Review | Living Nature Hydrating Gel Mask

I first picked up this face mask for a long haul flight back in June. I needed something that I could easily wipe off with a damp cotton pad, but also something that was hydrating enough to protect my skin from the brutal air conditioning. This claimed to 'instantly revitalise dull or dehydrated skin' - it sounded exactly what I needed.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Mel (Manuka Honey), Glycerin (Vegetable Derived), Sclerotium Gum, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Phormium Tenax Leaf Juice (NZ Flax Gel), Xantham Gum, Hypericum Perforatum (St Johns Wort) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Parfum (Fragrance)*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract**, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Limonene

*From natural essential oils // **Certified Organic

The Mask

Out of all the organic and natural gel masks I looked at, this one looked the most promising in terms of ingredients and their effectiveness. Although I prefer a really high organic content in my facial skincare in particular, finding a gel mask that had a high organic content was really difficult! If I'd been after clay masks I would have been spoilt for choice, but not so much with the clear masks unfortunately. But I don't mind at all, and I am so very happy with this little pot from Living Nature.

A New Zealand based company, they provide 100% natural skincare and make up with an emphasis on the healing plants found on their own shores. I really admire their ethos and their ethics, it's easy to see how committed to natural beauty and sustainability they are. All their packaging is recyclable and they use renewable energy sources (including harvesting their own rainwater!) in the manufacturing of their products. The mask is definitely on the pricey side, but to me is worth every penny.

The mask sinks immediately into your skin, without leaving a shiny film on your face. It is light and gentle, using the manuka honey to retain moisture and provide antibacterial protection. The harakeke flax gel is soothing and hydrating whilst St Johns Wort oil, calendula extract and grapeseed extract sooth inflammation, brighten and reduce signs of ageing. Whilst on the plane, this prevented my skin from becoming dry and dehydrated, keeping it plump and glowing, even after 13 hours in the air! You don't actually need to remove this mask if you want a more intensive hydration, and this is what I did when in flight. Back at home where my skin is oilier, I've loved using this is a night time treat every other night to gently give my skin a little boost. The extra hydration leaves it so soft in the morning, with my blackheads visibly reducing too.

If you're planning a long haul flight or your skin is normal/dry then I would highly recommend trying out this mask. The only downside for me is that I'm not too keen on the scent; it's very earthy and not very fragrant. Because the mask sinks into your skin however, this soon disappears and it wouldn't stop me using it. I can't wait to try more from Living Nature and have my eye firmly on their make up products!

The Living Nature Hydrating Gel Mask retails at Naturisimo for £28

Chesca x