The summer sun is blazing in its full glory! Living in a hot and humid city, excessive sweat is just something you can’t evade. I was to attend a Saturday afternoon lunch a few days ago and just the thought of it started to make me sweat! I could pick up a cool cottony outfit, but how do I get a cool summery skin in this sweltering heat! And worse of all, I had a hectic time in the prior week and skin was not in its best shape. Parched, oily skin is not the best combination to have before you intend to go out socializing. It was time to test one of the many face masks that I have picked up from my trips!
Product Description:
• Contains 1,000 mg mineral water to supply concentrated moisture for soft skin
• 12.5 mg of Charcoal powder which attaches to wastes & sebum for clean, clear, translucent skin
• Maintains oil and moisture balance for the prevention of enlarged pores
• Porous structure of charcoal clarifies to reveal smooth skin
• Cooling sensation helps tighten pores
• Black sheet contains 30% charcoal
• Paraben and Silicon free
About the Brand:
SNP stands for Shining Nature Purity and is a Korean brand. Like most Korean brand, it too offers plethora of facial masks, and the most fun part of their offering are Animal Masks! Google them to see some samples. It is widely available in popular beauty stores in South East Asian beauty, like Sasa.
Price:
18 HK Dollar or INR 150 per mask
My Experience with SNP Charcoal Mineral Black Ampoule Mask:
As I said above, I had a certain requirement in mind before I used this product. I had tiny bumps on my cheeks and chin end. T-zone was oozing oil + sweat, and yet the cheeks looked devoid of all shine. I find sheets masks best when you want to provide adequate moisture to the skin, without coating a layer of cream on it. After going through the regular cleansing routine, I wore this mask for an hour and then went off to sleep.
As you can see, the mask is pitch-black. This was a deviation from all the previous masks that I have used, which are usually either translucent or very light cotton. This was completely opaque and slightly thicker than all other cotton masks. Another thing worth mentioning is the fit – the eye and nose holes are suitably cut out, so you get maximum face coverage. Also, I had least slippage with this mask than all others. Maybe because the cotton was thicker than most other masks I have used. I looked like a black ghost after I wore it! 😀
The fragrance was similar to lightly scented cologne. Nothing strong; very mild. On application, the mask provided cooling effect on the skin, but the product doesn’t list alcohol as an ingredient, which is a good thing. I get the same effect after using my Vichy mineral water. Also, I did not face any itching or burning on the pimples and tiny bumps on my face. All these effects prove to me that at least the ingredients were good and genuine. Another thing that I felt different was the serum – it was more than slimy. It continued to feel a bit sticky for an hour, even after I tried gentle messaging.
I feel the effectiveness of the pack should be judged by the effects that it claims. So below is my take on what I experienced:
Pore Elasticity: I am not the best person to talk about pore tightening since I don’t have open pores on my skin. If it helps, I did not experience any major tightening effect after its use.
Skin Hydration: It works well on this front. My cheeks felt plumper and softer after using this mask. Also, my red bumps and pimple had softened a bit; it was easier to apply concealer on them the next day.
Balance Between Oil and Moisture: I wouldn’t give it full marks in this area. I felt only a small change in the T zone sweating. But, to be fair to the product, I was wearing considerable makeup on me the next day. Without that, it may have been better.
Skin Waste Removal: I am not sure what skin waste is this. I regularly and properly cleanse my skin of everything before I apply any skin care product. I don’t have any blackheads-whiteheads to get rid of. So, not too sure about this claim.
So let’s quickly list the pros and cons:
Pros of SNP Charcoal Mineral Black Ampoule Mask:
• Good list of ingredients and no Parabens or Silicones
• Effective for skin hydration and moisturization
• Did not irritate my skin
• Calm, cooling effect for a certain period
• Mask has a very good facial fit
Cons of SNP Charcoal Mineral Black Ampoule Mask:
• Serum is slightly more sticky to my liking
• Effects are good, not great
• Availability in India- sigh
IMBB Rating:
3.5/5
Would I Repurchase/Recommend SNP Charcoal Mineral Black Ampoule Mask?
I am planning to try more masks from this brand. The charcoal one was good, but not great. So a repurchase is not likely. I would recommend it those who are looking for Pore tightening and hydration. I feel it may work well for them. Also if you have normal skin, it should have a good effect. My oily skin and summer season are a bad combination for any product!
Aroma Magic Activated Bamboo Charcoal 6 in 1 Pack
Activated Charcoal for Skin Care
Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal
Amazing Reasons To Include Charcoal In Makeup Products
Revlon ColorStay Mineral Foundation
ELF Mineral Eye Shadow Primer
Innisfree Ampoule Intense Cushion SPF34 PA ++
Homemade Green Tea Sheet Masks : DIY
Missha Caviar and Tea Tree Pure Source Sheet Masks
The Face Shop Real Nature Lemon Sheet Mask
These carbon activated products work so well!! I like how the mask is black in color, different 😀
If it’s effective for skin hydration and moisturization, I am gonna love it. But, only if it wer available in India. But, the sheet’s pic is quite funny. 😀