Today is my review of My Beauty Diary Arbutin Whitening mask. This is actually my repurchase of this, so you should be able to tell how well this has worked for me!
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| Image: The arbutin mask in question. It looks pretty... wonder what it looks like inside? Credit: Self |
Some background information first: My Beauty Diary is a famous Taiwan company known for its sheet masks. The MBD (My Beauty Diary) sheet masks are really effective, and it is a must buy whenever you go to Taiwan, because it is really very cheap. I brought this in a 10-box set at Sasa Singapore for $12.90, which makes it about $1.30 per mask. Disregarding the costs of flight and luggage, it is about 2/3's of that price if you buy in Taiwan.
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| Image: My Beauty Diary logo! If anyone is curious, the second line means 'You must use one everyday' Credit: Here |
Personally I feel very indignant at those counterfeiters, because frankly, compared to most masks on the market, MBD is not a very expensive brand. I think it is very likely they are making profits due to the high volume sold, not from a high profit margin. So how is it profitable for counterfeiters to make a mask that is cheaper then the real MBD mask and sell at a lower price to ensure it sells? Simple - take a piece of cotton or paper, put in some water mixed with other things, put in a packet and box and sell it! After all why should they care about the consequences of using the mask? They will not be the ones using it and so they do not care about the complexions wrecked!
Therefore, if you are also interested in purchasing this brand, go for it but with caution. The authentic masks are quite effective, so buy directly from MBD if possible and if not, from a trusted seller such as Sasa. However, even after the buying, you should also check if the masks fit the checkmarks of authenticity. There are some fakes that look so authentic that sometimes even re-sellers get tricked into stocking them. As the evidence of such rumors have been taken down, I will not link to let you readers see for yourselves.
Ingredients here on CosDNA.
Arbutin is a pretty controversial ingredient. It is a hyroquinone, which has been used since the 1950's as a skin-lightening agent. Hyoquinone's supposedly work by inhibiting the action of tyrokinase, which controls the production of melanin which is responsible for skin and hair pigment.
However in 2006, the US FDA banned all creams with hyroquinone to be sold over the counter due to concerns that it may be a carcinogen. Strangely enough, I could not find any articles showing how exactly does arbutin inhibit tyrokinase, nor the potential pathways it uses to cause cancer in humans. I did find a link on PubMed on the risks and benefits of hyroquinone in dermatology though.
How I use this:
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| Image: The inside of the packet Credit: Self |
Previously I used to keep my masks upright in the fridge, however I find that this lead to the part that was on top to be drier then the bottom part, and the pool of essence was really large. Nowadays, before using a mask I will put it on its side for at least 30 minutes before using, then gently move the mask inside the packet to make sure the mask absorbs all the essence. This way the mask is more evenly coated and there is lesser essence pooled.
MBD is unique in that it comes with a thin plastic sheet to keep the mask intact. It is much easier to take out this mask and try to mold onto my face because of this plastic sheet then other masks.
The recommended time to use this mask is for 20 minutes, and I normally keep it on for a bit longer then that, periodically taking the pooled essence and smearing the mask again to keep it wet. The consequences of using a mask longer then the recommended amount of time are due to the fact that if the mask dries out, it may start to 'absorb' moisture from your face and cause it to be drier then before the mask. I cannot figure out the mechanism of how such an action would occur, however I will not recommend wearing sheet masks until the mask is bone dry.
I would normally take the mask off when it starts to feel dry, then smear the still-wet mask over my neck, arms and legs so as not to waste the serum. The leftover pooled essence I would pour in a small sterile container so as to use it in my serum step the next day.
Like: My face is visibly brighter after using this mask and for the next day. It is something that I use to rescue my skin if it looks very dull that day.
Do not like: The cutting of the mask is a bit awkward for my face. I typically cut the slits at the side a bit bigger so I can fit it nicely on my face.
Rating: 4/5
Rating scale:
1 – I'm not looking to spoil my skin. Rarrr.
2 – It wasn't bad, but neither was it good. I won't use this unless I have to.
3 – Mmm... I'm sure I an find better quality.
4 – Quite good! Would use again!
5 – The best. This will always be in my stash unless it's discontinued.
Something interesting: Comparisons between the different types of masks!
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| Image: Hydration vs Brightening vs Repairing vs Soothing Credit: Here |
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| Image: In English, but does not include their newer types. Credit: Here |
