.:: CybeleSays ::.

I’ve read many places that you should be wary of at-home peels and such but it seems that more and more companies are putting out, what they call, “gentler strength” ones for just that. And I guess that’s what my job is for here, right? It’s a tough one, but I’m up for the challenge. So take this REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel ($55/1.7oz @ sephora.com), for example. It sounds quite daunting doesn’t it? It’s pretty simple actually. It’s a resurfacing mask that uses fruit acids and Papain to deeply exfoliate the skin, that’s it. Even though it’s made for acne or blemish-prone skin, my normal to dry skin seemed to do just fine with it, like I just had a deep cleaning and it only takes 10 minutes once a week.
And another way to weigh the cost of this one is that I only had to use a little bit each time, so this tube will last you quite a long time.

Have sensitive to normal or oily skin? Rosacea? Does your skin just need a pick me up? EMiNENCE ORGANIC SKIN CARE Quince & Ice Wine Masque ($52/2oz @ ariva.com) might just be one for you. And if you’ve never gotten excited about a face mask, this is a good one to start with as it has some pretty great ingredients to give skin a boost – the juice of ice wine (the grapes are frozen still on the vine thus allowing a more concentrated grape), apple pulp and juice, quince (used for  its softening, moisturizing and restructuring properties), honey, echinacea, jojoba oil a Biocomplex of vitamins A and E, and Co-Q10 to name a few. So while the mask is on the face, they say it neutralizes free radicals with antioxidants, calms and soothes with the echinacea and honey and then that Biocomplex kicks in to help brighten the skin. Even though this is only 2 ounces, this is the case where a little goes a long way. Highly recommended.

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Last fall, KANEBO came out with the Sensai Cellular Performance Lifting Series. Not only does this brand have quite the cult following, but I’m sure this full anti-aging line will soon too. My first pick of the litter is the Sensai Cellular Performing Lifting Mask ($180 @ kanebo.com for a location near you). If you read this site regularly, you know we love a good mask and this one doesn’t disappoint and it’s a fun one to use since it peels off. No mess! Step one consists of spreading a smooth layer (only 3 or so pumps) of the Lifting Concentrate (.68oz) onto the skin. If contains highly concentrated Natural Musculifter, which is a natural yeast-derivative called Biodyne. Translation: it improves the texture and claims to energize muscle cells, whatever that means. I understand this next second step better. The Lifting Peel-Off Mask (1.7oz) reacts with the concentrate to help the skin absorb the nutrients and exfoliate the surface. I feel like a commercial here but it really did improve the overall texture, tone, and moisture level on my face. My skin was very smooth and did not feel at all tight.
The overall process takes about 26 minutes (25 on the face and 1 to apply) and it was the best 26 minutes I spent on my skin all weekend.

We introduced you to the NUDE line back in January and I finally had a chance to try the Miracle Mask ($70/1.4oz @ barneys.com). Let me say first that just because this product is made with mostly natural ingredients, that doesn’t mean it is gentle. So with that said, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to forgo this one as it’s not recommended for you.

This Nude line uses a lot of alternatives to harsh chemicals and this one is your answer to that dull winter complexion. It uses natural AHAs and mandarin extract to exfoliate and red ginseng to smooth your skin out and boost up the appearance.
The only thing I don’t like about the product line is the label. Once you peel it off to open the product up, there goes all the info on the product and you are just left with the blank container. Just a suggestion, Nude!

I got so much more than I ever dreamed I would the first time I tried this is a super star at home mask. MALIN + GOETZ new Detox Face Mask ($38/4oz @ malinandgoetz.com) not only produced timely results but the smell of the natural almond extract calmed me immediately. The thick formula feels good going on the skin and afterwards it felt firmer, smoother, lifted and plumper! Amino acid hydration technology (their description) translates to adding stable vitamin c, vitamin e and soy protein to address concerns for aging. Oxygenation cleansing agents deep pore cleanse and lift out all the impurities. There is zero irritation and it is safe for all skin types. You really need to get this one! ~Lisa

This at home treatment mask is also easily portable to take on trips. TAHiTiAN NONI TePoema Pore Refining Mud Mask comes in a canister with 8 single use packets for a refreshing treat to help prevent blackheads and clear up troubled skin. They use Tahitian volcanic black sand and natural earth clays to draw out impurities. Spread it all over your face and neck and relax for 10-12 minutes while it completely dries, and then rinse off. You can use this once per week, or more if necessary. $40/8 packets @ tahitiannoni.com ~Lisa