Review: L'Oreal Pure Clay Face Masks

The last time I heard this much hype about face masks was when the news broke that GlamGlow was available locally. And I still think there was more hype about these L'Oreal masks! When the first person saw it at Clicks I think there was a small stampede (that would explain why my local Clicks's shelves were kind of empty). Obviously I bought all three because, (1) what kind of a blogger would I be if I didn't test everything out for my readers, and (2) I am a face mask junkie.

There are three masks in the range: a detox mask (black), a glow mask (red), and a purity mask (green). All three are clay masks, but each one has a different goal (as you can derive from the names). They come in heavy glass jars and each mask is said to last you 10 applications. I have used the detox mask about six times and I'm almost through the jar (I am heavy-handed and always apply a thick layer of mask).

All three masks contain three clays: Kaolin (for absorbing impurities and excess sebum), Montmorillonite (for helping eliminate imperfections), and Ghassoul (for clarifying the complexion). Each of the three masks contains an extra, different, ingredient: the detox mask contains charcoal (to detox and clarify the skin), the glow mask contains red algae extract (to brighten and exfoliate the skin), and the purity mask contains Eucalyptus (to purify and mattify the skin).

The masks are very smooth and creamy and feel very cool on the skin. The glow mask is the only one that has a slightly gritty texture, but is still creamy. I use a plastic spatula to scoop out the product from the jar so that I don't contaminate it with my fingers. The masks spread easily and they dry down, yet don't leave you feeling too tight and dry. Washing it off is also somewhat easier than other clay masks (I don't know why, but I'm grateful). Another thing I love about these masks is that they don't dry out my skin. Some clay masks leave my skin beautifully clean, but so dry and tight. These masks don't do that, at all. I would still highly, highly recommend following the mask with a hydrating mask, a facial oil, or a moisturiser, but that's just to ensure that the skin is amply hydrated. You need to replenish what the clay mask took away, so to speak.

Each mask smells slightly different, but in a good way. They smell like clean laundry and soap (just trust me on this). I have to say, I honestly love all three masks, but if I have to choose only one, I'd have to choose the black detox mask. I adore charcoal masks and this is the closest that I've gotten to the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal mask.

I even used two of the masks (the detox and the glow) on the husband and he said that he didn't find the masks to be drying, and that his skin felt really smooth and clean afterwards. It was also really easy to remove with warm water.

You can get these masks for R150 each at Clicks (Clicks are running a 3-for-2 promotion until 11 April), or for R130 from Dischem. If you love clay face masks you won't go wrong with buying all three, but if you only want to buy one, I suggest the detox mask. 

Until next time!

Hildegarde

xoxo