Chantecaille's Detox Clay Mask

I've had a sample of this for a while now and seeing as it was quite overcast yesterday and I was working from home I thought "perfect excuse to try it out". (For the ten minutes I had it on I was secretly hoping the doorbell would ring so I could scare the bejeezus out of someone... but alas, no one called ;)

Should I use a mask?
Masks are one of those things facialists bang on about (and with good reason) but which seem like an absolute faff. Even though I'm a makeup artist and naturally predisposed to thinking and reading about makeup and skincare all the time, I still have to remind myself it's probably time to do a mask.

Occasionally, I'll try a mask and be so impressed with it that I'll vow to get better at remembering to use it. Chantecaille's Detox Clay Mask is no exception.

The Power Of Plants
At 91% natural this mask must have one of the highest concentrations of botanicals of any mask.

Kaolin - a healing clay - removes excess oil without dryness or irritation whilst rosemary (a natural antibacterial) purifies and honey calms.

How does it work?
The mask works by drawing out impurities from the skin (I have to say I love the idea of this, particularly right now, having spent the past 3 or so months covered in sunscreen).

The first thing you'll notice is that, unlike other clay masks, this one doesn't dry over time so there is no tightness or 'cracking' to put up with.

What you will need:
- a bathroom hair band (mine's Muji)
- some cotton pads (to remove the mask)
- a cotton flannel (to get the last of the mask off - it will stain so use an old flannel if poss)
- a deep sink! (be very careful when you wash this mask off as it can go everywhere)

Takes 15 mins max.

It's on! Yes, I know I look unbelievably marvellous ;)

Freshly applied...starting to tingle a little. I can smell orange (that'll be the 
sweet orange peel essential oil working its magic).

Ten minutes later. Not tight at all.

Rinsed off. My skin feels wonderfully clean (I'm not wearing a scrap of
makeup in this shot by the way).

Well into my 30s and still getting spots, wahey!

I noticed the pores around my nose and on my cheeks were 
significantly smaller after using the mask.

Who's it for?
Great for all skin types, including those with dry and sensitive skins. I'd say it's a wonder product for skins prone to regular or occasional breakouts (I've got dry/occasional break out skin so it's perfect for me).

As with all Chantecaille products the Detox Clay Mask is made with a healing base of pure rosewater (brightening and calming) as well as narcissus, jasmine and mimosa (all anti-inflammatory).

Can we pause a second and admire housemate Sal's new wall clock?!

Chantecaille's Detox Clay Mask costs £70 for 50ml and is available from Space NK, Liberty, Harrods, Fenwick and Harvey Nichols. At a guess I'd say there are a good 20+ masks per pot which equates to just £3.50 per mask. Not bad when you think how pure the ingredients are.

Other masks I love:

For suppleness:
- Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask (£28.99 for 75ml, currently on offer at zestbeauty.com) - this amazing-smelling, orange coloured mask infuses the skin with vitamins A, C, E and F increasing elasticity. I love the way my skin feels after this. Great before a boozy night out :)

For hydration:
- Origins Drink Up Intensive ( £23 for 100ml) - an overnight mask best for dehydrated skin.

Do you have a favourite mask? I'd love to know what it is.