Sebastian Professional Dark Oil Smooth and Shine Mask Review – Deep Nourishment and Radiant Shine

Sebastian Professional Dark Oil Smooth and Shine Mask is a rich conditioning treatment designed to deeply nourish hair while keeping it light, smooth and glossy. Part of the popular Dark Oil range, this mask blends lightweight oils with conditioning agents to soften the hair fibre, control frizz and boost shine without flattening volume.

If you are looking for a professional-quality hair mask that delivers softness and manageability with a luxury scent, here is what you need to know.

What Is Sebastian Dark Oil Smooth and Shine Mask

Sebastian Dark Oil Smooth and Shine Mask is an intensive rinse-out hair treatment formulated to hydrate, smooth and strengthen the hair. It is designed to be used after shampoo in place of regular conditioner once or twice a week.

The formula focuses on nourishment and surface smoothing while maintaining natural movement and bounce. Unlike heavier masks, it aims to condition without leaving hair feeling coated or greasy.

Key Ingredients and What They Do

This smooth and shine hair mask uses a combination of oils and conditioning ingredients to improve texture and appearance.

• Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil) - Argan oil is known for its high content of fatty acids and antioxidants. It helps moisturise dry hair, improve softness and add visible shine. It also supports smoother cuticles, which reduces frizz and roughness.
• Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil) - Jojoba oil closely resembles the scalp’s natural oils. It helps balance moisture, soften strands and improve flexibility. It is especially helpful for dry, brittle or overprocessed hair.
• Panthenol (Provitamin B5) - Panthenol acts as a conditioning and strengthening ingredient. It helps attract moisture, smooth the hair surface and improve elasticity, making hair feel more resilient and less prone to breakage.
• Conditioning Agents (such as Behentrimonium Chloride and Fatty Alcohols) - These ingredients help detangle hair, reduce static and improve slip. They make hair easier to comb and style while contributing to a silky, polished finish.
• Silicone Smoothing Agents - Lightweight smoothing agents help seal the cuticle, boost shine and protect against humidity. They also contribute to the sleek, glossy effect the Dark Oil range is known for.

What Hair Type Is It Best For

Sebastian Dark Oil Smooth and Shine Mask is suitable for multiple hair types, but it is especially beneficial for:

• Dry or dehydrated hair
• Frizzy hair
• Dull hair lacking shine
• Medium to thick hair textures
• Chemically treated or colour-treated hair
• Heat-styled or damaged hair

Fine hair can also use it, but should apply mainly through mid-lengths and ends and use a smaller amount to avoid over-conditioning.

Texture and Performance

The mask has a thick, creamy texture that spreads easily through wet hair. It coats strands well and provides instant slip for detangling.

After leaving it on for several minutes and rinsing, hair typically feels softer, smoother and easier to manage.

Results usually include:

• Improved softness
• Better detangling
• Reduced frizz
• More reflective shine
• Smoother overall texture

Hair feels nourished but not heavy, which makes it a good balance between a deep treatment and a lightweight finish.

Scent Profile

One of the standout features of the Dark Oil Smooth and Shine Mask is its fragrance. It has a warm, rich, salon-style scent that feels luxurious and long-lasting. The scent is often described as deep and slightly sweet with a sensual, perfumed character. It tends to linger on the hair after drying, adding to the overall premium experience.

Those who enjoy fragranced hair products will likely find this mask particularly appealing.

How to Use

After shampooing, remove excess water from hair and apply the mask through mid-lengths and ends. Comb through for even distribution. Leave on for around three to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use once or twice weekly or whenever hair needs extra nourishment.

Final Verdict

For just £24.99, the Sebastian Professional Dark Oil Smooth and Shine Mask is a strong choice for anyone wanting softer, shinier and more manageable hair without heaviness. With nourishing oils, strengthening panthenol and effective conditioning agents, it delivers visible smoothing and gloss while keeping hair touchable and light. My hair is at that mid-point of needing a trim and with lots of new growth, owing to the Current Body LED Hair Growth helmet, there is a fair few flyaways to contend with, so for me, this mask works really well.

It is particularly well suited to dry, frizzy or chemically treated hair and stands out for its luxury scent and salon-quality finish.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner

Toners have evolved beyond just removing leftover cleanser. The Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner delivers hydration, barrier support, and radiance in one lightweight, milky step. 

This Korean skincare favourite combines rice water with hydrating actives and skin-strengthening ingredients to promote a healthy, glowing complexion while addressing dullness, uneven tone, and dryness.

Why This Toner Stands Out

At the heart of the formula is rice water, which is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. It nourishes the skin while supporting elasticity and delivering refreshing hydration. Unlike astringent toners that can leave skin feeling tight, this milky toner blends humectants like glycerin with soothing panthenol. Glycerin attracts water into the top layers of the skin, helping maintain moisture throughout the day, while panthenol conditions and calms sensitive or reactive complexions.

Niacinamide is another standout ingredient. It helps minimise uneven skin tone, balance excess oil, and improve overall texture, giving the complexion a more radiant and refined appearance. Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration, holding water in the skin for a plumper, bouncier feel. Combined with rice proteins and ceramides, it strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, protecting against moisture loss and environmental stress.

Additional ingredients like allantoin soothe and soften, while arbutin and ascorbic acid contribute to a brighter, more even-looking complexion by helping reduce discoloration.

Benefits You Can Expect

With regular use, this toner helps:

• Hydrate and refresh skin deeply
• Balance oil production and refine texture
• Strengthen the skin barrier
• Promote a natural, healthy glow
• Improve softness and smoothness

Its milky texture absorbs quickly and layers easily under serums and moisturisers, making it a versatile step in morning and evening routines.

How to Use

After cleansing, apply a generous amount to the face and neck using your palms or a cotton pad, gently patting until absorbed. This prepares the skin for serums and moisturisers that follow, enhancing their effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

The Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner is more than a basic toner. Its blend of rice water, humectants, niacinamide, and ceramides delivers hydration, barrier support, and radiance in one step. For smooth, glowing, and balanced skin, this milky toner is a gentle and effective addition to any skincare routine.

Priced at £22 HERE

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Cetaphil Pro Itch Prone Skin Body Wash and Moisturising Lotion: Gentle Skincare for Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin

Caring for sensitive or eczema-prone skin can be challenging, especially when many cleansers and moisturisers contain harsh ingredients that exacerbate dryness or irritation.

I am a big fan of bodycare products and the Cetaphil Pro Itch Prone Skin range is specifically formulated to support delicate skin, providing gentle cleansing and effective hydration without triggering discomfort. 

Two standout products in this range are the Body Wash and Moisturising Lotion, which work together to calm, soothe, and protect sensitive skin on a daily basis.

Cetaphil Pro Itch Prone Skin Body Wash

What It Does

The Cetaphil Pro Itch Prone Skin Body Wash is designed to cleanse gently while keeping sensitive skin comfortable and protected. Unlike regular body washes that can leave the skin tight or irritated, this product produces a light, non-stripping lather that effectively removes dirt and impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance.

It is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and ideal for daily use, even for highly reactive or eczema-prone skin.

Key Ingredients and Benefits

• Glycerin: A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, preventing dryness and maintaining softness.
• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: A gentle cleansing agent that provides effective cleaning without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

Fragrance-Free Formula: Minimises the risk of irritation or allergic reactions, making it safe for sensitive skin.

Why It’s Great for Sensitive Skin

The Body Wash is designed with skin health in mind rather than producing thick foam or heavy fragrance. While it may not offer the luxurious lather some expect from traditional body washes, it makes up for this with its soothing and moisturising properties. After use, the skin feels calm, comfortable, and hydrated, reducing the discomfort and itching often experienced by people with eczema or extremely dry skin.

Cetaphil Pro Itch Prone Skin Moisturising Lotion

What It Does

Following cleansing, the Cetaphil Pro Itch Prone Skin Moisturising Lotion provides long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Its fast-absorbing formula leaves skin soft, smooth, and comfortable, making it suitable for both daytime and night time use.

Regular application helps strengthen the skin barrier, which over time reduces dryness, irritation, and itchiness.

Key Ingredients and Benefits

• Ceramide Complex: Supports and repairs the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against environmental irritants.
• Glycerin: Maintains skin hydration, helping to keep it soft, supple, and comfortable throughout the day.

Fragrance-Free, Gentle Formula: Perfect for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, minimising irritation.

Why It’s Great for Sensitive Skin

The lotion provides lightweight hydration without greasiness, striking a balance between comfort and effective moisturisation. While extremely dry skin may occasionally benefit from a richer cream, this lotion is ideal for everyday use, providing relief from itching and dryness while leaving skin feeling healthy and cared for. The convenient pump bottle also ensures hygienic application, perfect for busy daily routines.

Why Choose the Cetaphil Pro Itch Prone Skin Range

Using the Body Wash and Moisturising Lotion together creates a complete skincare routine that targets the unique needs of sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin. The combination of gentle cleansing and long-lasting hydration:

• Restores and maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance.
• Soothes irritation and reduces itchiness.
• Strengthens the skin barrier, improving resilience over time.
• Is suitable for daily use thanks to its mild, fragrance-free formula.

For those with sensitive or reactive skin, the Cetaphil Pro Itch Prone Skin range is a reliable, dermatologist-recommended option. By choosing products that prioritise skin health over harsh cleansing or heavy fragrance, you can maintain comfort, hydration, and overall skin wellbeing every

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.