For some, the year 2016 might always be remembered as the year AubRih almost happened but for me I am going to remember it as the year I finally bit the bullet and tried a GlamGlow mask.
If you have never heard of GlamGlow it is a skincare brand founded by a struggling couple that grew into a multi-million dollar venture. The line is currently sold in Sephora and their products were recently acquired by the Estee Lauder Company.
They offer kits and cleansers but reached their Hollywood fame due to the popularity of their face masks, crafted using wholesome active ingredients such as kaolin clay and blended using highly precise technology.
When I entered Sephora I only had a vague idea of the items on my list. Keeping my budget in mind I knew I would be able to get more items if I purchased the trial size of the mask. I decided on the GlamGlow FlashMud Brightening Treatment; the mask in the orange metallic pot containing half an ounce for $22 USD. That cost might sound overpriced but I am coming to terms with the fact that I’m extra, so I went ahead with it.
The mask is listed as good for all skin types excluding sensitive or inflammatory skin and boasts benefits to reduce dullness and uneven skin tone and texture including dark spots (sold!). It does not contain parabens or sulfates but does feature plenty of other intriguing ingredients such as quartz, jasmine flower extract and black currant seed oil just to name a few.
Had I been able to read the microscopic script on the trial size version of the mask before I opened it, the delightful fragrance that accompanied the creamy beige product wouldn’t have surprised me. The scent is floral and fruity but not overly fragrant or too sweet. The product looks like pale wet sand and has a similar texture. It is full of small particles, some of which look and feel like wood or herbs.
The directions say to apply to dry skin in circular motions and then to leave the product on for 20 minutes to absorb properly and finally to finish by washing off with water. One thing that I find hilarious is that one of the instructions is to “always follow directions.” The directions also suggest using for three consecutive days initially and then to follow up as needed, twice to three times weekly.
Unfortunately as with most products, it doesn’t contain magical fairy dust to wipe away any imperfections so the product does offer a slight disclaimer recommending SPF to maintain effects and that discontinued use causes lessened results.
Despite all that I am having a very positive response to this mask!
I used the FlashMud when it wasn’t that time of the month so that I was less likely to break out, but I will say I have been slightly stressed as of late. And I followed the “always follow the instructions” rule by applying to dry skin. I made sure to remove any moisturizers or makeup that may have been still present beforehand and then I just dried my face and neck off with a towel.
The product is quite thick but feels wet and slightly cold to the touch. The mask reminds me so much of (my previous fave) the Brazened Honey face mask from Lush. It looks the same, has similar textural components, a Lush appropriate black currant scent as well as some of the same ingredients and the results.
There is more product inside than it initially appears to contain but I didn’t apply more than was necessary. I love the grainy texture of the exfoliant and the smell was so pleasant that I left it on for 30 minutes the first night.
In the morning I had a pretty large bump brewing on my cheek which sometimes happens when I use a new blush or my skin doesn’t agree with the hair in my makeup brush. I could tell it wasn’t a result from the mask because it was cystic but I made sure to be careful around that area the next two nights just in case.
The initial results provide super glowing and soft skin. I did notice a slight reduction in the darkness of my spots but nothing major. And all my makeup has been looking airbrushed this week, I think as a result of the using the mask in conjunction with the Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Powder which is new to my routine. When I woke up on day 3 I did have a few reactive bumps on my other cheek but when I did the mask that evening and woke up the next day they were gone, so not sure what caused it.
After using the mask three times I still have product leftover but I can’t estimate how much. I do think this mask can be used with the “zoning” technique where you designate targeted products to specific areas of the face. Then it would make more sense to buy more than one type of mask in the travel size rather than investing in the full size product.
What I Love About It:
I really love that this mask is travel sized because it allows for more opportunities to use it, like on an airplane, having a sleepover with your friends, as a stocking stuffer or as a white elephant gift, or just something to treat yourself to.
I also love the scent, formula and results of this mask. Though I didn’t see anything drastic, I did love the feel of my skin and I immediately noticed a new radiance after use.
I love that this brand was started by a husband and wife duo. That is so rare to see these days and their success is quite inspiring.
What I Don’t Love About It:
I speculate that some of their products may not be worth the cost. I think, like many items out there on the market, we might be paying for the name or the price is a result of Hollywood Hype. Even so, I would still repurchase. Not sure if I would ever buy a full size; that would depend on how long this travel size lasts me. The full size does have over three times the product but it is three times the price so I don’t think it matters either way.
Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed the GlamGlow FlashMud Brightening Treatment. I do think it is similar to the Brazened Honey face mask from lush, which is half the price and contains over 4 times the amount of product. The only drawbacks of Brazened Honey are that it can only be purchased in stores and it has a short shelf life, which can be a little annoying. Even so, I liked this mask enough that I will keep using it, probably once every three days until it is used up. I do recommend this mask and overall, I do believe in the GlamGlow brand. I would like to try some of their other products in the future. I will update this review as I go along if I experience anything noteworthy.
Thank you for reading!
GREAT BLOG 🙂
Thank you!
You’re welcome 😊