[Review] Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask

I have this thing for Ole Henriksen products that doesn’t seem to go away even when I’m supposed to stick to a very specific skincare routine.  If you read my latest post about using tretinoin then you’ll know what I’m talking about.  It entails using very basic cleansers, tretinoin gel, 5% benzoyl peroxide and oil-free moisturizers.  All the extra potions and serums that I loved using are supposed to be on hold, however I still do my research and look for things that may help with the discomfort sometimes associated with using tretinoin.

That’s where Ole Henriksen’s Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask comes into play.  A moisturizing gel mask that soothes stressed skin.  Perfect for my skin which is under constant attack of BP and Tretinoin.  The combo together are very drying if used in excess (which happens–it’s all part of the process of seeing how much you need to apply).  In any case I learned of this mask when I went to a local charity event at my favorite store, Beauty Collection.  They had several vendors there to do mini skin consults and makeovers–it was a total blast.  Here are photos from the event.  I was lucky enough to score a mini skin consultation with one of the ladies from Ole Henriksen and was introduced to this gem of a product.

I learned that lavender isn’t only for sleepy time but can also help soothe inflamed skin.  It also contains sodium hyaluronate which helps out skin lock in moisture.  The enzymatic properties of the mask can be felt slightly when wearing it.  It makes a slight tingle where I feel it’s working “extra hard”.  The creases around my nose tend to peel and I could definitely feel it working there along with a few other spots on my face.  Not at one single time did I worry that it was burning my face or that I would turn into a beet. You can also wear it anywhere from five to 20 minutes depending on how you feel.  I started with five minutes and have moved up to 10 and then 20 to be on the safe side.

The mask comes in a generously sized tub that I apply with a q-tip. The consultant explained that the tub lasted her and her hubby around four months between the both of them!

Another things to note is that you should make your face slightly damp before applying the mask so that it already has some water moisture to pull into your skin.  As you wait for the 20 minutes to be up, you will notice that the gel almost sinks completely into the skin and you are left with a very thin gel layer.  Wash with a soft washcloth and warm water to help remove any excess skin that has been cleared by the mask and voila! Refreshed skin.

Both when I was at the store and at home I noticed my skin was slightly brighter. I wasnt sure if it was just the other sales people claiming it made a difference but I had to see for myself.  I’m not sure HOW it did it (so quickly), but hey, whose complaining? Not moi.

I use the mask around every three days–not too often or it CAN create a worse situation for myself– hello enzymes!  I would recommend this to my friends who have sensitive skin for sure.  Its gentle enough to help with cell turnover, moisturizes the skin and makes for a very good skin prep before makeup.

I got mine from Beauty Collection, but you can find it online in a ton of places.  Do you have a mask that you rely on?  Funny to think that I used to used Queen Helene Mint Julep mask to squash zits and soak up oil, and now I use the most sensitive products I can.

Have questions on something I missed here?  Leave me a comment and I will let you know 🙂

Later beauties!