When it comes to skincare, I have a soft spot for multi-functional products that offer versatility in terms of formula and usage. Products like these don’t just give me a run for my money, but also add plus points in the experience department.
We tend to like masks as a once-a-week (or more) treatment because they usually give instant results that we can enjoy the next morning, or throughout the day, depending on when we use it. I’ve started on mixing different masks for quite a while now to elevate the function or simply creating an even more pleasant routine.
Odacité SYNERGIE[4] Beauty Masque* is one of those masks.
Odacité SYNERGIE[4] Beauty Masque comes in a powder form in a cool grey shade and is activated by water. Here’s a little intro about mask (from the web):
SYNERGIE[1] DETOX & PURIFY PORES :The synergy of Clay + Activated Charcoal works diligently on your skin, leaving your pores visibly refined and free of blemishes.
SYNERGIE[2] PEEL : The synergy of Enzymes + Fruit Acids works instantly to slough off dead skin cells, encouraging fresh new ones to the surface for a fresh, healthy glow.
SYNERGIE[3] BRIGHTEN & EVEN OUT SKIN TONE: The fast-acting synergy of Vitamin C + Enzymes fades hyperpigmentation and prevents brown spots, revealing a radiant and even skin tone.
SYNERGIE[4] FIRM: The synergy of Vitamin C + Probiotics works in duo to boost collagen synthesis, providing the skin with the support it needs to stay firm and youthful.
Let’s dissect this from the ingredient list:
Kaolin Clay, Bentonite Clay, Papain Powder [Papaya Enzymes], Lactobacillus Acidophilus [Probiotics], Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate [Vitamin C], Activated Charcoal, Tartaric Acid [AHA Fruit Acid], Malic Acid [Fruit Acid].
Clay, basically, will purify and clarify the skin. The level of absorbance differentiates depending on the clay’s type. Kaolin Clay is known to be more gentle for sensitive skin while Bentonite Clay is the high absorbent one. It can expand to many times its dry volume when mixed with water; hence its great ability to pull out oils and impurities. Having these two types of clay in the mask, low and high, provides balance and won’t suck out the skin’s moisture terribly. The addition of Activated Charcoal is also great for detoxification purposes.
Papaya Enzyme is one of my favorite ingredients for sloughing off dead skin cells sans-acid. My skin agrees to it so well. Alongside this, there’s AHA as well for further exfoliation in the form of Tartaric Acid and Malic Acid (both comes from fruit). Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) to brighten the skin and Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a probiotic that will improve the overall skin’s health.
Within those ingredients alone, technically, the mask can work on its own to give the 4 SYNERGIE results. However, it doesn’t do it for me. It feels thin, dries out relatively fast and there’s not much of an experience in that. It feels pretty much like any other mask, frankly. Rather dry too, though that’s the characteristic of clay mask in general. But I was hoping it wouldn’t dry out so fast on the skin. So, I suppose this mask is indeed created and meant to be mixed with other ingredients to boost the function. Let me tell you, it is so much more FUN that way. It’s not hard at all.
On its own, I usually use around 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoon mixed with water to create an easy, spreadable consistency. The amount of water (or other liquid) will vary, depending on what other ingredient(s) I put inside. This comes down to each person’s preference. Sometimes I want it a little more pasty, or runnier so I can apply several layers. Make adjustments as needed. With whatever ingredient I add in, I make sure water is always a part of the mixture because that’s what’s going to activate the mask itself.
It is so much easier to mix it in a small bowl rather than in the palm of my hands. In the PR kit, they gave me a small stainless bowl, a mini whisk and a synthetic flat brush. The whisk comes in handy especially when mixing thicker or chunkier ingredients. The brush helps to apply the mask evenly onto the skin. I never used a brush prior to this and I find it’s an effective tool to have, especially when dealing with runnier or thinner consistency. Don’t forget to keep the bowl and tools separate from the ones you use to cook and eat.
Now, what can we add to supercharge the mask? The box includes a small pamphlet that gives tips and ideas. I’ll spill some:
SYNERGIE[1] – apple cider vinegar for potent spot treatment. Or 1-2 drops of Tea Tree, Lavender, Rosemary or Oregano essential oil.
SYNERGIE[2] – fresh papaya or pineapple juice to boost the enzyme effect. Few drops of lemon juice for extra fruit acids, but be careful with this as it might sting badly.
SYNERGIE[3] – milk (Lactic Acid yo!)
SYNERGIE[4] – yogurt for added probiotic. Orange Juice for more Vitamin C.
Apart from what’s available in our pantry, Odacité suggests we can also add their Serum Concentrates (read about Pa+G and Bl+C) into the mix. But there is NO WAY I would do that. The precious oils are too expensive and it would be very wasteful since we’re going to wash off the mask anyway. I’d rather use it as a leave-on treatment to gain the full potential of the nourishing extracts.
The other alternative is to mix Odacité SYNERGIE[4] Beauty Masque with other skincare products. Some of my faves for masks are May Lindstrom The Problem Solver, Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask, Leahlani Mermaid Mask, Argan Republic Green Goddess and Rose Clay Mask. Sometimes I can also add few drops of face oil of choice to amp up the moisture factor – so I can leave it on for longer. Substitute water with Rosewater (I use the one from Santa Maria Novella) and it’s a total bliss. Acid toner is doable too but I don’t use it often, probably a few drops are fine.
I’ve tried mixing different fruits and other ingredients and the possibilities are quite endless. The idea here is to boost up certain existing ingredient in the mask by adding other ingredient with similar quality and function. That way, we can intensify the particular intended result. The first step is of course deciding what kind of effect/benefit that I want. Choose the ingredient that will suit the purpose. Then get mixing! You may or may not find the perfect combo the first time but that’s part of the fun and learning curve. Be spontaneous – though always be tactful when adding acidic/detoxifying ingredients. Generally, I don’t opt for more detoxifying ingredients because the base mask is clay which is already a natural purifier.
To save some money, I usually get more creative when the fruits were about to go bad/too mushy and I haven’t had the chance to eat them; avocado, papaya, pineapple, mango, strawberries, dragon fruit (the white one). I’d mash the fruit instead of just cutting them up. I can add honey and/or coconut water. Oatmeal is a lovely ingredient too; soothes while giving a gentle physical exfoliation. Veggies? Absolutely. Cucumber, aloe vera. Water chestnut (aka bengkoang) is great for brightening too.
If I’m feeling very generous (or crazy to some), I might add superfood powders as well such as Wheatgrass, Moringa or these Herbilogy powders. The ones I keep at home is Green Tea, Green Coffee, Pomegranate Peel, but I’m interested in getting Turmeric, Rosella, Cogon Grass… Basically, most of them just to see the what kind of benefits I could gain from them. I’m well aware they’re for consumption but I couldn’t finish them all so why not redirect some of the use for my skin 😀
Remember though, as delectable as they might sound, the mask concoction isn’t meant to be consumed. So refrain yourself from eating these. You can always recreate the same cocktail and make it edible, just leave the powder mask out of the equation 😉
With the mask alone, once it dries, turns into a pale color and hardens, wash it off immediately. Don’t leave it on for too long because it will keep sucking the moisture out of the skin and you won’t necessarily like how it feels afterwards. I know I don’t. Apply hydrating toner and/or other products afterwards to replenish the water content and moisturize to seal everything.
When there’s a cocktail involved, be your own judge. Do what you feel comfortable while still being logical. If the combination is very moisturizing, I can leave it on for up to an hour. I usually have a face cloth handy to help the removal process. If there are chunks here and there, take it off into the bin first; not the sink if you don’t want to clog it up.
Making my own cocktail is certainly fruitful. I get to learn more about ingredients, experiencing different textures, figuring out which works better on my skin and what doesn’t. Knowledge above everything else. Sure, we can use just about any other mask and create our own concoction, but Odacité SYNERGIE[4] Beauty Masque provides the solid base foundation with smart ingredients and takes the guesswork out. The rest, is up to us.
Disclosure: the product was sent as a PR sample. All opinions and thoughts, good and bad, are 100% mine, as always.
