DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask (4/10)

Summary

Cons

• Lingering smell
• Expensive
• Not very effective
• Doesn’t reduce acne scars or blackheads

Pros

• Reduces oil
• Fights acne

In-depth Review

After reading rave reviews about the DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask all over the web, I decided to splurge and spend the $42 (CAD) on the mask in hopes that it would clear my face of my persistence acne.

The tub packaging that this product comes in is welcomed as it gives you easy access to the thick paste, as opposed to a squeeze tube. The product is in the form of a white thick paste with a distinctive chemical smell. It can be used as an all-over face mask or a spot treatment (I only used this product as a mask). Applying the product to the face is simple however the paste is quite thick and so I end up using a lot more product to ensure that I have an even amount spread over my face. I avoid areas that are dry or more sensitive such as the corners of my nose because the product tends to make those areas dry, red, and itchy. I leave the mask on for 15 minutes. During that time, more so than other masks, you feel the mask tighten within 3-4 minutes, however unlike other masks that I have tried, there is no tingling effect on the skin. Once the mask has dried, it turns a yellowish/green color and you can definitely smell the sulfur. When it is time to rinse this mask off, it is best done in the shower because firstly, it is hard to rinse off and requires quite a lot of rubbing, and secondly, because the smell of sulfur really sticks to your skin and so a more prolonged rinse is better. Beware of getting this product into your eyes as it will cause them to sting and water for a considerable amount of time - trust me.

Immediately after rinsing and moisturizing, my face feels quite clean and refreshed, albeit not smelling the greatest. Often when I apply this mask before I sleep I awake with less sever acne. Specifically, the size of newer pimples is often reduced however acne scars and older, more persistent pimples remain unchanged. I haven’t noticed any changes to the size of my pores or the reduction of blackheads with 3 months of usage. Of course, this mask does help with reducing oil secretion for a max of 2 days (for me) however, masks that are available for half the cost can as well – I recommend Anthony Logistics Deep Pore Cleansing Clay Mask (~$25 CAD)

All in all, I will continue to use this product until it is finished (another 3 months) however I will not be repurchasing the DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask. My first DDF skincare product may very well be my last.

Smashbox High Definition Heathy FX Foundation Review (7.7/10)

Summary

Cons
• SPF causes very noticable shine in photographs
• Formula separates in tube – requires mixing when pumped out
• Not sweat proof

Pros
• Natural finish in daylight photographs
• Non-cakey
• Diverse shade selection
• Very little scent
• Sun protection - SPF 15
• Oil-Free

In-depth Review
My experience with Smashbox’s HD foundation has been quite variable. Being my first foundation I had no expectations however reviews were positive so I decided to make the purchase at Sephora.

The formula of this foundation is mediocre. Like I said previously, this is my first foundation and so I can’t compare to others however the consistency I found to be pretty good – not too runny and easy to blend – however it does have a tendency to be streaky, when applied with Smashbox’s own foundation brush; A few more brushstrokes will eliminate the streaks.

The foundation does have a distinctive scent to it however it is difficult to describe: nothing flowery, or fruity. It smells more like an everyday lotion but do not fret, the scent dissipates after 5 minutes of application. The finish of the foundation is quite flat/matte looking. I often have to apply a bronzer to give some natural definition to my face.

I have quite oily skin, so when looking for a foundation I make sure that its formula is oil-free. Nonetheless, this foundation does make my skin quite oily at the end of the day (I’d say it get’s noticeable after 4-5 hours). I haven’t experienced the foundation to slip on my skin, as oily as it sometimes gets, however what does cause it to slip is excessive sweating. More than likely, if you’re going to wear this foundation to go clubbing, or any other sweat-inducing activity, it’ll slide off almost completely within 1.5 to 2 hours (obviously depending on how much you sweat)

The real downfall for this product (for me) is its inability to photograph well in pictures with flash. This foundation does have an SPF of 15 which will cause you to appear extra reflective in photographs when a flash is used. Of course you can use less of a flash or no flash at all however sometimes it’s a must. My experience has been quite bad as I have often looked much more oily in photographs than I actually am, due to the light-reflecting properties of the active ingredients found in the foundation. On the flip side however, this foundation can be great for a daytime look when flash isn’t needed for your photographs – or when no photographs are being taken. The SPF makes it an excellent choice for days out in the sun as you know you’ll be getting some protection from harmful UV rays.

One pump is typically all I need to cover my entire face. I’ve had this foundation for seven months and I’ve used a little over a quarter of the tube. I do use this foundation sparingly (perhaps once a week?)

Overall, as my first foundation, Smashbox’s HD foundation is quite good however it does not suit my purposes. I will not be purchasing this again and will most likely go for a foundation with no SPF such as Make Up For Ever’s Mat Velvet +.