It’s 2020 and skincare has really come a long, long way. Now not only do we have the usual sheet masks and clay masks, we are now also familiar with other types of masks such as sleeping masks, modelling masks, and even with the concept of toner masking but have you heard of patting splash mask? I’m sure you have, but if you haven’t, a patting splash mask is an in-shower treatment type of mask that you splash to your face and pat.
The only patting splash mask that I have ever encountered is from Blithe Cosmetics, in which the concept originates from way back in time. Historically, splashing the face with milk or botanical-infused waters after cleansing was a tradition in old Korean bathhouse to clarify and brighten. Splash masks are supposed to give you benefits of a regular face mask but in a quick and convenient way.
This product is really an introduction to the world of splash masks to me.
Comes in a sturdy, easy-to-use bottle. So glad the bottle is made of plastic and not glass because when I pour it in the shower, if there is a tendency for the bottle to slip off of my hand, it won’t break and shatter into pieces and all the product goes to waste.
It also comes with a plastic plug securing the opening to avoid leaks.
INGREDIENTS
Water, Lactic Acid, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Panthenol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated castor oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Lactate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Dextrin, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Salicylic Acid
As the name suggests, the star ingredients are yellow citrus and honey. I supposed “yellow citrus” here are the orange fruit extract which is the fifth ingredient and lemon fruit extract which is the sixth ingredient. However, the second top ingredient is not of yellow citrus or honey but lactic acid. So for those of you who cannot tolerate lactic acid but are not aware that this contains lactic acid, I hope I have kept you informed. As for me personally, my skin has shown positive reaction with lactic acid (more on this in the Experience section below). Lactic acid is a chemical exfoliant so it works by lifting off dead skin cells to reveal newer, fresher, and smoother skin. It also has amazing skin hydrating properties (source: incidecoder).
Using lactic acid as patting splash mask is a great idea for me as “Legend has it that in ancient Egypt Cleopatra bathed in sour milk. And yes, you guessed it right: sour milk is a major natural source of lactic acid.” (incidecoder) Lactic acid is probably one of oldest actives, about which women have noticed that it has some nice benefits to the skin.
The third top ingredient is Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract or the Bilberry extract. I don’t think this goes in the “yellow citrus” group though. This patting splash mask is free from alcohol, paraben, sulfate, silicone, and EU-Allergen in case any of these is your concern.
TEXTURE AND SMELL
It has a fresh citrus smell that feels so energising. I love it! The texture is not viscous at all, so watery and runny almost like water.
This patting splash mask feels so much like a toner except with a bit of a slip to it as you feel it with your finger. It doesn’t leave any stinging sensation like some strong chemical exfoliants.
HOW I USE IT
Here is what is written in the instructions section on the box:
Here are the instructions on Hermo:
- In the shower: pat a capful of splash mask onto face, avoiding eyes and lips. Use the shower water to splash and rinse. Repeat a few time.
- By the sink: pour a capful of splash mask into a clean bowl of water. Stir with fingertips, then splash generously onto face. Gently pat until damp and follow with usual skincare steps.
For me it is really up to you to experiment and find which way is the most comfortable and effective to you. I have tried both ways and more: toner-masking, and also as a wash-off facial mist. After trying various ways, I find that these two ways are most convenient and effective for me:
#1: splashing half a capful of it onto my wet, cleansed face in the shower. Usually I did this in the morning. And then I waited a few seconds before rinsing it off.
#2: I decanted about 15ml of it into an empty spray bottle and dilute it with about 20ml of water and spray this when I’m done with first cleansing (makeup remover / micellar water / cleansing balm / cleansing oil) usually in the evening. Then I leave it on for about an hour or two before rinsing it off in the shower before cleaning my face with second cleanser.
For caution, I always rinse this splash mask off with water and never go to sleep with it on. This is to avoid over exfoliation and since it is supposed to be washed off so yeah. I also make sure to slab on an extra load of sunscreen after.
Experience
This is actually my second bottle of this patting splash mask. The first bottle was a PR package from StyleKorean and it was in 2018 or 2019 and I remember having a good experience with it. Quite recently during a member sale on an online portal, I decided to purchase it myself and have been using it since.
The most prominent effect that I experience is the smoothing effect which is felt immediately after first use. This is due to the fact that this is a chemical exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells sitting on top of the skin. Dull skin, you might wanna try this! The smoothing effect would also be great for those who want to improve their skin texture.
Then after two or three weeks of consistent use, I can observe a glowing effect which is definitely maximized with a wholesome skin brightening squad. So brightening-wise, in my opinion, this patting splash mask is more of a supportive product instead of a main product in a brightening regime.
Other than that, there are not much stark improvement that I can document. This patting splash mask is great for people who love the effects that sheet masks or clay masks give but hate how conventional masks could be time consuming. Or simply by people who are intrigued by this concept and would love to experience what’s the buzz about. However if you are tight on budget, this is honestly for me is not that worth splurging? Because with the price tag, there are a lot of other great skincare products (especially chemical exfoliant) out there.
My rate: 4/5
Would I repurchase? Only when it is on sale.
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