Let's Face (Mask) It...

Face masks have been around forever, but recently they have been so popular. I searched and searched for an inexpensive mask but was having no luck. All the masks that I wanted were $60.00!!! Grant you, they're probably worth it, but as a high school student who's about to go off to college, I can't quite pay such a pretty penny for a face mask. I was at Ulta one day when I ran across The Body Shop section. Sure enough they had face masks--that weren't ridiculously expensive! I read about the effects of each mask and decided on the Tea Tree Face Mask (which is buy one, get one 50% off at Ulta!!!). I pulled the description from The Body Shop's website so you can have a good idea of what this mask does (because we all know I don't know how to describe anything well, lol): "Use our Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask as a purifying face mask for the skin. This non-drying mud texture works to clear and mattify the skin. Enriched with purifying properties of tea tree oil, the mask cleanses the skin and absorbs excess oil without over drying. The tea tree oil effectively works to remove impurities for clearer-looking skin. It instantly cools to soothe the skin. Suitable for blemish-prone skin this mask helps to keep skin clearer-looking."

Y'all, I LOVE this mask. Not going to lie, the first time I used it I was disappointed. I broke out with acne the next day (which is very rare for me). My face recovered quickly and I was so afraid to use the mask again, but since I spent good money on it I decided to try it again--and I fell IN LOVE. The second time around it left my skin feeling so soft and so pretty! I usually have lots of redness, but the mask calmed the redness and made my skin look so healthy! I still don't know what made me break out the first time, but I'm thinking my skin just wasn't used to a product that dug so deep into my skin.

So here's how I use it: I start with a clean face. I wash it with my regular face wash, rinse, and dry it off. I then use a foundation brush (I hate using this brush for foundation but love it for masks!) to evenly distribute the green mud on my face (when you first apply it leaves a cool, tingly feeling on your skin--but I love it). The mask goes on a bright, pretty green, but once it dries it transforms to a darker, muted green. This is when I know to wash it off (which takes around 15-20 minutes). However, it causes no harm to leave it on longer. I think one time I left it on for 45 minutes! If you're unsure if it's dry by just looking at it, you can always tap your fingers on your face. If the mask is dry, you can wash it off!

While it says to rinse your face, I find this difficult. The easiest way to remove the mask is to dampen a wash rag and gently scrub the mask off. After the green goo is gone, I wash my face with a gentle face wash, dry it, and apply moisturizer. I've found that the skin on my face almost tightens up if I don't use a moisturizer.

All in all, I think this face mask is worth the money. It comes with so much product and doesn't take much to cover the face. It leaves my skin smooth and beautiful without irritating it! If you have any other questions regarding the mask, feel free to ask! I know how nerve-wracking it can be to put a brand new product on this skin!