Today, I'm reviewing the True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask.  True Botanicals is a luxury skin care brand with products which are certified "MADE SAFE".  

The True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask is intended as a non-drying deep exfoliating mask.  There are a number of star ingredients at work here.  Firstly, lactic acid is an exfoliant which also stimulates the natural production of hyaluronic acid.  This mask also contains avocado butter which moisturises the skin.  The other key ingredient is astaxanthin, which is an anti-oxidant and stimulates collagen production.  

Please note this product does contain phenethyl alcohol, which I'm really not sure about.  Phenethyl alcohol is a preservative and its use, particularly in a clean brand, is quite controversial.  It can cause skin irritation at low doses and may have adverse effects on the reproductive system, the brain and nervous system at moderate doses.  Frankly, I don't understand why True Botanicals would want to include this controversial ingredient in their products.

Anyway, putting ingredients aside for a minute, let's talk about my experience in using this product.  When I first opened the jar, I was a bit surprised by the colour (orange) and texture (it looks and feels a bit like wobbly jelly).  It applies easily and smoothly on my face, and it has a pleasant floral scent.  

I don't think you need anything other than a thin layer on your face for it to work, and in fact, my strong recommendation is for you to only apply a thin layer to start off with.  The first few times I applied this product, I didn't really like it as my face developed quite a tingly sensation - I've read a number of reviews of this product before I bought it, but nobody seems to have mentioned this reaction.  I'm not sure if this sensation is normal or it's my skin reacting to some of the ingredients.  I therefore made sure I didn't leave the mask on for more than a couple of minutes.  The good thing is, once I washed off the mask, my skin did return to normal and I didn't develop any skin rash or anything like that.  Now that I have used this product a few more times, I think my skin has gotten more used to it and I'm able to extend the time I leave it on my skin.  After I remove the mask (by washing it off with a damp warm cloth), my skin feels warm, soft and glowy, so it definitely did its job!!  

​I do think that the name "moisture mask" is probably slightly misleading - its main purpose is deep exfoliation.  Although it is definitely non-drying, I don't see it or use it as a moisturising mask.  

The verdict?  I did have some initial reservations with this mask.  However, I have grown to like it.  I just wish True Botanicals would stop putting phenethyl alcohol into this product!

Now I have to declare that I'm a fan of May Lindstrom products. They always smell divine and feel luxurious on the skin, and they are clearly made with love.  And of all the May Lindstrom products, the Blue Cocoon is my absolute favourite.  In fact, I'm going to go as far as saying that this is my favourite beauty product of all times! Let me explain...

The Blue Cocoon is a beauty balm concentrate.  It is 100% natural, with many of the ingredients either certified organic or harvested wild.  Look at the colour - isn't it just amazing?  It looks like the deepest of oceans.  

Personally, I use it as my moisturizer both in the morning and in the evening. I do have a bit of a cleansing ritual.  After I finish washing my face, I put on my face serum.  Then I put a dollop of the Blue Cocoon on my palm (this thing is expensive - thankfully you only need to use a tiny bit for it to go all over the face), and warm it between my hands.  The Blue Cocoon instantly melts and I slather it gently all over my face.  The scent is absolutely divine and I instantly feel calmer.  I particularly look forward to this ritual at the end of the day - it is such a beautiful way to end the day.  The texture of this beauty balm does change with the temperature - on a cold day, it is quite solid, so you will need to scoop it out.  On a warm day, it is a lot softer and creamier in texture.  Either way, it doesn't matter.

The May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon is expensive - it retails at USD180.  But you only need to use a tiny bit each day, so it does last.  Is it worth the money?  I say "absolutely" - I personally wouldn't go a day without it.