When it comes to skincare, nothing excites me more than a good face mask. Whether they're to hydrate, brighten, or detox your skin, I think a good mask is just as essential as a cleanser or moisturizer in any skincare routine. Having invested years of trying out different skincare regimens, I've come to realize that in the weeks I've skipped out on using a mask my skin always ends up noticeably more dull and congested.
Needless to say, I was totally pumped when I found out BzzAgent was sending me all three of L'Oreal's new Pure Clay Masks to try. I've seen these masks popping up all over Pinterest and my Bloglovin' feed, and have been incredibly curious to try them out for myself! Using a mixture of three different clays infused with other powerhouse ingredients, each of these masks is formulated to target specific skincare issues and help you put your best face forward. Let's take a closer look!
The L'Oreal Pure Clay Masks come in three different versions: Purify & Mattify, Detox & Brighten, and Exfoliate & Refining. Each retails for $12.99, although I've frequently seen promotions at Target, Walmart and various drugstores to get them for less. They all just need 10 minutes on your face to do their magic, which means they're pretty easy to fit into even the most hectic of schedules.
While each mask has its own unique formula, they all start with a base made of three different natural clays. The first is Kaolin, which helps to absorb impurities and to soak up excess oil without stripping the skin. The second is Montmorillonite, which is known for its ability to balance and purify the skin. And last is Ghassoul, or Moroccan Lava Clay, which has been used in Turkish baths for centuries, and is known to help reduce sebum production and to soften the skin. Together, they'll leave your skin looking clearer and feeling smoother.
So what sets these masks apart? I'm glad you asked! Let's take a look at each of their formulas.
Purify & Mattify // For oily, shiny-looking skin
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Kaolin, Montmorillonite, Silica, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa Starch/Rice Starch, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Moroccan Lava Clay, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, CI 61570/Green 5, CI 77492/Iron Oxides, Linalool, Geraniol, Coumarin, Citronellol, Parfum/Fragrance.
If you suffer from incredibly oily skin, the Purify & Mattify mask might be your pick of choice. This mask contains Eucalyptus extract, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties (and also its heavenly spa-like aroma). It'll help soothe congested skin and fight off future breakouts, also making it a great option for those with mild acne or the occasional pimple. The texture of this mask is incredibly soft and silky (so it won't irritate current blemishes), and you can see it going to work soaking the excess oil out of your pores as it dries down. As someone who feels like a grease ball most days, this might be my personal pick of the bunch!
Detox & Brighten // For dull, tired-looking skin
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Kaolin, Montmorillonite, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, CI 77499/Iron Oxides, Oryza Sativa Starch/Rice Starch, Moroccan Lava Clay, Charcoal Powder, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polyglycerin-10, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Linalool, Limonene, Parfum/Fragrance.
If your skin is looking flaky and dull, the Detox & Brighten mask will probably be calling your name. This mask uses charcoal, which acts like a magnet to draw impurities out of your pores, leaving your skin looking brighter and feeling less congested. I've noticed with this mask that you really shouldn't leave it in your skin for much longer than 10 minutes, as prolonged wear will start to dry out your skin. But if you let it sit until its just about dry and wash it off, your skin will feel super smooth and soft afterward.
Exfoliate & Refining // For textured, flaky skin
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Prunus Armeniaca Seed Powder/Apricot Seed Powder, Perlite, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Dimethiconol, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Moroccan Lava Clay, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Montmorillonite, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499/Iron Oxides, Linalool, Parfum/Fragrance.
If your skin is looking extra flaky and is in some serious need of exfoliation, I would reach for the Exfoliate and Refining mask. This is the only mask that also provides physical exfoliation in addition to the exfoliating benefits of the clays themselves. Infused with red algae extract and apricot seed powder, this mask will polish away dead skin and dirt for an extra smooth and clear complexion. Since this mask contains a physical exfoliant I wouldn't recommend using it over any active breakouts or if you have sensitive skin.
One of the biggest trends in skincare right now is multimasking. Even though we all only have one face, not all of its skin has the same concerns. With me for example, I tend to be really oily and prone to blackheads in my t-zone, but dry and flaky on my cheeks. If I apply one mask formula all over my face, it may work great in some areas, but be overkill in others. And that's where multimasking comes in. Rather than settling for a single mask, you can utilize two or three different formulas at the same time, only applying each mask where its needed. With all of my L'Oreal masks on hand, I decided to give this trend a go, and was actually pretty happy with the results!
I decided to focus the Purify& Mattify mask all over the areas my skin tends to get oily, and the Exfoliate & Refining mask on the drier, flakier areas of my skin. Unfortunately I was also dealing with some breakouts along my jawline, so I decided to use the Detox & Brighten mask in those areas, as it would be less irritating and maybe even help to clear up my blemishes!
The only downside to multimasking is that you need to shell out a little extra cash to have more than one mask on hand. Fortunately this line from L'Oreal is really affordable. If you scout out a sale or coupons you can almost certainly get them for a discount, and even at the full price, you can buy all three mask for less than a lot of similar options at Sephora (I'm looking at you, Glamglow).
All in all I was really pleased with these masks! I think for the price you're definitely getting your money's worth. The formulas deliver as promised, and they smell pretty lovely too. If you aren't currently incorporating a mask into you skincare routine I would highly recommend giving one of these a try. As winter approaches giving your skin a little extra boost of exfoliation and detoxification will definitely keep things looking clearer and more glowy. Plus, who doesn't need an excuse to find 10 minutes to pamper themselves a few times a week, am I right?
Which L'Oreal Pure Clay Mask is calling your name?
*PR Sample. All opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links. For more information regarding my affiliations and disclosures click here.
