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This Joanna Vargas Face Mask Makes Me Glow Like Meghan Markle (Who's Reportedly a Fan)

P.S. It's only $17

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A close up of Meghan Markle.
Photo by Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage

I'll come clean: There are few things I enjoy more on a weeknight than slathering on a face mask and indulging in a pint of Häagen-Dazs cookies and cream with Grace and Frankie playing in the background. Maybe you have a similar tradition. Nevertheless, I never thought too much about the skincare benefits involved because it's just my self-care method of choice. Or at least, I didn't think much about the skincare benefits until I got my hands on Joanna Vargas's products—more specifically, the beloved esthetician's Eden Instant Lift face mask, which made me glow like Meghan Markle on her royal tour.

Who Is Joanna Vargas?

Joanna Vargas is basically the CEO of achieving glowing skin from the inside out. But don't just take our word for it. The New York-based esthetician's client roster includes the likes of Mandy Moore, Mindy Kaling and Meghan Markle.

In November 2018, Markle wrote on her old blog, The Tig, that "If you can’t make it to the [Joanna Vargas] salon, [you should] pick up some of the signature products, like the JV face mask, for an at-home pick-me-up.”

What Is the Eden Instant Lift Mask?

Though it may look like any other face mask, this one's made of rejuvenating bamboo, along with other natural ingredients and potent antioxidants, like fruit extracts, hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10, to promote a visible, luminous glow. And no matter what your skin type is, you can look forward to more hydrated-looking skin, per the brand.

The Test

To give this a go, I applied one sheet mask every week for three weeks straight. If you use face masks, you've probably encountered one that is difficult to unfold and leaves you wondering which side should go on your face. I didn't have that problem with this mask because it has a plastic-wrapped backing on one side for easier removal and application (it took me less than a minute to put it on).

Once it was on, I left it on my face for about 20 minutes to soak in, and there was no need to wash my face or follow it up with additional products afterward. I love how soft and plump my skin feels when I use the mask, but I'm equally impressed with the delicate peony smell that's not too overbearing and the fact that my face didn't sting throughout the process. Plus, I didn't feel like my face was restrained (which was important as I was chowing down on ice cream).

Joanna Vargas

Does It Live Up to Its Claims?

Though I didn't note any immediate results following my treatment, I did a double-take in the bathroom mirror the following morning. My skin was glowing like I had just gotten a professional facial. While I can't speak to the company's claims of wrinkle- and fine line-reduction, my glow lasted until the next day. So I have to agree with Markle's praise of the mask: This was the moisturizing pick-me-up my skin needed, especially as I prep it for the dry fall air.

What can we say? The duchess knows her stuff.

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Associate Sales and Deals Editor

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