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Review: KOSE Sekkisei Medicated Lotion Mask

I recently mentioned these masks in my review of KOSE's Sekkisei Medicated Lotion. I personally used these with the Sekkisei Medicated Lotion but you can use them with any lotion you wish to. They are basically compressed paper mask tablets that are activated when soaked in your favourite lotion. I purchased this anniversary pack from Sasa.com at 14.40USD for a pack of 25 pieces. 

Using the mask is quite a fun and easy process. 

1. Take one tablet

2. Place in the cap of the Sekkisei Lotion (or another sterile container)

3. Pour in the lotion until the tablets are fully saturated

4. Remove and apply the mask 

1.2.

3.4.

I absolutely love this mask with the Sekkisei lotion. I haven't yet used it with other lotions so I can only review its results with the Sekkisei Lotion. I would say for the price it works wonders in actually helping with pigmentation and refining my skin. I'd have to say this is one of my top 5 masks. It's a great way to give the lotion a boost throughout the week.

I personally like to rotate between different masks throughout the week and this one is easily absorbed so it is great for a pick me up. I do turn to the my higher-end masks for special occasions such as SK-II's Facial Treatment Mask and Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Mask.

I love the Kose Lotion Masks and My Beauty Diary Black Pearl masks for more frequent treats for my skin throughout the week and they are super afforadable. I wouldn't say this mask is great for hydration but performs well in balancing out my skin.

My only complaints are the fit of the masks and the strong alcohol scent that can be irritating to the eyes. The mask itself and the eye openings are a bit small for my face. Also it doesn't adhere as much as I'd like as the lotion is quite thin in consistency. 

Rating: 7/10

FOTD: Pretty in Pink

Wearing only colour can look too overwhelming if not done right. Here is a look I did using soft shades of pink.

Products Used
Face

• LAURA MERCIER Oil Free Foundation Primer 
• SHISEIDO Perfect Refining Foundation in I40
• MAC Natural Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Medium
• MAC Loose Blotting Powder in Light/Medium
• NARS Blush in Desire
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Flush (as highlight on cheek bones)
• CHANEL Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base
• BENEFIT Bright Eyes

Eyes

• URBAN DECAY Primer Potion
• MAC E/S in Yoghurt (base)
• MAC E/S in Soft Flower (crease)
• URBAN DECAY E/S in Virgin (brow bone)
• SHU UEMURA Retractable Eyebrow Liner in Seal Brown
• DOLLYWINK Liquid Eyeliner in Black
• LOREAL Lash Architect 4D Mascara in Black

Lips (mixed)

• TOM FORD Lipstick in Pink Dusk 
• CHI CHI Lipstick in Bimbo

Wish List: TORY BURCH Robinson Double Zip Tote

Images sourced from Toryburch.com

I'm totally lusting over this tote bag. I think it kind of resembles the Prada Saffiano Lux Tote but at a more "friendly" price. I like that it is gold hardware and the branding is quite subtle. I love top handles with shoulder straps. They are my favourite style of bags. 

Which colour to go for? Luggage (top) or Blood Orange (bottom)? Luggage is more functional & classic but blood orange is more playful. 

Review: KOSE Sekkisei Medicated Lotion

I have to say this is quite a surprise product. Why? It clearly contains alcohol but does not cause any irritation or drying and better yet provides great hydration. I purchased it based on positive reviews and its popularity as a whitening line in Asia. I must admit that I am becoming obsessed with Asian skincare lines in particularly Japanese ones from my great experience with SK-II. 

How do I use it? 

Purchasing this product I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. It's not quite a toner and not quite an essence. I personally use it as a product that functions most like the Shiseido softening lotions. Where it completes the cleansing process and hydrates your skin for better product absorption. Basically, I use it after my cleanser and before my toner. In the morning I take a cotton square (my favourite is Suzuran's Attirer Puffs found here) , saturate it and pat it gently in my skin avoiding my eyes until it pats dry on my skin. It's relaxing and a sign that my skin has absorbed all of the product it can. At night, I prefer to using the cupping method where I pour a small amount on to the palm of my hand and pat it directly on to my face using a cupping motion. 

Results

Whilst it's described as a whitening line, don't be mistaken. I found this product does not "whiten" your skin but rather "brightens", meaning it brightens the skin by diminishing the appearance of dark spots and unevenness. Now I did see some slight improvements in the first few weeks of using this product but it wasn't until I used it as a lotion mask that I saw visible results that I haven't been able to achieve with a whitening serum alone. I will do a post on the lotion masks later on. I didn't expect my hyper-pigmentation from acne scaring and sun damage to disappear straight away but it definitely help. My skin also feels more hydrated and refined. I find this product absorbs so well that it is perfect for those who like layer skincare like I do. However, if you are particularly sensitive to alcohol or its smell I would suggest you steer away from this product. It does smell strongly of alcohol. I'm just glad that it has worked out so well for me and will definitely be repurchasing. 

Rating: 9/10