When I first saw the Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask when it landed on my desk for review, I thought about cryotherapy and the freezing cold associated with it. Once I’d got over my shiver, and looked online and read up, I realised that in fact, it’s a cooling sensation led cream mask, to rejuvenate and tighten the skin (and pores, bonus!).
It’s had a lot of rave reviews, and after reading up on how this 10-minute icy-cold mask powered by exclusive Cryo-Starter Technology can give the skin a visible lift and tighten, I was all up for trying it out.
Before I share my thoughts, I’m going to assume not everyone understand ‘cryo’ and all the terminology around it. Cryotherapy in itself is a treatment in which freezing cold – or almost freezing – temperatures are used to create a result. It can be tissue repair, fat freezing, or lifting.
What is cryo in beauty?
The Cryo Starter Technology that Clarins have used here is a blend of the molecule MGA, which is a cooling menthol derivative, and organic evening primrose extractor. When it reduces the skin’s temperature by seven degrees, which is two times colder than traditional cryotherapy facial treatment tools, the lifting, radiance boosting and pore minimising magic starts to happen.
It’s marketed for when you need a quick boost, and I don’t know about you, but I need one of those at least once a week! Users have praised its lightweight texture and the immediate firming effect, so I welcomed this cream mask into my home with wide, loving arms.
The directions on the jar say to apply a “thick” layer all over your face (cleansed and dry). I actually left it off my nose, but put it everywhere else. I applied with the spatula that comes with the mask, and it sat lovely on my skin with this light minty scent. It felt a little cool, but really nothing to be shocked about. Very soothing, what a fabulous creation for the warmer days!
I applied for 10 minutes the first time I used it, but what I will say from someone who has used this on 3 occasions is that I notice its full effects after around 15-20 minutes. So going forward, I’ll be leaving on for longer. I’m of course no dermatologist, so take my advice with a pinch of salt.
After 20 minutes, I rinse with cool/slightly warm water, and I notice straight away that my skin temperature is cooler. It does feel much tighter and firmer, from that first use. I always apply my serum and moisturiser after pat-drying, and everything glides on beautifully. I don’t quite know what it is about that cool, smooth skin feel but it gives me that feeling of luxurious skin.
After using this on 3 occasions, that lightly lifted, tighter complexion is there, which obviously doesn’t last more than a few hours, but this is why it’s a ‘flash mask’, in my opinion. It works immediately, delivering the tightened and lifted skin before we put our skincare and makeup on.
I can’t yet comment on tightened pores, but I have read reviews online which say pores stay minimised for a few days after using, so I’m eager to start using this on my nose now! (I was trying to be nifty and save more product for my cheeks and forehead, but time to twist it up a little).
With continued use, Clarins say that the results should start lasting longer. I’m hoping I can get to having one weeks worth of this lifted and tighter complexion. What I will say for sure though, is this makes a fantastic primer – it smooths and lifts the skin so well that make up sits on beautifully. A great one to use for brides, I can imagine.
A winner for me however is to take this on holiday. I haven’t done this yet, but will be doing this July.
The Highlight
It’s expensive, but that relief when it works from the first go is priceless (if you want a de-puffed, tightened, smoothed, lifted and cooled complexion). It feels incredible on the skin. I would say you probably won’t get the best benefits if you have problem skin and your main focus is on areas like acne, pigmentation and oiliness. From using it myself, those who have skin prone to being dry, lack-lustre, early aging (and well into aging), sagging and open pores will reap the rewards.
It costs around £53 a jar, and you can shop at Boots here.
If you have skin that is dull and needs a good tighten, be sure to let us know when you join parlor for free, you can share your skin type and skin concerns for a chance at reviewing products tailored to you, for parlor.
