L'Oréal Pure-Clay Masks

Clay masks have been around for centuries and can be traced back to ancient Africa and Egypt where the inhabitants were using them to treat burns and scars. Later they discovered that the masks had great beautifying properties to them and soon become essential to ancient beauty regimes. Fast forward to many many centuries later and clay masks have made a huge comeback thanks to the very popular L'Oréal Pure-Clay masks.

L'Oreal introduced three pure-clay masks :

 Red Algae +  3 Mineral Clays is best for exfoliating and pore refining rough skin.

Charcoal  + 3 Mineral Clays is great for energizing and brightening dull skin.

Eucalyptus  + 3 Mineral Clays is  for purifying and mattifying and is best used on oily skin.

The masks are all formed  with 3 clays (Kaolin + Montmorillonite + Moroccan Clay ) + either Red Algae, Charcoal or Eucalyptus. Once you select the mask that best addresses your skin concerns, it's recommended that it be applied 3 times a week for 10 minutes.

I used the masks for five weeks straight , 3 times a week , dedicating one and a half week to each mask. I , at times, have dry and not so lustrous skin so I tried the Charcoal mask first.  I applied an even coat all over my face. The mask dried very quickly and changed to a light blue color.  I did feel tightening of my face once the mask fully dried.  I washed the mask off with water after 10 minutes. Washing the clay off my face wasn't an easy task. I had to really go over a a few areas several times to ensure the product was completely rinsed off.  Once the mask was completely off  I noticed instant results on my face.  My face felt smoother and looked brighter after the first use. The second time I used the Charcoal mask, I noticed my pores at the tip of my nose looked cleaner than before I applied the mask.  Not once after rinsing the mask off did my face feel dry, actually , my face felt very hydrated and smooth after every use.

The next mask I tried was the Red Algae mask. Even though I don't have rough skin I do like the idea of exfoliating my skin with out using harsh beads usually found in most exfoliators. I also applied  a thin layer of this mask and left it on for 10 minutes. It dried  the same way the Charcoal mask did, very quickly,  and it changed colour to a light orange. This mask didn't tighten my skin like the Charcoal mask did. It was actually very soothing on my skin and it had a very pleasant aroma. This mask rinsed off very easily. My skin felt very soft and looked clean. By clean I  mean my pores, which are all on my nose, were free of dead cells and dirt! I was impressed when the Charcoal mask cleaned my pores, but the Red Algae mask did an even  better  job at it!  Again, after every use my skin felt hydrated and never dry. 

The last mask I used for a week and a half was the Eucalyptus clay mask. Out of the 3 masks , this was the one that I didn't use all over my face. Since it's geared for oily skin and I have off and on dry skin,  I only needed to use this mask on my T-Zone where during certain days of the month * ahem* I can be oily there. I loved the light non-perfume aroma of this mask. The Eucalyptus in the mask helps to reduce oil buildup in the skin. After one application on my T-Zone I noticed I had reduced shine. While using the Eucalyptus mask solely on my T-Zone, I used the Charcoal mask on the rest of my face. Again, after I rinsed off the mask, my skin looked hydrated and not dull. 

I'm impressed with the overall quality and effectiveness of these pure- clay masks. These masks are thick in texture and they feel like the premium clay you would dig out of the dead sea! They aren't complicated to use and can easily be incorporated into a day or night time beauty routine.  After using each mask three times a week I was able to see considerable benefits to my skin. I saw a great change in my skin tone and hydration. I was pleasantly surprised that the Red Algae mask was able to remove all the dirt from my pores from one use. After only one application using the Charcoal mask,  I saw hydration and luminosity in my skin. Masks in general have become an essential part of a beauty regimen , ( hello #Koreanbeauty is built around masks alone!!), and everyone can benefit from one of these 3 Pure- Clay masks. I love the Charcoal mask so much that I've added it to my first ever giveaway; coming up on the blog soon!! 

DISCLAMER: This is not a sponsored post. I bought these products with my own money. The opinions expressed are my own.

XO, Maha 

7 Skin Saving Products I 'm Dying To Try and So Should You!

With Summer coming to a close and the colder temperatures approaching, it's time to start thinking about switching up your skincare routine. I'm a firm believer that every season you should swap out a skincare product and introduce a new one to your already extensive day + night ritual to achieve new results. According to Dr. OZ "healthy skin is important because it's your first line of defence from bacteria and other environmental pollutants". Let's not forget to mention that your makeup applies and looks impeccable when your skin is healthy! That's why this Fall I'm looking at incorporating one or two of these skin saving products to maximize my results!

//PETER THOMAS ROTH 40 % TRIPLE ACID PEEL //

$88

This extra strength peel contains 3 high potency acids ( AHA, BHA and Mandelic Acid) that exfoliate the skins rough patches to reduce the look of fine lines and uneven skin tone. I have had great experience using BHA and AHA, but at 40% acid potency I think you are almost at professional grade quality. I'm definitely interested in trying this at home peel.

                                                                             

 

//Murad Canada White Brilliance Porcelain Serum// 

$115

I've developed a few sun spots around my eye area and it's irritating me because I use SPF 30 sunscreen every single day, but that's still not enough to deflect them. In my defence though, I don't put sunscreen too close to my eye area as it really irritates me. I have read amazing reviews on this serum that targets sun spots and makes your skin luminous. I'm willing to pay the hefty price tag to test it out and hopefully banish them forever! I'm not yet ready to have a laser treatment such as IPL so I think this is my best non-invasive option!

//Murad Detoxifying White Clay Body Cleanser//

$33

As important as it is to take care of your face, it's equally as important to nourish the rest of your body. This is another Murad product that has received rave reviews online from bloggers and woman around the globe (yes I also read beauty blogs lol). What's unique about this body cleanser it that it's formulated to draw out all impurities from your body. I read online that this white clay cleanser detoxifies your body like an Epsom salt bath would but in the shower! I'm definitely up for that.

                                                                                  

                                                         

     

        

//Laneige Water Sleeping Mask//

$30

This product blew up on my Instagram feed(insert shameless plug here)so of course curiosity got the best of me and I had to check it out online. This overnight mask leaves a thin film on the face as it hydrates, replenishes and soothes. It contains ylang ylang, sandalwood oil, and orange flower to promote deep sleep. This is a huge Korean beauty favourite so of course I'm already intrigued!

//boscia Sake Balm Moisturizer//

$58

boscia is a botanically based , preservative free skincare line. I've always been curious about this brand and the more I researched them the more I like their philosophy. 

This product is made from the low-alcoholic Japanese drink, Sake. Sake has been proven to provide great skin benefits such as hydration and luminosity. It also contains jojoba leaves to prevent free radical damage. This moisturizer is another K-Beauty hit so of course it's on my list of products to experiment with.

Rodan + Fields Redefine System

$245+( amazing incentives every month)

It's no secret that Rodan + Fields has become a phenomenon in the skin care industry that even caught the attention of Ms. Britney Spears herself. She is praising the brand for keeping her skin subtle, youthful and free of blemishes. I'm very interested in trying the complete REDIFINE line as I'm already using the REDEFINE Multifunction eye cream and I see a huge difference in my eye texture and dark circles. It's recommended to use the whole system together to truly achieve amazing results, so I may just go for it and order the complete REDEFINE Line!

Simple Soothing Facial Toner

$8

I never cared much for facial toners till I read in a magazine how advanced toners have become and how essential they are to a daily skin care regime, especially in the colder months. The more sophisticated toners will add moisture, soothe redness and are packed with antioxidants ( a.k.a. anti-aging). This one is a no brainer and I will be picking this up sometime this week. I 'm a fan of Simple products because they're very affordable and are proven to work!

DISCLAMIER: I was not paid for this post and I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned above.