Entries opened early this year for the 2015 Beauty Shortlist Awards, and one thing we notice every year when the samples start to flow in, is how (consistently) good the British “facialist brands” are.
Sought after by beauty editors and celebrities alike, Antonia Burrell is in that top tier league; her plant-powered, aromatherapy-based skincare line is right up there with the best of them.
Her new 7-in-1 Mask Supreme launches this month and we had the chance to try it some weeks ago. If you hate those face masks that make you look like you’ve just a mishap with a concrete mixer, this mask will make you happy.
Antonia’s new 7-in-1 Mask Supreme is Bentonite Clay-based but there’s nothing thick, drying, pavement-cracking or traditionally “clayish” about it. Mineral rich Bentonite draws toxins out of skin through electrical “attraction” so it does a great job of sucking out impurities while also helping firm skin and encourage cell renewal.
“Oleosome technology is another reason this mask is different, resulting in longer lasting hydration with increased luminosity as a pay-off”
Oleosome Technology is another reason this Mask is different. Oleosomes are micron-sized spheres of emollient plant oils combined with vitamin E and surrounded by a phospholipid membrane and protein coat. Basically, this means that nutrients are delivered to skin both instantly as well as in a delayed time-release way for longer lasting hydration with increased luminosity as a pay-off.
Factor in Phoridium Extract which Antonia describes as “a hard working micro algae that slows down ageing and even repairs sun damage, stimulating the synthesis of thioredoxin in the dermal and epidermal cells it stimulates skin cell renewal, protects cellular DNA and delays skin senescence (biological ageing).”
A contemporary apothecary of luxe, plant-powered skincare that feels beautiful to use
Next, there’s AHA-active Lactic Acid. This lifts away dead skin cells and promotes fresh new ones, while balancing out skin’s pH and boosting collagen production. Interestingly, Antonia chose Abyssinian Oil for this formula because of its super-light texture; it’s an easy facial oil for skin to drink in and she says it can even help deep lines and exceptionally dry complexions.
Mango Butter (along with Geranium, Lavender and Australian Eucalyptus essential oils) completes the line-up, so you have a natural protectant against UV radiation and a slower-downer of wrinkles in the mix.
HOW TO USE
Leave the Mask on for 10 minutes before removing, or keep it on overnight as a more intensive treatment. It looks pale grey/green in the pot but once on, you can’t see it – although you can really feel it working (always a good thing).
Antonia’s new Pure Plant Alchemy-inspired 7-in-1 Mask Supreme £57/50ml lands at
Urban Retreat Harrods and www.antoniaburrell.com this month.
Mask Supreme 7-in-1 is available from www.antoniaburrell.com and Urban Retreat, Harrods