Is a $35 Face Mask Really Better Than a $2 Face Mask?

Remember how the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask was all the rage last year? I actually bought it, used it once, and then it sat in my medicine cabinet. Since I finished up my Aura Science mask, I brought it out of hiding in order to do a little review and comparison for you.



This is a peel of face mask that is supposed to draw out dirt, oil, and other impurities and also brighten the skin. It would make for a great Halloween mask because it really is black and ugly:



I decided to compare this to the Bath and Body Works (B&BW) Fresh and Flawless Face Mask with Purifying Clay.



Many moons ago B&BW had a skin care line and they had really nice clay face masks so I was hoping this would be similar. This is also on clearance right now because it was part of the summer collection...one more incentive to try it out. This is a non-peel off mask that requires washing with water.



So what were my thoughts?

Boscia

• $34 for 2.8 oz


• Have to use a really thick layer in order for it to peel off (6-10 uses per tube depending on how thick you apply it)


• REALLY HARD to peel off, ends up leaving lots of black spots you have to scrub using water


• No noticeable difference in skin texture or luminosity


• Since product has to be layered thickly, it takes a lot more than 20 minutes to dry

Bath and Body Works

• $1.75 for 2 oz (it is actually $7 but on clearance right now for 75% off)


• A thin layer is effective...will last MANY more than 10 uses


• Very creamy in consistency....feels great on the skin


• Smells delicious


• Doesn't make skin feel stiff, while mask is on and after mask is washed off


• Dries in about 10-15 minutes


• Easy to wash off


• Leaves skin super smooth, soft, and hydrated

Overall, I prefer the B&BW mask 100%! I really like the fragrance (even the hubby came close to me and said it smelled good, and that RARELY happens), it made my skin super soft, and most importantly it was easy to wash off. The Boscia mask was a nightmare to remove. No matter how thick it was, there were some areas that just wouldn't peel off. After peeling as much as I could, I had at least 7-8 black splotches on my face that I had to scrub harshly using water. That just made the whole experience extremely frustrating and irritated my skin. Any relaxation that I got from having the mask on was immediately gone because I had to spend a good 15 minutes getting all the black crap off. Now I remember why the Boscia mask was hidden away for the past few months.

Thanks But I'll Pass on the Alligator Skin - Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration Moisturizer Review

I got a sample of the Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 moisturizer so I thought I would try it out. This was my first experience with Boscia, and I'm sure they have some great products, but this is not one of them.

In terms of hydration, this was fine, it is pretty liquidy so it blends on the skin well, and you don't need a lot to cover your face. It also feels lightweight and would be great in the summertime. Even as we are transitioning to winter, it was able to keep my skin moisturized. Until I applied makeup that is. I noticed that when I wore this moisturizer, as soon as I applied foundation, the foundation would start to pill up and it looked like I had dry, flaky skin. I tried it with several different brands and formulas of foundations and had the same problem every time, so I knew it was this moisturizer causing the problem. I have dry skin to begin with, so perhaps this is not an issue for those with oily skin. I'm just glad this was a sample and I didn't spend anything on it, because if I did, this would definitely be going back.

Kajal Couture Rating: C-

Kajal Couture Overall Opinion: It's fine (not great) at providing moisture when worn alone, but when topped with foundation, your skin will appear flaky, and who wants to walk around with flaky skin? This is considered a simple moisturizer because it doesn't claim to do anything grand, but it does have SPF in it. If you are looking for a simple moisturizer, there are much better and cheaper drugstore brands like Olay and Aveeno that have similar moisturizers that won't give you alligator skin.

Have any of you tried anything by Boscia? Is there anything you do or do not recommend?