Welcome to Min’s beauty product reviews and tips! Today on What The Kpop, we will be reviewing the Kelp Real Nature Mask from The Face Shop (stylized as THEFACESHOP). This Korean brand is known for their amazing line of skincare products and cosmetics that “brings together science and the perfection of nature” by using natural ingredients to enhance and differentiate otherwise fairly standard formulations. The actual Real Nature Mask line has a variety of mask choices for your skin, including Cucumber, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Red Ginseng.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Kelp is a large type of seaweed known for it’s many natural uses. It has a high level of concentrated anti-oxidants and is a natural source of 16 different vitamins and minerals. Beauty scientist Dr. Max Huber said that sea kelp has a “natural ability to regenerate itself at a rate of up to two feet a day in prime growth seasons” therefore making it an extremely “powerful catalyst for skin renewal.” With all these benefits, it should come as no surprise that kelp and other types of seaweed are becoming a highly popular ingredient for skin care products. The type of kelp found in this mask is Laminaria Japonica, a seaweed that promotes hydration of the skin.
According to the label, this particular kelp mask claims its purpose is to purify the appearance of the skin. Additionally, the back of the packets of the entire Real Nature Mask line says that “the air pockets within the sheet contain a handful of nutritional essence, providing natural moisture and nourishment to skin.” I honestly don’t really know if the effect of the air pockets is 100% true, but the mask sheet does indeed has tiny air pockets in it .
DISCLAIMER: Do not use if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to kelp or other seaweeds.
Before applying the Kelp face mask, make sure you cleanse your face very well before applying the sheet. It not only helps the affect of the product, but gives you a fresher feel when you apply the face mask. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes. When taking it off, use your finger tips to gently tap the remaining moisture into your skin to help it absorb.
PRODUCT PERFORMANCE:
The mask gives a slight tingling feeling (like most of them do) and I can definitely feel my pores are breathing. The only thing I didn’t like was the smell. The product’s smell was slightly strong and some people might be turned off by this. I wound up sleeping with it on (hmmm…. relaxing). It was a little slimy, but I have to say it dried up pretty well on my face, leaving a soft touch to it. However, I must admit that I still prefer the olive oil mask from the same line at The Face Shop. It isn’t slimy at all and doesn’t have too strong of a smell. All in all though, I have to say this mask worked pretty well. I felt like some of my acne shrunk as well.
OVERALL RATING:
I would give this product a 7 out of 10. I would have loved it more if it was not so slimy or if the fragrance wasn’t as strong. Overall though, I would still buy this product and use it again. If you are wanting a clear, clean face appearance with some extra hydration, I would totally recommend it!
Min (unnijazumine) is a WTK writer with a deep love and fascination of all things Korean. She is a big fan of Kpop, Kdramas and Korean beauty products. She enjoys newer Kpop groups like BTS, B1A4, B.A.P and Teen Top, but she also enjoys classic Kpop groups like SHINHWA, Wonder Girls and g.o.d. She also loves the solo artists Dean and Crush. When she isn’t out trying new Korean food and drinks, she is busy working or studying for a career in music. Stay tuned for more reviews by Min.
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