Review: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Boosting 5-Minute Facial

With hectic work schedules and the mad rush to attend launch events after, believe me when I say that I barely ever have the time to properly sit down and do some proper beauty pampering. Being ever on the pulse, Elizabeth Arden understands that problem and introduces their new Ceramide-boosting 5-min facial. And get this; the mask treatment claims to not only fight those pesky lines but also remove make up at the same time!
Hype or is it truly worth its weight in its gold (packaging)? 
Time to find out, as I unbox the trademark golden packaging that is Elizabeth Arden. First, dispense a 20c-sized amount of the Self-Foaming Mask and apply it sparingly all over your uncleansed face and neck in a thin layer. The product will gradually foam to draw out the face's impurities. Rinse well with lukewarm water after 2-3 minutes and pat dry with a towel. 
Immediately after, spread the Replenishing Serum onto face and neck, before massage it in a circular motion. I personally recommend to let the product sit for a few minutes before following up with your regular moisturizers. 

At first glance, the two simple white bottles look non-assuming but do not be fooled by its simplicity. Packed inside the facial mask is a potent medley of  Lactic Acid & Protease Enzyme( alpha hydroxyl acids) that gently exfoliates and dissolves skin-clogging impurities), plus Botanical Extracts that act as natural skin exfoliators such as bilberry, sugar cane, orange, and lemon. Topping it off is detoxifying peptides and glycerin to lock in long-lasting moisture into skin. It is vital not to skip the Replenishing Serum after the mask to replenish skin back to its moisturised level. Featuring a Ceramide Triple Complex—a targeted blend of Ceramides 1, 3, and 6 to rejuvenate the skin's protective layer and encourage renewed ceramide production. This is important as without ceramides, skin is unable to truly retain moisture and results in a dull, wrinkled condition. Retinyl Linoleate—(derived from Vitamin A) re-texturizes the skin gently to firm up and improve its tone. A range of other botanical ingredients are also in play: Red Algae Extract diminishes the dark spots whereas Rice Kefiran and Aloe Vera Gel acts as anti-inflammatory agents to soothe and boost skin healing.
The facial mask bubbles almost instantaneously into a foam so I recommend spreading it over your face once dispensed. I felt a tingly, almost prickly sensation as the thick liquid foams up into a thick lather. At this point, people who are more sensitive skin, may find this feeling rather uncomfortable but I felt ok. When washed off, I felt that the foam left my face looking more clarified and brighter, which may be accounted by its Optical Enhancers; a blend of Mica, silicone, silica and pearly pigments. My skin feels like its been cleansed deeply, and can breathe once more...

About 1 minute later after application on my face with make-up

The serum is a lovely iridescent shade, and is very thick and rich so I only use about 10c - sized dollop to go over my whole face. The consistency is goo-ey like, so I prefer dotting it over core areas such as nose, apples of cheek and forehead before massaging it upwards to the hairline. The serum glides on smoothly and becomes matte after awhile, perfect for adding on my regular night cream. For removal of makeup, while it does remove majority of it, strong water /smudge-proof still requires a secondary clean so I'd say this is better suited for ladies who tend to veer towards light makeup.
 Thank you Elizabeth Arden!