapest too.

Sheba says:
I agree 100%, Amanda. This product has been around for ages and it would not still be around if it wasn't pretty darn good. So many beauty items come and go but this one remains on the shelf. They used pure ingredients before it was politically correct to do so. I have been using this off and on for years and it never fails. Amanda felt it works as well as some of the much more expensive ones and she is so right about that. I will treat myself to a much more costly one every once in a while . . . just for something different. This works as well as most of the ones I have tried. I love that I can just pick it up and not have to wait for it to be sent while also avoiding the shipping charges.

Hillary says:

I too love the Queen Helene Mask. It dries up pimples like nobody's business without damaging the surrounding skin. If you get blemishes, this should be in your arsenal. And at $4 a pop, how can you go wrong? This stuff will always have a place of honor in my bathroom.

Review- Mario Badescu Flower and Tonic Mask

This is a combination purifying and calming mask for congested, bumpy or slightly oily skin types. The Kaolin based formula absorbs dirt and oil from pores while the soothing, botanical Balsam Peru ingredient soothes minor redness and irritation.

Good for these Skin Types: Combination, Oily, Sensitive

This is a very gentle kaolin (clay) mask for people who tend to break out and have combo to oily skin. I have dry skin with breakouts so this mask leaves me the tiniest bit dry. This was easily remedied by my normal moisturizer. But I'll tell you this- I didn't see a zit for a week and there was no reddness or irritation in sight. I highly recommend this to people with slightly oily skin that breaks out. You'll look like a zombie with the mask on, but you'll take it off to fresh looking skin.

Review - Fresh Umbrian Clay Face Mask

A purifying multi-functional treatment with a neutralizing action that detoxifies the skin. Umbrian Clay stimulates circulation and encourages cell turnover. Creamy liquid formula is enhanced with balancing lavender water, white nettle and live leaf extracts suitable for all skin types: can be used as a cleanser, mask or spot treatment.

This is, admittedly, a pretty great clay mask. I have used a LOT of different types of masks over the years, the kind you peel off and feel all lizardy about, the ones that dry up and change color, heat up, crackle... all sorts of stuff. So admittedly, this one is quite gentle and smells great, and is easy to rinse off compared to a lot of clay masks that can really stick to your skin (never kind to your HAIR and make it look all weird around the perimeter of your face). my issue is the price, I can't truly justify paying between $35-40 for this product when it's only a LITTLE better than some that you can get at say, Origins, for 1/3 of the price? However, if you do have the extra dough to spend, it's definitely worth it if for the nice smell and rinsability alone.

Review - Astara Golden Flame Mask

By virtue of highly active hydrating and calming constituents, this soothing, refreshing, delicate mask imparts instant moisture to dry and weather-damaged skin, yet is suitable for gently nurturing and calming all skin types. Excellent for use after exposure to sun and wind. Key Ingredients:Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Cucumber, Vitamin E, Sodium PCA, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Chamomile, Comfrey, Calendula.Skin Type:All Skin TypesTo Use:Apply a generous layer to face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse gently. May be left on overnight or conclude with recommended moisturizer. $25 - $42

CitySicker says:

This stuff is amazing. I use it in the winter months to aid when my skin is dry and needs a boost. This is so gentle that I never have any adverse reaction. It's easy to apply. I use a fan brush and put a thin layer over my face to right below my chin. It's got a light scent that is a little perfumy but doesn't bother my skin. I like to leave it on as long as possible. I will put it on and go off and do something. This doesn't dry down to a tight face either, it pretty much will remain like a gem on my face that stiffens up but doesn't get hard. I use a wash cloth to rinse. The mask leaves behind plump hydrated skin. My face will have a radiant boost after and the next morning I feel like, "YEAH!" I am rosy and fresh looking. This is great after being out in the elements. I went skiing yesterday so I had this on last night. I have the larger jar and I will use one for the entire winter. I like to use it as a treat so I don't indulge in this often. I love it and will continue to use. This is a fun line and it's available everywhere, but worth a look!