In the best text message video ever sent to me by my best friend Joanna last Wednesday…
It’s true, guys… I GOT MARRIED. And we announced it at our “engagement party” last Thursday to much surprise and joy. But more on that later… (A lot more actually, because I discovered so many things in the process that I want to share with you.)
But to start, I had to get my skin in check. Because as a bride, all eyes (and cameras) are on you. And a flawless face is the perfect canvas for beautiful bridal makeup.
So after getting my diet and supplements in check for a natural glow (Thank you, Mary Schook) and after getting my pores to behave (Thank you, Dr. Schultz), it was about refining, hydrating, smoothing, evening and so on.
To say I tested many a mask is an understatement.
So you don’t have to do the same, here are my favorites…
1. The DERMAdoctor Kakadu C Amethyst Clay Detox Mask, $58 (many uses per jar)
Ok, obviously the color is soooo pretty but what does it do and does it do it well. What makes this purple stunner one of my favorite new face masks? This mask is made to decongest pores, even the complexion and revive dull skin. The clay pulls impurities and detoxifies without stripping the skin of its natural oils. There is also a bit of exfoliating action as well.
RESULTS: Bright, glowing skin that was also soft and supple.
2. Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Petal Peel, $64 (many uses per container)
This powerful two-stepper is an alternative to a chemical peel and uses vitamin C to brighten and even the skin and stimulate cell turnover. It also smooths fine lines and discoloration of the face. The first step is an aloe gel that cleanses skin and preps pores for the second step, which contains fruit, glycolic and sugar-derived lactic AHAs and removes impurities, dirt and excess oil while resurfacing skin.
RESULTS: Brighter skin that was perfectly plumped.
3. Karuna Renewal + Eye Mask, $36 (set of 4)
This thin 100% natural, biodegradable wood-pulp fiber eye mask hydrates to plump fine lines around the eyes yet also depuffs the area, which seems contradictory but in fact the mask helps with both issues. It also aids in the appearance of dark circles, which every bride needs! Ingredients include hyaluronic acid and peptides to refresh and plump, aloe vera and chamomile to soothe and hydrate and Chinese licorice and vitamin B to detox.
RESULTS: Younger, less tired looking eyes. Amen.
4. Ling SparkLING Makeover Mask, $80 (4 masks)
Oh how I heart bubbles!! And this bubbling, foamy mask uses “carboxy technology to draw out massive amounts of oxygen to the surface of the skin.” The oxygen mask purifies, rejuvenates, firms and awakens skin. Other ingredients include rose petal extracts, rice and soy extracts, hyaluronic acid and collagen. Together they allow for “vasodilation” which results in the discharge of waste from the skin, improvement in blood circulation which creates healthier, radian skin and anti-inflammation which improves skin problems like acne and dehydration.
RESULTS: Fresh, supple skin that appears alive and awake (even if your feeling like neither). This mask is gentle and also fun to use.
5. Tammie Fender Epi-Peel, $80 (many uses per container)
This peel polishes the skin, removing impurities, dirt, makeup, residue, you name it… It decongests the skin and refines the pores but manages to leave skin hydrated and balanced. Pretty awesome for an all-natural, holistic, vegan, paraben-free product. It also claims to enliven the spirit and empower the mind. Which I totally dig.
RESULTS: Clean, clear, lush skin.
6. Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask, $6.99 (4 packets)
Sick of my face by now? Me too! So I enlisted my beloved Paul Christopher to test this one with me. Beyond being SUPER economical, this quickie self-heating mask truly deep cleans in one minute. Using natural charcoal, reknown for pulling out impurities from the skin, the grey paste heats on contact with water to clean out and ultimately tighten pores.
RESULTS: Tight, smooth, clean, happy skin. In no time at all.
7. Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Revival Mud, $36 (many uses per container)
MUD!! This multi-tasker does so much that I pulled it right down my neck and across my chest. I wore a strapless top for my wedding ceremony and a plunge dress for my “engagement party” and I wanted all the skin to be smooth and supple, tight and firm. This mud mask improves elasticity, hydration, skin tone, skin texture, the look of fine lines, and more. It also soothes irritated skin, so if – for example – you got a little too much sun before your big day, it will help to heal it.
RESULTS: Hydrated, bouncy, fresh, even skin.
8. Patchology FlashPatch Eye Gels, $50 (30 pairs)
The Patchology FlashPatch gel eye mask feels super luxurious as it cools and plumps the eye area. In just 5 minutes, eyes look less puffy, less crinkly, less dull, less dry, less tired… less old. And, bonus, eyes are perfectly primed for makeup to glide smoothly over the newly refreshed skin. Ingredients include caffeine, sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed collagen, amino acids and more.
RESULTS: A tighter, brighter, incredibly nourished eye area. Love these guys so much, I used them at the hair salon on my wedding day ♥
To giving good face on your special occasions and all the days before and after them!
xoLC
NOTE: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. Samples were provided for editorial consideration and/or my use as a professional makeup artist. All photos are property of DIVAlicious.
Lauren Cosenza is the creator and editor-in-chief of DIVAlicious, a trusted beauty/fashion expert, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a leading NYC-based professional makeup artist, a published contributor and writer, a brand consultant, a product junkie and an insatiable style seeker — with a former life at Cosmopolitan and Shape magazines.
Serving up style with a side of attitude, her site DIVAlicious gives women (and men) the confidence and permission to be fabulous. The site is filled with must-have products, pro tips and tricks, how-to DIY tutorials, makeovers, style inspiration and insider access. Topics range from beauty, fashion, culture, career, fitness, wellbeing, men’s and unisex offerings.
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