Somme Institute Boost Warming Mask Review

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.

Dry, Oily or Combo – one mask to warm them all

photos: we heart this

Most of us are suckers for fancy packaging and official-sounding formulas and statistics – just ask a political strategist this election year. The truth is that we are all suckers for those at the outset but, in the end, packaging isn’t usually a game-changer, statistics are only good if they’re true, and the proof is in the pudding. I’m not weighing in on any political debate here – today I’m talking skin care. Somme Institute has Boost, a lush face-warming mask that claims all of the above.

Somme Institute’s Mission Statement is “Skin care companies should deliver the claims they promise.” Somme was borne out of disappointment in the cosmetic lines available at that time (1994) and sought to deliver on the promise of perfect skin. Somme set out to make a good product that works and challenge the corporate skin care giants – I like to refer to Somme as the Bull Moose of the beauty industry.

After a decade of testing, Somme developed a patented technology called Molecular Dispersion Technology 5 (MDT5™). In short, this technology delivers the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in their skin care products to your skin in the most efficient way possible by allowing the skin to fully absorb these nutrients. This in turn results in better skin tone, texture and clarity, wrinkles are less noticeable, discolorations are lessened and acne and rosacea are better treated. Ladies, this stuff is a contender.

Of Somme’s line, I tried the Boost Warming Mask ($40) which seeks to nourish and purify the skin by using MDT5™ to deliver vitamins A, B3, B5, C, E, minerals and pumpkin enzymes. The antioxidants fight free radicals and the pumpkin increases cellular regeneration for younger looking skin. In addition to these, the mineral Zeolite provides a warming action that opens up the pores and allows Kaolin (a fine clay) to absorb all the icky dirt and oil trapped there.

Talk about speaking softly and carrying a big stick! This relatively small company with all their years of research yields some pretty amazing results. Immediately upon application, one can feel the warming action on the skin. Soothing and spa-like, this mask would be enjoyable only for this. But that’s not all there is.

After seven to ten minutes the mask is ready to be removed with a warm, damp cloth. Pores appear smaller and skin feels softer right away. After several weeks regular use (I used this two or three times a week), my skin did look more even with fewer freckles and less redness.

Best of all, this mask can be used on all skin types, from dry to oily, and helps to improve the texture and appearance of skin with a range of issues, including sun damage, wrinkles, acne and rosacea – almost everyone can enjoy this soothing, warming mask.

Pros:
• The warming action is incredibly calming and soothing to the senses in addition to being an effective pore-opener.
• The scent is subtle and sweet. Is that the pumpkin? I could have sworn I smelled nutmeg.
• Skin is noticeably softer and smoother and pores are less noticeable with first use.
• Regular use yields positive results with skin tone and texture.
• Packaging is simple and clean, a colored dot marking each product (purple marks the spot for Boost).

Cons:
• There is a slight tackiness after removing the mask.
• My skin is better but certainly not the “perfect” skin Somme claims is attainable for all. (Disclaimer: I did not use the whole Somme line, only the mask).
• At $40 for 3 oz., this is not cheap, but is within the realm of “reasonable.”
• Directions on the box were vague. I visited the website for more thorough instructions.

All in all, ignoring the “perfect skin” hyperbole, Somme’s Boost warming mask does pretty much what it promises to do. That, my friends, is all it needs to do. Teddy would be proud. Promises, promises.

Ladies, what do you think about truth in advertising? Does Somme deliver?

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.