If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you would/should know that I absolutely detest clay masks. They make me want to be a schoolboy and flush the entire content down the toilet. Although, its sometimes hard to choose between Donald Trump’s head, my exes who live in Texas and clay masks.
I digress.
Anyway, my gold standard clay mask is Sarah Chapman’s instant miracle mask and I measure the performance of each clay mask I use, with Sarah Chapman’s product.
…a quick note on clay masks…
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:
- I do not let the product dry out at all. This means the layer of my clay mask is slightly thicker than necessary, but ok.
- I always leave my mask on for less than the suggested time.
- When I remove my mask, I splash water on my face so that the mask “peels off” itself.
- I very gently remove with my fingertips (not a cloth or cotton pads) and I take my time. I DO NOT RUB! I use small circular motions and this takes forever (or about 5 minutes) because for some reason clay masks always find their way into crevices in your face that you did not know existed.
- I never apply clay masks on my lips or under eye area.
I will reiterate that you should not let the mask dry out. Many package instructions tell you do the opposite. Letting your mask dry out will just draw moisture from underlying layers of your skin, causing dryness…
What am I testing today?
Neal’s Yard is a British brand, that is amazing. I think they started out with as just an aromatherapy brand but now they have everything skincare that you can think. They are a transparent brand – not everything is 100% organic and they have indicated (e.g.) 58% organic on the face mask.
I am testing a clay mask that is designed for “NORMAL AND DEHYDRATED SKIN.” The ingredient list has skin whitening/brightening/lightening ingredients. I am expecting two things from this product:
- The mask is not irritating (as it has aloe vera and calendula, both skin soothing ingredients)
- Brightens my skin (as it has a Vitamin C derivative, maple sugar and gotu kola extract)
- Tightens the appearance of my pores (basic 101 clay mask function)
As you can see from the photo below, I am getting some crater size pores. This is my BEFORE photo
I left the mask on for 8 minutes (and I use my phone’s timer, as should you).
After photo
The product has the texture of a thick batter and applies really well. I like that it is only lightly fragranced, as I saw “Rose Formula” on the packaging and was completely expecting another Forest Essential gulaab jal lip balm incident (see this blog). The formula dries rapidly, so the next time I am leaving it on for a shorter period.
Would I repurchase this product?
I most certainly will, as there is definite skin brightening. 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.
This hasn’t replaced Sarah Chapman’s Instant miracle mask, but that would be a biblical event (pun intended).
Available for sale at Neal’s Yard online. Retail price is £27 for 50g. (I bought this in a local sale at 20% off).
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