Switching gears today, I thought I would review a skincare product instead of makeup, especially since “people” have started getting dreams (read – nightmares) about my “liquid lipstick” obsession and have taken to social media about it!! 😉 Today’s review is on a Givenchy product – I have been using this off and on since last year, but didn’t get around reviewing it, but that’s just me, right! Okay, let’s make amends…so here goes…
Product Description:
What it is: A refreshing gel-cream mask that gives dry, tired skin an instant pick-me-up. Instantly recharge the skin with this rejuvenating treatment mask that assists with reviving dehydrated, dull skin. With a refreshing gel-cream texture that dissolves into skin comfortably, this mask is highly concentrated with Givenchy’s patented Sparkling Water Complex®, which hydrates skin with abundant moisture. A beauty must-have for bringing back to life thirsty, lackluster, and tired skin, it instantly recharges the skin with luminous energy for a boosting effect, leaving it looking plumped up and illuminated.
Price:
USD 49/INR 3350 for 100 ml.
Ingredients:
(I’ve had this product for close to year, so the price may have gone up).
My Experience with Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Recharging Luminescence Moisturizing Mask:
The product comes packaged in a lovely aquamarine blue plastic squeezable tube – looks very soothing and somehow has that luxe touch, associated with a premium brand like Givenchy. It’s got a silver cap. You screw it off to reveal the metallic seal. I am extremely appreciative of companies who bother to seal their packaging to ensure hygiene for their customers. The tube comes packaged in a blue and white cardboard box, which again comes sealed in a thin film of BoPP.
The product is white in colour and has a soft creamy gel consistency. It spreads easily onto the skin. The way you are supposed to use it – is to apply a “thick layer” onto your clean, washed face/neck. There is no problem dispensing this product or managing the quantity coming out of the tube. Upon application, with a thick layer, you can see the whitish cream on the skin. If your skin is dry/dehydrated – over the next few minutes, you will see a substantial amount of the product getting absorbed into he skin and a much thinner layer remaining on.
The Company advises you to leave it on for 5-10 minutes. You can leave it one for slightly longer. There is no acid or exfoliating substance in it – which can harm it. Well, nothing except the fragrance, but I will come to that in a bit. The texture isn’t runny, so it stays put and doesn’t slide off or get messy. You can go about, doing your stuff and leave the mask on.
Once the 10 minutes have passed, the Company advises you to wipe your face with a tissue – instead of washing off the residue. What you presupposed to get is healthy, plumped, luminous skin. In essence, it’s supposed to work similarly to the Clarins Hydraquench Mask that I had reviewed some time back and have since repurchased as well. In a couple of minutes, it gives a transparent sheen to the skin and stays put. It’s not runny, so does not get messy.
After 10 minutes, you can take a muslin cloth or tissue or a soft face towel and wipe off the excess. What you get is smooth, soft to touch and plumped skin. Considering the ingredients include shea butter, it’s not surprising that the skin feels nourished and plumped. The glycerin and dimethicone provide the illusion of smoothness – when touched.
As far as the luminosity is concerned – from the “Givenchy’s innovative sparkling water Complex” – it isn’t really there. There is no brightness or luminously that the mask provides – with single use or with regular use (3 times a week). Honestly, there are no real ingredients which could work on the skin, no antioxidants, nothing. This is the perfect example of a high-end product which is sold based on jargons to “novice” customers who don’t know any better and who do not look at the ingredients list but at the brand name and the promises being made by the Company. I feel totally duped and let down. Honestly, if excessive hydration or nourishment is what I wanted, I could just use an extra thick layer of my regular face cream or use a hydrating oil instead. Considering the promises are in line with the Clarins Hydraquench Mask, I would suggest you to buy the Clarins one itself.
Lastly, the fragrance, it has a distinct perfume fragrance, which is kind of nice and luxurious. However, if you are averse to fragrance in your skin care, you would definitely wanna skip this, especially since it does not get rinsed off – the product is literally allowed to sink not the skin – fragrance, etc all.
Pros of Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Recharging Luminescence Moisturizing Mask:
- Lightweight texture.
- Absorbs easily.
- Refreshes the skin.
- Skin feels hydrated, soft and supple.
- Spreads easily.
- No white cast or residue post wiping off.
- Did not break me out.
- More suitable for people with dehydrated skin.
Cons of Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Recharging Luminescence Moisturizing Mask:
- No luminosity or brightness felt – as promised by the brand.
- Heavily fragranced.
- No improvement in skin with regular usage.
IMBB Rating:
2.5/5
Honestly, I feel cheated. The product does not live up to what is promised. It works well at hydration. I sometimes even apply a thinner layer and sleep with this one…like a sleep mask. This is just in an attempt to finish the product. This isn’t something which is ultra beneficial for my skin – except giving it hydration. We sometimes use such type of masks before an occasion to give a little extra something to our skin and make it more luminous. Well, if you want to do that – you can safely skip this one! 😉 it is more of a reminder of times when I would not read the ingredients list or study the ingredients before buying skincare. I hope I am a more discerning customer today.
Would I Repurchase/Recommend Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Recharging Luminescence Moisturizing Mask?
Most definitely not and nope I would not recommend.
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Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum
Nivea Visage Sparkling Glow Fairness Face Wash
Sephora Collection Ultra Moisturizing and Brightening Rose Face Mask
Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask Soothing Face Treatment
Watsons Moisturizing Facial Mask Aloe Vera Extract
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oh! what a dud! the packaging is so inviting and pretty…like you cant ignore and what to definitley use it. sad it did not work out. 🙁 I cant really recall using any skincare from givenchy. for me they are a an excellent makeup brand. guess would stick to that..
I agree Rati! Givenchy does some truly amazing makeup products. I really don’t know what came over me that i bought this. 🙁