It's been a long time since I gave my skin any more attention other than my daily night-time routine. I haven't used a facial scrub and mask in over a year for several reasons. The first being that I felt like they weren't working for me anymore and for the fact that I was lazy.
Don't be like me guys and girls, don't give up and become lazy when you feel like your products aren't working for you anymore. Instead, find out what you need to do differently. What are the active ingredients? Are they still ideal for your skin type? Do you need to change your routine?
A few weeks ago it dawned on me that I could actually try a different brand of face scrub and mask so I went shopping. Actually, I went shopping for groceries but I planned on going to the beauty aisle for a facial scrub and mask.
The only brand of scrubs and mask I found was St.Ives. I was a bit disappointed because I've never really liked this brand due to the saturation of fakes in the market. The store I was in is a reputable store and I trusted they only stock original products so I went for it.
It was more of scrubs on the shelf and just one type of mask from the brand. I spotted the St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Oatmeal Scrub & Mask. This was interesting, I had never used a combo scrub and mask before. Since this was the only mask available and it was also a scrub, I picked it and didn't bother getting a scrub anymore.
Product Claim
The St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Oatmeal Scrub & Mask claims to smooth away dryness and even skin texture. It also says it is an oil-free product made with 100% natural exfoliants that leave the skin 'looking and feeling soft and supple'. It is said that it won't clog pores and it has a gentle exfoliation factor.
The Packaging
The St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Oatmeal Scrub & Mask comes in a 150ml tube, properly sealed with no leakage whatsoever and the product was easy to dispense. The colour combo of white and beige is attractive and it immediately drew my attention.
Ingredients
I always look out for water in products like scrubs and masks. It was pleasing to see water as the first ingredient on the list. It is followed by glycerin which absorbs moisture and it's very good for the skin. There are several exfoliants which are just the regular.
The Price
I don't remember the exact price of this product but I know it was a little over 2000 Naira. That's about $4 which isn't bad at all.
My Impression of St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Oatmeal Scrub & Mask
It is ironic that I chose to buy an oatmeal scrub because I genuinely dislike oatmeal. It is one food I haven't tasted in about 20 years and I don't intend to still. I thought, if I won't eat oatmeal, maybe my skin would.
Smell
The first thing I noticed about this scrub/mask is the smell. I am very particular about smells so this was a defining moment. It smelled so good and yummy thankfully. Well, it's oatmeal, that's expected.
It smelled milky, oat-sy, and creamy at the same time. I mean actual beauty cream and not edible cream. I sniffed some more and the creamy smell became a bit offensive, that might just me though, I get easily irritated by smells.
Consistency
The texture was just right, only slightly runny but with a facial mask consistency still. Considering it's both a scrub and mask, the texture is a good balance. The granules are almost smooth that you barely feel them while scrubbing.
I needed only two squeezes on my fingertips to cover my whole face and I applied in circular motions on my damp face, gently scrubbing in. It said to wait 5-7 minutes after scrubbing so the mask can sit in well. I did 15 minutes and washed it off.
Did St. Ives Get It Right?
While washing my face, I could feel the smoothness of my skin already and when I was done, it was evident that my skin had gotten a good tlc. My face didn't feel dry at all and I felt the softness and suppleness St. Ives had promised.
I followed with my micellar water and face cream and the products easily sunk into my skin, leaving my face feeling very hydrated.
The next morning when I was having my bath, I could feel how soft and even-textured my face felt. It was amaaazzing I won't lie. It says on the tube that oatmeal has soothing properties and "helps you keep the peace with your mind, body, and soul".
When I read that part, I thought it was an exaggeration because why does St. Ives have to involve themselves with my soul? Well, now I get it, I totally get it. It was a very soothing feeling that I now look forward to.
This was a good purchase in all ramifications. It is a combination product, both a scrub and mask, which saves you money on an already inexpensive product. It is very gentle on the skin and does exactly what the product description states.
I've always thought there wasn't much difference between a facial scrub and mask as one just has granules in them and the other doesn't. In my opinion, this product proves it is indeed a marketing strategy to have a scrub separate from a mask when you actually need just one to do the job.
Rating
I'd rate the St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Oatmeal Scrub & Mask a solid 10 out of 10.
It is worth trying out and I will definitely restock when I'm done with this tube. Have you used this scrub/mask before? What do you think about St. Ives products?
Thank you for reading!
All images belong to me, Wolfofnostreet.
This is not a sponsored post.
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