Masks are our absolute go-to skincare products when our skin needs some TLC — but, and trust us, you have to really listen to your skin in order to make the most of them. Oily skin that’s on the verge of breakouts? Try a detoxifying clay mask. Sensitised, troubled skin? We’ll reach for a calming, soothing formula. And if we feel like it’s calling out for deep hydration, there’s nothing like putting on a sheet mask and letting our skin soak in all that goodness. If there’s ever a holy grail that does it all though, Aesop’s latest night mask certainly comes close.
The dream of waking up to healthy, vibrant skin is that much closer with the Aesop Sublime Replenishing Night Masque, a vitamin-rich formula that’s packed with intense nourishment — and with the distinct label of being the Australian skincare brand’s first-ever overnight mask.
You see, Aesop had noticed the popularity of sheet masks and wished to replicate that satisfying burst of nourishment, while still keeping to their ethos of sustainability. Thus, this lightweight leave-on formula was born, housed in a recyclable glass jar, while generous doses of Vitamins B, C, E and F all get along to give our skin an instant pick-me-up when it feels dry, tired and dull — those in need of quick fixes will love this.
Ahead, we speak to Suzanne Santos, Aesop’s Chief Customer Officer, who clues us in on its remarkable benefits, the integrity of the brand, and more. You may check out our review of the night masque as well.
On the Aesop Sublime Replenishing Night Masque
What makes this Aesop overnight mask stand out?
“What I would emphasise is that we’ve noticed the popularity of sheet masks, especially over the past few years. With the Sublime Replenishing Night Masque, we aimed to interpret this concept in a masque that would deliver intensive, nourishing hydration overnight and help to replenish and strengthen the skin, but also fulfil our sustainability criteria. Sheet masks are often made of cotton or hydrogel, which may be compostable as pure materials; however, after weighing up various packaging options during the development of this formulation, we decided that a recyclable glass jar would be the ideal vessel for it. Glass is a more environmentally friendly option than single-use plastic sachets, and contains adequate product for many applications.”
What are the key ingredients in this product, and how do they help our skin?
“In order to deliver a sustained hydrating benefit, even when removed from the skin 30 minutes after application, the Sublime Replenishing Night Masque features humectants such as Saccharide Isomerate and Sodium Carrageenan, which help to bind water in the skin, addressing dehydration, and nourishing emollients including Squalane and Tocopherol, which help to reduce water loss and address skin dryness.
The masque also contains generous doses of Vitamins B3 and B5, C and E, as well as Vitamin F. Each of the ingredients in the formulation were selected for their various benefits to skin, and their ability to work in tandem to balance, nourish and support the skin while providing immediate and sustained hydration. Although each vitamin supports the overall function of the product, Vitamin E, in particular, complements Vitamin F by providing additional nourishment and helping to bolster skin barrier integrity.”
How is this mask particularly effective for those with parched skin?
“While our hydrators work with great purpose to counterbalance the effect of that, the Sublime Replenishing Night Masque has been created specifically to strengthen skin barrier function in order to reduce water loss.”
Would you recommend this for daily use?
“We would recommend Sublime Replenishing Night Masque as an apt complement to an existing suite of daily-use hydrating products — one which presents a means of significantly boosting hydration and nourishment.”
the key ingredients:
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vitamin c (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) — an antioxidant that brightens the complexion and evens skin tones
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vitamin e (tocopherol) — has anti-inflammatory properties while fortifying the skin
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vitamin b3 (niacinamide) + provitamin b5 (panthenol) — both soothe and hydrate
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vitamin f (linoleic and linoleic acid) — relieves dryness and supports the skin barrier
Many of Aesop’s skincare formulas contain potent plant-based ingredients — how do you ensure their safety and efficacy?
“We are meticulous in our selection and sourcing of ingredients; each ingredient used in our formulations has been selected with primary consideration given to the health and safety of our customers and the environment. All have been extensively researched with respect to their safety, stability and efficacy prior to inclusion in our products; this is the standard we set for every ingredient we use, regardless of type.
In addition to our own stringent research, our products are tested during the product development process for safety using cumulative irritancy testing on human volunteers, and before any product is released to the public the formulation must pass a Product Safety Assessment and Toxicological review, conducted by a qualified independent agency. These are complex, detailed and thorough assessments based on an assessor’s experiential knowledge as well as industry standards.”
There’s been a rising trend in urban skincare — what types of skincare should a city-dweller look out for?
“The most important consideration for urban dwellers is to be mindful of the effects of the environs on your skin. In warm or humid urban settings, skin is vulnerable to a range of environmental factors — pollution, air-conditioning, and the stresses of city living, to name a few — that can heighten its susceptibility to free radicals and dehydration. Our Parsley Seed Skin Care range — a suite of formulations containing generous doses of antioxidants — is therefore ideal for those residing in urban environments. Suitable for daily use, Parsley Seed formulations help to support and bolster skin, with options to suit a range of skin types and textural preferences.
We recommend the daily use of a mild yet clarifying cleanser — such as Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser — to lift excess grime and sunscreen. This is well complemented by twice-weekly use of Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque — a clay-based deep-cleansing masque. To hydrate, we suggest a lightweight but efficacious hydrator, and here recommend either Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner or Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum, to help replenish skin without over-burdening.”
How is Aesop as relevant as ever in today’s fast-paced beauty landscape?
“Throughout Aesop’s evolution we have adhered to a fiercely independent, holistic approach, always aiming to deliver products of premium efficacy and sensory pleasure through rigorous science, responsible packaging and intelligent design. We have focused our efforts on the contents of the jar rather than elaborate presentation, celebrity endorsement or disingenuous promises. And we have spoken primarily to optimising the skin’s health — regardless of a customer’s age or gender — emphasising the benefits of a healthy lifestyle as well as effective care regimens. We have also encouraged acceptance of ageing and individuality as elements of a life well lived, long before it became fashionable to do so.
When it comes to engagement with our customers, we have maintained a commitment to service of the highest calibre, distinguished by honesty, warm hospitality and an extensive body of knowledge — hosting them much as we would a guest in our own homes. We anticipate long-term relationships with them, in which we will continue to meet their needs as their skin changes over time. It’s our heartfelt belief that the experience of being a customer can and should be so much more than an emotionless exchange.”
Our Review
First Impressions
It was a rough week for my skin — not literally, but I was experiencing some patchiness and sensitised skin, not to mention a couple of potential breakouts around my chin due to mask wearing. I usually had clearer skin, so I wasn’t too pleased with its lacklustre appearance. Thank goodness for masks then! I mask pretty regularly, but was especially looking forward to trying this one because of its multiple benefits and how Aesop’s first leave-on solution promises intense nourishment.
First off, the texture of the gel-cream was lighter than expected; for the ingredients it’s packed with, I expected a texture akin to rich night moisturisers, but this one felt fine. A little goes a long way, it spread easily, so I left a thin layer of it on my skin. The cream does take a while to get absorbed, but it didn’t feel heavy or draw attention to itself once on my face — it did feel like there was something on, which is acceptable since a mask ought to keep its ingredients locked in, but not to the point where I felt worried about it smearing on my pillow. The best part about this was that I didn’t need to rinse my face; you can just leave it on like a moisturiser. I also quite liked its natural herbal scent, which gave off spa-like vibes. Inhale, exhale, and repeat. My night routine was complete.
the next morning
Despite the thin layer, I woke up to healthy, hydrated, and bouncy skin! The beauty of a sleeping mask, right? The first time I used it, there was some residual product on my face, so I learnt to go with a light, even layer on my next try, to much better results.
My skin felt nourished, and it looked more healthy — any slight redness that I had disappeared, dry patches or dry areas were healed again and replenished, while I also noticed a slight radiance in the soft morning light. The formula is rich in nutrients after all — Vitamin C, in particular is a powerful antioxidant for brighter skin, so I was not surprised that it contributed to my skin’s glow.
Throughout the day and over the next day as well, I also noticed that my skin was less sensitised with lesser flare-ups, despite, say the friction that comes from wearing a mask. Vitamin F, a key ingredient here, probably helped with that, since the ingredient strengthens our skin barrier function. That’s important since it affects our skin’s ability to retain moisture. All that, from a jar. I love my sheet masks, but I might just prioritise this the next time my skin’s in need of proper healing, a wake-up call, or a special treat.
Aesop Sublime Replenishing Night Masque, $160 (60ml). Available at Aesop stores. aesop.com
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