A Clear Improvement

Hello! Today I have a review of the Origins Clear Improvement face mask. Recently my skin has been freaking out from the stress and late nights due to assignments and exams - which still aren't over yet! Holidays, come quick! This mask has really been helping out my skin and it's about time I did a post on it.

This clay-based clarifying mask has a number of ingredients to help clear out those pores! "Activated Charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, White China Clay absorbs environmental toxins, Lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that 'stuff' down there, skin 'breathes a sigh of relief'"

My skin certainly does 'breathe a sigh of relief' after using this mask!

This mask has quite a thick, almost sticky, consistency but is relatively easy to spread over the face. Lately I have been using this once a week and it sure does clear out any trace of dirt, oil and makeup that may have accumulated. I use it quite sparingly, taking it over the face in a relatively thin layer but building it up a bit in specific problem areas. I then leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off with a warm washcloth. It is quite an interesting sensation once the clay has dried - any facial movement will cause cracks to appear, haha. I also look very much like I've been working in the coal mines all day.

After using this mask, I notice immediate results! My skin feels squeaky clean - without the squeak.  This mask is best suited to oilier skin types (I have combo) as it does leave the skin on the dry side, but not tight or uncomfortable. I find following up with a good moisturiser sets me up pretty well. After use, the skin appears brighter and the texture is smoother and softer. Where I feel this mask helps the most is if I have any breakouts. The redness is reduced and they are less irritated and any pain is reduced. I find the morning after, my skin looks a whole lot better in regards to any large, under-the-skin pimples. Their size is reduced and the mask helps them get on their way out. For whiteheads, I find the mask helps bring them to the surface (so yes they will be more noticeable) but once they come up they recede rather quickly, as opposed to lingering for longer than they should. As it helps clean out the pores, it will aid in preventing any future pimples. Granted, whilst I have been super stressed (the chocolate I've been eating hasn't helped either...) pimples are popping up like crazy, but I find this mask really helps calm the skin.

While this mask is not cheap at $34 for 100mL, I really have been enjoying it and it's definitely worth the money. It's the best clarifying mask I've tried that also delivers other benefits. I also don't see myself running out of this anytime soon either!

Have you tried the Origins Clear Improvement mask? What is your favourite clarifying mask?