Now, I talked about the Algenist line all the way back in February (holy cow), and finally, I'm letting you know Does It Work? I got to try the Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask, a 2.7 fl. oz tube of gel that retails for $52. The ingredients include alguronic acid, propeptide3, jojoba, green tea & vitamin E and is supposed to restore your skin's elasticity, structure and suppleness. Now I'm not even 30 yet, but I do have some sagging skin around my eyes and as I've gained weight, my cheeks tend to be a little more puffy but otherwise I have some pretty decent skin.
For this mask, you are to apply an even layer to clean, dry skin avoiding the eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes and then remove using warm water. Apply once or twice a week.
Now, considering that the system's claim is better skin in 10 days, I did not see results in 10 days of my mask, considering that's only 2 applications. Instead, I applied once weekly for 2 months (March and April) and then let my skin breathe for a month (May). This is a downside of testing out skin care products that I've found as a blogger... how do you accurately tell what's going on with your skin? I'm not a dermatologist, so please note all the opinions in this review, are my own.
So as you can see above, the tube is a pretty good size for the price, and you don't need a lot to cover your face (always a good thing)! The gel looks like coffee creamer in color and appears to be a thick gel. I'm pleased to say it was not greasy or oily feeling.
How flattering is this yo? So here I am with the mask applied. Once on the skin, the gel is absolutely colorless. You can see on my right side that I have a few blemishes and overall my skin is a bit red. My skin has always been "a bit red" but my dermatologist couldn't determine if it was rosacea or not. (To be honest, I'm looking for a new dermatologist as well). Now the good about this mask is that it doesn't dry on your face like other face masks I've used, where it's dry and crusty and the mask cracks on your face. Instead, it just dries clear and it did take a bit of rubbing to get it all off (just splashing with warm water did nothing for me). I didn't notice any side effects or issues with my skin while using this product. The blemishes on my face have cleared up, and have stayed cleared up even with discontinuing the product. Now if that's a cause of the product or anything else, I don't know. I can't tell any difference in the firmness of my skin and since it wasn't to be used on the eyes, my baggy eye lids and bags under my eyes are still there (darn).
Would I buy this again? Because $50 is way out of my current price range, the answer is no. I would love Algenist to come out with a smaller trial kit of all 3 items, maybe a week's worth? This way people can test the whole system and see if it really works for them. Only having one product gives me a bit of a disadvantage when it's the whole system that really treats your skin. Edit: Hah, so now they DO offer a "trial" set for $65. Now THIS I think is worth it.
As far as masks, I love that it's a clear, odorless gel but on the other hand, it's hard to tell if you missed a spot on your skin.
Algenist Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask ($52) can be purchased at Sephora.
Disclosure:
The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company
for consideration. For more information, please read this post.
Although I don't talk about it enough, I really have started taking better care of my skin. I'm only 28, but I know that I already have some signs of aging around my eyes. Please enjoy the following releases from Algenist - and check them out now at Sephora! There's a lot of information here, but it's totally worth it!
Algenist’s latest skincare innovation (hitting Sephora this month): Firming & Lifting.
The line is truly a must-have for women looking to strengthen their skin and reduce the effects of aging and gravity. Skin looks firm, toned and sculpted in 10 days!
How it works:
In addition to key ingredient, Alguronic Acid (algae-compound with the ability to protect and regenerate skin), the Firming & Lifting line incorporates proteins and peptides to restore and repair skin.
Firming & Lifting Cream ($94): Ultra firming and restructuring cream to lift and tighten while reinforcing skin structure
Ingredients: Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3, Avocado Oil, Phytosterols, and Olive Fruit Oil
This ultra firming and restructuring cream immediately lifts and tightens the skin by leveraging the power of Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3: a never-before-seen anti-aging complex introduced through Algenist’s new Firming & Lifting line.
By uniting Alguronic Acid with ProPeptide3 (a combination of three active peptides and three active proteins), this anti-aging complex increases collagen synthesis by up to 209%, increases proteoglycan synthesis by up to 155% and prevents loss of firmness by 44%. Together these ingredients boost production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin's structure, this advanced formula reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the skin so that the complexion appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted.
Proteins and peptides (protein building blocks) are essential structural components of the skin, responsible for the structure, regulation and function of skin cells. The deterioration of these essential structure proteins affect the skin’s ability to restructure and repair itself, leading to a visible loss of firmness and elasticity.
The Firming & Lifting Cream's unique formula helps strengthen skin's structure to redefine facial contours, leaving skin smooth, sculpted and lifted. Avocado Oil, Phytosterols, and Olive Fruit Oil moisturize and nourish the skin
Directions for use:
Apply to entire face and neck twice daily.
Firming & Lifting Eye Gel ($68): Lightweight Eye gel to rebuild density while firming & lifting delicate skin around the eyes
Ingredients: Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3, Alfalfa Seed Extract, Lupine Protein, Caffeine, and Chamomile
This lightweight eye gel rebuilds density while firming and lifting delicate skin around the eyes by leveraging the power of Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3: a never-before-seen anti-aging complex introduced through Algenist’s new Firming & Lifting line.
By uniting Alguronic Acid with ProPeptide3 (a combination of three active peptides and three active proteins), this anti-aging complex increases collagen synthesis by up to 209%, increases proteoglycan synthesis by up to 155% and prevents loss of firmness by 44%. Together these ingredients boost production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin's structure, this advanced formula reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the skin so that the complexion appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted.
Proteins and peptides (protein building blocks) are essential structural components of the skin, responsible for the structure, regulation and function of skin cells. The deterioration of these essential structure proteins affect the skin’s ability to restructure and repair itself, leading to a visible loss of firmness and elasticity.
The unique formula smoothes eye contours, revealing a revitalized, recharged and youthful appearance. Alfalfa Seed Extract, Lupine Protein, Caffeine, and Chamomile reduce puffiness and soothe skin around the eyes.
Directions for use:
Apply to the eye area twice daily
Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask ($52): Refreshing gel mask to firm, tone & sculpt facial contours
Ingredients: Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3, Jojoba, Green Tea, and Vitamin E
This unique gel mask immediately restores skin elasticity, structure and suppleness by leveraging the power of Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3: a never-before-seen anti-aging complex introduced through Algenist’s new Firming & Lifting line.
By uniting Alguronic Acid with ProPeptide3 (a combination of three active peptides and three active proteins), this anti-aging complex increases collagen synthesis by up to 209%, increases proteoglycan synthesis by up to 155% and prevents loss of firmness by 44%. Together these ingredients boost production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin's structure, this advanced formula reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the skin so that the complexion appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted.
Proteins and peptides (protein building blocks) are essential structural components of the skin, responsible for the structure, regulation and function of skin cells. The deterioration of these essential structure proteins affect the skin’s ability to restructure and repair itself, leading to a visible loss of firmness and elasticity.
The rich formula immediately tightens and firms leaving skin toned and lifted. Jojoba, Green Tea and Vitamin E moisturize, hydrate and strengthen skin.
Directions for use:
Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes and then remove using warm water or a warm, wet face cloth. Apply once or twice weekly, as desired.
The Firming & Lifting line is:
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-irritating
- Not tested on animals
All Algenist products are formulated without:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
