Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque

Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque, £28 for 150ml

I, like most people (probably), found out about this masque through Pixiwoo's vlog interview with skin care whiz, the great Caroline Hirons. In fact, up until that video, I hadn't known that Aveda had a skincare range. It's a brand I have always associated with haircare, probably because that's all they sell in salons, but as it turns out, Aveda has everything from haircare to skincare and beauty- the whole shebang. Anyway- Caroline featured this masque as a favourite for having a good amount of hyaluronic acid; moisture magnets that bind moisture to the skin and can hold up to 10x its weight in water. In any case, the world has finally caught on (and so have I)- there's even a drinkable form now! 

This masque is perhaps one of the best moisture masques I have come across. I have been using it for the last couple of months now, on a twice a week routine, and I have noticed a considerable difference in the way my skin retains moisture. It's oil free with a refreshing scent, and it comes as a cooling gel that's rich in potent plant-derived humectants (note: HA) and calming and soothing ingredients, mainly aloe vera, kelp and lavender. I apply a thick layer after toning and leave it on for 10 minutes (sometimes I forget and I leave it for longer), then rinse/wipe with a hot cloth. The result is a much smoother texture, tacky even, but in a good way, like the skin is finally ready to absorb more hydration. I then follow it up with my current roster of winter serums (either ANR2, Hydraluron or Clarins' HydraQuench Bi-Phase Serum) and face creams. 

Its a great masque to have in your arsenal during the colder months, regardless of your skin type. The fact that it's oil-free means those with oily skins can enjoy the benefits of hydration without the worry of overloading the skin and triggering breakouts. In fact, I still use a clay mask in targeted areas alongside this one. I tend to get very dry around the cheeks to I keep the clay around t-zone only. So far, the combo has been fine. 

It is a tad pricy for a face masque at £28 a pop, but it's bigger than your average 100ml and it works. Buy it from John Lewis, here.