My Beauty Diary 2-Step Asia Brightening Pack Mask Review

I picked up My Beauty Diary's 2-Step Asia Brightening Pack along with the 2-Step Europe Clarifying Pack for $11.99 at T&T!

I was super excited to try these and see how they compared to the regular MDB range of masks.

Unlike the regular MBD line of masks which contain 10 masks per box, these 2-step ones have 8 masks per box, because each mask pack contains a 2 mL post-mask facial cream.

The 1st step of this pack is a Job's-tears Brightening mask. The 2nd step is a Wild Yam Hydra Cream, contained in the balloon portion of the packaging.

As with all MDB masks, the packaging is super cute!

I noticed an ecocert stamp on the box. Apparently the bamboo water used in this product is organic. This product also contains no parabens, however it contains a whole bunch of other preservatives, which I have no idea if they are safer or not.

Job's tears Brightening Mask ingredients:

• Aqua  - water

• Glycerin - humectant, draws moisture from the air thus helps the skin to retain moisture

• Propylene Glycol - humectant, draws moisture from the air

• Butylene Glycol - humectant and solvent with anti-microbial action; enhances the preservative activity of parabens

• Phenoxyethanol - preservative

• Chlorphenesin - preservative

• Triethanolamine - emulsifier and pH adjuster

• Phyllostachys Edulis Shoot (Bamboo) Water - skin conditioning

• Polysorbate 20 - surfactant

• Sodium Hyaluronate - hydrates down to the deeper layers of skin; holds up to 1000 times its weight in water

• Xanthan Gum - thickener and emulsion stabilizer

• Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract - exfoliating; skin conditioning

• Citric  Acid - balance pH levels

• Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Job's Tears) Seed Extract - brightening, moisturizing and soothing

• Sodium PCA - humectant; skin-conditioning

• Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract - potential antioxidant; emollient

• Laminaria Digitata Extract - kelp; helps with skin hydration

• Centella Asiatica Extract - anti-aging (stimulates collagen production) and wound healing

• Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Extract - antioxidant; skin brightening

• Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract - skin brightening and soothing

• Hydrolyzed Rice Protein - skin conditioning; film former

• Hydrolyzed Soy Protein - skin conditioning; humectant

• Aloe Barbadenisis Leaf Juice - hydrating, softening, soothing, and anti-inflammatory

• Gentiana Lutea Root Extract - anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

• Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract - skin conditioning; anti-inflammatory

• Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract - skin conditioning and exfoliating (source of alpha hydroxy acids)

• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate - antioxidant

• Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract - exfoliating; source of alpha hydroxy acids

• Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract - skin conditioning

• Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract - skin brightening with exfoliating, antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent properties

• Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer - film former

• Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate - humectant

• Carbomer - emulsion stabilizer and controls consistency

• Iodopropynl Butylcarbamate - preservative

• Polyglutamic Acid - skin conditioning agent

• Sodium Hydroxide- buffering agent; controls pH

• Parfum

This mask came with a generous 23 mL of serum. I slathered the left over serum over my neck, decollette, and back of hands. Waste not!! I also appreciate that it is not heavily scented - just a soft floral.The majority of ingredients in the mask are the same as the Black Rose Brightening Mask from the Europe Clarifying Pack. I have highlighted the ingredients that are unique to this mask. 

Like the Black Rose Brightening Mask, the Job's tears Brightening Mask contains many brightening, hydrating, and exfoliating ingredients, notably the licorice root extract (known for it's ability to disperse melanin pigment) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (powerful antioxidant). I would say based on the ingredients, this is a better mask for brightening than the Black Rose mask. However, whether it will lighten any spots is hard to say. It may, if it is used long-term, but there are other products out there that will do a better job at brightening. Regardless, it is a treat to use this mask.

I found that after leaving this mask on overnight, the redness from a few new pimples were significantly reduced. My face was well hydrated and brighter, although temporary. Since I have only used it once, I do not know if there are any long term brightening benefits. 
Nevertheless, I definitely recommend this mask before a special event!

Wild Yam Hydra Cream Ingredients:

• Aqua  - water

• Cyclopentasiloxane - a type of silicon; gives feeling of smoothness; improves spreadability and conditions; forms protective barrier over skin

• Glycerin - humectant, draws moisture from the air thus helps the skin to retain moisture

• Dimethicone - a type of silicone; gives feeling of smoothness; improves spreadability and conditions; forms protective barrier over skin

• Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract - skin conditioning and anti-inflammatory

• Phenoxyethanol - preservative

• Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate - plant based emulsifier; emollient

• Allontoin - skin conditioning, soothing

• Chlorphenesin - preservative

• Phyllostachys Edulis Shoot (Bamboo) Water - skin conditioning

• Niacinamide - anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, stimulates collagen and ceramide synthesis, strengthens skin barrier

• Perilla Ocymoides (Beefsteak plant) Leaf Extract - anti-inflammatory

• Sodium Hyaluronate - hydrates down to the deeper layers of skin; holds up to 1000 times its weight in water

• Soluble Collagen - film forming; humectant

• Parfum

• Citrus Unshiu (Satsuma) Peel Extract - antioxidant; potentially skin-brightening

• Iodopropynl Butylcarbamate - preservative

I wasn't a big fan of the Wild Yam Hydra Cream. I didn't use it right after my mask because I wanted to see how the mask worked by itself. 

Like the mask, this cream had a very faint scent that was quite pleasant and soft. It's a white gel-cream, and I easily got 2~3 uses out of it.

Unfortunately, I found that this cream did not absorb quite well, perhaps because of the silicones. Although silicones form a barrier over the skin and trap moisture in, I'm not a fan of it because I feel like it suffocates my skin and aggravates pimples.

This cream does contain a host of soothing and hydrating ingredients. Personally, I found the Rose Honey Refining Gel from the Europe Clarifying Pack more soothing, because it absorbed so well. However, dryer skin individuals may prefer the Wild Yam Hydra Cream better. I didn't see any difference after using this cream, and it made my skin more oily. Too bad!

The 2nd Step cream is in the balloon portion of the pack

Swatch of Wild Yam Hydra Cream

Have you tried the Asia Brightening Pack? What did you think of it?

My Beauty Diary 2 Step Europe Clarifying Mask Pack Review

I love My Beauty Diary Masks and I was excited when I saw them on sale at T&T Supermarket!

I picked up some of the new 2-Step masks to try for $11.99 per box. Although there is only 8 per box (as opposed to the usual 10 per box), these masks also contain a post-mask facial gel.

The 1st step of the Europe Clarifying Pack is a Black Rose Brightening Mask. The 2nd step is a Rose Honey Refining Gel, which is contained in the balloon portion of each pack. Ingenious and super cute!

Black Rose Brightening Mask Ingredients:

• Aqua  - water
• Glycerin - humectant, draws moisture from the air thus helps the skin to retain moisture
• Propylene Glycol - humectant, draws moisture from the air
• Butylene Glycol - humectant and solvent with anti-microbial action; enhances the preservative activity of parabens
• Phenoxyethanol - preservative
• Chlorphenesin - preservative
• Triethanolamine - emulsifier and pH adjuster
• Phyllostachys Edulis Shoot Water - skin conditioning
• Polysorbate 20 - surfactant
• Sodium Hyaluronate - hydrates down to the deeper layers of skin; holds up to 1000 times its weight in water
• Xanthan Gum - thickener and emulsion stabilizer
• Citric  Acid - balance pH levels
• Rosa Galliaca (French Rose) Flower Extract - skin conditioning agent; astringent
• Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract - exfoliating; source of alpha hydroxy acids
• Aloe Barbadenisis Leaf Juice - hydrating, softening, soothing, and anti-inflammatory
• Centella Asiatica Extract - anti-aging (stimulates collagen production) and wound healing
• Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract - skin conditioning
• Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract - skin brightening with exfoliating, antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent properties
• Laminaria Digitata Extract - kelp; helps with skin hydration
• Hydrolyzed Rice Protein - skin conditioning; film former
• Hydrolyzed Soy Protein - skin conditioning; humectant
• Gentiana Lutea Root Extract - anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
• Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract - skin conditioning; anti-inflammatory
• Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract - skin conditioning and exfoliating (source of alpha hydroxy acids)
• Hydroxyethyl Urea - humectant
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate - stabilized vitamin C derivative
• Sodium Lactate - preservative, buffering agent,  and humectant
• Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer - film former
• Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate - humectant
• Carbomer - emulsion stabilizer and controls consistency
• Polyglutamic Acid - skin conditioning agent
• Iodopropynl Butylcarbamate - preservative
• Sodium Hydroxide- buffering agent; controls pH
• Parfum

Rose Honey Refining Gel Ingredients:

• Aqua  - water
• Glycerin - humectant, draws moisture from the air thus helps the skin to retain moisture
• Propylene Glycol - humectant, draws moisture from the air
• Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract - antioxidant, astringent, skin conditioning
• Niacinamide - anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, stimulates collagen and ceramide synthesis, strengthens skin barrier
• Phenoxyethanol - preservative
• Carbomer - emulsion stabilizer and controls consistency
• Triethanolamine -emulsifier and pH adjuster
• allontoin - skin conditioning, soothing
• Sodium Hyaluronate - hydrates down to the deeper layers of skin; holds up to 1000 times its weight in water
• Chlorphenesin - preservative
• Phyllostachys Edulis Shoot Water - skin conditioning
• Rosa Centifolia Flower Water - skin conditioning, mildly astringent
• Honey - anti-inflammatory, skin conditioning
• Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica - skin conditioning

Whew!! That was a long list...took me forever!

I've noticed that the first several ingredients are essentially identical for all MBD masks. In addition, the 2-step masks are paraben-free, but replaced with other preservatives, such as phenoxyethanol, triethanolamine, Sodium Lactate, and Iodopropynl Butylcarbamate. Whether these ingredients are actually safer than parabens is up to debate. The botanical extracts come after the preservatives, which means they are in teeny tiny amounts, thus probably won't do much for your skin. Bummer...:( 

The French rose extract, which I presume is what the mask is named after, is all the way down at no. 14 on the list....not very rosy. I guess the "clarifying" part of the name comes from some of the extracts having exfoliating and brightening properties, such as the maple, sugar cane, orange and lemon extracts. Again, keep in mind this is in MINUTE amounts and may not actually have any effect. However, the mask does contain a slew of skin conditioning ingredients, so it will definitely help with parched skin in need of moisture. 

I appreciate that is mask was not overly scented - it had a faint floral scent, although I would have preferred a more tea rose scent. I used this mask in the evening on my freshly cleansed face and left it on for 2 hours (while watching Korean drama :D).  There was a generous helping of serum left over in the pack, which I slathered and massaged onto my neck, decollete, and back of hands. 


After removing the mask, I massaged the Rose Honey Refining Gel onto my face and neck. The gel is water-based and light so it absorbs very quickly into the skin. I found it quite soothing, thanks to niacinamide, allontoin, honey. However, like honey, it was a tad sticky.  It may not be moisturizing enough for people with dry skin since it's a super light gel. There is enough of the refining gel to last 1~2 uses. My face was very well hydrated and a bit brighter the next morning. However, the brightening was temporary - well, at least for me. 

I definitely would rebuy this mask, even if the brightening effects are temporary! It's very soothing, and would be great to use before a special event, or after a long, tiring day. 

Ole Henrikson Truth Serum Collagen Booster Review

Ole Hendrikson's Truth Serum Collagen Booster is my FAV vitamin C serum. Why? Because it is 10% vitamin C and actually absorbs into my skin, unlike others that leave a suffocating film.

I took advantage of the kits at Sephora because they are a much better deal. They both come with a 1 oz bottle of Truth Serum, which is $48 USD/$60 CAD by itself at Sephora.

The Celebrate the Truth Set for $60USD (I bought this in the US so I do not have the Canadian price) contains:

1 oz Truth Serum

1 oz Truth Creme Advanced Hydration 

0.25 oz Truth is in the Eyes

10 Truth to go wipes

The 3 Little Wonders Set for $70USD/$84CAD contains:

1 oz Truth Serum

1 oz Invigorating Night Gel

1 oz Sheer Transformation

I have not tried the other products in the set yet, but I have already used up 1.5 bottles of the Truth Serum since fall 2012. If you do not already know, using a vitamin C serum not only boosts the effects of your sunscreen, but it is one of the few ingredients actually proven to help prevent collagen loss by combating free radical damage, thus preventing skin aging. It will also help brighten your skin and help with pigmentation and dark spots. Of course, not all vitamin C serums are created equally. It depends on the form of vitamin C used and the percentage of the vitamin C. The strength of the vitamin C should be at least 10% to be effective, otherwise it will do nothing for your skin. Although it is not indicated on the bottle, I was told by the company that Truth Serum is 10% vitamin C.

Ingredients in Truth Serum:
Water (Aqua), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Calcium Ascorbate, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Oleth-20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thioctic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 6

As you can see, the second ingredient is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. There are many  forms of vitamin C, and they vary in their stability. The more stable the vitamin C is, the better it is for your skin. L-ascorbic acid is the most common type seen in cosmetics. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a newer derivative, so it is not as common, but the stability is touted to be better than L-ascorbic acid. Most vitamin C serums are packaged in dark, amber bottles to prevent light from damaging the vitamin C. Since Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is more stable, it does not have to be suspended in a silicone or propylene glycol base, which leaves a film on the face. It is also the reason why it can be packaged in a clear bottle in a watery base, although I still prefer an amber bottle. 

Next on the ingredient list is Calcium Ascorbate, which is a naturally occurring form of vitamin C, and also very stable. 

The other ingredients in the formulation aren't anything special, except maybe Sodium Hyaluronate, which will help with skin hydration. 

I use this serum morning and night. In the morning, I use one pump underneath my sunscreen. Be careful not to use too much, otherwise it will feel sticky on the skin. As mentioned previously,  the vitamin C will work with my sunscreen to increase sun protection. At night, I use one pump underneath my night time moisturizer or sleeping pack. It is important to use it at night because this is when your skin will reap the antioxidant benefits. 

I have also used this product around my eyes with no issues, but I do not go too close and be cautious if you have sensitive eyes.

I don't like that they added orange colour to the product. I know it is probably to go along with the pleasant orange scent, but it is unnecessary. Usually you know a vitamin C serum has gone bad when it turns orange. Btw, you should NEVER use a vitamin C serum that has gone bad, because it can do more damage than good. I guess because of the stability of this product they felt confident to add coloring to it. Not a fan though. They also need to make a better pump. Sometimes it gets stuck or squirts out too much product. 

I have noticed with daily use of this product my complexion is brighter. PLEASE, even if you stop seeing the effects, do not stop using it because it is preventative, NOT corrective. Meaning, even if you are not seeing effects, the vitamin C is still protecting your skin.

A late March 2013 Topbox review

Since I was so spoiled by my February Benefit Prive box (read my review here), I was disappointed with my March 2013 Topbox.

This is what I received in my March Topbox:

Don't mind the drumstick in the background LOL

Product card

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Creme 0.85 fl oz/25 ml. I'm not a big body cream person but this one smells absorbs very well, has a pleasant herbal scent, and is a good pick-me-up for groggy mornings. Value of sample: $5.25

L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil 2x 3ml. I seriously hate it when companies give me samples that I can get for free. A measely 6 ml?? Really?? Thanks a lot. I hope it works well. Value of sample: $1.25

Marc Jacobs Fragrances Sample Pack 3x 1.5/0.05 fl oz. I appreciate the cuteness of the little purse, but honestly I can get these for free from the fragrance counter or Sephora. I don't want to give this a value.

MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask - Pre Party Prep. This is a full size product that sells for $4.99. I love sheet masks so I'm excited to try this. Not surprisingly, this is made in Korea.

I valued this box at $11.49 because I didn't count the fragrances that you could get for free so easily. A lot of subscribers were disappointed with this box, especially since the February regular box included a Deborah Lippman nail polish which by itself is around $20. The items in this box are not even worth the $12 I paid ($13.56 after tax). What a bummer.

For April, I picked the Aveda Prive box. They only offered the Aveda box (which was offered previously) and an Elizabeth Arden box. I didn't want to take my chances with the regular box. I will keep my subscription for now, since the Prive boxes seem decent.

It seems that a lot of the beauty boxes have been disappointing lately. I got my Spring 2013 Steven and Chris Luxebox and was supremely ticked off (see my review here).  I have also subscribed to Beauty Box 5, so hopefully that one turns out well!

A very late Feburary 2013 Topbox review

This post is a bit late, but better late then never!

As indicated in my other posts, I have subscribed to a few beauty boxes. I was on the waitlist for Topbox for a few months, so I was super excited to receive my first box!

For those of you that are unfamiliar with Topbox, for $12 a month,  you get 4 deluxe beauty products delivered to your door.

At the beginning of every month, they also send you an email where you can choose to reserve a "Prive" box, or opt for the regular box.

I was really lucky that I received the Prive Benefit box for February. It was super cute! The people at Benefit did a great job designing the packaging, with the Chinese New Year in mind.

This is what I received in my Benefit Prive Topbox:

Product card of what is in the box

POREfessional 7.5ml/0.25 fl. oz. Value of sample: $11.59

Total Moisture Facial Cream 8.9 g/0.3 oz Value of sample: $7.76

Benetint 2.5ml/0.08 fl oz Value of sample: $7.20

Dandelion Gloss and Powder.

Dandelion Powder: 3.0g/0.1 oz Value of sample: $15.43

Dandelion Gloss: 6.5ml/0.22 fl oz. Value of sample: $7.8

Fine-One-One Sheer Brightening Cheek and lip trio

It is not indicated how many grams this is since it's a card, so I'm not putting a value on it. 

Full size is $36/8g

The value of the Benefit box is $49.78. I have gotten some of these samples for free before. Nonetheless, this box was super cute and I am very satisfied!

Loosebutton Spring 2013 luxe box (Steven and Chris special edition) review

Sorry for disappearing for a while...school has taken over my life!

That being said, I have subscribed to a few beauty box subscriptions to add some excitement back into my life.

I was really excited to try out Luxebox, especially because they had a special edition box that was featured on Steven and Chris. I had already tried out Topbox and was a bit disappointed with the March 2013 box.

I have to admit, it comes beautifully packaged

WHAT A LET DOWN!!! Especially because Luxebox is one of the most expensive subscriptions ($26 for a quarterly subscription, so almost $30 after tax).  Since it is sent out once every 3 months, I expected better products.

Subscribers are supposed to receive 7 to 8 trial or deluxe samples customized to your profile. This is what I received in my Spring 2013 Steven and Chris Luxebox:

As you can see,  I received 6 products. Some of them are not even deluxe samples.

Blue Lagoon Rich Nourishing Cream 2 ml Full size: $130/30mL  Value of sample: $8.67/2 ml

I don't really count this as a deluxe sample. I don't care how expensive the full-size product is - 2 ml is 2 ml.  I feel ripped off. To top it off, no where in my profile did I indicate that that I have dry skin. I don't really need a "rich nourishing cream."  

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer 3 x 0.05 fl. oz/ 1.5 ml Full size: $32/0.33 oz. Value of sample: $14.55/ 0.15 fl. oz

 I hate it when companies sell foil packets. I have gotten so many of the Smashbox primers for free. I don't care if it adds up to the same amount as a deluxe product. It's not travel friendly, and once you open the packet, it dries out fast. It's really too bad because I actually need a product like this. 

Colorsmash Hair Shadow by Condition Culture (Full size) 4.1g/0.11 fl. oz. Value: $15 

This is the most useless sample I got. Again, Loosebutton did not seem to care about what I indicated in my profile. I don't colour my hair. What am I doing to do with purple shadow? It's too bad because this is the only full-sized product I received.

KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 1 fl. oz./30 ml. Full size: $19/150 ml. Value of sample: $3.8/30ml

Another hair product. I will use this in the morning when I'm in a rush to get ready for school.

Makeup blender sponge. No brand indicated so I'm assuming it is Loosebutton's own. I don't know how to value this, but you can buy them for around $3 on Amazon.com

Lancome Genefique 0.27 fl. oz/ 8 ml. Full size: $95/1oz. Value of sample: $25.65/0.27 fl. oz

This is the best sample I got. Unfortunately, this is something I can get for free from Lancome with their gift with purchase or from Sephora with my points.

The value of this box is approximately $70.67. But lets be honest here -  I have gotten many of the foil samples for free. I have already unsubscribed from Loosebutton, and I seriously believe this is false advertising. 

I have to point out that after reading other blogs, a lot of the subscribers received more, and better samples than I did, since as a Marni or Coach mini perfume bottle, L'Occitane hand cream, and Moroccanoil Body Buff. 

Amore Pacific Vitalizing Mask Review

Since I live in Canada, the harsh cold northern winters definitely takes a toll on my skin, which is why I love moisturizing masks!

I recently bought the Amore Pacific Vitalizing Mask from Sephora. For those of you unfamiliar with Amore Pacific, it is one of the brands under Korean cosmetic company Amore Pacific Corp (basically the L'Oreal of Korea). They own Laneige, Sulwhasoo, Etude, Innisfree, and many others. I have only seen Amore at Holt Renfrew, so I was pleasantly surprised when it appeared in my local Sephora store this fall!

 I'm a fan of Laneige Water Sleeping Pack, so I was very eager to try this Vitalizing Mask!
 However, the Vitalizing Mask is a lot more expensive, priced steeply at $65 CAD/100mL, compared to the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack, which is around $25~$30 CAD/80mL. I wouldn't have been able to afford it if I didn't have my $20 off Sephora coupon!

Description from Sephora's website:
Restore tired, dehydrated skin overnight with this lightweight mask. AmorePacific's 5-Hydra Complex dramatically improves internal hydration and antioxidant levels. Cellular turnover and youthful metabolism are promoted while moisture loss is prevented, all from the inside out.

Like the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack, this mask is an overnight gel mask that is suppose to improve your skin's hydration and antioxidant levels. What is  interesting about this brand is that in lieu of water, stabilized bamboo sap is used, which Amore claims "insures treatment potency and optimum efficacy." This is why the whole line is pretty expensive. Bamboo sap is more efficient than water in trapping moisture in skin, and improves skin resiliency.

Ingredients:
Phyllostachis Bambusoides Juice, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Butelyne Glycol, Alcohol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Squalane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycereth-26, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydrolyzed Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Hydrolyzed Phyllostachis Bambusoides, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract, Lactobacillus/Water Hyacinth Ferment, Theanine, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Kaempferol, Betaine, Beta-Glucan, Niacinamide, Natto Gum, PEG-15 Pentaerythrityl Tetra, (Laureth-6 Carboxylate), Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Caffeine, Mannitol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Behenate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Xanthan Gum, Poloxamer 407, Polyglyceryl-3, Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Polysilicone-11, Propanediol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phytantriol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

As you can see, this product contains a high amount of botanical extracts. The ingredient list is quite long, so I won't go into depth.

Notoble ingredients:

• ginseng root extract (star ingredient in their other brand, Sulwhasoo) - antioxidant, and promotes collagen synthesis
• green tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf) extract - antioxidant and soothing
• sacred lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera Flower ) extract - skin conditioning
• opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract - skin conditioning
• zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract - promotes circulation, soothing, skin conditioning
• pine mushroom (Tricholoma Matsutake) extract - skin conditioning and brightening
• daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract - antioxidant and skin conditioning
• water Hyacinth Ferment - skin protecting
• epigallocatechin Gallate (green tea polyphenol) - antioxidant
• caffiene - anti-inflammatory
• sodium hyaluronate - helps to hold water in the ski
• beta-glucan - aids in skin immunity and collagen synthesis
• Mannitol - humectant
• Minerals: 
• Magnesium aspartate - skin conditioning
• Zinc gluconate - skin conditioning and anti-acneic
• Copper gluconate - aids in skin repairment
• Calcium gluconate - anti-inflammatory and aids in skin repairment

It's difficult to say how active these extracts are, and if they will actually provide any antioxidant benefit or "promote youthful metabolism." However, there are a lot of skin conditioning agents, along with sodium hyaluronate, which will definitely promote hydration. It is also notable that the bamboo sap and ginseng extract are at the top of the list, meaning these two ingredients are the highest amount in the product.

For those of you that are green conscious, Amore Pacific does not use parabens, phathalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes in their formulations, and do not test on animals.

However, I would appreciate it more if their product did not have such a strong perfume fragrance! It's so strong that it's like a perfumed body lotion and it gives me an instant headache. It does fade after several minutes, but I would not recommend this brand for people who are scent-sensitive.

I also dislike the packaging - it comes in an innovative squeeze bottle, but I prefer a regular one - I think it's more sanitary and easier to use. It does come with a cap with a hole in the middle that DOES NOT stay on - what is the point of that?

The mask itself is a very light gel that absorbs into the skin within a few minutes of application. It leaves behind a slightly, oily-feeling film on the skin, perhaps because it contains castor oil. The film is essential for any overnight mask because it helps to lock moisture in your skin as you sleep. In contrast,  the water sleeping pack from Laneige does not feel as oily. I would say the Vitalizing mask is better for drier skin types.

In the morning, I wash the mask off with warm water. My skin is definitely more hydrated, but I wouldn't say it's a big difference compared to the Laneige water sleeping pack. I didn't notice a big difference in brightness either. For those that are acne-prone, I would caution against using this mask too often since it does contain silicone (to form the film and trap moisture in) and castor oil, which could potentially clog pores.

I probably won't repurchase this mask because I prefer the Laneige water sleeping pack, it's lighter scent and friendlier price, but if you have dry, dehydrated skin, definitely give this a try, or at least get a sample of it!