I was walking in one of the floors of Don Quijote in Osaka (the one near Dotonburi) when I saw this. The reason why I primarily picked this up is because I saw “RICE” printed on the packaging.

You see, one of the main ingredients in the Re-Everything line of VMV Hypoallergenics is Rice Phytic Acid. (See my video in my “Nightly Skin Care Routine” blog here). So I though to myself, that this face mask will go well with my existing skin care regimen.

This face mask is from the company IAC-labo. In making this entry, I have noticed that some companies in Japan have “-labo” on it. I have realised that “labo” is an abbreviation of the word “laboratory”. I bumped into a blog entry explaining this phenomenon, so if you are interested read here.

The only unfortunate thing is, I do not understand Japanese. Although I really cannot say what they key and active ingredients are – I am sure that this has ingredients derived from rice. In looking at the packaging, I could deduce that there are 9 key ingredients and 3 active ingredients.

The reason why I look for “rice” in my skin care regimen is because, I was watching a program on NHK World one time and in the program they discussed the effectiveness of “Rice” in the over all health and appearance of the skin. On the show, researchers have found that sake brewers, despite their age as seen on their faces, their hands have maintained a youthful, healthy appearance with luminous quality. This is because the sake brewers use their hands to mix the rice  – before, during and after the fermentation process. The enzymes present in those mixtures is responsible for this effect. I also read once tha, since the Edo Period, Geisha use to Rice Bran to cleanse their skin.

“Light Bulb Moment💡”.

RICE is the key!

I perused through the global site of Don Quijote but I couldn’t find any detail for this particular sheet mask, but I found a similar product from the same company. Although they might appear slightly different – in essence they are similar. The product and its complete ingredients list is shown here : https://mpglobal.donki.com/en/product/D00004910.

The masks I bought are sold in a box of five individually packed sheets. I keep the box inside the refrigerator. Not only does this keeps the ingredients “fresh” but the cold masks help to cool down the skin and reduce puffiness when laid on the skin.

If I have ample time when doing makeup, I start by using a face mask while the client’s hair is being blow dried. This helps the client to relax and get “into the mood”.

When I am at home and I want to relax from an extremely long day or if I am feeling down in the dumps, I use this 20 minutes before sleeping. It is quite calming.

I have tried using the IAC-labo Rice Mask Premium “as is” and on top of my fave skin care products. On both cases, my skin did not have any adverse reaction. It was very soft to the touch and it felt highly moisturized – without the excessive shine. I also like the shape and size of the sheet mask, I was easy to open and it was not difficult to lay the sheet on top of my skin.

I find it a little gross when you lift the sheet masks from the pack and it starts dripping all over – it can get messy. I like the fact that there is no excess serum/product in this pack. I think the sheet that  IAC-labo uses retains the serum quite well. Even when I place the sheet mask on my face, the serum does not “run” nor drip.

This sheet mask is also unscented. We all know how the Japanese love to place scents on everything, but not this.

I’m kinda bumbed out that I only bought 2 boxes with me. The next time I’ll be in Japan, I’ll buy more of this.

Unfortunately, I can’t remember how much this cost me! But I assure you, it won’t break the bank.

~

Let me say that the products I am using has worked for me and it might not necessarily work for you. Always be discerning when purchasing cosmetics or skin care products. Always read the label and the literature! Always do a patch test before you purchase a product for the first time to see that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients listed.

This video/post is not sponsored. The products that are shown here are the products that I always use, love and live by.

The videos and pictures were shot using my Iphone 7.