I don’t know if it’s the constant snacking, extra stress, or the fact that there’s a different kind of face mask not doing great things for breakouts along my jaw line, but my skin has been needing some extra TLC. I recently got out of the habit of my weekly Sunday night mask, and was reminded a couple weeks ago when I decided I finally had enough of the pesky little clogged pores on my cheeks. And while yes, going to a facialist for pro-level extractions would be ideal, while I’m waiting to get one on the books I turned to the next best thing for cleaning and clearing my quarantine-clogged pores – a good old clay mask.
Clay face masks are an amazing way to detox your skin and draw out impurities. Vitamin and mineral rich, they gently exfoliate, soothe and renew the skin leaving it thoroughly cleaned and ready to soak up your skincare products.
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A few tips to keep in mind:
- They can be drying – stick to once a week or avoid if you have especially dry skin!
- Many clay face masks come as a dry powder formula – simply add water and mix! If you have dry skin and want an especially purifying mask, you can add some raw apple cider vinegar. If you have dryer skin, feel free to mix in an oil like jojoba or argan for a nourishing boost.
- Avoid using a metal bowl or applicator when dealing with clay as it can react and reduce some of the clay’s clarifying properties.
- Rinse clay masks off when you see dry spots appear, but before they dry completely. This helps ensure that it doesn’t dry out the skin or pull at skin cells.
Read on for our tried and true faves, for every skin type and budget!
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Best ultra-affordable option: Aztec Healing Clay, $12
This bentonite clay is the great beauty secret of masks. The tub of 100% natural bentonite clay is derived from volcanic ash, making it rich in minerals. My mom, sisters and I used to pop on this mask before watching a Jane Austin movie together – we had tighter and brighter skin by the time Mr Darcy was confessing his love.
Best Splurge: Tammy Fender Restorative Radiance Masque $235
Many clay masks can trend towards drying but this soothing concoction is anything but. With pink clay and calming rose water, it glides on smoothly, gently detoxes, and leaves your skin feeling dewy, plump, firm and ultra-hydrated.
Best for Breakouts: May Lindstrom The Problem Solver Correcting Masque, $100
If you’re looking for clear, poreless, balanced, glowy, even-toned skin this is your one stop shop. This powerhouse blend of raw kaolin clay, cacao, bamboo charcoal, soil nutrients, and spices turns into a nice little mousse once combined with water. It heals blemishes, fights inflammation, encourages circulation, and visibly tightens pores pretty much instantly.
Best for gentle / antiaging: Meow Meow Tweet Matcha Mask, $30
This mask is packed with antioxidant matcha green tea, exfoliating and soothing marshmallow root powder, impurity-absorbing green clay and hydrating aloe. With ultra fine grains, this mask is extra gentle on your skin, while gently sloughing away impurities for smoother, firmer skin. The scent is bright and invigorating and is my favorite pick-me-up!
Best for ultra dull, flaky skin: KYPRIS Deep Forest Clay, $105
Formulated to diminish old and new blemishes, soften and smooth, this brightening treatment is made with mineral-rich sea salt and botanicals. Perfect for skin that’s congestion and in desperate need of renewal.
Best if you’re in a hurry: Evolve Organic Beauty Radiant Glow Mask, $32
What’s better than a mask that you only need to leave on for five minutes? A mask that smells like a yum chocolate brownie. Smooth this chocolatey mask on and after a quick five minutes gently rinse away to reveal smoothed and soothed skin. This mask almost feels like a gentle scrub, so is best for non-sensitive skin.
