PRODUCT REVIEW: The Body Shop – Nicaraguan Coffee Intense Awakening Mask
Perfect for skin burnout (skin that looks dull, uneven, rough or ashy)
As I fast approach my big 4 0, I have started to pay particular attention to my skin care routine and the products I use. Anyone who has a hectic lifestyle as mine will understand that early mornings, too much screen time, snacking habits and late nights can cause severe tired-looking skin. In an attempt to ‘save’ my skin from my lifestyle, I am hoping this mask delivers, which is to “Give your skin an energy kick with our richly textured Nicaraguan Coffee Intense Awakening Mask” , as stated by The Body Shop.
Being an absolute coffee lover, I know that coffee is the perfect ‘pick me up’ that I need on most mornings for that boost of energy. When my Body Shop At Home Consultant offered free samples of the product I instinctively jumped at the chance of testing out the mask, wondering all the while what kind of effect I would experience having coffee on my skin. The mask is fortified with powerful coffee beans and sesame seed oil from Nicaragua and other Community Trade ingredients that The Body Shop is known for, promising to leave your skin feeling awake, cleared of impurities, looking more radiant and, over time refining your pores.
As I only had two sample pots, I was determined to give an honest review based on multiple applications. I used a synthetic bristle brush to apply the mask for minimum wastage, and applied this all over my face in a thin layer (excluding the eyes and mouth area).
The first time I tried the mask on was on a Friday evening, after washing and cleansing my skin. As I applied the mask I immediately felt my face warming up. Next was the hit of the chocolatey coffee smell, not too strong but just about right. The mask does feel sticky, derived from the sugar cane, so it is a good reason to use a brush for the application and avoid any mess. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which are part of the natural constituents of sugar cane are supposed to have lots of benefits such as reducing blemishes, prevent ageing and helps to keep the skin hydrated. Unlike clay masks, the Nicaraguan Coffee Intense Awakening mask does not dry out and although the recommendation is to leave on for 5-10 minutes, I had it on for 15mins. I gently exfoliated the coffee particles with a flannel then washed the mask off easily with warm water. When I looked in the mirror after drying, my skin looked like it had been given a new lease of life! No exaggeration, my skin looked the CLEANEST and BRIGHTEST it has in a very long time! I was glowing, quite literally, to the point that my husband asked what I had on my face. I was super happy and satisfied to say the least. My skin felt refreshed, plumped and smoother.
All this from just one application!
Since then I have got 4 applications out of the sample pots and I have noticed a considerably difference since using them. The properties of cocoa and shea butter contained in the mask help the skin to feel refreshed, plumped and smoother, whilst the coffee particles give a gentle exfoliation to make way for a positive glow. The product is a little on the expensive side (£17 rrp) however, with the discount offered by your Body Shop At Home Consultant (down to £13.60) plus the large 75ml tub, this will easily last you a good while so, all in all a worthwhile buy for glowing skin. For lasting results it is recommended to use regularly, up to 3 times a week.
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Written by Anita Pillai – Director and Lead Makeup Artist
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NB: This is not a paid review