I'm pretty obsessed with skincare, so I'll basically try anything in the name of beauty. And Hanacure just seemed too good -- and too crazy -- to pass up! I'll be honest, I was less curious about whether it would actually work and more curious about whether it would turn me into the 80-year-old version of myself in 30 minutes or less. I also recently binge watched two seasons of Black Mirror (full disclosure, I then laid in my dark bedroom at night scared out of my wits for about 2 weeks), and this mask seemed like something futuristic and technologically advanced that made me feel like I'd be able to enter my very own Black Mirror episode.
So I ponied up the $29 for the Starter Set (one treatment), because spending $110 on a pack of four didn't seem too smart if I ended up hating it. I lucked out when I decided to order mine (back in October), because it was actually in stock! This mask is so popular that it sells out ALL. THE. TIME. But if it's sold out, never fear, because you can pre-order it! In any case, it was in stock when I decided to purchase it, so I got lucky. It shipped SUPER fast -- I received it within a week!
The Hanacure Starter Set is worth it from the very beginning because of the beautiful packaging. It comes in a chic white and black box that opens up to reveal the following:
Lifting Serum Ampoule (1ml)
Gelling Pack (6ml)
Brush
When you first open the box, only the Lifting Serum Ampoule is revealed, along with a short quote from Hanacure. |
Once you peel back the black casing, you reveal the Gelling Solution with the brush underneath. |
Getting all of the Hanacure steps ready. |
Short, simple and to the point. |
I have to admit that I was terrible at science -- ESPECIALLY chemistry -- but there's something really satisfying about mixing up my own beauty products. I just feel like my own version of Marie Curie. (I'm sure she'd be so happy to be compared to someone who's mixing up a face mask that will turn her skin into an old person, but oh well. The damage has been done.) In any case, I love that this mask involves a couple steps of chemistry-like precision and mixing before application.
The process is simple:
1) Peel back the bottom corner of the Gelling Pack.
2) Pour the Lifting Serum Ampoule into the Gelling Pack and close the Gelling Pack back up (just hold it down with your finger).
3) Hold the Gelling Pack closed and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
4) Take the enclosed brush and use it to brush the now gelled concoction onto your face and neck.
So simple, right? Although the pack looks small, it creates a LOT of product -- so you can spread it generously all over your skin. And then you wait for 30 minutes. That's it!
Applying the Hanacure All-In-One Facial. The immediate texture was pretty jelly-like. (Please excuse the smudges on my bathroom mirror!) |
Smiling in anticipation and trepidation as I continued to apply the mask. I had no idea what was in store! |
Now, you may be wondering why you'd actually WANT to apply a mask that pulls your skin so tight, you look like an old person for 30 minutes. And that's a great question. Well, wouldn't you want to try a mask that claims to do all of the following -- anti-aging, clarifying, detoxifying, lifting and firming, brightening, pore tightening, evening skin tone, contouring! All of this is meant to result in younger, clearer, smoother skin in an instant. Hanacure also cautions that if your skin is fairly light or you flush easily, you may experience temporary redness due to an increase in blood circulation, as the Purifying Compound and CO2 OctoLift™ work to absorb impurities. But for me, turning into a red-faced old person for a few minutes certainly seemed worth the challenge!
But here's the thing. Even though I was so excited about using this mask, I still waited awhile. I bought it in October and didn't use it until January! I'm not sure why, exactly -- I suppose it's just one of those products that was waiting for me to finally find the time to truly appreciate it. So, the day before my birthday, I decided it was finally time to use it. And, I won't lie, while I had it on, I definitely wondered why I had decided to apply such a crazy mask right before I wanted to show off my face to everyone -- what if I had an allergic reaction or it made me break out, turn red or otherwise have to hide my skin? But, by the time I thought about that, it was too late -- and the mask was already working its magic.
A lot of people who have used this mask claim that it becomes so uncomfortable, they can't move their faces at all. Some even say they couldn't blink while it was on! I didn't experience this. I actually really didn't even think it was uncomfortable! Was my skin tight? Yes. Did I feel like I got the most intense version of Botox ever? Yes. Was I able to show off different facial expressions? Heck no! (I'll show you the proof in a moment.) But, even with all of that, I honestly didn't really even feel like I had anything on my face. I just sat and waited patiently for the mask to soak in and work its magic, taking a few photos along the way to show the progress.
Okay, I know what you've all been waiting for. You're curious about how I looked with this mask on, right? Well, here you go...
This was about 10 minutes in. My eyes still moved at this point and my forehead wasn't affected yet -- but there was definitely some crepey texture happening around my mouth and chin. |
Wondering what on earth I'd gotten myself into. You can also see a bit of redness on one cheek and in the middle of my chin, where I'd been experiencing some breakouts. |
Hitting the 30 minute mark. Yes, I look very worried, scared and angry. I swear this is just the way the mask moved my face! I was really trying to make my eyes smize! |
A final shot of the mask before I washed it off. My skin has definitely never felt so tight -- and my eyes and mouth definitely weren't moving. This was me trying to full-on smile! |
Yes, this mask made my skin look CRAZY! I found that especially at the end, when I was trying to take pictures of what it had done to my face, I couldn't move my eyes into different positions. I thought they were moving, but they were basically frozen in place! There was definitely no smizing a la Tyra Banks and America's Next Top Model happening here -- these are the only expressions I was able to make! Apparently 30 minutes with Hanacure and I look extremely worried, but I swear it's just the way it froze on my face.
Removal of the Hanacure mask was actually really simple. Just a few splashes of water and it came right off without any pulling or irritation. I definitely experienced the pre-cautioned redness -- I am a very pale girl, after all! -- but it went away within 2 hours. I'd liken the redness to the flushing that occurs after an intense workout, and it does disappear on the same day!
But now what you're wondering is, did this mask work? Did I love it? Was it worth the $29 and the complete transformation of my appearance? And the answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES. This mask is worth every bit of hype! My skin was softer and smoother, my fine lines seemed more diminished, it was firmer and plumper. The tone all around was just BETTER. After the redness subsided, I was quite literally glowing. And, since my 38th birthday was approaching just 2 days later, I was definitely into the fact that it seemed to make me look younger!
This was taken exactly 24 hours later. I couldn't believe the difference in my skin! So clear, fresh and glowy! |
No retouching. No editing. No color correcting. This was my skin just 24 hours after using Hanacure. I may have been turning 38, but I sure didn't feel like it! |
While $29 might seem a little steep for a single-use mask, I think the lasting benefits -- not to mention the crazy selfie opportunities and the chance to see what you'll look like in 40+ years -- make it worth it. I definitely think it's perfect to use before a big event.
For more information about Hanacure and to purchase a single-use Starter Set ($29) or four-piece set ($110), visit hanacure.com.
One of my friends was just asking me if I knew anything about this brand, and I hadn't tried it yet. We are quite a bit older than you, nevertheless, I will send her the link to your review. Your skin looks fabulous in your final pix!
ReplyDeleteI have never tried this brand, but I am intrigued! It clearly works very well! Thank you for the review, Jamie!
ReplyDeleteJamie, my friend in Mexico who is interested in Hanacure tried to leave a comment but for some reason wasn't able to. Her questions are 1. how long did the results last? 2. Did it fade the uneven skin tone that first photos show? 3. Are you wearing foundation in your after photo? Thank you. Your review was so timely!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the questions! Here are my answers:
Delete1) The results lasted about a week for me. It is recommended that you use this mask 1-2x weekly for the first month and then scale back to once a month - but because my skin is more sensitive, I only wanted to use it once in a week.
2) I don't really have uneven skin tone, so I didn't notice anything in this area.
3) Nope, no foundation! I never wear foundation, blush, bronzer or concealer. I was makeup free in all of these photos and I didn't use any editing.
LOL, I love it's nick name. I think I saw a photo as an advert on CNN's website for this mask. I'd probably not divulge $30 for a 1 time use mask, but the selfies would make it worth it...hahaha.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this before but great results and thorough review!
ReplyDeleteNow I want to try it!
ReplyDeleteI always see this on Facebook. What are the ingredients?
ReplyDeleteYou did get a glow! Wow on me I would get to see how I would look at 100 yrs old!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that's for me! With all that tightness going on I'm pretty sure my skin would end up super dehydrated.
ReplyDeleteYour skin looks great! I am so interested in trying this now.
ReplyDeleteI heard so much about this mask! It scares me a little :)
ReplyDeleteThat mask looks so intense!! The results are amazing though. You are glowing!
ReplyDeleteWow this looks like it does a great job, and I like the idea of mixing it up myself.
ReplyDelete