Five Face Masks

First Day

Celtic Herbal Pink Clay and Geranium Face Mask

"With its high mineral content and purifying qualities, clay has been used for thousands of years as a beauty aid. This deep-cleansing face mask, a combination of red and white clays, blended with lavender and geranium essential oils, draws out sebum, treats surface imperfections and removes dead skin as it dries. The face mask not only draws out impurities but also helps heal skin blemishes. For best results, try our Organic Steam Facial before application." From the Celtic Herbal Company website

As you can see from the video this mask comes as a powder which makes a lot of sense given that the biggest ingredient is water and that weighs a lot. Unfortunately you can also see from the video that because it's a powder you have to make the actual mask yourself. Not that it's difficult but it does mean that it has to be planned a little bit more than normal.

If you look at the picture of the back of the pack you'll notice that it has a use by date (and you'll also see that mine is totally out of date!). I've checked the site and have no idea what goes off (given that it is a powder) and certainly mine worked fine but...

The sachet is 55g and you use two tablespoons of powder to make the mask. I've had more than the three masks I originally forecast in my review of the product a year ago but I've forgotten if it's four or five.

In use the mask is quite heavy and it dries fairly quickly (in my case longer than the five minutes suggested but not as long as ten minutes). You can see from the pictures of the mask on my arm that it has a quite strong colour and it dries to a quite brittle texture. So, the reality is that this is a mask that is a bit messy to make, use and to remove but it's very good. The result for me was a nice smooth result and a good reduction in oil. I haven't mentioned the scent which is lovely.

Second Day

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

"When environmental pollutants, dirt and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. Activated Charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out pore-cloggers, White China Clay absorbs environmental pollutants, Lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that "stuff" down there, skin "breathes a sigh of relief." From the Origins website

I mention in my review that I'm not a fan of charcoal masks and this one really didn't improve my view of them. They are very very messy to use and hard to remove effectively. I understand that the idea is that the charcoal is good at removing impurities but the reality always seems to be less than the promise for me.

This one was worse than many because it has a plastic feel in use (similar to those masks that go on liquid and then set to be removed as a single piece) and really didn't seem to do much for my skin.

Third Day

Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask

"Spring Clean Cooling Clay Maskis a wonderfully refreshing deep-cleansing treatment that draws out deep-seated dirt and impurities while soaking up excess oil. It is excellent for clearing and helping prevent blemishes (and really good for boys to use, too!)." From the Amie website

This is a more traditional mask that aims at deep cleansing the skin. It’s very nice to use and has a refreshing scent (I mention in my review that it smells like a sports drink). I guess because it’s called a spring clean product the idea is that it’s a fresh bright scent which it is.

The result is clean and smooth skin, it’s easy to apply doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and it’s easy to remove.

Fourth day

Refresh & Revive Facial Cream Mask – Chocolate

"Chocolate Cream Mask helps to unblock pores and moisturise the skin for a healthy glow. Chocolate, Shea Butter and other botanical extracts help to strengthen the skin while preventing moisture loss." From the back of the pack.

I’m afraid I couldn’t find anyone who sells this (I received a sachet to try) but if the Collagen Infusion Facial Sheet Mask from Refresh & Revive sold by Home Bargains is anything to go by the cost per sachet would be 69p. The product definitely smells of chocolate but the appearance is lighter than you’d expect (a sort of translucent light brown). It has a very liquid and artificial feel that’s very easy to apply though not easy to apply evenly.

It feels liquid on the skin and despite having to wear it for 15 to 20 minutes it doesn’t really dry out. It’s relatively easy to remove and the impact on your skin is to make it feel clean and slightly tightened. Given the price it’s a quite nice option if you can find it!

Fifth Day

Lavera Young Faces Mint Exfoliant Face Mask

"Young FACES Mint Exfoliant Face Mask Marked Young FACES Mint Exfoliant Face Mask Marked This all natural face mask and exfoliant in one freshens and refines oily and acne-prone skin. Finely ground olive and algae grains remove dull surface skin cells Organic willow bark and fruit acids help to smooth and tone the skin Tames unwanted breakouts and blemishes." From the Lavera website

Sorry but this is another one that I can't find anywhere! Again I received a sample so I can only assume it has or will be available.

This is a very harsh exfoliant in gel form. It's very easy to apply and also very easy to scratch yourself with (it really is that harsh). The mint scent is very strong but very artificial and also harsh; not unpleasant as such but certainly a shock. It a gel mask that dries out to be peeled off; never a favourite of mine as I find them hard to remove effectively. You can see from the picture of my forearm that the gel is clear but slightly green tinted.

When dry it's completely transparent but leaves white flecks of exfoliant on your face (see the picture). It looks like you've been painting and have been speckled.

The result is a very clean and smooth skin but it is very harsh plus the effort of getting the mask off makes it seem like a wasted effort. 

“Young FACES Mint Exfoliant Face Mask Marked Young FACES Mint Exfoliant Face Mask Marked This all natural face mask and exfoliant in one freshens and refines oily and acne-prone skin. Finely ground olive and algae grains remove dull surface skin cells Organic willow bark and fruit acids help to smooth and tone the skin Tames unwanted breakouts and blemishes". From the Lavera Website

Sorry but this is another one that I can’t find anywhere! Again I received a sample so I can only assume it has or will be available.

This is a very harsh exfoliant in gel form. It’s very easy to apply and also very easy to scratch yourself with (it really is that harsh). The mint scent is very strong but very artificial and also harsh; not unpleasant as such but certainly a shock. It a gel mask that dries out to be peeled off; never a favourite of mine as I find them hard to remove effectively. You can see from the picture of my forearm that the gel is clear but slightly green tinted. When dry it’s completely transparent but leaves white flecks of exfoliant on your face (see the picture). It looks like you’ve been painting and have been speckled.

The result is a very clean and smooth skin but it is very harsh plus the effort of getting the mask off makes it seem like a wasted effort.