I’ve probably mentioned it a million times in the past few weeks, but here I go again. Jeff and I had a fantastic time on vacation in Arizona. I enjoyed every aspect of our trip except what the super dry air did to my skin. I didn’t think it was possible for my face to get so dry. My wrinkles looked awful. My skin felt like old paper. Ugh.
When I got back to “moist” Massachusetts, my skin felt a little better but it still seemed dry from the inside out. What to do? Then I remembered that the day I left for vacation, I received a wonderful box of goodies from Influenster and the luxury, research-oriented skincare company, SK-II to try out in exchange for an honest review.
SK-II was a brand I wanted to try for years. The mystique of the brand itself, their special ingredient Pitera, and their fabulous spokeswoman Cate Blanchette (in their American campaign) all call to me. But it’s a pricey brand, so I bided my time. I was thrilled when I was chosen by Influenster to get to try out a couple of SK-II’s products.
But I was in such a rush to leave I didn’t have much time to investigate it. In fact, I don’t think I actually understood what I got when I opened the box before I headed to the airport. Here’s my quick unboxing video:
What I actually got was two separate skincare products:
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, Skin Balancing Essence
Last week, I mentioned that essences are a thing right now. An essence is a lighter weight, water-like serum that you apply before your actual serum that sinks right into your skin and penetrates better than a cream. You apply an essence by pouring two or three drops into the palm of your hand, clasp your hands together to distribute and then press the essence into your skin. Give it a few seconds to dry before applying your next skincare product such as serum or moisturizer.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is the brand’s signature product, their award-winning bestseller. What a great way to start my introduction to the brand! The Facial Treatment Essence is made of 90% of Pitera, SK-II’s miracle skincell-renewing ingredient that they developed over 35 years ago, a clear liquid rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. Here are the benefits that SK-II promises:
“SK-II Facial Treatment Essence helps to improve the appearance of 5 dimensions of beautiful, crystal clear skin: spots are less visible, appearance of wrinkles is reduced, skin texture is more refined, firmness is improved, and radiance is beautifully elevated. Its irreplaceable formula gently exfoliates the face and helps moderate the skin surface renewal cycle.”
I’m essentially using most of the same skincare products I used on vacation in Arizona, but I’ve added the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. I’ve been using the Essence twice a day for almost 3 weeks, and I can honestly say that my skin has come back from the dead. My face feels hydrated, plumped and smoother instead of dry, papery and sore. My wrinkles are softened, less like craters and less obvious. I’m really pleased with these quick results!
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is recommended for all skin types including sensitive skin. It’s very gentle.
Also, this hydrating essence is a gender-neutral skincare product. Share the news with the man in your life, but buy him his own bottle because you won’t want to share yours.
I received a one ounce deluxe sample size to try, but the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is sold in 4 sizes: 2.5, 5.0, 7.2, and 11.0 fl. oz. priced at $99, $165, $205, and $290 (a big value if you can afford it!).
Ingredients: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate**, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Aqua (Water), Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid. **Pitera
SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
For an instant hydration boost, I used the Facial Treatment Mask. It’s a moisture and radiance-enhancing 100% cotton mask that’s the perfect accompaniment to the Essence. Like the Essence, the key ingredient is Pitera along with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids to get rid of dullness, deeply hydrate and increase the skin’s glow.
The mask itself is heavy because it’s a thick cotton fabric and it’s LOADED with gelled skincare ingredients. The mask was also huge. Like the Essence, this mask can easily be worn by a man because of its size. I had to “pleat” the mask so it would fit me! Take a look. I know I look hideous, but it was worth it.
The SK-II Facial Treatment Mask felt cold on my skin. I’d love to have this mask on a hot summer night. I wore it for about 15 or 20 minutes, removed it, and I left the remaining gel-like ingredients on my skin till they absorbed and dried. Next I applied my nighttime anti-aging cream on top. My skin felt very hydrated the next morning.
I had a fair amount of the gelly left in the silver packet, and I’ve been applying it every night after cleansing. Good to the last drop IMHO!
The masks are sold individually or in quantities of either 6 or 10 masks, priced at $17, $95 and $135, respectively.
Ingredients: Water, Saccharomycopsis Ferment Filtrate*, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Salicylate, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA. *Pitera.
SK-II skincare products are made in Japan. They are sold on the SK-II website, at Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and other fine retailers.
Thank you, SK-II, for helping rehydrate my face!!
I’m dying to try this brand!!
Amber recently posted…Studio Gear True Whipped Stain Lip Gloss
I was thrilled to get this chance to try SK-II and it came about at just the right time to bring my dehydrated skin back to normal, yay!
I think that I have a few samples from the line somewhere, but I definitely haven’t tried this mask. I am a huge fan of sheet masks, and definitely want to try this one!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Nordstrom Spring Beauty Trend Week for May 22-28 | Details
I got 5 nights use out of the mask itself and then what was left in the envelope so it made the $17 price go further!
Sounds like an interesting mask to try. I love SK-II skincare products. It’s a little pricey but it’s really of good quality 🙂
Sharon Beauty Prime recently posted…Bourjois 5x Colorpop Nail Kit
It’s definitely pricey, Sharon. But I’m honestly thinking about buying the big 11 oz bottle of the Essence (the best value by far!) when I use up my deluxe sample.
I have lots of friends who jumped onto the SK-II bandwagon and swears by the brand until they couldn’t keep up with how expensive the products are and they had to add other brands skincare and their skin got worse than before. It’s an amazing brand if you can afford it.
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Well, let’s hope that if I can’t afford to replace the Essence after I use it up that my skin won’t be worse than before!! My skin was so dry from our trip that I thought it would stay that way. The SK-II Essence really has made a different in returning my skin to the way it was before we left. I hope it won’t revert back! I’ve got a little more than half a bottle left!
Love your skin review with this brand and I agree with using the extra amount left in the mask packets!!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
Definitely, and especially when one mask costs $17!!!
SK-II is one of my all-time favorite skincare brands.
The Beauty of Life recently posted…On Wednesdays We Wear Pink: Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm in Lilac
I was thrilled to get to try SK-II for the first time. What are some of your favorite products from SK-II?
I have never tried this brand. A cold mask on a hot day sounds great!
Carleen recently posted…My Day at the Mall with Amopé
I’ve wanted to try SK-II forever, but the price has been an impediment. I was thrilled to be chosen for this campaign. The Essence has really helped my dry skin, and the mask was definitely fun to use.
I have a few of these masks stashed away for special events 🙂
I heard that Japanese brides use these mask for 90 days before their weddings!
this looks awesome. I just got back from vacation as well and my skin is not doing so well. I need to do a hydrating mask today! And these are great products to receive from influenster because they a little pricey lol
You said it, Giselle! I really lucked out from Influenster getting these beauties from SK-II!!
I’m loving the campaigns from Influenster these days! You scored with these products. I don’t really like face masks (my allergies won’t let me great, I be feeling like I can’t breathe) but that essence has my name on it!
Kara recently posted…Healthy Hair Care Products for Spring & Summer [+Giveaway!!]
I lucked out, Kara! Sheet masks aren’t necessarily my faves either, but the cooling aspect of this one was amazing. I’ve got a little more than half the bottle of the essence left, and I’ve gotta make it last!!
Not a fan of those type of masks.
Phyrra recently posted…Phyrra Says Vol. 40 Razer Sucks, Seizures, and More
Although I prefer the regular masks that you squeeze out of a tube and apply straight to the face, I must say the “stuff” that was globbed on the mask was very hydrating and there was a ton of it.
I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this brand. It is pricey but if it works it’s worth it!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Love and Friendship Movie Giveaway!
My face is so much better hydrated than it was so I think it’s working. We’ll see what my finances are like when I run out 😉
I used to stand at the SK II counter at Saks and drool over their products. I know they are wonderful.
MarciaF recently posted…Sleek lips with Lip VIP Lipstick from Sleek Makeup
I’m going to Boston tomorrow. I may have to go to Saks and see if I can score some free samples!!
Oh my, what a coincidence to see you wearing a mask on this post, and here I am typing comments with mask on!!!!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Spring Blues Feat. Viseart Bridal Satin, Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream, Tom Ford Soleil Compact, Burberry Full Kisses
LOL! We’re all in disguise
I am so jealous that you got this box from Influenster! I really wanted to try these SK-II goodies since they are so expensive. I’m still waiting on a new one after The Amuse Bouche one I got a couple months ago lol. Great review as always Allison!
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I was so happy to qualify for the SK-II box because I’ve always wanted to try the brand, and I’ve been very happy with the essence. I’ll be very sad when the bottle is finished! I had hoped to qualify for the Bite Beauty box that you got, but alas I didn’t. I meant to buy one of the new BB lippies during the Sephora VIB event in April but I forgot to put it on my list, boo hoo
I’ve been wanting to try this brand too (mainly the masks) but the price has always made me re-think it. Glad to hear they’re effective.
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$17 for a mask is definitely pricey, but it had enough gel/essence to last for 3 more nights. The mask itself was a heavy fabric, truly saturated and I think it would be great for a hot summer night because it was so cooling. And it was very hydrating. I’m really liking the essence, and I have a little more than half an ounce left. The 11 oz bottle is definitely the best buy of the 4 available sizes, but coming up with the $200+ to buy it is another story
I’ve heard soooo many good things about SK-II and I’ve been wanting to try something from them. The mask sounds fabulous, too!
Color Me So Crazy recently posted…My Birthday Buys from Sephora
I was soooooo happy I got picked for this one! Definitely something I wouldn’t have been able to try on my own 🙂
Great box from Influenster! I’ve not heard of this brand, but it sounds really nice!
Destany recently posted…Different Dimension Heavenly Waters | 31 Days of Blue for Huntington’s Awareness
I lucked out getting this Influenster box. I’ve always wanted to try SK-II but wouldn’t have been able to try it on my own. Fabulous skincare
Although new to me, this sounds like a fabulous, luxury brand!
Babi recently posted…CELESTIAL COSMETICS Valyrio collection : Swatches and Review
I have been wondering how great this brand is and I think I would definitely love to try it out. I have been seeing it around lately and I think I would definitely get use out of the essence.
Honeygirlk recently posted…Thirsty Thursday – Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom, I Am Lazy and I Push My Kids Too Hard
I’ve been following SK-II for a long time probably because the Cate Blanchett advertising is so stunning, but it’s been out of my price range. So happy to get the chance to try it out through Influenster! But now I’m hooked on the Essence, yikes! I think you’d like it too
I love sheet masks!!!!! My absolute favorite!
This was the mother of all sheet masks, Kat!
It sounds SO luxurious! This would be such a treat! <3
Shipra recently posted…KBShimmer Summer 2016 Collection Swatches and Review
Perfect way to describe it: a treat! But it’s becoming a necessity 😉