science-based product review: summer fridays - jet lag mask
"You don’t have to be a jetsetter to have that lag. Upgrade your skin to a business-class complexion – no matter what time your red-eye gets in, or what time your head hits the pillow. This uber-dewy, hydrating mask soothes thirsty, stressed-out skin by steeping cells in a nourishing mix of vitamins, ceramides, antioxidants, and gently exfoliating extracts. Skin looks instantly renewed, radiant and ready for anything! No phthalates, surfactants, petrolatums, BHT, BHA, or silicones"
-Summer Fridays
If you're a mask lover, then you'll love this multi-purpose mask! (Plus it looks extremely cute on a vanity!) This review will give you insight on cosmetic sensory terms to describe this product, overview of the ingredients list, & my opinion on the product as a consumer.
Initial Impression
Packaging – the box is sturdy with a minimal, and modern design
Component – it mimics acrylic paint tubes (that's cute); very appealing periwinkle-blue color
Something to notate about the component is that once you start using it, the component will start to crease. This may or may not bother people – just an FYI is all.
Personally, I appreciate well-thought packaging and componentry because it adds personality to the product.
Contains 2.25 oz (64 grams) of product
Product Appearance – glossy, opaque, white viscous emulsion
Product Odor - mint note with the slightest hint of citrus
Product pH - ~5.78 (skin pH is slightly acidic - typically between 4.0-6.0; ingredients used in this product seem to have ideal pH at this range as well)
Ingredients List (Quick Overview)
The first thing that I do when I pick up a product is look at the ingredients list to find things that I may like. You may be more interested in the 1% line.
What is the 1% line: The ingredients above the projected 1% line makes up the majority of the product & is placed in order of majority to least. Anything used below 1% in the formula is typically ordered with marketing ingredients first and ingredients that you don't want to stand out towards the end. This means it can be placed in any particular order.
In this case, I was rather impressed when I saw that Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract, Niacinamide (one of my all time favorite ingredients), and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter were towards the top of the list.
Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract: "activates the natural exfoliation process, polishing away dullness so skin looks radiant, healthy and well-rested (even when you’re not)."
Niacinamide (vitamin B3): improves skin barrier function, aids in skin whitening/brightening, helps with acne & pores, and has anti-aging benefits. Topical niacinamide increases free fatty acid ceramide levels in the skin, stimulates micro-circulation in the dermis, and prevents the skin from losing water.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: an emollient with great moisturizing properties
Projected 1% Line & Why did I put it there?
The reason I placed the 1% line between Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin is because I would personally place preservatives towards the end if they were used under 1%. (Consumers like seeing preservatives at the bottom of the list). Because the preservatives are not listed towards the bottom, I find it safe to assume that it was used at or above 1%. Furthermore, I don't see how both phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin could be at 1%, which is why I placed it in between.
Ingredients Below the Projected 1% Line, Thoughts?
Ceramides: I've boxed a few ingredients as a "ceramide blend" because I just happen to recognize this raw material blend since I've worked with it in my career. Suggested use level of this blend for normal skin is 1.5-5%. Because it is a blend, the percent at which you use this blend will cut down on the actual percentage of each ingredient in the final product (can do a separate post to explain this if needed).
Sodium Hyaluronate: Typical use level is 0.1-1%. This ingredient is usually supplied in its salt form or in a 1% aqueous blend.
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate: Typical use level is 0.1-1%. (From what I've seen, 1 kilogram of this ingredient can range from $700-$800 -- so hopefully, it makes you feel better about spending $48 on this product.)
Arginine: Typical use level is 0.5-5%.
Tocopheryl Acetate: Typical use level is 0.1-1%.
Just something to think about -- At $48, I can only hope that the ingredients used below 1% are used at efficacious amounts & are not just sprinkled in for a good marketing story. However, if these ingredients are just sprinkled in at extremely low amounts, it will not outweigh the price tag of this product. Because the typical use levels for the above ingredients are still efficacious below 1%, it honestly doesn't bother me that they're below my projected 1% line because they should still be able to provide great results.
First Time Using the Jet Lag Mask
As a Cosmetic Chemist
Application: product has slip, is rich & creamy, easily spreadable with a cushion-effect; product gives an instant cooling sensation
Play-time: the play time for the product is short and works into and onto the skin easily without having to continuously move the product - also allows for a thicker application of the product if desired
After-feel/look: skin is left with a radiant/luminescent look with a conditioned, non-oily, and non-greasy after-feel
As a Consumer
I have oily to combination skin, so at first, I was worried that this product would be too moisturizing/emollient & turn me into an oily disco ball. However, the Jet Lag Mask gave my skin the right amount of moisture and emolliency, and it gave my skin an instant dewy look (glass skin, if you may).
The following morning, my skin looked and felt soft, smooth, and supple. There was also still a layer of the product on my face -- this tells me that the product did not move and will continue to lock in moisture. I honestly really loved how the mask made my skin looked.
Different Ways I Use This Product
As suggested on website: Apply a visible layer on cleansed, dry skin including under-eye area. Leave for a minimum of 10 minutes. Wipe off excess with a warm cloth or towel—no need to rinse!
Overnight Mask: Apply a thin layer (as much as you would a normal moisturizer) and leave on overnight — no need to wipe off excess or rinse
Makeup/Skin-Prep: Apply a thin layer underneath your makeup as a moisturizer or primer -- the product stays in place well
"Jet-Setting": Apply a thin layer before and after your flight to retain moisture and hydrate skin throughout your trip
Conclusion
I prefer applying a thin layer of the product as an overnight mask & when I'm "jet-setting" rather than applying a visible layer on my skin and wiping off the excess (hurts my inner soul seeing good product just be wiped off and go down to the depths of the Earth... and it's $48 -- I gotta get my money's worth, that's just me).
The Jet Lag Mask will become my go to when I need that extra moisturization at the end of my skincare routine or when I'm flying. It is multi-functional and has performed well for my oily to combination skin. If you fly often or have dry skin, I highly recommend using this product; it provides an occlusive layer that prevents water loss, helping your skin retain moisture.
If you are not one to spend $48, by all means, there are cheaper options out there - not complete dupes, but options that I will gladly suggest in a future review/post.