Do you have any childhood memories that make you happy when you think back to them? Every summer, we would get to go spend a week at my grandpa and grandma’s house- where they would spoil us rotten! My grandma had this night cream she would put on that said “Extra Emollient Night Cream.” It was a pinkish color, and it smelled SO good. Her skin always looked great, so I tried the night cream, and my face ended up a greasy mess. Ugghhh… Later on, I would discover that just because something is right for my grandma’s skin, doesn’t mean it’s right for mine.
Some of my favorite bloggers are from the UK, and I love reading about the products they enjoy. While some brands are the same as we have here, they have quite a few that aren’t easily available here in the states. One brand that’s gotten a lot of attention is Ark.
Ark, made in Britain, is based on the idea that our skincare needs change with age, hence “Age Aware Skincare.” There are three categories: Age Protect, formulated for your teens and 20s; Age Defend, formulated for your 30s and 40s; and Age Defy, formulated for your 50s and beyond. There are also some products that are appropriate for all ages.
I’m so pleased that Ark is one of the brands available on this side of the pond, through their U.S. website. As I’ve read such wonderful things about the brand, I was honored when I found out I would get to try some of their products out. When I received a package with the Skin Perfector Hydration Injection Masque and Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser, I did a happy dance!
Ark Skin Perfector Hydration Injection Masque
The Skin Perfector Hydration Injection Masque is formulated for all ages, the timing just varies. If you’re in your teens or 20s, you leave it on for five minutes; 30s and 40s for ten minutes; and 50s and onwards for twenty minutes. You can also leave the mask on overnight for a more intensive treatment.
The mask is formulated with an encapsulated blend of vitamins, including Vitamin A for collagen synthesis, Vitamin B5 for smoothness, Vitamin C to reduce hyperpigmentation, and Vitamin E to protect against UV damage. A hyaluronic acid booster provides moisture, optimizes circulation of water through skin layers, and provides 24-hour protection against hydration loss. Finally Abyssinian oil and sugar beet help nourish the skin for a luxurious, healthy, youthful glow.
Ark Skin Perfector is housed in a convenient and sanitary squeeze tube with a flip cap. So, it’s not only easy to use with just one hand, but the product stays protected from light, air, and bacteria. The mask is used right after cleansing, but before toning. It has a light gel-cream consistency and a fresh, natural scent.
The formula goes on smoothly, and feels very soothing. After removing with a warm, wet cloth, and toning, I was in love with my skin! I’m oily, so hydration masks tend to scare me a bit. But, this was insanely moisturizing without any heaviness, so I didn’t feel greasy at all. My skin was soft, dewy, and glowing- I know it’s bad, but I couldn’t stop touching my face…lol!
Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser
Ark Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser is formulated for those in their 30s and 40s. I was excited about this because so many moisturizers on the market are either for teenagers, or those with very mature skin. As a result, my skin either doesn’t get the nourishment needed, or the product is so heavy that I break out or get greasy.
This anti-wrinkle moisturizer is formulated with co-enzyme Q10 and shea butter along with kiwi and passionfruit lipids. Vitamin A and peptides help smooth out wrinkles and plump the skin, as well as diminish the signs of aging. Antioxidant blue lotus, a symbol of immortality and beauty in ancient Egypt, promotes firmer skin and a more supple appearance.
One of the things I LOVE about Ark Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser is the packaging. Yes, it comes in a jar, and I normally loathe jars. BUT, this jar is designed with an airless pump, so the product is kept safe from degradation. So, you get the sanitary advantage and protection of a tube or pump, but the luxury of a jar.
The only negative about the packaging is that it wasn’t clear on how to actually use it. I’m a skincare junkie and have tested hundreds of products, and even I was a bit confused. There is a little round piece at the top, and I thought it was a protective seal, so I started to “peel” it off. As it turns out, this was a rubber-like material, and it was part of the pump, and not supposed to be removed. So, due to lack of instructions, I basically almost ruined the pump. Thankfully, I realized quickly that it wasn’t supposed to come off, and I stopped after pulling off about a third of it.
Despite my initial confusion, the mechanism of the pump-jar is SO easy to use! All you have to do is lift off the cap, and press the top of the jar down a bit, and the product is dispensed through the little round piece in the center. Easy-peasy!
Ark Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser is a light cream with an equally light, natural herbal scent. It smells very pleasant and invigorating, but dissipates quickly, so no worries if you’re sensitive to fragrance. It spreads very easily, is readily absorbed, and I experienced absolutely no irritation on my hypersensitive, tretinoin-treated skin.
Since I have oily skin and live in hot, humid Louisiana, I usually skip moisturizer during the day because a serum is hydrating enough. So, I was worried that a moisturizer with a shea butter would be a bit too heavy for my skin. As it turns out, I didn’t have anything to worry about. This actually made my skin smooth and prepped it very well for putting on makeup- no more shininess than normal!
Overall, I’m very happy with Ark Age Aware Skincare. The quality is top-notch, the products have luxurious formulations, the packaging is protective yet elegant, and a little bit goes a long way. The products I tested retail for $70 each, which is a very good value considering how long they will last. If you’ve been having trouble finding the right products for your skin, you should definitely consider Ark. I know I can’t wait to try more from the brand!
Check out Ark Skincare by visiting www.arkskincareusa.com!
