The trend for everything bio, organic, and natural has spread across the world and all kinds of spheres in our lives and that includes beauty. In fact, the beauty industry was among the first ones to embrace and promote it. On this back-to-nature wave, many new exciting cosmetic brands appear. A beauty brand from Australia–Uspa–is one of them. What is its concept, and which products should you try ASAP? Read on to find out why we loved it.
What is Uspa about?
100% Australian made and owned, Uspa has a 25-year history that started with a goal of creating restoring and rejuvenating spa experience. In a few words, the brand’s DNA is based on spa and wellness, botanicals, and science. That means that the main active ingredients of the products are plant extracts and essential oils that are scientifically proven to be effective for your skin. The natural fragrances will indulge your senses, recreating the healing spa experience at home.
Uspa is cruelty-free, which means the products are not tested on animals and none of the products contains sulfates or parabens if that’s a concern for you. Furthermore, the absence of synthetic color, fragrance, and mineral oil makes its range suitable for sensitive and reactive skin.
To get acquainted with Uspa products, we picked their Antioxidant Hydrating Gel Aloe & Green Tea, Smoothing AHA Serum with Fruit Acids, and the Deep Cleansing Mud Mask with Mistletoe & Fennel Extracts.
Photo credit: Uspa
Deep Cleansing Mud Mask with Mistletoe & Fennel Extracts
Many beauty-addicts, especially those with acne-prone or oily skin, are familiar with mud and clay masks. Generally, clay masks are particularly beneficial for oily and combination skin types. If you have dry or dull skin, a mud mask would be a better friend, as it is water-based, so it won’t dry your skin. Mud masks are known for their deep cleansing, blood circulation improvement, skin cleansing, clearing, and smoothing properties. Uspa’s mud mask is filled with botanicals and essential oils that add extra benefits for the skin. The two key extracts are mistletoe and fennel. Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging, mistletoe will make your skin firmer and clearer, fighting impurities and small signs of aging, while fennel helps with radiance and even tone.
Before applying a thin layer of the deep cleansing mask, cleanse and exfoliate the skin. This will help the mask work more effectively by getting rid of any make-up residue, oil, and dead skin cells. Use once or twice a week for the best results.
Smoothing AHA Serum with Fruit Acids
If you haven’t incorporated AHA/BHA products in your skincare, don’t skip this part! BHA, or beta-hydroxy acids work magic for acne-prone skin by penetrating it and clearing pores. AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acids and is a powerful yet gentle exfoliating agent that removes dead cells without mechanically damaging the skin. As a result, the skin appears more radiant and bright. Besides, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation, making skin texture and tone more even.
The combination of lactic, citric, glycolic acid, tartaric, and malic fruit acids in Uspa serum delivers instant results, as well as long-term. In the list of its ingredients, there is Centella asiatica, aka tiger grass that has soothing properties and can help restore the natural skin barrier. Along with green tea, it is also a powerful source of antioxidants which helps protect your skin from the ravages of free radicals. The changes you will notice, once you add this serum to your beauty routine and apply it consistently, will make this product an essential one on your shelf.
It’s important to know which active ingredients your other skincare products contain, as AHA is not compatible with some. For example, vitamin C or retinol in your day cream can cause irritation, if used after this AHA serum. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid is perfectly compatible with AHA. So you can layer two serums together, and your skin will thank you for that. Note that sunscreen is any acids’ best friend as AHA may increase skin’s photosensitivity, thus increasing the risk of sunburn. Even if you only use the serum at night (which is the recommendation), don’t skip the sunscreen in the morning. Well, you should never, anyway!
Antioxidant Hydrating Gel Aloe & Green Tea
Hot summer days naturally motivate us to substitute some of our favorite winter creams for lighter ones. Gel often feel more refreshing and lightweight. When pleasant texture comes in a package with an energizing herbal aroma, nothing beats this win-win mix. Antioxidant hydrating gel by Uspa is precisely this type of daily product for you. The slightly watery gel is not sticky at all and gets quickly absorbs by skin, making it hydrated and moisturized. The main hydrating element in the formula is aloe vera. It also has a cooling effect, which is priceless after a day in the sun. Another active ingredient is the green tea that fights those harmful effects of the environment like free radicals. This gel is suitable for all skin types. Soothing and calming, it is perfect for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.
You can use the gel after AHA serum as well and remember to apply it to your neck too. Don’t forget the sunscreen before heading out.
Uspa is available at A Beauty Bar Hong Kong. Shipping to Macau is available within three to four business days and will cost HKD $50.
A Beauty Bar Hong Kong 15/F, Kin Tak Fung Commercial Building, 467-473 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, +852 2833 5157, www.abeautybar.com.hk
