At the moment, it is the nice things in life which have disappeared. Meeting friends and family – and giving them essential hugs – meals out, trips to the cinema or theatre, leisurely browsing in the shops and, of course, appointments with our beauty experts. While these are all luxuries, of course, and we can survive without them, this sort of imposed isolation we are all working through, can be nonetheless empty without these niceties in life.
Adding a touch of momentary joy, and much-needed help for stressed skin, are the technologically advanced masks from one of South Korea’s leading brands – Banobagi – see it as the next best thing to a trip to a beautician.
Take the Milk Thistle Repair Mask, £3.20, for example. Developed by a team of 30 medical professionals and based on 20 years of research, the mask contains a pioneering cocktail of ingredients that leave the skin smoother and more youthful looking after just one application – even for the most sensitive skin.
Giving salon-results, the embossed sheet is soaked with 11 different ingredients, including Milk Thistle, Burdock Root, Niacinamide and Centella Asiatic, all of which work to get rid of unwanted lines. Create a soothing atmosphere at home – candles, music, a good book – leave it on for 20 minutes. You’ll find that your complexion looks smoother, feels velvety and appears radiant.
For those after an immediate lift – and who doesn’t need that right now? – the Vita Genic Jelly Mask, £3.60, will also perform wonders.
It has a unique jelly texture, packed with 11 vitamin complexes and Jeju volcanic ash, which helps calm tired and sensitive skin. It works to soothe the skin and promote collagen synthesis, protecting the skin barrier and improving skin texture. All you do is leave the cotton sheet on for 10-20 minutes, massage in any remaining essence, and skin looks uplifted and revived.
Lastly, comes the Banobagi Vita Cocktail Foil Mask, £3.60. The triple-layer foil mask contains mineral water, hydrolysed collagen and witch hazel extract to moisturise dry skin and tighten pores. Korean skincare is known for its technologically advance formulas, and this is no exception. It contains a cocktail of vitamins to help make skin more ‘elastic’ – for that, read: youthful, fresh-faced and healthier.
It’s easy to use and gives results fast – first, cleanse and tone the face, then place the upper and lower parts of the mask on the face, foil side outwards. Let the skin absorb the essence for 10-20 minutes and when you remove it, just pat the remaining serum into skin – you’ll notice the difference immediately.
All masks are available from glamtouch.co.uk
*This review is based on press samples
