Brand Review: Image Skincare

I'm so excited to finally write this review about Image Skincare products (link). Image Skincare is a clinical skincare brand that uses high percentages of active ingredients and smart botanicals. I received a whole bunch of products and to include them all in my skincare routine and to test them out properly took a little while. Sometimes I start using a few new products at the same time, but I prefer to do it gradually in order to see what each product does and how my skin reacts to it. Some of these products I kept using together, others I incorporated in my different skincare routines, but I finally used them all for a long enough time to be able to give my opinion.   

Some of these products came as part of 2017 Holiday Collection kit, but they are available for sale by themselves as well. I love how each product was either wrapped in plastic or had a foil seal. This gives me confidence that products are fresh and no one opened/tested them before me. I understand that this applies more to store bought products, but it feels nice anyway (I've been in situations when I buy something online and then wonder if the container is filled that little or if this was somebody's return that they restocked and sold to me). 

When looking at Image Skincare products, I was looking for something to match my winter skin. I have normal skin, but in winter it gets a little dryer, I also have some redness on my cheeks, so I'm looking for something hydrating, anti-aging, firming and calming. Did I find that in these products? Well, keep on reading and you'll find out. 

All Vital C line products have a sweet citrus-y scent. Just like the other products the smell is not overpowering, but it is there. I like it, so I'm not bothered. Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum* (link) comes in an airless pump container while Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme* (link) comes in a jar. The cream comes with a spatula that is sitting under the cap. It seems such a simple idea, but many companies don't do it and I always struggle with finding place to keep spatula and to keep it clean.

The serum feels as rich as the cream and is almost a little bit thicker. Both products apply to the skin smoothly, they sink in quickly and doesn't leave oiliness behind. They both feel lightweight yet very hydrating and gives long lasting effect. My skin doesn't get irritated while using this serum and cream and, in fact, feels very calm, soft and gets even toned. When I want something lighter or use other moisturizing products (e.g. hydrating face masks), I often use only the serum. Because of its texture my skin gets enough moist and doesn't feel dry/tight.   

Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32* (link) not only gives protection from the sun's harmful rays, but also doubles as a primer before makeup. It smells like candies and has a thinner texture (reminds of face milk). A lot of times I get clogged pores when using sunscreen on my face constantly, but I haven't notice this issue with this moisturizer. It is light, spreads on the skin smoothly, sinks in quickly and doesn't leave shiny/oily film. In fact, it is lightweight on the skin and it is left breathing. It also doesn't leave white cast and doesn't pill when I apply makeup. I don't use sunscreen every day (I know I should), but when I do I often apply this directly on a serum and skip moisturizer.

Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Mask* (link) was (and still is) my go to wash off mask when I needed a boost of hydration. I use it both by itself and in combination with other masks. For example, I apply some clay mask on my nose, chin and this enzyme mask on the rest of the face. My skin feels as if it got a glass of water as it instantly becomes hydrated, soft, plump and radiating from inside.

I Mask Biomolecular Hydrating Recovery Mask* (link) is a sheet mask that regularly comes in a pack of 5. I got this one in the holiday set. The mask is very wet and is filled with essence. I used the remaining liquid from the packet on my face and hands. This mask feels hydrating and calming. It felt as if my face is drinking up the serum and 35-40 minutes later (I often leave sheet masks longer than recommended) the mask was mostly dry. My face was left very hydrated, plump and firm. I didn't need/want any additional moisture, but I still applied some eye cream and face serum.

However, I do have an issue with the way this sheet mask is shaped. It didn't apply on my face comfortably where I could apply it straight and evenly on my skin. It seemed like the mask is too long for my face and the part going above the lips went over them unless I fixed it (but then the part on my cheeks became uneven). A little bit of adjusting, folding and layering later I was happy the way the mask is placed on the face. While the shape was not ideal, I really enjoyed how my skin looked afterwards and I would not hesitate on using more of these masks.

I didn't notice any change in my lips with continuous use of Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex* (link), but it is a nice lip product. It has a texture of a balm that's not too thick, but is not runny either. A little goes a long way with this product. I'm sure I've mentioned in my posts that cold weather makes my lips and hands very dry, but currently I have no problems with my lips. Ormedic Balm made my lips smooth, soft and gave long lasting hydration. This balm leaves lips plump, filled and very even textured (not visibly bigger or anything like that though). It has a pleasant scent and taste. I use it throughout the day, but I also like applying it when I start doing my makeup. My lips feel and look amazing by the time I'm ready to apply lip products. 

Last, but not the least is The Max Stem Cell Facial Cleanser* (link). This is my favorite morning face cleanser. I've never really used it at night to remove my makeup, but I did test it on my hand (mascara, lip stain, brow products) and while massaging it on the skin, everything melted away. Directions tell to apply it with wet hands and massage on the skin for a minute washing it with warm water afterwards. This creamy face wash leaves skin clean, but doesn't strip off moisture. It leaves skin hydrated, calm and even toned. I also apply a little bit on my hands and leave it until I'm done with the face. I love how soft my hands feel after washing them off.     




* marks PR samples received complimentary