Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask

Living for a season appropriate launch, Glow Recipe’s new Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask recently, couldn’t have been timed more perfectly. The temperatures here in the sticks are currently single digit after dark so a richer, denser, and more deeply moisturizing formula at bedtime is ideal. And while my combination skin rarely gets uber dry, I do experience uncomfortable tightness during the colder months

It’s great to be a fan of the Watermelon Glow overnighter. This new one? Nothing like it. In other good news, the much creamier version is just as impressive on my skin, which can become congested from treatments that promote intensely moisturizing properties.

At first glance, the texture of Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask can best be described as borderline waxy, especially since we’re accustomed to the gel and water-like lotion consistencies in which Glow Recipe typically excels. Miraculously, the mask applies smoothly and in an unexpected plot twist, absorbs instantly. It actually leaves behind a perfectly matte finish. I’m still wondering how this is even possible. Also, I am not complaining.

What’s in it?

The ultra nourishing avocado is the leader of the pack here. Other key ingredients include soothing Manuka Honey, gently exfoliating Polyhydroxy Acids, and purifying Kaolin Clay. There is also Apple Extract, which in addition to its richness in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, lends its faint aroma to this decadent sleeping mask. The scent is subtle so even those with sensitive noses won’t mind it.

When do you use it?

Ok, so this is the thing with sleeping masks aka overnight facials. They are always marketed to be used as the last step in your skincare regimen to ‘seal in’ the moisture. Personally, I prefer to use them as my main moisturizer after a treatment serum of choice. That way, I reap its full benefits and know how well it works. I cleanse, acid tone, hydrate with a juicy serum, and slather on a sizable dollop of Glow Recipe’s latest. The result? A plumped up, vibrant complexion by morning. My sleeping mask rule of thumb is to reach for it on ‘as needed’ basis, usually when my skin feels particularly stressed or parched and needs a quick fix.

Now a word of advice. Since the Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask contains PHA (way less irritating than some Alpha or Beta Hydroxies), those ultra sensitive to acids may experience a slight tingle. My husband, for example, asked if it was supposed to burn after I put some on him the other night. He’s not very well versed in skincare and was soon persuaded that it was more tingle than burn. It lasted only a few seconds. He woke up looking glowing. Not a trace of redness.

P.S.

The jar is textured and cute (à la an actual avocado) but be sure not to lose the spatula that is included. The ergonomically friendly shape will help you avoid some aggressive finger dipping after a few uses.

$45 (50ml) at sephora.com