This product was sent to me for review purposes.
How often do you find yourself sheet masking? A lot of people in Korea use these almost religiously and there was even a trend a while ago of masking multiple times a day. That’s a bit excessive for me (and wouldn’t fit into most people’s daily routines) but I’m working on incorporating these into my evening routine at least every 2-3 days.
Most of the masks that I’ve used in the past have been Korean but this time I’m trying out an Australian brand! This is Enbacci, a skincare brand that launched back in 2013. As of right now their product lines range from face care, body care, even candles and diffusers – my focus today will be on their sheet masks though.
I was given the opportunity to test out the Vitis Vinifera Rejuvenating Mask and the Age Revitalizing Face Defence Mask. I actually had no obligation to be reviewing them on my blog (as I don’t often do so for sheet masks) but I really wanted to write about these!
The prices for both masks slightly differ but start at AUD$20. You can buy them in either single units or a box of five on their official website (free shipping on all orders for Australia or flat rate international shipping) or by visiting their flagship store in Melbourne.
And now – onto this review!
Why Stem Cells?
The Enbacci face masks use stem cells derived from different fruits – in particular apples and grapes. Stem cells in general are described as “undifferentiated cells, which have the potential to differentiate into specific cells with individual functions.” In the context of skincare: these cells will seek and synthesise with damaged receptors, therefore aiding in skin renewal and repairing damage from within.
The stem cells also contain electrolytes (in particular potassium), which can “train the skin to maintain its moisture balance, strengthen its barrier, and create a healthier, more energised appearance” (according to press information).
It’s all very scientific! Enbacci as a brand describe themselves as “advocates of innovation,” seeking out premium and technological advancements to add in their range.
Packaging
I received single units of both masks from the brand, but I’m assuming that the box of five is similarly packaged. The single units all come with their own metallic finish boxes – blue for the Vitis Vinifera Rejuvenating Mask and green for the Age Revitalising Face Defence Mask. The design on the box matches with the actual mask packet too, which has a matte finish and silver detailing.
The quality of the paper box is decent but the packet is extra – it’s made of a much thicker material that I’m used to. It can be a bit hard to open, especially since you’d want to keep that packet intact to use the excess essence, so I also use a pair of scissors for a bit of help. I like that the quality feels substantial though.
The overall vibe is very professional and I can definitely see this brand being used in salons and such. If I were to gift this to someone, I would recommend it to an audience in their late twenties or over, especially if they are more serious about their skincare. I feel like this is a real no-gimmick product.
Vitis Vinifera Rejuvenating Mask | AUD$20
The first mask that I tried was the Vitis Vinifera Rejuvenating Mask which rejuvenates skin, restores balance and glow. According to the product description, it “helps to protect the skin against environmental stresses and the first signs of ageing, leaving the skin with a healthy youthful complexion.”
Specific claims include:
- Reversing UV damage
- Reducing redness
- Evening out skin tone
- Strengthening collagen and elastin structure
This range uses Grape stem cells. This specific breed (often used in red wine and with the scientific name Vitis Vinifera) was chosen due to the high level of anthocyanin – powerful antioxidants. They are also “20 times more effective than vitamin C and 50 times more effective than vitamin E at reversing skin damage.”
In addition to the stem cells, both masks contain Sodium Hyaluronate (restoring moisture bonds), Allantoin (a calming ingredient often used in acne scar treatment), Trehalose (encourages absorption of ingredients to skin) and Acacia Senegal Gum (for natural skin repair and rejuvenation).
Age Revitalising Face Defence Mask | AUD$23
The second mask that I tried out actually uses two different types of stem cells and is the Age Revitalising Face Defence Mask. Similarly to the other, this also targets the signs of ageing and helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Specific claims include:
- Anti-wrinkle benefits
- Improving the longevity of human skin cells
- Protecting from oxidative stress
- Lightening dark spots and hyper-pigmentation caused by the sun
The main stem cell is derived from Swiss Apples (the Uttwiler Spätlauber) which “is renowned for its ability to rejuvenate ageing skin and repair damaged skin cells.” Rich in phytonutrients and proteins, 0.1% concentration of these can multiply human stem cells by 80%. In addition to that, this mask contains Leucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract, which can mimic the effect of botox by plumping the skin from within.
In addition to the stem cells, both masks contain Sodium Hyaluronate (restoring moisture bonds), Allantoin (a calming ingredient often used in acne scar treatment), Trehalose (encourages absorption of ingredients to skin) and Acacia Senegal Gum (for natural skin repair and rejuvenation).
Personal Experiences
Since I was only able to try out each of these masks once, it’s hard for me to determine the long-term benefits of them. For the immediate effects; I feel that my skin felt very supple, plump and hydrated – skin benefits that stayed overnight too. There were also visible soothing and brightening effects which also lasted for quite a few hours.
However, these two masks were very similar on me, most likely because I don’t need anti-aging right now. My personal skin concerns are more along the lines of soothing, brightening and recovery, so the Rejuvenating Mask suited me best.
Both of these have a thick cotton sheet mask with an added plastic backing (to keep the shape within the pack). The material clings well to the face and I haven’t have any issue with it slipping, but the shape of it is huge. I have to fold down the sides and I’m unable to smooth the mask out. It also folds down over my entire chin (to my neck) but I’m fairly certain that that’s part of the design. That’s actually the particular feature that I like most about this mask.
The main critique that I would have here is that they seem to dry out very fast. It is recommended for 15-20 minutes, but I find that it starts to dry out within 10 minutes and must be removed by 15 minutes. There’s actually a lot of essence still in the pack, so it’s possible that this mask material isn’t holding enough product to begin with. I usually decant the product for an extra application.
Here is the final verdict – for this, I am mostly rating the Rejuvenating Mask since that was best suited for my skin concerns.
SO WHAT IS IT?
Innovative sheet masks that use fruit stem cells (sold in single units or packs of five)
THE GOOD
- Professional and good quality packaging
- Pleasant and refreshing scent (very minimal and doesn’t linger)
- Covers your entire chin
- Clings well to your face with no slipping
- Immediate reduction in redness and brightened appearance
- Complexion is supple and well hydrated
- Effects mostly last until the next day
THE BAD
- Relatively expensive
- Not a big difference noticed between the two masks
- The sheet mask is very large
- Mask starts to dry within 10 minutes
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 1/5
- PACKAGING | 3/5
- FIT | 2/5
- ADHERENCE | 5/5
- HYDRATION | 4/5
- SOOTHING/RECOVERY (Rejuvenating Mask) | 5/5
OVERALL RATING? 6.7/10
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
If the ingredients for this mask interest you then I would recommend checking them out, but keep in mind that they definitely have a luxury price tag. I enjoy using them and I think that the immediate benefits (brightening and hydration) are great.
However, I didn’t see much of a difference between the two – perhaps because I don’t really have any fine lines – so I haven’t rated the effects of the Revitalizing mask alone.
I would personally choose to go back to the Rejuvenating Mask, since it is also the more affordable of the two.
WHERE TO GET IT FROM
You can buy these from the official Enbacci store or, if you’re in Melbourne, also visit their flagship store.
