I’ve been a fan of My Beauty Diary face sheet masks, so when I heard they had a new product range, I was all eager to try it.

Introducing My Beauty Diary’s new black mask range! Yes, it’s new with an improved formula, features and packaging…and it’s BLACK! Very classy indeed. The enhanced mask range features a uniquely patented ingredient called Cosphingo, which has a long-lasting moisturising property for improved hydration of your skin. The black sheet mask  is made of high-quality fine and smooth cotton fibres from Japan, is extremely gentle on your skin, and its essences are absorbed easily by your skin. The best part is that it is free from harmful paraben preservatives, alcohol, mineral oil, pigments and fluorescent agents. Therefore, it is suitable for all skin types!

You should also take note that this black mask range contains 3D hyaluronic acid and yeast compound. The 3D hyaluronic acid forms a protective film over your skin to replenish and retain moisture, keeping your face hydrated. The yeast compound helps to tighten and regulate your skin tone, leaving you with a smooth and glowing complexion. The mask itself is made of conforming material that fits the contours of your face and neck (under chin) perfectly.

There are three variants in this range:

• Black Obsidian Moisturising Black Mask
• Black Rose Brightening Black Mask
• Black Pearl Total Effects Black Mask

I always go for moisturising face sheet masks as my skin is quite dehydrated, so I was hoping to try the first variant. Was delighted that My Beauty Diary and The Sample Store had sent me that!

The Black Obsidian Moisturising Black Mask works to Nourish, Hydrate, Moisturise and Illuminate your skin.

Here’s the write up on the ingredients of the mask:

Rich in trace elements and minerals that restores healthy skin, French Black Obsidian helps support the skin’s protective mechanism and enhances the skin’s hydrating power. The infusion of Laminaria digitata and sugar maple delivers intense hydration to the deep layers of skin to improve dry skin texture, revealing renewed and brighter skin. Enriched with numerous soothing ingredients like Calendula officinalis, Licorice, and Ruscus aculeatus extracts to relieve dry, rough and irritated skin, the mask is also rich in Bladder wrack seaweed, Aloe vera, and hydrolysed Jojoba for improved hydration, allowing the skin to feel optimally nourished, revitalised with glowing luminosity!

Despite using My Beauty Diary masks a lot of times now, I can’t for the life of me, remember what the texture feels like. But this black face sheet mask is da bomb! The mask is not paper thin, it actually feels smooth and…luxurious. Yea, like good quality stuff! AND IT ACTUALLY FITS MY FACE! I know my face is a little small, but it is extremely irritating when the eye and mouth holes don’t align with my eyes and mouth. This fits perfectly!

One  thing I really dislike are ear loops to support the under chin flaps. They are supposed to be helping to stretch your skin so that you don’t get saggy skin as you age, but I just absolutely hate having that wet feeling around my ears. This mask has the under chin flaps but no ear loops! Yay! You should know that the under chin flaps are something really good to have. They allow the essence to work its magic on your chin/neck, so you don’t have an uneven skin tone.

The face sheet mask wasn’t dripping with essence too. The amount was just nice — enough to keep your face hydrated, but not too much to end up creating a mess down your neck. Another important point for a good face sheet mask, in my opinion.

After usage of the mask for at least three times, I found my skin to be brighter, smoother and more hydrated. Not sure if you can see that through my photos (should have taken both under the same light), but trust me, it does work. My face does feel refreshed as I peel of the mask.

You can buy the My Beauty Diary Black Masks at Guardian, Sasa and Watsons for $16.90 (a box of five pieces).

And for a limited period of time, My Beauty Diary SG Facebook fans can get to try the Black Obsidian Moisturising Black Mask by redeeming a free sample in a ‘Group Redemption Deal’. This deal is valid only for the first 1,000 participating fans and will only be unlocked once 1,000 entries are received. Each of the 1,000 participating fans will receive one mask worth $3.95. So what are you waiting for? LIKE the My Beauty Diary SG Facebook page and take part in the deal!

If you guys are wondering why there is a “[SR]” at the beginning of the title, it stands for “sponsored review”. Yes! This is my first review of a sponsored product! Thanks to Bio-essence and The Sample Store! So exciting!

Today, I’ll be talking about Bio-essence’s Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask. It’s one of the products from the Hydra Tri-Action range. I think this is an improved version of the hydrating range of products. I was using that older range of products a few years back. There was the sleeping mask in that range back then too. I remember my sister telling me how good it was. Too bad, I didn’t try it out then. Oh well, but at least I get to try this new and improved version.

The new and improved range has THREE times the hydration power which acts to HYDRATE, NOURISH and PROTECT your skin.

HYDRATE — It contains two types of hyaluronic acid: Power Nano Hyaluronic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, as well as Cranberry Extract. The Power Nano Hyaluronic Acid has an average nano molecular size of 15-25mm so that it is absorbed quickly and easily into the skin. Its super miosture retention capability also helps to keep your skin firm, plumped and moisturised. The Hyaluronic Acid forms a large water-locked network to effectively lock in the moisture. The Cranberry Extract aids in moisture retention, improving skin elasticity and suppleness.

NOURISH — The Cranberry Extract provides excellent conditioning of your skin for a healthy glow. There’s also the Bio Energy Fluid that further nourishes and refines skin texture.

PROTECT — Not only does the Cranberry Extract help to hydrate and nourish your skin, it is rich in anti-oxidents which protects the skin against harmful free radicals, environmental and UV damage.

I’ve been using sheet masks all along, but some time this year, I got really lazy and have stopped using them regularly. I still go for my monthly facial session, but I’ve noticed that sometimes my skin just can’t hold out that long. My cheeks get a little dry and rough to the touch. With the help of hydrating masks, my skin usually holds up quite well. So for the lazy people like me, the Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask is just perfect. You just put it on like a normal moisturiser and that’s it. Let it do its magic while you sleep. For more intensive treatment, you can apply a slightly thicker layer and it becomes a sleeping mask.

Take it from me the lazy one. I never bothered taking care of my skin until I went to college. By then, I was battling oily patches on my face. I thought I had an oily complexion, but I later found out that my skin was actually too dry to the point that it was producing more oil to compensate. So yes, keeping your skin moisturised is very important. With the Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask, it combats the four common skin problems. It brightens dull and tired skin, regulates oil and moisture level, moisturises dry and rough skin, refines enlarged pores. Woohoo! Sounds good to me because I seem to have all of the above. *sheepish look*

I think you must be curious now about the sleeping mask, so let’s take a look at what it really is.

The mask comes in a deep turqoise coloured bottle.

The mask itself is in the form of a white, somewhat translucent cream.

Hey, but here’s where the fun begins. The Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask is made with Bio-essence’s unique Bio Aqua Crystal technology. This technology forms a protective shield over the hydrating ingredients to prevent moisture loss before application. Upon application, the shield breaks away and big aqua droplets are formed! This ensures your skin gets hydrated with the freshest and most optimal amount of hydrating activity.

Here’s what it looks like after application. Can you see the water droplets?

So cool right?

What I like most about the mask is the texture of the cream. It’s light and definitely not oily. I was pleasantly surprised since most moisturisers I’ve used so far feel more oily than this. Usually I’ll wash my hands with soap after application, but with this I end up just using water. It also has a nice fragrance. Not that I care much, but if it ain’t smelling good, it ain’t going on my face for sure. After using the product for slightly more than a week, I noticed that my skin didn’t feel as dry and rough anymore. So yay to the Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask!

If you’re game to try out other products in the Hydra Tri-Action range, there’s the Aqua Foamy Cleanser, Aqua Refreshing Toner and Aqua Moisturing Gel too.

What’s more, Bio-essence will be having a street sampling activity on Saturday, 6 September 2014 from 2-6pm outside Mandarin Gallery. You can find out how hydrated your skin is and get freebies, as well as enjoy attractive discounts on the products.

You can also “LIKE” Bio-essence Singapore’s Facebook page and redeem free samples.