Hi Guys!
Glow Recipe has started their Black Friday sale! They have a curated list of select products that are on sale for 40% off (no coupon code needed), which you can find here: https://www.glowrecipe.com/collections/black-friday-40-off, and then they also have a coupon code BLACKFRIDAY25 for 25% off the rest of your purchase that isn't on sale (the code will not apply to the items that are already on sale for 40% off, but it'll apply to the full priced items)...but what's even better is using the code JELLYMASKREVIEW.

I use an extension on my Chrome browser called Honey that automatically cycles through a bunch of known coupon codes to find you the best one and it found that code for me, so I got even more than 25% off the non-sale items, which was awesome. I don't know if it works for everyone, but definitely try that code first before trying the Black Friday code because if I had just stuck with the 25% off Black Friday code I would have only gotten $18.50 taken off my purchase, but because I used the Jelly code that Honey found for me I got $29.28 knocked off my full priced purchases.

Even more exciting though is that my newly beloved holy grail J.One Jelly Cream moisturizer is one of the items on sale for 40% off! Anywho, here is my haul from Glow Recipe. I know I said I was going to cut back and not spend as much this year, but...yeah. What can I say.

In alphabetical order, I got...

Blithe Vital Treatment Essence - 5 Energy Roots
Sephora: https://go.magik.ly/ml/oe4x/

A rejuvenating essence treatment that works to awaken dull, depleted skin with 5 'energy' packed root extracts such as Red Ginseng that harmonize and balance the skin for an even, glowing complexion.

Packed with 5 different types of multi-activating packed root extracts such as Red Panax Ginseng, Grandiflorum Root Extract, Lanceolata Root Extract, Indian Lotus Leaf Extract & Greater Burdock Root Extract to soothe irritated skin and provide a harmonizing treatment, balancing out unevenness in skin coloration and texture. This essence treatment works to deliver hydration and repair depleted skin for a renewed, healthy glow.

WHY: I've already tried and love the 9 Seeds essence and I recently got the 8 Nourishing Beans essence which I'm loving, so I wanted to go ahead and try out the third and final essence in this line...and it's one of the items on sale for 40% off, so what better time than now to give it a whirl.

Primary Raw DoYou 2-Step Milk Peeling Kit

https://jet.com/product/Primary-Raw-DoYou-2-Step-Milk-Peeling-Kit

A two-step kit with an exfoliating swab and soothing sheet mask to reveal brighter, more hydrated, and smoother skin. 

This two-step peeling kit includes an exfoliating swab and soothing sheet mask so you can explore the Korean dermatology trend of milk peeling—a gentle, lactic acid based exfoliating method to reveal brighter, more hydrated, and smoother skin. Use the oversized, AHA Milk peel Swab pre-soaked with a blend of lactic acid and botanical extracts to gently peel away dead skin cells without irritation. Then apply the soothing soy-milk infused sheet mask, enriched with green tea and rosemary leaf, to help lock in moisture. After treatment, skin appears instantly brightened and rejuvenated.

This set contains:

AHA Milkpeel Swab (1x)

Sheet Mask (1x)

HOW TO USE

1. Sweep cotton swab across cleansed face, focusing on forehead, cheeks, nose, and trouble prone areas. Gently pat in for 10 seconds.

2. Fit sheet mask to face and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. After removing mask, pat excess essence into skin for maximum hydration.

4. Follow with a moisturizer.

INGREDIENTS

Lactic and Glycolic Acids: Gentle exfoliating acids to promote cellular turnover.

Apple Fruit Water: Smooths the look of skin and regulates sebum production.

Niacinamide: Brightens the skin and works to fade the appearance of dark spots over time.

Fennel Seed Extract: Rich in antioxidants for skin healing.

AHA Milkpeel Swab: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruit Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Houttuyria Cordata Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Lavandular Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract. 

Sheet Mask: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Swiftlet Nest Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Panthenol, Allantoin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) oil (200ppm), Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matriaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Adenosince, Carbomer, Tromethamine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA. 

Formulated Without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Synthetic dyes, and Mineral Oils

VERDICT
August 4th, 2017: I have been so into layering toners and essences this year I've like fallen off the sheet mask wagon, but I felt like having a pampering sesh...or rather I needed a relaxing pampering sesh time-out, so I whipped out one of the many, and I mean MANY, sheet masks that are still sitting in my sheet mask drawer screaming to be used. Side note, I really need to get back on the sheet mask bandwagon and make my way through all those masks because I literally have an entire drawer spilling over with sheet masks...it's shameful.

Anywho, let's get back on topic...so I whipped out this Primary Raw duo because I felt like my skin needed a good purging. I've been doing some home renovations...DIY home renovations and all that dust and fumes and crap from renovating has definitely taken its toll on my skin which was doing so well, and then all that crap (and sweat) just made my skin freak out. It's calming back down again, but I wanted a good skin purging so I thought it would be an ideal time to try out this milk peeling swab...but I gotta say I'm not a fan of the swab.

According to the description provided, the swab is supposed to be gentle and supposedly a non-irritating way to exfoliate the skin, but this stuff made my skin sting. Not to where it was completely unbearable, but it was definitely uncomfortable and not fun. Putting the sheet mask on right after definitely soothed it, so it's just a very brief period of stinging (however long it takes you to get the sheet mask on afterwards), but I don't want to use anything that makes my skin sting and irritates it...unless it gives me like mind blowing-ly amazing results, I don't need no stinging in my life.

As for the sheet mask, it felt so refreshing and soothing and nice when I got it on my face and it definitely acted fast to negate the stinging from the swab and calm my face. It's got a nice thickness to it and is made of that super soft and velvety cushy plush material that just feels so good on the skin, and while it was soaked in essence, it wasn't drenched in it...there was no leftover essence in the packaging. Also, it didn't really have a scent to it. It kind of seemed to want to smell like something, but it was very dull and hard to tell/detect if that makes any sense.

Fit-wise it wasn't too bad overall. I do have a larger than average sized head...at least compared to other Korean people, so it didn't completely cover my entire face per usual, but it was still pretty good width-wise. Length-wise it fell a little bit short in the forehead region, as it does most of the time, and as you can see in the pic below, it didn't cover my entire nose either. Eye holes were fine, and I would've liked a little bit bigger of a mouth hole, but it was fine and I was too lazy to grab a pair of scissors to try and enlarge it...this material definitely doesn't tear or want to stretch (although you can force it to stretch a little bit) so if you need to widen the eyes or mouth then you're gonna want to use some scissors to snip some slits.

Once removed, it didn't leave behind a ton of essence on the face so it was pretty quick to sink in, but it did feel a little sticky and tacky. Just a little bit though...like the equivalent of...the sticky part on a freshly peeled post it note? It did dissipate a tiny bit as the essence sank into the skin, but it did take some time and layering on of other products to go away 100% completely. As for the actual results...it was ok. It added some hydration and left my skin feeling a little bit softer and a little bit smoother with some brightening, but it wasn't anything amazing or significantly/noticeably effective, which is why I don't see myself repurchasing this or recommending it, especially since this is a pricier sheet mask...although it is a duo set that comes with that swab.

Oh, and I also wouldn't recommend or repurchase because a few minutes after I removed this sheet mask the irritation from the stinging from the swab started to come back. The sheet mask calmed down the stinging from the swab and it felt nice and my face remained calm for the duration of my sheet masking session, but a few minutes after removal my face went back to being unhappy.

My face just really didn't like that swab and didn't get along with it...although in retrospect I think my face just isn't a fan of those giant swabs overall. I've definitely tried one or two other of these giant exfoliating swab things and I wasn't a huge fan of either...I don't think. I'm trying to recall what it was, but I can't seem to remember. Anywho, if you have sensitive skin definitely stay away...or at least skip the swab and just try the sheet mask if you really want to try it regardless.

Hate that the first sheet mask I've used in a long while was a pass and not so great (in my opinion), but there are definitely other sheet masks out there that perform the same if not better than this one (and doesn't involve the skin irritating swab). For example, I LOVE the silk mask by Dr. Althea: https://ahnspired.blogspot.com/2016/07/dr-althea.html. I highly recommend checking that one out.

P.S. It's been so long since I did a review post I feel like I'm "out of shape" so to speak and all over the place...but hopefully it's still helpful and makes sense. I really need to get back to being more consistent, but...#LIFE. Hopefully things calm down though...I think it will start to calm down in the fall and I will be able to contribute more time to the blog.

References...
1. Sephora

FTC disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.

Ebay: https://go.magik.ly/ml/cg4t/

Size: Step 1 - 65g x 5EA, Step 2 - 15g x 5EA, and Bowl & Spatula (one size)
An advanced peel-off mask packed with premium nutrients to deliver rich moisture and abundant nourishment to the skin. This DIY mask is infused with natural herb and fruit extracts to visibly improve the skin's condition the natural way. It's easy to mix and easy to apply. Complete your professional skincare routine at the comfort of your own home in just two steps with Lindsay's Luxury Magic Mask Set.

Gold - this pack contains pure gold extract which is an effective ingredient in boosting the skin's natural glowing radiance. It gives the skin a luminous effect while also improving skin elasticity for a much youthful look.

HOW TO USE
Thoroughly mix the liquid and powder by stirring in a quick motion until it forms a creamy texture in collapsable bowl that is provided. After cleansing and toning, apply the mask mixture onto the face and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the pack after the allotted time and proceed to applying moisturizer.

INGREDIENTS
Step 1: Purified Water, Butylene Glycol, Algin, 1,2-Hexane Diol, Potassium Alginate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Colloidal Gold (5ppm), Niacinamide, Hyaluronidase Acid, Adenosine, Pearl Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Red Iron Oxide, Fragrance

Step 2: Glucose, Diatomatious Earth, Calcium Sulfate, Potassium Alginate, Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate, Hyaluronidase Acid, Magnesium Carbonate, Allantoin, Niacinamide, Colloidal Gold (5ppm), Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Gold Extract, Peppermint Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Red Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Fragrance

VERDICT
September 13th, 2016: This is a nice cooling refreshing super hydrating modeling mask, but I much prefer the modeling masks from Ettang which are cheaper but provide better results in my opinion. I don't know if it's because I've been dying to try this and my expectations were high going into it, but I was kind of disappointed. While it is nice, I don't think it performs as well as the Ettang masks.

The gold, which there really are flecks of gold in this and you can see it sparkling in the powder, didn't give me the radiant glow this claims to. If you're just looking for a super hydrating cooling and refreshing mask than this will be right up your alley, but the Ettang masks are equally if not more hydrating, cooling, refreshing, and leave your skin looking luminous and bright and super soft and smooth and beautiful...results that last for the entire night and all through the next day.

The one plus about this set though is the spatula that was included. The spatula included with the Ettang masks are absolute crap, but the Lindsay spatula is bomb. It's got a long handle which makes it super easy to hold and it has a nice sizable head to easily spread and apply the product on the face. I LOVE the spatula. The included bowl is meh...it's made of a silicone rubber and it feels cheap and easily rip-able at the seams. It's convenient in a pinch, but I would much prefer using an actual bowl.

I'm sure you can tell, but this is a pass for me. It's not that it's bad, but there's better and I've already gone ahead and repurchased another box of the Ettang modeling masks to take care of my rubber masking needs.

References...

Polatam Pure Cream Mask Hydro Radiance

https://amzn.to/32Dr3Xl
***As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.***

The Polatam Moisturizing Sheet Mask brightens and softens with a silky, ultra-absorptive cupro sheet drenched in a gel-like serum packed with Oak Root extract.

Blithe Vital Treatment Essence - 9 Essential Seeds

Ebay: https://go.magik.ly/ml/bzie/
Jet: https://go.magik.ly/ml/omhs/

Size: 150 ml

A rejuvenating essence treatment that works to brighten dull complexions, lighten dark spots, and maintain even-toned skin while instantly hydrating with 9 super powered seeds.

Packed with 9 seeds working to reveal brighter skin, this treatment essence can be applied to the face directly after cleansing and toning and followed with a moisturizer. Baobap seed contains high levels of illuminating and brightening Vitamin C, along with extracts of hyper-pigmentation busting Evening Primrose Oil and natural antibiotic Fennel seed, making this treatment ideal for troubled skin types and for those with uneven complexions and dark spots.

HOW TO USE

Use a pea sized amount of this treatment all over the face after cleansing and toning. Pat gently onto the skin in a circular motion and follow with a deeply hydrating moisturizer or cream.

INGREDIENTS

Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract (10.302%), Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract (8.585%), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract (8.585%), Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seed Extract (8.585%), Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract (8.585%), Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract (8.585%), Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract (8.585%), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (8.585%), Rosa Canina Seed Extract (8.585%), 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Glycereth-26, Water, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl, Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Leuconostoc/ Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Polyglutamic Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Menthyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Glycerin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Pancratium Maritimum Extract

Free of: Parabens, Synthetic Dyes & Fragrances, Mineral Oils

VERDICT
April 13th, 2017: If you're looking for a brightening product that actually works and is effective, then this will be your best friend. This does such a good job of fading scars, blemishes, dark spots, fighting hyper-pigmentation, etc. When I was having my acne breakout issues this past winter this did an amazing job of fading the acne scars, and dark spots, quickly.

Not only that, but this actually evened out my skin tone as well. My cheeks are usually always red and splotchy for whatever reason. It's always been that way ever since I hit puberty, but this actually cleared that up and made my complexion a lot more even and uniform which was so awesome and amazing. Unfortunately, after my recent skincare hiatus the red splotchiness on my cheeks have slowly crept back into my life, but if you use this religiously every day it will definitely help to even out your complexion. On top of that, this is also very hydrating and brightening as well... as in this will give you a healthy glowing from within radiant complexion.

Like I said, if you're in the market for a very effective and amazing brightening product that will work tirelessly to give you bright, radiant, and even skin then definitely check this out. This definitely is a treatment essence as it's aptly named, and I agree with the description given above in its entirety, which from my personal experience with this product I find to be very accurate, as long as you are using this religiously everyday.

While it is pricey at $42 a bottle, it's definitely worth the money and it does last you a decent while. I use this twice a day (morning and evening), although there have been the occasional lazy days and that recent 2 week skincare hiatus, and I still have about 1/4 or so of the bottle left and I started using it at the very tail end of December...so this will definitely last you at least 3 months if not more. I will definitely be repurchasing this when I run out.

Oh, and this smells really good. It's got a sweet citrus-y scent that I enjoy and find refreshing and while it is still a liquid, this is a thicker liquid that has a viscosity to it...which is probably why it's so hydrating and will last you awhile. It's not a thin liquid, but a more viscous liquid so you don't need to use as much product. Ok, I think I covered all my bases now.

References...
1. Glow Recipe

FTC disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.

Hi Guys!

It's been a very busy morning/afternoon for me, but I just now had a chance to look at my personal emails and I saw that Glow Recipe is having a 20% off sale just for today and tomorrow!

Considering it's Glow Recipe, that's a pretty good discount for them. The most I've ever seen from them is 25% off, which that was for Black Friday, so if you're interested in any of the products on their website then now's the time to take advantage.

I don't think I've done a proper full review on my Black Friday Glow Recipe haul aside from the Huxley trial kit: https://ahnspired.blogspot.com/2016/12/huxley-skincare.html, but I can tell you that that I love the Huxley Extract It Toner, although I personally wasn't as fond of the Oil Essence and Anti-Gravity cream...if you have very dry skin you'll probably enjoy those a lot more, but I did love the toner enough to end up getting a full sized bottle of it even though I couldn't fathom paying so much for a toner at the time of review...and am thoroughly enjoying it.

I also love the Blithe Vital Treatment Essence in 9 Essential Seeds and the Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum (review is forthcoming)...and while I've only tried the Whamisa Organic Flowers Olive Leaf Mist like twice it was really nice and I have a feeling I will love that product as well...although not for very long as they only give you 80 ml of product and I'm by no means a dainty spritzer.

Anywho, it looks like a lot of the products are starting to sell out, so if you're interested in this sale hurry on over: https://www.glowrecipe.com/. Sale end March 2 at 11:59PM (EST). Details from the email below.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

Sephora: http://go.magik.ly/ml/3p2a/

A bestselling gel-cream to intensely moisturize and calm dehydrated, irritated skin. 

This cult classic gel-cream deeply hydrates, soothes, and softens all skin types—even the hypersensitive ones. Powered by Caudalie's organic grape water and patented grape-seed polyphenols, this cream not only provides hydration, but it also protects the skin from free-radicals, which causes wrinkles. This formula is rich in Vinolevure® to strengthen skin to become less sensitive and more resilient over time. 

HOW TO USE

Morning and evening, apply on cleansed face and neck. 

Tip: For best results, use this product in conjunction with the Vinosource Moisturizing Cream-Mask (used twice a week).

Spa Tip: store your Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet in the refrigerator for an intense feeling of freshness and coolness.

INGREDIENTS

Organic Grape Water: Moisturizes.

Grape-seed Polyphenols: Rich in antioxidants.

Vinolevure: Strengthens and moisturizes.