I had a meaningful day yesterday.
Not one, but two thoughts struck me simultaneously: it was an epiphany worthy moment, which I will share with you:
Despite my numerous misgivings about clay masks, at least two face masks I use regularly are based on clay. Also, as I have now reviewed 13 clay masks on this blog (but obviously, used a shed load), I feel confident enough to rank them based on performance.
But before then…my thoughts in clay…
Clay masks are notoriously difficult to preserve and and that’s why in India, almost all clay masks are dried powders. The only decent exception I have found is Forest Essentials’ sandalwood and nagkesar face masque. Clay masks are great for those with normal-oily skin and oily skin. They draw out impurities, grit and get rid of excess sebum. Depending on what is in the clay mask, they can also be exfoliating. However, clay masks are rarely hydrating so if you have dry skin or are concerned about excessive fine lines/wrinkles, then I would avoid them.
When using a clay mask, I tend to follow these rules:
Top 5 clay masks
No 1: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Instant Miracle Mask
My bathroom cupboard always, always has this mask and this is one of two masks, that I’ve repeatedly bought since I started this blog.
Ok, its not a cheap mask, but it absolutely delivers skin-brightening if consistently used. And it does this without using aggressive chemical whiteners or irritating the skin barrier. It’s not at all drying and honestly, I love the novelty of making up a rubber mask at home.
The quantity of the powder is extremely generous and I will cover my decolletage as well. Although, you could measure out only half the powder (use a kitchen scale) for just your face and neck.
My review: click HERE
Available for sale at cultbeauty for GBP 49 for 4 masks (or GBP 12.50 per mask)
No 2: NIOD Myrrh Clay mask
This is a bathroom staple for me for two reasons: it causes skin brightening and does not dry out my skin and over time, has proven to be not irritiating.
The brightening effect ordinarily lasts about a day and up to 3 days. It depends on how much I expose my skin to the outside elements (the average temperature where I live is 45C for 6 months of the year).
My review: click HERE
Available for sale at NIOD’s website – US$ 38 for 50ml.
No 3: Neal’s Yard Rose Formula Antioxidant Facial Mask
I really expected not to like this product – but I loved it. There was most definitely skin brightening, which is the holy grail for me. Even my family members noticed (without prompting). The mask is non-irritating on application; has a pleasant smell and did tighten my pores. I was pleasantly surprised by this mask.
Finally (and importantly) it did not dry out my skin
My review: click HERE
Available for sale at Neal’s Yard (£26.50 for 50ml)
No 4: Aesop anti-blemish masque
This has to be one of my favourite masks because it really is a calming clay mask, which if you are into skincare, you’ll know is a metaphorical oxymoron. There can be nothing calming of clay masks, and 70% of the time, I am fully expecting clay masks to irritate the skin – not so with this mask.
My review: click HERE
Available for sale at cultbeauty for GBP 31
No 5: Forest Essentials Facial Treatment Masque Sandalwood & Nagkesar
This is a good basic clay mask that you can use straight out of a package – there is no faffing around by adding water etc.
Also it won’t break the bank at US$ 25 for 50g
This does not dry out and curl up into a ball in humid/hot climates (as the Uma clay mask does).
My review: click HERE
Available for sale at Forest Essentials for INR 1,795 for 50g