WHAMISA Real Kelp Mask

WHAMISA Real Kelp Mask was on my wishlist for a very very very long time. I didn't really want to spend 14 euros on one mask so I thought let's keep it for some Christmas lists and who knows, maybe this year. But then I was casually strolling through the SK website and saw they put Whamisa on sale and the kelp mask was going for 0.99USD only!!!! It was sold out 3 times already since I got it but the sale seems to still continue.

Claims from the manufacturer:

A 100% real kelp sheet mask made with 32 natural and organic ingredients.
This unique mask is packed with nutrients and alginic acid for healthy and youthful skin
The nutrients in this mask help to reduce wrinkles and puffiness, minimize pores, brighten and improve complexion
Leaves skin moisturized for up to 72 hours
 90.37% organic ingredients

Directions from the manufacturer:

Thoroughly cleanse and tone before applying mask. The mask comes in two parts (top and bottom) for a better fit.  Apply for 15 minutes before removing. Follow with moisturiser. No need to rinse with water.
* Use regularly 2-3 times a week or over 4 weeks as an intensive course. 

Ingredients:

Essence: *Aloe Maculata Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, *Lactobacillus/Maculata Aloe Leaf/Molasses Ferment Filtrate, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, **(-)-alpha-bisabolol, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract, Natto Gum, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Dioscorea Opposita (Wild Yam) Root Extract, *Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, *Centella Asiatica Extract, *Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, *Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Chlorella Ferment, *Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, *Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Royal Jelly, ***Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, ***Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Plantago Asiatica Extract, ***Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Adenosine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, d-Limonene, Linalol

Sheet: Kelp

* Certified Organically Grown *** Natural Preservative

My experience:

WHAMISA Real Kelp Mask is very unique product because it's sheet is made entirely of the kelp, which is a seaweed from laminaria family. It is highly absorbent in nature and rich in marine collagen which is so beneficial to our skin. Considering the steep price of this mask, not everyone can afford it to use as a course as manufacturer is recommending but I got good news for you. It is currently on offer for under one dollar on the StyleKorean website.

The packaging is very lovely and features WHAMISA logo in front. The material it is made of is plastic and there are logos present that the product it is recyclable and bio-degradable. Considering the price I'd invest into bio-degradable outer shell as well. Otherwise you could never truly call it 100% organic mask. The kelp is thick and slippery to the touch. Mask itself comes in 2 pieces, one for the upper and one for the lower half of the face. There is plastic separator present that makes application easier. Beware, mask itself is quite sticky so it keeps getting stuck to the plastic backing.

Fit and cut of the sheet is amazing. It is definitely larger than WHAMISA hydrogel masks and cover my forehead entirely. The adherence is moderate since kelp is not as moldable as cotton or cupra. That was expected so I did lay down for first 10 minutes in order to avoid mask slipping off my face. After 10 minutes gravity has done it's job and I was able to stroll around my house without worrying about fall accidents. The sheet adhered better, the longer it stayed on the face. I got 30 minutes of wear out of it.

The essence is very interesting. It is yellowy-green in color and is mainly made of aloe. Instead of using clear transparent part of the aloe, WHAMISA used the outer green shell of the leaves which is more nutrient rich, hence the color of the essence. It smells of seaweed, not my favorite smell but you do get used to it fast. After mask is off my face there is some essence left forming a protective layer on my skin. I did use a moisturizer after this mask and went straight to bed. Upon wakening my skin looked amazing, it was even in color, my pores were reduced, skin felt plumped and smooth to touch. I'd definitely recommend it for ladies who are on anti-aging skin care regimen. Overall, all skin types can benefit from this gorgeous product.

Pros:

+ Alcohol, paraben, sulfate and silicone free formulation
+ Contains alpha-bisabolol, adenosine, royal jelly and plant extracts from peony, laminaria seaweed, licorice and much more
+ Rich texture of the essence
+ Unique due to it's 100% organic origin
+ Good price : quantity ratio
+ Easy to get in EU
+ Extremely nourishing for my skin
+ Visible skin smoothing, brightening and wrinkle reduction on the next day and skin firming results on my skin
+ Great for all skin types for PM use only

Cons:

– Moderate adherence due to the sheet being kelp
– Super steep price
– Seaweed scent is not my favorite
– Essence leaves little residue on my skin after use

Where to buy:

NL and BE: littlewonderland
Internationally: Available at ecco-verde, whamisa.co.uk, stylekorean and other online retailers
Price is 10-14€ per one sheet mask

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly, Kati