Showing posts with label 23 Years Old. Show all posts

23 Years Old C-Tragel Modeling Mask

lavlilacs 23 Years Old C-Tragel Modeling Mask

I am not usually one to splurge on masks. Affordable, huge-packs of sheet masks have been my jam ever since I joined the skincare game. Yet I always felt they lacked something. Despite all the claims of brightening, pore-reducing, oil-control, age-defying, and so on...it was always just another moisturizing and calming product for me.

For the price, I cannot complain. But there are some things that have always bothered me. I am essentially forced to lie down for 20-30 minutes so the sheet and essence wouldn't fall off. If I am particularly tired and fall asleep with it on, the cotton supposedly reabsorbs all the moisture back + whatever is in my skin. Finding a brand with a mask that fits well is also a hit or miss.

I have tried clay masks and peel-off charcoal masks; I hated the clean-up and the pain. When the modeling masks became crazily popular on Instagram, it seemed to promise sheet masks' hydration, peel-off masks' satisfaction, and being pain-free. I couldn't believe my eyes and was intrigued. 23 Years Old C-Tragel Modeling Mask encapsulates everything that is trending in Western and Korean skincare right now: masking, vitamin-C, niacinamide, Centella Asiatica extract, and Coptis Japonica root extract. What more could I ask for?

lavlilacs 23 Years Old C-Tragel Modeling Mask description

lavlilacs 23 Years Old C-Tragel Modeling Mask directions

WishTrend's Description:

The C-Tragel Modeling Mask captures in the moisture while giving your skin a tone up effect with a unique C-tragel and Vitamin powder blend to help your skin energize to seize the day. Tone up, moisturize, replenish, and energize easier and better with the C-Tragel Modeling Mask!

C-Tragel is the perfection solution to improve your skin with an innovative combination of seabuckthorn oil and four seed oil to relieve, moisturize, calm, soften, soothe, strengthen, and energize to give you the extra boost you need to push through your day flawlessly.

Directions
1. Combine the C-Tragel with Vitamin powder in the mixing bowl.
2. Use the spatula to mix the solution in one direction.
3. Using the spatula, spread an even layer of the mask onto the entire face.
4. After about 20 minutes, remove the mask peeling from the bottom in an upward direction once the mask becomes firm.
5. Use the heat of your palms to help absorption of the remaining essence of your face for about 15 seconds. The heat enhances the effects of vitamin C.

Ingredients
Gel packet
AQUA, GLYCERIN, GLUCOSE, PEG-75, ALGIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA(LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (GINGER) ROOT EXTRACT, SCHIZANDRA CHINENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT, COPTIS JAPONICA ROOT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, PROPOLIS WAX, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE, TETRASODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE, CELLULOSE GUM, NIACINAMIDE, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES OIL, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) EXTRACT, BACILLUS/SOYBEAN FERMENT EXTRACT, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) LEAF EXTRACT, ACTINIDIA CHINENSIS (KIWI) FRUIT EXTRACT, MALPIGHIA EMARGINATA (ACEROLA) FRUIT EXTRACT, MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) FRUIT EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, PLANTAGO ASIATICA EXTRACT, THUJA ORIENTALIS EXTRACT, HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT, ALLANTOIN, DISODIUM EDTA, CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) PEEL OIL

Powder packet
GLUCOSE, CALCIUM SULFATE, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER POWDER, ASCORBIC ACID, ALLANTOIN, NIACINAMIDE, MALPIGHIA GLABRA (ACEROLA) FRUIT EXTRACT, CAPSICUM ANNUUM FRUIT POWDER, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF POWDER, ZEA MAYS (CORN) STARCH

23pack (Korean e-commerce): ₩29,500
Wishtrend: USD $29.90
oo35mm: USD $25.99
Sasa: USD $29.50 (price varies sometimes)

lavlilacs 23 Years Old C-Tragel Modeling Mask security sticker

Packaging

The modeling mask contents come housed in a sturdy plastic jar with a twist on lid. 23 Years Old seals it to ensure authenticity and it looks like they even include a barcode for those who want further confirmation via their 23YO mobile app. I chose not to double check mine since I have trust in oo35mm (where I bought mine from) and didn't want to bother with an app download.

lavlilacs 23 Years Old C-Tragel Modeling Mask components

Each container comes with 4 sets of the gel, powder, and wooden sticks. The bigger oval-ish packet contains the gel portion of the modeling mask; the smaller rectangular packet has the powdery stuff. I like that everything is pre-portioned. There is no room for error on my part since I don't have to measure anything out myself. It is a headache for those who are eco-friendly because it is a lot of extra waste.

lavlilacs 23 Years Old C-Tragel Modeling Mask contents

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

The gel portion of the modeling mask, straight out of the packaging, is bright translucent yellow in color. It has a very noticeable citrus, specifically orange, scent.

The powder is mostly white with some brown speckles pre-mixing.

In case it isn't clear, I empty out the plastic container and use it as a mixing bowl. After I combine the wet and dry ingredients together the goop turns into a bright orange color with pulp-like bits suspended throughout. If the gel, pre-mixing, smelled a bit like citrus, the combined mixture smells just like cutting open a juicy orange. The gel becomes slightly runnier after it is blended yet still holds some shape.

There is an initial cooling sensation and tingliness immediately following application—as if you didn't know you had a cut and got some fresh orange juice on the wound while peeling its skin. The tingle doesn't last very long, maybe a few minutes max? I assume it is because of the ascorbic acid. It might also be the ascorbic acid + niacinamide pairing.

The goop is very easy to spread in the sense that it will not start drying and seizing up mid-application. It is much more forgiving application wise than the Lindsay clay modeling mask (that one starts drying within a few minutes after mixing the powder with water).

How I Apply

Tip #1
23 Year Old's gel modeling mask isn't overly drippy but the force of gravity is strong. I like to place more at the top (of forehead/highest point of cheeks) and let it naturally travel down while helping it along with the wooden stick. I do have to say that it was difficult the first few times I used the C-Tragel Modeling Mask because I was trying to stare at the mirror while scoop stuff out of the jar and applying it on my face, on top of trying to make sure nothing gets caught in my hair or drips onto the floor. But practices makes perfect, yeah?

Tip #2
Tied hair is a must. But a headband of some sort is also a necessity, a clip just won't do. Every little strand of hair must be pulled back and held down taut. It doesn't hurt at all to remove hair from the dried mask; it is still a pain in the butt to have to pick tiny pieces of gel out without a wash.

lavlilacs 23 Years Old C-Tragel Modeling Mask rubber gel mask

Thoughts & Recommendations

It takes around 30 minutes for the gel to completely set.  Even after the gel sets, it doesn't ever feel dry. You know like how jello can solidify but still have a damp/wet feel to the touch? I like that I can freely move my mouth, eyes, and nose if need be. Depending on how evenly the modeling mask is applied, it could come off in one piece. I found that the whole mask slides right off once I start lifting up some of the outer edges. Cleaning the mixing bowl is also a breeze—wipe with a tissue, rinse with water, and air dry.

Maybe my skin was pretty dry pre-masking or is it just the characteristic of modeling masks? Unlike sheet masks, there isn't much extra essence to pat in with the C-Tragel Modeling Mask—my face still looks very well moisturized and plump though! I could immediately move onto the next step in my routine and seal the essence in with a moisturizer. The mask seems to have helped with my pores throughout the next day since the pesky holes did seem less noticeable (without having done anything else new in my routine).

Even though modeling masks are pricier and require more effort when compared to sheet variety, I am beginning to prefer the gel mask more. The big factor is I could actually move my face and sit up without worrying about the sheet mask sliding off. Plus the act of mixing a mask and applying it to my skin with a spatula feels pretty relaxing...after I overcame the learning curve. Since I use these style of masks more sparingly it also feels more pampering rather than being just an extra step in a multi-stage routine whilst trying to conquer a neverending hoard of sheet masks.

23 Years Old Black Paint Rubar

lavlilacs 23 Years Old Black Paint Rubar review

Finding a product that helps with black- and whiteheads while being gentle sounds counterintuitive. Everything that targets those issues on the market is meant to either physically rip the clogged pores clear or chemically melt the oilies—no matter how effective both could be, they can still be harsh in their own ways.

23 Years Old's Black Paint Rubar claims to be just that with what is essentially their charcoal cleansing stick. The product promises to help with many common skin concerns but I have come to like it for reasons almost unrelated.

lavlilacs 23 Years Old Black Paint Rubar seal

WishTrend & 23Year Old's Description:

Made with an innovative, eco-friendly charcoal formula, the Black Paint Rubar is designed to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads by clearing dirt, oil, & impurities from the pores in just 30 seconds!

The Black Paint Rubar is a multi-stick designed with an eco-friendly gentle formula, effective in deep cleansing with a pore treatment to top it all off. Safe and gentle enough to use every day for a daily exfoliation and deep cleanse in just 30 seconds.

Good for
Blackhead & whitehead removal, dead skin removal, sebum control, & improving skin texture and bumpiness

Directions
1. Open the lid and twist the bottom to the right.
2. Apply the Black Paint Rubar directly onto wet skin and gently massage in a rolling motion.
*Tip: Massage with the cleansing stick. Leave on for 30 seconds.
3. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
4. After using, rinse off the excess serum on the stick with running water.

Ingredients
SODIUM MYRISTATE, SODIUM LAURATE, SODIUM PALMITATE, SODIUM STEARATE, GLYCERIN, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CHARCOAL POWDER, LEMON FRAGRANCE OIL

*Some English infographics by 23 Years Old says the product has 2% charcoal content.

Cleanser 45 g

23pack (Brand's Korean e-commerce): ₩19,500
Wishtrend: USD $19.90
StyleKorean: USD $14.57
Sasa: USD $13.50-16.50 (price varies)
RoseRoseShop: USD $17.57

lavlilacs 23 Years Old Black Paint Rubar opened

Packaging

There isn't much to it. The charcoal stick comes in a twist-up plastic tube, which is housed in a (not very securely stuck on) sticker-sealed cardboard box.

Solid type cleansers (i.e. bars) have gained a little popularity recently but their lack of packaging often is the reason that keeps me from trying them. Thought 1: I need to free up a separate soap dish to hold and dry it. Thought 2: I have to remember to keep it well protected since it will most likely sit in the bathroom.

With stick type soaps though, the product is already protected in its own tube so the whole soap isn't wet until revealed. The included cap keeps the bad bacteria and germs that fly around the bathroom away from the exposed areas. It is also good for traveling since it isn't liquidy.

Color, Texture, & Scent

For those used to charcoal products, the Black Paint Rubar is no different in the sense that it swatches and lathers very gray and dark. Messy face washers may have to be more careful or else black soapy marks will be very often be all over the sink, counter, floor, and light-colored clothing.

Even though 23 Years Old describes it as an exfoliator of sorts, there are no abrasive particles in the stick. It is a smooth solid soap. The smell of the product took some time to adjust to; it smells very much like a bathroom cleaner/dishwashing liquid because of the lemony scent.

lavlilacs 23 Years Old Black Paint Rubar closeup

lavlilacs 23 Years Old Black Paint Rubar lather

How I Apply

Wet face with water. Swipe the Black Paint Rubar all over my face. (Sometimes leave it on for 30 seconds as recommended.) Lather and massage with hands to cleanse. Rinse with water.

Thoughts & Recommendations

To be honest, I was confused when I first discovered this product. The infographics describe it as an exfoliator/mask—apply, leave on, and rinse off to rid blackheads, whiteheads, sebum, and dead skin. Yet it looks so similar in packaging to cleansing sticks that are on the market (i.e. su:m37 and Neogen). It is even applied the same way—wet skin is necessary to spread the product around, plus it lathers.

Even the ingredients list suggests it is very much a bar soap with some charcoal mixed in. The list is short: just 9 ingredients; but 7 of the 9 are all bases found in typical soaps. CosDNA doesn't flag any of the product's components but I still prefer not use the Black Paint Rubar as a "mask" very often since soapy products tend to veer toward the drying side.

With that said...as a cleanser, I cannot believe how gentle and non-drying it is. I love to use this in the mornings particularly because my skin feels clean without being overly tight afterward. As an exfoliator (in the sense that it is supposed to be deep cleaning), I can't say if this is the item alone that gave me clearer skin. I have seen an improved skin texture and less black- and whiteheads, but I have also started using my Clarisonic regularly again. The cleanser doesn't physically feel as deep cleansing because of how gentle it is. I don't prefer to use this at night (especially if I wore makeup that day) because it doesn't remove cleansing oil residue and stray makeup too well.

pH levels in cleansers are a huge thing at the moment. I haven't found any info for this product nor do I have litmus paper to test it myself. Just from my own observations, I will just assume the Black Paint Rubar has a low pH since it isn't drying and I have never gotten the squeaky clean feeling from using this product.

Finding a cleanser that doesn't leave my skin parched but is still foamy is difficult. Now that I have found one, I am tempted to say I can't live without it. But knowing me it just makes me more curious to try other cleansing sticks. The gentleness of the cleanser would probably work even better as my skin adapts to the cooler and drier weather in New York. All skin types could benefit from a non-drying cleanser, but normal, oily, and combo skin types may like this more. Drier skin folks might need something with more hydrating ingredients (this has none). Then again cleanser is only on the face for a few minutes so that doesn't really matter too much. If the Black Paint Rubar did really help with my skin imperfections, wonderful and hallelujah!...It is just that my fondness for it right now isn't directly correlated to it.
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