Hello again lovelies,
I'm on a blogging roll!
Welcome to an firm skincare favourite of mine - a second tub of the Body Shop's Aloe Protective Restoring Mask. The Aloe range is aimed at sensitive skin, and contains fragrance and colour free products.
The
Body Shop markets it as a leave-on weekly treatment mask to aid skin
"that needs more gentle care". It does all that, plus so much more. I have found it the most effective and versatile (out of the entire line) when it comes to soothing sensitive, blemish-prone and/or sun-damaged skin - and I describe how to multi-use it below!
Product Ingredients
The main ingredient is actually what is advertised on the package - wahay! Aloe barbadensis (variation of aloe vera) is known for its 'healing' properties on the skin. It contains a detoxifying concoction of minerals, amino acids and vitamins (notably E and C) which help with the natural regeneration process of the skin, as well as protection from further damage.
Other notable natural ingredients are sesame oil (used as emollient) and oat kernel flour (used as absorbent).
Face value
It is a simple screw cap pot with 100ml of product. The cream inside is extremely viscous (can tip pot upside down) but of a fairly light consistency when used on the skin - it spreads very easily.
The [natural aloe] scent is present but extremely faint, and goes away upon application.
Application
1. Use it as a simple moisturiser, if you apply a VERY thin layer it melts right into the skin, leaving a slightly dewy finish. It literally keeps your face and neck soft all day and makes an amazing base for foundation, BB creams or extra SPF for the daytime. If you have particularly oily skin, I would suggest mixing this with a mattifying primer or moisturiser (containing clay) to avoid shine later on in the day.
2. Use it as an overnight treatment/mask/night cream. For very best results I've found is to apply a thin layer (as above), let it sink in and then apply another thin layer on top. This step almost acts like a shield or invisible film to lock in the moisture released from the first. If a very thick layer is applied at once it can get slippy as it takes longer to be absorbed, and might transfer to your pillow or duvet! Also don't be too alarmed if the next morning your face is looking a little shinier than usual, just wash it with a facial cleanser as usual and you'll notice the difference after. :)
3. Use it as aftersun care. Many supermarket or drugstore/pharmacy brands boast aloe-containing products for soothing and healing sunburns. Except the aloe extract is often far down in the ingredients list in those (i.e. proportionally less of it), whereas it is at the top of this one. So it's no wonder when it completely healed my [male] friend's very fair and freckle-prone sunburnt neck after just a few applications! The lack of perfume, colour or shiny 'gel' texture makes it perfect for anywhere on the body.
4. Use it on insect bites or inflamed/irritated skin. I have used this on many times to help disinfect and dissipate itchiness. Aloe is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory owning to essential fatty acids. A little goes a very long way - you can also reapply as many times as needed as the ingredients are extremely mild, unlike antihistamines or other pharmacy-grade ointments. Sorted!
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| This is literally all you need to cover the area of my entire hand (fingers included)!! |
Further thoughts
All in all, this is an amazing product which I recommend to everyone, any skin type and - even if it's just for daily moisturising. It honestly lasts a crazy amount of time (I would suggest also storing it in a relatively dark and cool place to stop the ingredients from separating), and you never know when it might come in handy! ;) PLUS it is only £12 and currently on offer, seeing as my last pot lasted well over two years, I think it is also incredible value for money.
Hope you found this useful or interesting!! It is honestly such a great all-rounder, and underrated too.
Speak very soon! Love,
Yang xo
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