Montagne Jeunesse Strawberry Souffle Facial Mask Review

Another product I received in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was the Montagne Jeunesse Facial Mask in the flavor 'Strawberry Souffle'. I say flavor because that's what they call it.  They are right in calling it that.  It smells so delicious, like strawberries and cream.  Montagne Jeunesse has been around for what seems like forever.  I remember seeing it in my local drug stores for many, many years and have wondered how good they are.

My skin is very picky.  It's dry and oily at the same time (in the same places) depending on what product I use.  It is also selectively sensitive and acne prone.  I am very cautious with the products I use on my face.  Seeing a trial of this in my Influenster Voxbox, I became even more curious, so I did what anyone in my position would do.  I waited, read up on the website and procrastinated a little.  I wanted to see what other people had to say about it before I tried it.  According to the site:

"Whether you enjoy looking after your skin, being pampered, or indulging in some me-time, be it alone or with friends, you will absolutely enjoy one of these ‘Life Little Pleasures’… With a huge array to choose from, our face masques are packed with the most delicious natural ingredients and are bursting with luscious fragrances. Suitable for all different skin types, there is one to suit every mood and everybody! 

 Montagne Jeunesse beauty treats are free of parabens, vegetarian approved and never tested on animals. So treat yourself today to a masque that will hydrate, nourish and leave your skin cleansed, smooth and glowing. Available at ULTA Beauty, Walgreen’s, Claire’s, Walmart, Kroger, CVS Pharmacies and other retailers across the US, these masques are available in a variety of succulent flavours, including:

• Cucumber Peel Off
• Passion Peel Off
• Dead Sea Mud
• Fruit Smoothie
• Strawberry Souffle
• Chocolate Mud
• And many more!"

The mask I received is considered a mud mask and has ingredients like strawberry, aloe vera and vanilla.  The package says it will tone and hydrate the skin as well as purify it.  It would be great for skin like mine!

I ended up doing the mask before bed.  I figured this would be the best time as I tend to pack on moisturizer on my skin before I go to sleep.  I washed my face with my cleanser and used my Clarisonic to exfoliate my skin.  Then I towel-dried my face, leaving it a bit moist.  When I opened the satchel, the smell was lovely.  The fruit and vanilla wafted past my nose, intoxicating me with this scent that was to die for.  I spread a thin, even coat of the mask and then added a little more to my trouble spots, the corners of my nose mostly, and then sat at my computer to relax.  After about 25 minutes (I got carried away!), I rinsed it off with a baby wash cloth, which I must say is amazingly soft to where it doesn't aggravate my skin, and moisturized it with my Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel from Clinique.

So I know you are wondering, how did my skin feel afterwards?  Pretty soft right away.  In the morning, it felt smooth, and probably looked the best it has in a couple of weeks. 

This is definitely worth trying again, and experimenting with other varieties.  These satchels will definitely be found in my basket when I go to the store.

Check them out at http://www.montagnejeunesse.com for more information and a peek at all the 'flavors' they offer and more.

FTC Disclaimer: As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review. As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Influenster Holiday Voxbox

For those who are not familiar, Influenster is a service that periodically provides bloggers and other "trendsetters" free products to review. 

I was selected to receive their holiday 2011 box, which they call a Voxbox to review.  Here is what was inside.

1. imPress Press-On Manicure
2. Montagne Jeunesse Flavored Masque
3. Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar
4. NYC New York Color Liquid Lip Shine
5. Mentos Pure Fresh Gum
6. Larabar Healthy Snack Bar
7. Garden Botanika Heart Fragrance Sample

In the next few days, I will be trying and reviewing these products.  From the looks of it, I will enjoy it all very much!

FTC Disclaimer:  As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review.  As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

The Holidays

I've been asked by several people what I wanted for the holidays, or what gifts I wanted for the holidays.  To be honest, I have NO idea.  I first think, well, maybe I can hint at things I need.  But what do we all really need?  I have clothing on my back, food on my table and a roof over my head.  I have clean water and electricity to power this old laptop and the desktop I custom built for pretty cheap.  My wants aren't far from that.  I am the kind of person who just buys what I want if I can justify the purchase.  A new pair of boots isn't just a fashion statement, they are a winter necessity and a way of keeping my calves and ankles warm.  That expensive moisturizer is what keeps my skin clear.  That sulfate-free shampoo keeps my medium/long hair looking healthy.  Again, it's not a true necessity, but a want that I can justify.  And that's why I can't just say I want one thing or another.  I also can't deny that I still drool over some things, but if I really think about it, I don't need it and can't really justify it.

So what do I tell people when they ask?  I don't want to seem ungrateful for their lovely gestures, but my mind is a complete blank.  I tell my family that all I want is to spend time with them.  In the end, items break, are consumed, or get lost.  Those memories and the joy of a good time will last.

What do you think?