Tracie Martyn is a skincare legend who has achieved cult-like renown. It’s been reported that getting a facial scheduled at her Fifth Avenue salon in New York requires a waitlist period that extends for months and her clientele includes celebrities who swear by her red carpet facials, including pre-GOOP Gwyneth Paltrow, DVF and Donna Karan.
Her skincare line was introduced as one of the first to use organic ingredients that still holds its purity standards even with the rise of the stringently organic, green brands. The line primarily focuses on anti-aging with product descriptors such as toning, sculpting and resurfacing.
What is it?
The Complexion Savoir is the newest addition to the Tracie Martyn collection and is a gel based face mask that hydrates, purifies, evens skin tone, plumps, soothes and protects. In our use, the Complexion Savoir is that reliable product you turn to when skin is tired or needs a pick-me-up and you just want something that can be enjoyed without much fuss.
What is in it?
AQUA (WATER), SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE, GLYCERIN, BETAINE, XANTHAN GUM, MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, CELLULOSE GUM, ALLATOIN, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) LEAF EXTRACT, MALACHITE EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER, CRATAEGUS OXYACANTHA (HAWTHORN) STEM EXTRACT, AVENA STAVIA (OAT) KERNEL EXTRACT, POTASSIUM AZELOYL DIGLYCINATE, EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, GLYCERYL UNDECYLENATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM PHYTATE
This water-based gel contains soothing olive leaf extract and aloe vera, brightening azelaic acid, purifying hawthorn berry extract, redness relieving rosebay willow herb, and the most unique Gemceuticals technology that contains an extract of copper-rich Malachite gemstone which is said to boost the body’s own supply of a key antioxidant called glutathione.
What is also important is to note what it doesn’t contain which includes the bad preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol, etc), PEGs, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes, artificial fragrance and silicones.
Who is it good for?
The hydration comes from the water-based gel which is light and won’t clog skin so oily/acne prone skin should not have an issue with it. The soothing nature of this means it is good for sensitive skin as well. Finally, dull, dry skin will benefit from the hydrating and brightening.
What does it do?
The benefits can be grouped into two camps: hydration and radiance. Think of this light gel mask as a drink for your skin that simultaneously calms and brightens complexion. The key words we’d use to describe the experience is super gentle and delicate. Hardcore performance buffs looking for super-resurfacing/brightening or super-moisturizing may find the subtleness of this mask not quite their speed, but we’re find this to be the ideal mask for easing into post-travel jet lag recovery, pampering during lazy weekend mornings, and late night recovery when a soft hand is preferable.
How to use
Tracie Martyn recommends a thin layer, we slather it on a bit and use 3-4 full pumps on the skin otherwise it leaves skin feeling a bit naked. The water-based gel spreads effortlessly over skin and has an immediate soothing effect. While it’s recommended to leave the mask on skin for 15 minutes, we usually keep it on until it starts to dry around the 25 minute mark, perhaps because of the thicker layering. The wash off is simple and skin feels comfortable.
For an intensive treatment, we’ve left this on overnight under a face oil and noticed skin has pronounced benefits such as brighter complexion and softer texture.
Do you recommend it?
Yes, this mask is beautifully formulated from organic ingredients that soothe skin and provide good antioxidant support. The application is fuss free while the gentle nature makes it adaptable to most skin types. This is immediate recovery for the busy bodied and we find its presence much welcomed when coming home from a long day.
Available at Space NK, Barneys, Net-A-Porter for $80.
