Mask Archives - Nina Louise

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! It’s always at this time of year that my skin needs a boost the most. I’m not sure why I’m so shocked by this, every single time January rolls around (actually, I sort of roll into January after all I’ve eaten over Christmas). It’s no surprise that my skin is in protest after all that I’ve put it through! The weather doesn’t help either, my face feels as dry as a raisin. So, I’ve come up with a list of my favourite face masks to battle the blemishes and drench those dry patches. New year, new skin!

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L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Blue Algae Blemish Rescue Face Mask

What is it: This mask is an absolute game-changer. It’s the one thing that I’m constantly recommending to everyone. I first tried it last year and since them, I’ve lost count of how many pots I’ve bought since. The mask combines three Pure Clays with Marine Algae extract, known for it’s spot-fighting properties. The mask feels creamy and hydrating and it also smells incredible! These amazing ingredients target pores by unclogging blackheads and reducing the appearance of blemishes. Surprisingly the mask leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh without drying it out whatsoever!

How to use it: After cleansing, I apply a thin layer all over my face. I usually wait for about 10-15 minutes, looking like a Smurf, before washing it off with warm water.

Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood Regenerating Sleeping Mask

What is it: I love skincare already but masks that work overnight are on another level. I don’t always have an afternoon to sit and wait for a face mask to fix my face. That’s why this Dr. Botanicals mask became an essential in my collection! It’s enriched with Pomegranate Extract, an antioxidant that smoothens and brightens for a glowing and radiant complexion! The mask nourishes dull and thirsty skin, which is perfect for January right? It’s also vegan-friendly and PETA approved too!

How to use it: I apply a thin layer all over my face and then I give it a few minutes to sink in before I hit the hay. Voila! That’s literally all you have to do! When I wake up, my skin feels so soft and refreshed – it’s kind of magic actually. Bye bye dry, hello glow!

Quick Fix Facials – Black Peel Mask

What is it: Quick Fix Facials are one of my favourite brands when it comes to face masks. I’ve always got at least one of their tubes on the go and my latest obsession is this Black Peel Mask. Packed with Activated charcoal, Witch Hazel and Allantoin, the mask targets blocked pores, excess oil and impurities. The charcoal helps to purify the skin by drawing out impurities and dead skin cells. Witch Hazel helps to keep the skin clear and tighten pores. Allantoin smooths the skins texture for a more even complexion. Basically, it gives your skin the deep cleanse that it really needs!

How to use: Apply and thin layer onto dry and cleansed skin, avoiding fine hairs (pain like no other, you’ve been warned) and allow it to dry for about 15-20 minutes before peeling off. Prepare for the most satisfying moment EVER. If you’re really gross like me, you can look at what the mask has drawn out, it’s mind-blowing! If there’s an residue left, you can just wash it off with some warm water and a flannel.

Argan+ – 5-Oil Miracle Clay Mask

What is it: They’ve actually rebranded and this mask is now called “Lift and Renew” and I’ve linked the new version above! This mask is amazing at renewing, nourishing and revitalising the skin. Enriched with Argan Oil and Shea Butter, it helps replenish and smooth fine lines. It also features Kaolin and Green Clay help draw out impurities. I use this mask whenever my skin is looking dull and

How to use it: Apply generously to clean, dry skin and allow to dry. Rinse off with warm water. I tend to use the mask once a week when I’m having a pamper night!

Good Things – Five Minute Facial Anti Blemish Face Mask

What is it: I discovered this in my local T.K. Maxx! They actually seem to be the only place that stock their masks at the moment, but you can always order from their site too. Whenever I can feel the blemishes creeping back – this magical tube comes to the rescue! It’s a multi-tasker, aiming to make your skin clearer, brighter and smoother – all in one go! The ingredients include green clay and kaolin to draw out impurities, avocado oil to nourish and moisturise, goji berry extract to soothe and willow bark extract for radiance. What a combination! When it comes to masks that target blemishes, I always worry that they will dry my skin out, but surprisingly this one leaves my skin feeling silky soft!

How to use: After cleansing, apply a thin layer and allow five minutes for it to dry. Splash with warm water and rinse off using warm water and a flannel. Use weekly.

There we have it ladies and gents! Five face masks that you definitely need in your life! What are your favourite face masks to use? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to follow me on my socials – come and say hi!

N xxxx

Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You don’t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytime with a monthly subscription – no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only £10 per month! You can edit your beauty profile on their site in order to ensure you get sent products that are suitable for your skin/hair type and personal preferences. Birchbox is so great for discovering new brands and products. I have been subscribed to Birchbox for over a year now and I look forward to receiving their boxes every month. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve received because I have loved them so much. Every box you receive is beautifully packaged, some months are designed and inspired by artists and companies. One month the box was created and designed in partnership with Oliver Bonasand I use it to store makeup in as it’s so beautiful!

This month, Birchbox teamed up with British fashion designer Matthew Williamson. The box is truly the epitome of luxe design and it’s so perfect for this time of year. I feel like December is a month that for some people, can be really stressful. Many seem to forget to take a minute to relax and pamper themselves and this box has definitely motivated me to do just that!

So let’s take a look at the first item…

(FULL SIZE) Pixi – Shea Butter Lip Balm in Natural Rose : £8

I actually already own a Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in the shade Honey Nectar which I love, so I was super excited when I saw another one in my December box! It adds the perfect amount of colour without drying my lips out completely, however for some reason I don’t feel like it’s as moisturising as my previous lip balm by Pixi. I would have liked a more nourishing product for this time of year as this is when my lips are chapping like there’s no tomorrow. I will definitely still use it, just not if my lips are in need of help. Natural Rose is a gorgeous nude-pink shade, perfect for more natural looks. The packaging has a vintage feel to it which is adorable and it’s the perfect size to keep in your handbag.

Baïja Paris – Caramelised Honey Body Scrub : £14.90 (via the Birchbox shop)

I had never heard of this brand before but after looking on their website it’s clear that they sell lots of other beautiful products too. This body scrub smells INCREDIBLE, if you imagine freshly made caramel or fudge – something along those lines. It’s made up of 97% natural ingredients which I love as I feel it would be a real treat for my skin. It’s perfect for exfoliating and scrubbing away dry and dead skin to make you feel fresh and moisturised. I cannot wait to have a cosy pamper night in with this!

ModelCo – Contour Stick : £13 (via the Birchbox shop)

I am not blessed with chiseled cheeks so I’ll happily fake it until I make it. I was so happy to see this contour stick in my December box. For the last couple of years I have been completely hooked on the Barry M contour cream sticks (which I will be including in my every day makeup items post – coming soon!) however, I’m so excited to try something new. The one that I currently use is quite cool toned which sometimes doesn’t work for a warm summery look. This product seems nice and warm toned which will be perfect for Summer and natural holiday makeup. I also love that the end is pointed which means contouring can be done with precision. When I was swatching the product I was surprised at how creamy it was and how well it blended! This is something I look for in contouring sticks as I’m not a fan of streaky cheeks and I like products that blend like a seamlessly. I use a dewy foundation and this would glide perfectly over it to create a healthy and glowing makeup look.

Sand & Sky – Brilliant Skin Purifying Clay Mask – £39.90

Is it just me or are there some strong Nip+ Fab vibes from this packaging? This product particularly caught my eye as I love a good face mask on pamper nights. The product is claimed to detox, invigorate and brighten your complexion (yes please). The main ingredient is pink Australian clay which apparently draws impurities out from the skin. The product also contains soothing aloe vera and pore tightening pomegranate.

(FULL SIZE)Spectrum Collections – B04 Angled Blender Brush – £4.99

I practically squealed when I saw this brush poking out from beneath the other products. I always say you can never have too many blending brushes so this one will be going straight into my collection. I love that it’s angled so that you can be precise with your shadows. The colour of the brush also had me drooling as anything gold or rose gold always catches my eye and matches my aesthetic in my bedroom.

Overall I think this box is worth the money that I paid for it (£10) as the products are all very luxurious this month and there are two full sized products included which together have a total value of £13! Let me know if you are subscribed to Birchbox and what you thought of this box or if you are subscribed to any other beauty boxes, I would love to know!

Go ahead and use my link (here) to subscribe and you will get £5 off your first Birchbox!