The Ravings of an Insomniac

I enjoyed writing the last skincare post so much I thought I'd bring you a version about masks. I normally don't write skincare reviews on my blog because what works for me might be a disaster for you, but I do enjoy sharing products and giving my opinion, so these mini-reviews are perfect! Today is a face mask edition. I used to use masks quite frequently, and then got a bit lazy with the process because I found it too slow and tedious. Recently I've been using them again and really enjoying the process I used to find boring.

Starting from left to right, this Petal Fresh Botanics Aloe & Cucumber Facial Peel Off Masque is something I found in Taiwan and I cannot find and proof of this brand anywhere other than Ebay. But basically, it's a gel that you apply to your face, and it forms a film that you can peel off about ten minutes later. It's cool and satisfying, but alcohol denat is the second ingredient in this product and I'm trying to back off from products with high alcohol content.

The Elizabeth Arden Hydrating Mask is something that I actually wrote a review on. I don't feel as if it actually hydrates my skin, but I like the scent and it's tingly and cooling on the face. The consistency is very nice too, it feels almost clay based but it doesn't harden.

This third mask I got recently, and I've been really enjoying it. The Giovanni D-Tox System Purifying Facial Mask is quickly becoming one of my skincare staples. The mask isn't very opaque, which is nice because I don't look like a serial killer, it smells quite fresh and natural, and really helps my skin feel cleansed from the inside. It doesn't dry out my skin, nor does it bring blemishes to a head (although I know that's good I cannot stand it).

Probably my favorite mask of the bunch, one that I always use is the Origins Drink Up Intensive. I'm sure you've heard of it, it's exploded over the blogosphere. I've had this sample size since February, and it's still going strong! This is a hydrating mask that you leave on overnight. But don't worry, it absorbs into your skin so it doesn't end up on your pillowcase and sheets. It smells like apricots, feels luxurious, and in the morning the skin just looks and feels beautiful.

This Yes To Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask is something I'm pretty partial to. It smells too strongly of cucumbers, but otherwise I can't find any faults. It works fairly quickly, the clay drying within ten minutes, so if you're in a hurry and you need a quick detox mask than this will do the job. I don't think it's anything amazing, but I don't dislike it.

A lot of people suffer from dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and scars on their faces. There are a lot of products targeted towards people concerned with that. However, what about us with dark spots on our bodies? I know how you feel, if you  have them. I pick at my scabs... don't do that. It'll leave you with a scar. As a result of that, my legs are scattered with scars. I figured I'd just let them sit by themselves until they eventually disappear for years, but a while ago I grew tired of looking at my legs and bought myself some scar removing products.

Bio Oil is a cult favorite in the beauty world. People rave about this being Holy Grail status and amazing. To be perfectly honest, I haven't used it yet. I got it as a backup for the oil I'm using right now. I will say that it smells a little odd.

Speaking of the oil I'm using right now, we have here the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil (the label peeled off, sorry!). It smells like chocolate (the scent lingers, by the way) and hydrates my skin really well. I haven't seen much impact that this has on my scars. It has, however, helped with my stretch marks. They've all but disappeared. The bottle recommends to use this three times a day for maximum impact. I use it once (or twice, if I remember) a day and the stretch marks are disappearing nonetheless.

The Yes To Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Body Creme is the first product I've seen designed specifically for correcting dark spots on the body. It's like a body butter, but a tad bit more whipped in texture. It smells diving (like grapefruits!) and sinks in quickly. The creme also claims to reduce spots in four weeks. I found that it took me more than four weeks to see significant results, but there were definitely results in a few weeks.

This one might seem a little out of place... Vitamin E (these are Costco brand). I squeeze the oil out of the capsules, but drugstores do sell vitamin E oil. This works, however, I can't stand it. It takes forever to absorb into your skin and you can never really get it off your hands from spreading it over your skin. However, if you have the patience, using straight up vitamin E does work.

Sorry, this product isn't pictured. Mederma is a scar treatment that my doctor actually recommended to me. I went through like, three tubes of this stuff. Full disclosure, after about six months my skin did grow immune to it (which is why I haven't repurchased), but it worked like a charm for those six months. My dark spots were reduced greatly. I used to put it on before my lotion, and then when I got lazy I started mixing it in with my body lotion, which worked all the same.

Another unpictured item: aloe vera. This might seem strange, but with continued use of this superplant, your scars will start to fade. Aloe vera gel can be purchased at most drugstores for a pretty affordable price, or you can scoop the meat out of the plant itself (also affordable). The only problem is that the plant's leaves don't grow back, so be wary if you're using the plant directly.

Some quick tips to helping body spots fade faster:

• Sunscreen. Some of your spots might be sun spots, so always be sure to apply sunscreen!
• Hydrate. I'm not sure why, but whenever my lets are soft and hydrated the spots seem to disappear faster.
• Don't overload your spots with products!

Ayo, so I hope this post was of some help to you. I know it can be a little difficult tracking down products designed for dark spots on the body. Thanks for reading!