Charcoal isn’t just for BBQ’s ladies! Say hello to my new holy grail (yes that’s right, holy grail!) face mask from Origins. This charcoal mask is spoken about frequently in the beauty blogging world and I was lucky enough to receive an Origins mask gift set for Christmas last year. I initially thought it would would another hyped product, that would be full of empty promises, but listen up... it does exactly what it says on the tin.
This mask is packed with active charcoal, which acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, that are created from environmental toxins such as dirt and debris. It also contains white china clay, which does us all a favour, by absorbing these environmental toxins and lecithin also helps to dissolves impurities. My skin has been crying out for a helping hand recently, it has been all over the place, with those dreaded under the skin bumps and those spots that just won’t budge not matter what you do and this mask has really helped to get my skin back on track. It has really helped to decongest my skin and let it breathe - I love the stuff! And just a quick FYI, my skin is blemish prone, sensitive and dry.
I like to use my facial steamer before applying this product, as it preps the skin by opening the pores. The product is in an easy, squeezable, no fuss, see-through tube, which is great as you will know when you need to stock up (which you will!). It is pleasant smelling and not overpowering at all like other face masks I have tried - Michael Todd’s charcoal face mask for instance. The mask is thick and applies smoothly to the skin and is quite cooling. It doesn’t dry uncomfortably tight and you can feel it working with a very subtle tingly sensation (no burning, or warming). After the product has dried which can take up to 20 minutes depending on how thickly you apply it, I rinse my face with luke warm water. Now be warned, the rinsing off of this product is super messy, as the water will turn grey and get everywhere - use a face cloth, or take off in shower if necessary. After I have cleaned up the mess left by this mask, I notice my pores have significantly reduced in size and my skin is left feeling plump, soft and very clean (not stripping) and considering I have dry skin, Im always pleasantly surprised that my skin isn’t left feeling tight and dry - although I do follow up with a toner and moisturiser. In terms of blemishes, it doesn’t clear you skin after one use, but I have been using it twice a week for the last month and have noticed my problem areas are starting to clear up! Bye-bye blackheads and those pesky under the skin spots! The first time I used this mask I defiantly noticed a couple of blemishes that had been lurking beneath, came to the surface but they disappeared far quicker than they would normally would have.
Origins are currently offering free delivery on all orders and when you buy this mask you get a free trial and if you dont like it, you can send the product back and get a refund, so you would be silly not to give it a go! If you dont have the budget for this mask, I recommend you try Una Brennan’s clay mask - you can read my review here.
This mask is suitable for all skin types and although this mask is super messy, it does a seriously good job and I can’t recommend it enough.