REVIEW: Favourite Masks

One of my favourite ways to wind down after a long day is to treat my skin to a pampering mask. Being a beauty obsessive, I have tried a lot of different masks but have managed to whittle them down to my two favourites. Both of these masks work well for my oily, acne-prone skin.

1. Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

Antipodes is an organic skincare brand hailing from New Zealand. The brand first came onto my radar when Meg of lipssofacto blog started raving about their Juliette cleanser (which I've also tried - it's a good 'un!). Having read about the anti-bacterial properties of manuka honey and how it can work wonders for acne-prone skin, I couldn't resist popping this into my feelunique shopping basket and within a couple weeks it arrived on my doorstep!

This is a  deep-cleansing mask that provides a bucketload of hydration at the same time. Basically it's an all-rounder. The key ingredients are manuka honey, pohutukawa bloom, vanilla pod and mandarin. What stood out to me the most when I first smoothed this onto my face was the amaaaazing smell!! credits to the beautiful vanilla and mandarin mixture. The spa-like smell made me feel instantly relaxed and pampered.

Here's an extract from the Antipodes website:

A traditional remedy of New Zealand Maori people is antibacterial manuka honey, which powerfully draws moisture to your skin to hydrate it intensely. This facial mask delivers an intensely moisturising, cleansing and antioxidising treatment. It is the ultimate solution for spots and blemishes. Fragrances of vanilla pod and mandarin linger to bring peace and balance to your aura.

DAILY RITUAL: Smooth thick layers of this creamy mask over your face and neck twice weekly. Leave for 15 minutes then rinse with warm and pure water. Also ideal for treating spots and blemishes as they may arise. 

This mask leaves my skin feeling smooth, plumped and generally healthier looking. It also calms any angry pimples I have. Because of it's all-rounder properties, I tend to reach for this when my skin is looking a bit dull and needs a pick-me-up.

Left: Origins - much thicker texture; Right: Antipodes - more watery consistency

Both masks spread out - you can really see the difference in consistency here

2. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

This is the mask I reach for when my skin is oilier and more congested than usual - making it perfect for the hot and humid summers that we have here in Hong Kong. This is my second tube of the Origins charcoal mask and the almost empty state of the tube is a testament to just how much I love it! I've been a loyal user of this mask since my university days so it's been a good several years of regular use. 

Here's what Origins have to say about it:

When environmental toxins, 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 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."

HOW TO USE: Once a week or as often as needed, open pores with warm, moist towel and layer mask on. Allow to dry, rinse well. Watch your skin shake off the shroud of dullness and take on a new clarity.

Best for all skin types

Can I just say how much fun it is to use this mask? I've gotten many a kick out scaring family members and the boyfriend by popping out of nowhere with a black face and raccoon eyes. Very mature, I know...

This mask can be a bit challenging to remove due to its hardened texture once it's dried. My preferred removal method is with a wash cloth (i.e. face towel/flannel) dampened with warm water. This gives my skin a gentle exfoliation at the same time. 

To me, this is the ultimate deep-cleansing mask. The charcoal really sucks out all the impurities hidden under your skin, leaving your skin feeling thoroughly purified and fresh. There's really no comparison with other deep-cleansing masks I've tried in the past, such as the Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque and the Aveda Deep Cleansing Herbal Clay Masque. The Origins blows them all out of the water. I will continue to repurchase this - on to the third tube!

Warning: don't use this if you have a big night out or important event coming up the next day as you may be left with pimples that have come to the surface from all that charcoal action! Give it a couple days and your skin will look clear and fresh, guaranteed.

What are your favourite masks? Any recommendations for us?

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