As someone with combination skin, a staple within my skincare collection is a good clay mask. Depending on their formulations (and importantly the minerals), clay masks are great aides to remove dirt and impurities from your skin, dry out pimples, unclog pores as well as controlling excess sebum.
With my ~slightly sensitive~ skin, clay masks tick all the boxes for me. However, as with most things in life, moderation is key. In order to not dry out the skin (causing the skin to overproduce oils), I tend to use clay masks once a week usually (during summer, this can increase to twice weekly; in the winter, once weekly or biweekly depending on skin condition).
Here are some of my go-to clay masks (ranging from supermarket to more fancy favourites):
Alex Steinherrr Pore Balance Super Detox Clay Mousse Face Mask, £5
Great for purifying and detoxing the skin, leaves skin feeling cleansed and clear without feeling dried out. This mousse isn't really a mousse but has a lovely texture and is so easy to apply - bonus points!
Unfortunately this mask/mouse hybrid is only available to purchase at Primark - which is still closed if you're in the UK :'(. However I've seen listings on eBay for up to £20 - so take from that what you will (NB: it's popular).
Super affordable and effective
Quick Fixfacials Anti Blemish Mud Mask, £5
Honorary shout-out to this mask. One of the first clay masks I started using consistently as a uni student - more focused on going out and living my best glam life, I had good intentions. While the mask is genuinely good at removing excess oils and drying out pimples to an extent, this masks gets a shout out because it really taught me the importance of not using clay masks too often. Perhaps it's the high alcohol content but the mask can be over-drying, which becomes counterintuitive to targeting oil production (skin will overproduce oils to compensate for this). A great option for those on a budget - just remember less is more.
Garnier Pure Active Matcha Detox Mask, £6
Not a clay mask by *technicality* but with kaolin as the second ingredient, this mask is pure magic! I always feel very clear and refreshed after using this mask.
A go-to when my skin feels and appears congested, this mask does a wonderful job of clearing the pores, taming oiliness (particularly useful in summer or after day of commuting and wearing full make-up), in addition to making blackhead and whitehead removal a tad easier. Furthermore, I love the tingling sensation this mask brings to the skin – not painful, but reminiscent of that feels-like-it’s-working placebo. Regarded as a dupe for the Ole Henrisken Cold Plunge Pore Mask*, this sure packs a punch with a little price tag. If you’re lucky, you might: a) find it in stock or, b) find it on sale at your local Boots/Superdrug. I bagged three a few months back at £5 each and have a supply that will see me through the next two seasons.
Niod Mastic Must, £27
A cult fave for reducing the appearance of pores and adding an ‘airbrushed’ quality to the skin, this mask is a little pricier but full of minerals and all-natural ingredients. With its fancy formulation (touting ingredients from near and far, i.e. Greek mastic tree sap and Acacia Senegal gum), the must goes the extra luxury mile by adding that if you use a hairdryer on cold for 15 seconds on the face, the airbrushing effect is prolonged and magnified. A bit faffy but makes for a wonderfully pretentious, extra yet somehow essential step when you’re getting ready for a big event and want that flawless base look. It’s also a great quick-fix when creating a no-make up, perfect skin look.
Ole Henrisken Cold Plunge Pore Mask, £30
Drying up excess sebum without making you look or feel like a raisin is this mask's speciality. Delivering a cool sensation to the skin, this mask makes me feel like I’m really treating myself and combats city pollution and the appearance clogged pores. At £30 per 90ml bottle, one would hope so too. Part of the brands oily skin range, the mask also adds a mattifying effect to the skin. To be used with caution, but ridiculously effective.
If you want to test but not commit to a whole bottle, Ole Henrisken sells mini travel versions which allow you to test the whole range (the more you know).
Ciao,
Yasmin x
