AD – GIFTED | When you get an invitation to a party, what’s the first thing you think about? For me, it’s never about what to wear. It’s all about pre-party preparation that has to be slotted in after running around after my daughter. So easy wins are key! And one of those wins is definitely a face mask, especially a multi-purpose retinol face mask * like the one Kathleen UK very kindly gifted me recently.
What does a retinol face mask do?
Retinol has become something of a must have ingredient in many skincare products. Why? Because it can dramatically transform your skin (over time). Retinol, also known as Vitamin A₁, is found in foods such as apricots, carrots, broccoli, sweet potato and other dark green, leafy vegetables. It’s a powerful antioxidant, essential for healthy vision, skin, bones and other tissues in the body. And it also works as an antioxidant, fighting cell damage, and boosting our immune function, among other things.
Applied topically, however, it can:
- smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and minimise new ones
- exfoliate deep down on a cellular level, revealing brighter, smoother, newer skin
- stimulate collagen production for a more youthful complexion
- help keep pores clearer, resulting in fewer blackheads and spots
- help fade acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.
As we age, our skin cell regeneration slows down dramatically, to give that rather dull, ashy tone to our complexion. Put simply, retinol can trick your skin into thinking it’s younger than it really is by telling your skin cells to behave like healthy, younger cells 🙂
Kathleen UK’s new Collagen with retinol face mask
I’ve said this before, your skin is a blank canvas, and clean, glowing, healthy skin is the holy grail that we all want, don’t we? Masks are something of a luxury treatment and if you find the right one it can completely transform your skin. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kathleen UK previously and I still LOVE their aromatherapy essential oils roll on. So I was thrilled to be able to try out their newly launched firming, hydrating, repairing and retinol-infused Collagen Mask. It’s made with pure natural ingredients, is 94% organic, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
Retinol face mask ingredients
Among the main ingredients are the magical Retinol, Kaolin (clay), and Rose Damascena Flower extract. Other goodies include:
- Vitamin E – for strong immunity, healthy skin, and an antioxidant to protect skin from damage.
- Calendula – another naturally occurring antioxidant.
- Blueberry – containing antioxidants and Vitamins A, C and E
- Shea Butter – a natural skin super-food which is anti-UV, helps acne, protects against wrinkles, promotes and softens rough skin. It helps fine lines and wrinkles, reinforces micro-circulation, collagen production and makes the skin stronger, suppler and younger looking.
- Rose water – to freshen the skin, and to naturally hydrate and nourish it.
- Sunflower oil – rich in linoleic acid (Omega-6) for skin elasticity. Treats dry skin and wrinkles and improves wound healing through its tissue stimulating and regenerating actions.
- Bergamot essential oil – with effective spot treatment properties.
- Frankincense essential oil – boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, heals age spots, and helps relax and calm the mind.
- Geranium essential oil – promotes beautiful and radiant skin, and can help uplift spirits.
How to use the retinol face mask
I’m not a fan of sheet masks (I just don’t like the feeling of something hanging off my face) so a mask that I can pop on and still move around with is ideal for me. Kathleen UK’s Collagen Mask is suitable for all skins types, including sensitive and aging skin. You apply a thin, even layer to freshly cleansed skin and leave it to work for 10-15 minutes. Once it’s dried, you can remove it with a warm, damp face cloth, and then rinse your skin thoroughly of any remaining residue. Kathleen UK recommend using it once or twice a week for best effect. And you should also keep it out of sunlight as the Vitamin A₁ element in this retinol face mask is photo sensitive and can become unstable.
First impressions of Kathleen UK’s retinol facemask
The gorgeous fragrance you experience when you unscrew the lid is an immediate mood-booster. I adore rose-scented products so I knew this was going to be a relaxing treat straight away. To be honest, I normally steer clear of masks with clay in them because although they purify your skin, they also drag out all the grollies first… Tip: if you’ve got a party to go to, don’t use a clay mask the day before. Start using it at least two weeks before your special occasion, to give your skin a chance to settle down. And if you’re into making your own skincare, here are a few DIY kaolin mask recipes you might like to try.
The very first time I used this mask I nearly fell asleep! It feels so soothing on and the scents are just so calming. After washing my face, I could see my skin looked smooth, matt and refreshed. I’ve been using this retinol face mask twice a week for three weeks now and not had any adverse reactions. (Due in no small part, I believe, to the inclusion of the essential oils). True, I did experience some spots after the first couple of uses, but I was expecting that. And once they had cleared up, my skin has behaved beautifully and I’m really happy with it. It’s too early to tell if the retinol element has had a significant effect but I’m sure it will over time. And I’m a big fan of natural products in my skincare, they make perfect sense to me.
Is Kathleen UK’s retinol face mask worth it?
Absolutely, yes. It’s one of the easiest, most luxurious, and relaxing face masks I’ve ever tried. The geranium and rose fragrance is delightful, the clay is gentle enough not to strip your skin, and the inclusion of the wonder ingredient, retinol, makes it a win for me. If you’re looking for a pampering beauty treat or, better still, can persuade someone to treat you, this should definitely be on your wishlist. Huge thank you to Kathleen UK, I was already a fan of their products, and this newly launched Collagen Mask with retinol is now a staple in my skincare pampering routine.
Do you enjoy using face masks? Have you ever used a retinol face mask? Or any other retinol product? Have you any favourite skincare products or tips to share?
* I was gifted this product in exchange for a review but all opinions are my own.
I love the look of the texture, and the mix of oils is making me think it must smell lovely! It looks very easy to use, which I love, since I have never been one for plastering on something that takes forever to wash off. 🙂
It is without doubt the loveliest textured and fragranced mask – not just an easy to use skin treat but an aromatherapy one too 🙂
This sounds like a lovely mask, working as a beauty therapist I know just how important retinol is for the skin and it’s the perfect anti aging ingredient! Lovely review x
It’s a gorgeous mask and yes, I thought of you when I was writing about the retinol, I hoped you’d agree 🙂 And thank you! x
I’ve been looking into using a retinol recently, and this seems like a great starting point! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, I hope it works for you if you do try some!
This sounds like such a great product! And the texture looks so nice, I love a good texture shot! Although I don’t have any fine lines (I’m 22 lol!), I use a retinol at night because of the pore cleansing benefit to it. I have small spots on my cheeks, chin and forehead and I so far haven’t found a product that helps me deal with this! I’ve tried a bunch of products in the past but nothing has really worked for me. I’m excited to see if the retinol helps!
It’s a beautiful mask to use, such a treat. And I’m sure your retinol will have an effect over time – it’s not a quick solution though but give it a few months and you should see a definite improvement!
I’ll have to look for it ❤️I’ve gotten this wrinkle in the middle of my forehead and while I’m fully aware that older means more wrinkles and stuff and I’ve generally been okay with it that one wrinkle annoys me so much 😋
Wrinkles are natural laughter lines and I will stand by this, haha. But seriously, this is such a fab product, I’m sure you’d love it if you did try it 🙂
Mine is more of a “wtf is going on” raised eyebrow wrinkle 😋
🤣🤣🤣
I’ve heard of retinol in face masks but haven’t personally tried it myself! I believe I did have one product with retinol, but since I went running nearly every day the sun made it feel not so great on my face!
I do love using face masks, especially ones that help with my breakouts – they’re perfect to include for getting en-route to healthy skin! I haven’t used a sheet mask before but one thing I like about face masks is still being able to walk around and do things rather than just staying in one spot!
Sahara
Ah, yes, you need to be careful with retinol and sun exposure, I’m not surprised you didn’t have a great experience. But this mask only has a small amount of retinol and if you use it at night and then an SPF during the day you should be fine 🙂
I love face masks as some self-care and boost my skin but I don’t always love them! More the concept than in actual practise. I’ve used clay ones which have been hard to remove leaving my skin feeling raw after and moisture sheet masks which were so wet and slimy they felt weird on my face. This seems like it has a lighter texture and it’s UK based which is a bonus! Will definitely look into it. Do you need to use it a few times a week or could I do once a week?
I know what you mean about clay masks, they can sometimes leave your skin sore and I’m not a fan of sheet masks either! This mask is lovely though, it’s very soothing and very hydrating. I think the inclusion of all the essential oils and sunflower seed oil means any stripping tendancies are vanquished. And once a week would be fine, I’m sure, although I’ve been using it twice a week as recommended by Kathleen UK. I hope you love it as much as I do if you do try it!
I always wonder what retinol is exactly and if it is contained in any vegetables.
Yes, it is, but you’d have to eat a LOT to get the same effect as a mask 🙂
I’ll be honest, I’m not big on rose scented things, it gives me a bit of a headache! But I love the look of the texture of this and it had so many good properties in it too! x
Ah, that’s a shame, but I know what you mean about certain fragrances, they cause adverse effects for me too 🙂 xx
I’m looking for some new products for skincare. I’ll definitely check this out. Thank you for all the details.
You’re welcome, I hope you love them as much as I do 🙂
This sounds like a good thing. I’ve never considered a mask but I will check it out. Great post
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
This sounds absolutely lovely! As my skin is dry, it unfortunately shares a lot of the characteristics of ageing skin (never had that ‘youthful’ glow) and I really like retinol products for helping to smooth out my drier bit and brighten my skin up a bit. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a retinol mask though! It makes a lot of sense. Being fair and sensitive anyway, I worry about the use of retinol products and sun exposure a lot when I use them so having it in a mask that needs to be used less often than a serum would makes a lot of sense to me. Not to mention all of the other lovely nourishing ingredients in this! x
Sophie
Ooooh, this sounds like it would be perfect for you! And Frankincense is so good at soothing any inflammation too. Like you, I love the idea of using retinol in a mask rather than a serum, it’s such an effective product that a little goes a long way. Thank you for your lovely comment! x
Blackhead management is such a dull job but maybe this will make it more pleasant. I am also a huge fan of anything rose-scented so this goes on my list. Happy holidays! -Jenni xxx
“Blackhead management” I love it! I mean the term, not the job 🙂 Thank you so much for repinning – my Pinterest is also quite neglected so I will have to check out your board – happy holidays to you too! xx
Thank you Lisa! Let’s make together an effort to be better on Pinterest in 2020 xxx
Yes indeed, it’s one of my blog-related aspirations! xxx
I love face masks but never before I didn’t try retinol face mask. I know how powerful ingredient it can be and what can do for skin so after reading your review I would like to try this mask. Thank you for recommendation.
http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com
Thank you for reading – I hope you love it as much as I do if you do try it!
It sounds and looks like a great mask… I like its texture too… thanks for introducing and wonderful product review.. would love to look for it…❤️
http://www.geniusenough.com
It really is, I was so impressed, and normally I don’t like clay masks so I was thrilled with how kind and nourishing this one is for my skin 🙂
I am a big fan of using different types of masks and clay masks are my most loved and used, as I have very oily skin. Retinol is just magical. Regular use does wonders to our skin. This mask sounds lovely and would love to try. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
I know how much you love your clay masks! And yes, retinol truly is a wonder product – I think this mask would be perfect for you, Via 🙂
Interesting post, I don’t know about this 🤔
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com/
You’re welcome, glad it was useful 🙂