Sugar Plum Revitalizing Masque by Eminence Organics

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

I've been trying to up my skin care game, which includes using facial masks on a more regular basis.  Eminence Organics has long be a favorite brand of mine when it comes to masks, so I dug out the two remaining products I still have. Today I'll be showing you the holiday appropriate Sugar Plum Revitalizing Masque ($54).

Disclaimer:  these have been living unopened in my refrigerator for quite a while, so I wasn't even sure if they were still good.  Fortunately, they smell and look okay, but it was a toss up considering these are made predominately with all natural/organic ingredients and no preservatives. I'm not sure why I've been hoarding these for so long, I need to stop that!

You can see previous reviews of Eminence products here and here so I won't go into great detail about the company, but I do like their aesthetic and the broad range of products that addresses pretty much every skin care issue you can think of.

The Sugar Plum masque is designed to rejuvenate, plump, and bring oxygen to the skin and features the following ingredients:

• Plum: high in phytonutrients to help ease the signs the aging

• Red Clover: high in antioxidants to improve texture of skin

• Raspberry Leaf: high in vitamins and antioxidants to fight the visible signs of aging

• Honey: supports the skin with moisture

• Biocomplex™: a booster of antioxidants, vitamins, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha Lipoic Acid to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the appearance of skin

The consistency is very much like a plum puree or jam, and it even tastes slightly sweet.  Many of Eminence's masks are what I would call "active", in that you can feel them doing things to your skin.  I could feel a slight tingling for the 10 minutes I had Sugar Plum on my face.

Notice how the box label said Sugar Plum would leave you with a rosy glow? Well, there is definitely something in the mask that reddened the sides of my face. Whether that is irritation or by design I'm not really sure, but I had no long lasting irritation and the redness faded in about 15 minutes.  I've experienced this to a much greater degree with one other Eminence masque, but that was expected as it was the Lime Stimulating Masque that is designed to improve circulation and the instructions warn you that redness can last up to 2 hours.  It was probably one of my favorites.

I'm pretty sure the people at Beautypedia (Paula's Choice) would do nothing but poo poo Eminence Organics - I  could swear I've read some reviews of Eminence on her site before but I can't find them now, hmm.   Eminence products are pricey without a doubt, but I remain a fan.

Eminence Garlic & Tomato Masque Review

 I've got a deep whitehead on my cheek that's been trying to work it's way up to the surface, and I've foolishly tried to speed up it's journey.  Foolish, because now I'm afraid it's going to get infected and/or leave a pit. After I realized my folly, I pulled out Eminence's Garlic & Tomato masque and applied pronto.  This is a masque made for oily, acne prone, and congested skin and one I turn to especially in warmer months, when my skin goes into overdrive.

This is what I consider to be an 'active' mask, in that I can feel it doing things to my skin.  It does have a distinct odor which some may find unpleasant, but I personally like it.  It contains odorless garlic which is an anti-inflammatory/anti-bacterial that helps to get oxygen to the skin, sweet yellow clover which is a stimulant and anti-inflammatory, tomato puree and juice for anti-aging antioxidants, honey to moisturize and nourish, and St. John's wort as a anti-irritant to help sooth and calm skin.

You can actually see the tomato seeds in this one, as Eminence uses whole fruits and vegetables in their formulations.  All of Eminence's products are 100% certified organically grown and do not use commercial preservatives, which also means they have a more limited shelf life.  I keep this masque in my refrigerator when I'm not using it, as it's not one I use on a weekly basis, but more when I'm having a skin emergency.  I've had it for over a year and it's still good, but I'm guessing the usual shelf life is about 18 months.  I do wish they marked their products with expiration dates, my only complaint.

Using the enclosed applicator, I use about a quarter's worth mixed with a few drops of water.  Instructions say to leave on for 5-10 minutes, but I've left it on for up to 30 minute with no issues.  It dries down to a tight, matte texture and I use a warm, damp washcloth to help rinse off.   This masque can also be used as an overnight spot treatment, which I'll be doing on my cheek.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I love Eminence Organics products.  They are quality - but you pay for it.  This masque retails for $48 and can be purchased at Amazon, dermstore, and other online retailers.  I got mine at a spa.

Ingredients:  Tomato Puree, Tomato Juice, Odorless Garlic Puree, Glycerin, Honey, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, St. John's Wort, Sweet Yellow Clover, Vitamin B, C, E, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Biotin, Benzoic Acid, Folic Acid, Sorbic Acid.

Disclosure:  I purchased this and have no affiliation with any of the companies mentioned.

Eminence Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment

Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment by Eminence is a stimulating, detoxifying masque for oily, seborrheic, or acne-prone skin types.  The stimulating properties come from ingredients like paprika and cinnamon, which do cause a warming or burning sensation on your skin for the first few minutes, and are supposed to increase circulation.  It's not unusual for my face to be flushed after using this masque, but I do not find the sensation unpleasant.  This masque is designed to reduce impurities and regulate oil production in skin.

Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment

I love how you can actually see the dirt granules in this and it's slightly gritty consistency.  One of Eminence's strengths is the quality of their natural and organic ingredients.  I personally like seeing the fruits, vegetables, or in this case, mud in the jar.

Instructions say to warm the masque to body temperature, apply a thin layer, and then wrap your skin to keep it warm.   Eminence products are often used in spa's, so I can see this happening in that environment.  I just apply it straight from the jar and putter around for 20-30 minutes before rinsing, and my skin is glowing and soft.  This is the best mud treatment I've used and I will be repurchasing.  Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment retails for $46 and can be purchased at online retailers like Dermstore and SkinCareRx. 

Ingredients:  Hungarian Herbal Mud, Cinnamon, Sage, Willow Ivy, Paprika, Elder, Horsetail, Lemongrass, Linden Tea, Red Rose Petal, Walnut Leaf, Salicylic Acid, Extract Of Achillea, Xanthan Gum, Soy, Glyceride.

Éminence Mandarin & Rooibos Antioxidant Masque

I have what I consider to be problematic skin. It's oily, congested, prone to breakouts, has under the skin bumps due to sebaceous hyperplasia, and is showing some tell tale signs of aging. Beyond the daily routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, I use masques to give my skin some extra lovin'. Éminence is a Hungarian skincare company that has an extensive line of certified organic products. I discovered them at a spa that I frequent and have now sampled quite a few of their products. As described on their web site, the Éminence tradition began in Hungary more than 50 years ago in a small village where family knowledge of using herbs, fruits and plants in natural remedies spanned generations. Today the ingredients are still hand-picked and hand-mixed in small batches and are combined with thermal hot spring water to create products that contain potent healing and beautifying properties.

The masque I will be reviewing today is the Mandarin & Rooibos Antioxidant Masque, which is described as an immunity supporting and rejuvenating masque for all skin types, with:

• Rooibos: high in antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acid and zinc for healthy, smooth skin; useful when applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, sunburns, diaper rash and acne
• Mandarin Juice: stimulant; high in Vitamin C, it helps to clear impurities from the skin
• Orange Juice: antioxidant, nutrient; delivers high levels of Vitamin C, nourishes and enriches the skin
• Grapefruit Juice: antioxidant, antiseptic; gentle cleanser
• Biocomplex™: an antioxidant booster of Vitamins A, Ester C, E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid; delivers a balanced mix of essential antioxidants and effectively combats free radicals

One of Éminence's strengths, in my opinion, is the use of whole fruits and vegetables in their products. You can see and smell them, right down to the pulp. Each container comes with it's own spatula so that you do not have to stick your fingers in them and potentially contaminate the product. This particular masque has a citrus smell and the consistency of a jam. You scoop some of the masque into your palm and mix with a few drops of water prior to spreading on your face and then let sit for 5 minutes or longer. I usually leave the masques on for 30 minutes or so, as I tend to use them while watching TV in the evenings. To remove, soak a wash clothe in warm water and rub your face, as the ingredients will have dried a bit by this point. I then rinse thoroughly and proceed with the rest of my nightly routine.

My skin always feels extra soft and more refined after an Éminence masque. I view using masques much like exercise - a one time session will not get you in shape, although you will feel invigorated and more motivated to get moving again. By dosing my skin with concentrated ingredients like those found in Eminence masques, I'm providing my skin with a boost that contributes to its health, and over time, has led to better looking skin. Éminence products are priced more towards the higher end of the spectrum and the Mandarin & Rooibos Antioxidant Masque retails for $52.00 for 2 ounces.

Éminence products can be purchased online from various retailers, including Skin 1 and Dermstore or from spas that carry the line.


Ingredients: Rooibos Tea Extract, Mandarin Juice, Orange Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Honey, Natural Moisturizing Factor, Tara Tea Extract, Biocomplex (Vitamin A, Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid), Vegetable Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sweet Orange Oil, Mandarin Oil, Lemon Oil, Sodium Salicylate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.