After my brief (ha) hiatus, I found myself hesitant to roll back into producing beauty content. My fingers need a little push to do more than just hover above the keyboard as I contemplate the “bigger purpose” on rambling on about lipsticks, moisturizers and mascaras. The head—spinning question ‘what’s it worth?’ racketeered around my brain and discomfort settled in when I couldn’t pluck a tangible answer from my muddled thoughts. I got a bit stuck in this spiral and came to the conclusion that maybe I wouldn’t produce beauty content any more. Well first off, that’s a shit conclusion and I’ve already told past Hana off for even considering it because beauty is the reason I got into blogging and it is still one of my favorites things to read and write about. Second of all, the need to write for some “bigger purpose” is one I’m vehemently avoiding because it sucks the joy out of writing for fun.
I know that a review on my favorite new hair are isn’t going to answer anyone’s questions about eternal peace or the meaning of life, but it’s something that brings me a little bit of joy and I want to share that with others. These pieces are by no means profound and life-altering, but when you’re having a crap day because your skin is acting like a mood-swinging toddler throwing the fit to end all fits, maybe a positive review on a product that could help offers a little light at the end of the tunnel. Or at least it’s a little escape from the considered head-bashing (sometimes it just sounds like a good option).
So that’s what this is, a little escape. I ask that you put aside the thoughts of head-bashing and allow me to ramble on for just long enough about a product that has brought an end to my skin’s tantrum: the My Clarins RE-CHARGE Relaxing Sleep Mask.
The Product.
The My Clarins RE-CHARGE Relaxing Sleep Mask is a part of the newer My Clarins line, a young adult focused range (18-29 year-olds) that is cruelty free and plant based. The products present a more youthful packaging than in the classic Clarins ranges. One of four products in the line, the Relaxing Sleep Mask is a rebalancing cream mask that boasts results of a healthy, recharged complexion with a rosy glow, all by morning. The mask can be used in two different ways, as a mask (duh) but it can also act as a moisturizer. A thicker layer of the cream will present a more mask-ish result while a thin layer that is completely rubbed into the skin (it absorbs nicely when applied in a thin layer) lends itself to a well-weighted moisturizer.
The packaging is made with all recyclable materials — props, because we love a push for sustainability — and the entire line is vegan-friendly *insert more props*. At 1.7 oz, it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot to work with but this is definitely the type of product where a little goes a long way.
The Benefits.
After about two weeks of continued use, I’ve begun to see the product’s benefits. Over the last few months, I developed ridiculously dry skin (it’s summer, isn’t this the time to be a glorified oil slick??) and it’s driving me insane. All I wanted was glowing skin but instead my face looks something akin to sandpaper. So much for my hot girl summer, eh.
Well, I might not be to hot girl summer yet but I can definitely say that I don’t have a soul-crushing reaction when I look at my skin now. My skin is nowhere near perfect, but I can definitely tell that it’s much more moisturized now than it was when I started. Instead of my problem areas taking up my whole face, they’re only surviving on my chin and my upper cheeks/side of my forehead. The rest of my face has smoothed out and actually feels relatively silky to the touch. The problematic areas are still rough and a little flaky but it’s miles away from their previous state.
The Relaxing Sleep Mask has a myriad of ingredients that boast numerous positive effects such as purification (Huang Qi), hydration (Fig), nutrient-boosting (Coconut), detoxification (Alpenrose), and radiance-boosting (Acerola). From what I can tell, each of these ingredients do their jobs pretty well because I would definitely describe the benefits of this product as all of those promises.
On a less nitty-gritty and ingredient based level, when I use this product I wake up with soft, hydrated skin and looks healthy and happy.
Repurchase.
I would repurchase the Relaxing Sleep Mask again without hesitation. Let’s be real, the second my jar runs out I’m going to be on the Sephora website with another in my basket, ready to check out. It’s been rare lately that I’ve found new products I swear by but this little baby is one I’d cross my heart for.
During application now, I’ve been applying a thinner layer to the balanced parts of my face while my chin and cheeks receive a heavier layer (more like a mask than a moisturizer.) I’ve got crossed fingers and toes with the hopes that with the continual use, by the end of the summer the sandpaper skin will be long gone.
