Product of the Week: Éminence Bamboo Age Corrective Masque

The three words on the Éminence Bamboo Age Corrective Masque container are the three words to immediately lure you in: Natural Retinol Alternative

Retinol is the beauty buzzword du jour, at least for me, a women in her early 30s who is suddenly terrified that her oily blemished skin is starting to become oily blemished skin that's saggy with wrinkles. It is a wonder ingredient that works to close pores, even out the skin's surface and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, it only works when you use it properly; if you don't, you risk causing more harm than good. If you love the sound of what retinol can do but it slightly scares you, or if you are a fan of organic, natural products, you might be interested to hear about the Éminence Bamboo Age Corrective Masque.

I have tried Éminence skincare products in the past and liked them. I even had an Éminence facial in Ann McDevitt's salon on Wicklow Street  - and it was the best facial I've ever had. But I am also a fan of active ingredients like acids that have a little danger to them. If you have to be cautious, it must work, right?

Éminence Bamboo Age Corrective Masque €58

To be honest, my skin just seems to be getting saggier and wrinklier no matter what I try - and I've tried a lot of products, a lot of very expensive products. I put it down to a hectic lifestyle I just can't quit and not enough sleep. Because that has to be it, hasn't it? Hasn't it?!

That doesn't stop me from treating myself whenever I can because that's what this short life calls for. And this masque is a treat. It is blended with wheat proteins and lactic acid and vitamin C. But the apple and argan stem cells it contains that Éminence says are natural retinol alternatives, are why it's really interesting. Its main goals are to moisturise and rehydrate, protect the skin from free radicals and improve skin elasticity. It's too early for me to say if this has long-term effects, but when I tried it this week I was astonished at how good my skin looked after.

It's also one of the most pleasant masques to wear. The formula is cooling and light. You only have to leave it on for ten minutes, and it is SO easy to remove. No sticking onto your hair with this one. After using it, my skin felt so, so soft and it was glowing - an extremely rare occurrence for me.

It's meant for normal to dry skin, especially mature skin, which my skin ain't. But my oily skin is also dehydrated (and ageing rapidly) which definitely benefits from retinol, or in this case, the natural retinol alternatives.

Despite your age or skin type, I recommend the Éminence Bamboo Age Corrective Masque for any natural, organic skincare loving beauty addict.