Exfoliators | Beauty and Fashion Tech

Oct 22, 2009

MAC Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask and Exfoliator

October 22, 2009 By Carleenp 1 Comment

MAC Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask is an interesting product. It is used on damp skin and heats up when it comes in contact with the water. So it feel warms as you rub it on. I have seen some complaints on various forums about the heating effect, but I rather liked it. The mask is quite hydrating, so I recommend it mostly for those with dry skin. One note of caution: It is very black! You probably want to use cheap cloths to wipe this one off. Or do what I did. Use it in the bath and rinse it off in there.

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator has also made a return (read previous review), but this time in a tube instead of a tub--a welcome change for me! I absolutely love this scrub, and the tube makes it all the more easy to use. If you want a really good exfoliator, look no further than this one! It too is dark black—so use it in the shower! This item (the tub version) was on my Top 20 of 2008 list.

Note: This review was based on products sent to me by the compnay. For more information, please see my disclosure page.

Disclosures: Beauty and Fashion Tech at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

Filed Under: Skin Care Tagged With: Exfoliators, M.A.C., Masks, Skin Care

Jul 28, 2009

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment

July 28, 2009 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

Boy do I love this exfoliator! This one will definitely make my best of the year list, and I have use very little else since I bought it.

Update: This product now comes in a tube instead of a tub, which is a huge improvement in my opinion because my tub was having some issues pumping the product after it started getting past half used.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate is a combination of a light scrub and an enzyme exfoliator that gives a rather powerful, but still fairly gentle feeling exfoliation. The scrub is packaged in a tub with a push top that puts out just the right amount for a light application. It is applied to damp skin and during application feels like a light scrub. Once on, it is left on the skin for at least 20- 30 seconds (although I usually go longer), during which its enzymes go to work. You can feel the tingle of it working, but it isn’t anything too heavy. Then the product is washed off.

I love the results that I get from ExfoliKate. It works like a good scrub, but does not feel irritating and my skin always looks fresh after using it. Anyone who likes a light scrub and also like enzyme masks would probably be a fan of this one. I use ExfoliKate about three times per week to help with skin turnover as part of my acne and melasma treatment.

Because there is some tingling and such connected with ExfoliKate, those with sensitive skin might want to be cautious. Kate Summerville does make a sensitive skin version: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Gentle Exfoliating Treatment.

I have read good things about the entire Kate Somerville line. It is a bit expensive, but based on my good experiences with ExfoliKate, I will likely try a few more items. One option for trying a number of items is through one of the kits the brand also offers (see the link above with will also show more products from the line).

ExfoliKate tends to sell at around $85 for the standard ExfoliKate, and $65 for ExfoliKate Gentle. That is pricey, but the tub is decent sized and not much needs to be used for each application. This is a product that I will repurchase when my current tub is gone, and I am a bit of a cheapskate!

Filed Under: Skin Care Tagged With: Acne Treatment, Exfoliators, Kate Somerville, Melasma Treatment, Skin Care

Apr 8, 2009

Aloette Restorative Enzyme Peel

April 8, 2009 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

Aloette uses aloe vera as a base for their products. One that I particularly liked was their Aloette Restroative Enzyme Peel. This gel mask contains a combination of natural fruit extracts—including grapefruit, cucumber, papaya and pineapple—along with 54% purified aloe vera gel.

I found that the mask did a nice job of providing a light exfoliation, while also moisturizing. Unlike clay based products, the aloe vera gel keeps the mask feeling fresh on the skin and there is no tightness or drying sensation. As a result, I particularly recommend this one for people with dry skin. Because it is rather gentle, if might also be appropriate for sensitive skin.

On thing to keep in mind with this one though is that the exfoliation/peel effect is very light. Those who like a particularly strong mask, might find this one to be a bit too weak.