Unlike Kim Kardashian, I don’t have junk in my trunk (us normal folk just call it a big ass). However, I do have lots of gunk in my (facial) trunk though – the nose has its very own civilisation of blackheads, whiteheads, and what-nots. Because of this, I’ve recently become a hugeee fan of clay masks cos I love how it manages to suck allll the accumulated crap outta the pores. Plus, I’ve yet to come come across a clay mask that doesn’t work wonders for me (thankfully!).
I say…
The Packaging: Again, another sensible packaging from one of my favourite Kbeauty brands. The flat-topped cap is easy to twist open, and the wider base makes for a stable product that doesn’t topple over easily. The tub has a wide mouth so that you can dig out all the product (to the very last drop!) with your fingers/brush if need be, and has a matte finish on the exterior so that it doesn’t do the slip and slide when your hands are greasy/wet.
The Scent: A faint herbal scent that’s pretty much associated with belif products. It’s not too strong so it should appeal to most (unless you really hate nature?!).
The Texture: It’s very creamy and thick, and spreads over the skin very easily without pulling or dragging.
The Application: For a strange reason, I always slather on a pile of these sort of clay masks (to a nice thick layer) because of the twisted mentality that more is merrier (which might explain why my GlamGlow and Kiehl’s masks run out so damn fast), but for this, there’s no reason to do so. Just a moderate layer will do so. It works well, and applying too much will require a little more effort in removal cos it needs more rinsing (yes I’m a bum, and I want to scrimp on even a few seconds). Drying of the mask takes just a couple of minutes, and unlike GlamGlow/Kose , this doesn’t have that tingling sensation. It will feel slightly tighter on the skin as it dries.
The Effect: The usual clay masks that I use (GlamGlow, Kiehl’s and Kose) have a stronger “sucking” power aka a greater ability to extract dirt from deep inside the pores, but can strip the skin if used too often (fine, so I admit using it everyday is too much). However, this one seems milder by comparison – it still has the ability to help clarify the skin’s clogged pores, but I’d say it’s about 75% of GlamGlow/Kiehls’ efficacy. However, it is a lot more moisturising and hydrating – to the extent that I can use it everyday and it leaves my skin feeling slightly smoother and more hydrated.
The Verdict: Suitable for those who have slightly drier skin types and still want to have a clarifying process – this is something I use everyday (which may or may not be the most recommended application method), but still gives me rather healthy and radiant skin. It is worth noting that it’s also the most affordable of all the deep cleansing purifying masks I have (GlamGlow Tingexfoliate ($92), Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque ($50ish) and Kose Infinity Pure Advance Deep Clear Mask ($55)), especially if you take into account the fact that a little goes a long way for this product.