Top 5 Fave Facial Masks, #1...Diptyque's Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay

If you follow my instagram, you know the love that I have for this mask is real, SOOOO real. Like, this mask is #1 on the list because its literally the #1 best exfoliating mask/scrub/magic I've ever put on my face, period. Thats a lot to say about ONE product, but this is literally my most favorite product from all the skincare I own/use/love. 

In a beautifully designed ceramic 3.4 fl oz white jar, there is this beautiful clay-marble-apricot kernel oil concoction inside that makes my face feel and look like its the first time I've ever cleansed my face before...words are becoming difficult now as I type this, but this love is real guys. Its a thick mask, not as thick as the Freeman Beauty's 'Avocado & Oatmeal' (see previous post) but its just enough to not take more than you need (no wasting!). It applies evenly on the skin to perfection as well, naturally. The smell may not be for everyone, though I personally don't mind it, but a scent is there nonetheless; its more on the 'medicinal'-esque side of the fragrance spectrum.

For removal: I massage it in for a few seconds first to activate the exfoliator, then take a damp washcloth and remove, easy-breezy. After removal, my skin looks CLEAN, pure, and perfect with nothing being stripped of its naturals. Its just this wonderfully pure feeling; my face feels like weight has been taken off of it and almost lifted at the same time. It helps detoxify & rid of dead skin cells, while building it back up with its shot of nutrients compacted into this small, eloquent jar. The clay can also be used as a facial scrub, not just a mask, which I have tried both ways an equal amount. Both are quite fine, but I much prefer getting my money's worth and leaving this on as a mask and soaking in all its beautiful benefits.

I'm on my second jar already, and though the price point for this multi-purpose product is a bit steep at $65, honestly, its worth every damn penny. If you were curious about trying out Diptyque's skin range and can't decide which product to choose first (if you can't have them all...DREAMING BIG OVER HERE), get this exfoliating clay, its a solid 10 out of 10 if I had a ratings system, ha!

Ok, I feel my love letter to this clay is complete. Links below on where you can pick up this mask for yourself, and the rest of Diptyque's skincare range!

Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay, $65

Diptyque's L'Art du Soin for the Face 

Top 5 Fave Facials Masks, #2 Freeman Beauty: Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask

These last 2 spots were not hard to fill, just hard choosing the order to place them in since these both have been saviors during a time when I had very problematic skin. During that period, I was trying every mask under the sun, all different price ranges, when I started to slowly give up on there being some hope of a product that was actually right for my skin, and that benefited it tremendously. My #2 spot is Freeman Beauty's 'Avocado & Oatmeal' clay mask. This is as drugstore and inexpensive as I've ever been able to find when it comes to spot on skincare; this brand knows how to do masks and do them well.

This is a very thick, heavy duty clay mask without stripping the skin of any kind of moisture. It beautifully decongests and purifies the pores and the skin just feels soft and clean after removal; no tightness or dryness. With each use, I noticed that my acne was reducing weekly, I was actually seeing a difference...I became a bit obsessed with it because I started to use it almost every night for about 2 months straight until my skin was almost back to normal. Now, I don't recommend this method, I did what ended up working for me, but masks generally should be used about 2-3 times weekly. 

I've tried a few other masks from this range, and I've gotten great results with each one. I want to try the entire range of their masks, and they have PLENTY to go around for all different skin types and concerns, its amazing! Ugh, I can't get over this mask, guys! If you're in the market for a new face mask thats affordable AND does what it saids on the bottle, CHECK THIS BRAND OUT ASAP! Links to this mask & Freeman Beauty's website are below.

Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask, $4.29 

Freeman Beauty's Gallery of  Amazing Face Masks

Top 5 Fave Facial Masks, #4 Decléor Paris: Aroma Cleanse Clay and Herbal Cleansing Mask

This mask is actually quite an unexpected and underrated favorite, Decléor's 'Aroma Cleanse: Clay and Herbal Cleansing Mask' is such a little (50ml Eek, literally!) treat. Sometime ago, Decléor was having this 40% sale on their whole website, never having tried them before, I scooped some goodies up, this included. This was very much 'on a whim' purchase, but a very smart one because overtime with each use, I keep falling in love with this very delightful clay mask.

For all of my medicinal-scented skincare fans out there, this one you'll love! LOVE medicinal-smelly products, I don't know why, they just always are so calming and relaxing in terms of fragrance for me, and I always feel they pack the punch so much more than if it were to smell like, I don't know strawberries & vanilla or something...In terms of consistency, its slightly thicker, but not by much, compared to CT's 'Goddess' mask (check previous post). It also feels creamy, which I didn't know was really possible with a clay-based mask (not complaining though). Despite the tiny bottle, this has lasted me months because a little goes a long way, and spreads very nicely and evenly on the skin. 

Another great clay mask that doesn't dry out the skin either; the skin feels incredibly hydrated and smooth after cleansing it off, clearing away all impurities, as well as being just a bit brighter with a clearer complexion as this mask also purifies the skin. No irritations, no breakouts, NADA. This mask is beautiful and easy to rinse away, never gets too dry on the skin. This best suits for combo/oily skins, though elsewhere I've read that pretty much almost every skin type can benefit from this, just use your better judgement and what your skin needs. 

I use this about twice a month or so; nothing more or less usually. Because the bottle is so small, I always have a fear that I'll be out of it the next time I want to use it, so I put it off for so long until I can't resist it, than the cycle just repeats itself... because for $42, it's still a bit on the pricey size for the 50ml you're getting. Just stay tuned for those once-in-a-blue-moon amazing sales on Decléor's website or your favorite online beauty store if you have your eye on this mask. This will be an absolute repurchase for me once my tube (sadly) runs out and a brand I'll go back to try more of.

You can find/purchase the mask here on Decléor's official website for the US.

Top 5 Fave Facial Masks, #5 Charlotte Tilbury: 'Goddess Skin Clay Mask'

Ok, so I've been naughty, haven't kept up with the 'Monday Must-Have's' or  'Friday Fails'...I know, naughty Jewels...anyway...

This week's blog posts will be on my top 5 favorite facial masks; started from #5 (my least favorite-favorite) to #1 (my most favorite-favorite). I am a little bit obsessed with face masks, but is that such a bad thing? It's like getting a little facial done at a spa without ever having to leave your bathroom really, which is always nice. The 5 masks I'm going to post have been tried and true by me for a long time now, and I love them all for different reasons. All but one are clay masks; I LOVE me a good clay mask. I always feel that they really get into the depths of the skin and get out all the gook&grime deep within, and these all make my skin just feel so clean and lovely and nice...I can go on but, let's get into the first one...

Charlotte Tilbury has been reigning supreme the last year with her highly-rated and very much sought after makeup line; which from personal experience is outstanding. She also has some nice little skincare goodies as well, such as this mask called the 'Goddess Skin Clay Mask'. Its different from some clay masks I've tried in the past, being on the more thinner side when it comes to consistency; this isn't a bad thing by any means, but for me personally it feels like I always have to squeeze out more from the tube than I really need, and the tube itself is already small enough, at 2.5 fl oz (75ml). The packaging on the tube makes up for it though, lovely rose gold label with light pink looks so lux and pretty on the vanity. 

And there is a scent to this, a bit on the stronger side (beware sensitive skins). Its like a perfumed baby powder (then again it is supposed to give you that 'baby skin' feel/look), thats the best way I can describe the smell in words, but its very nice nonetheless. 

On the tube it states that it 'visibly lifts, smoothes, brightens, & tightens pores for baby skin'...I'm not knocking any of these claims down but, I don't feel like this mask does all of these things in the extreme. Let me explain...

Firstly, I only use this mask if I'm going to be out of the house all day and: going to a party/event, etc, before I put on my makeup for said day/event. For me, this is the best time to use the mask and to really reap the effects of it. I definitely agree that it gives a great smoothness and brightness, as well as plumpness. Yet, I can't really tell or notice the lifting & tightening of pores on me; if its doing it, its not something I notice and if its not well, thats a false claim on CT's part (everyone's skin is different, you may just get the full package tenfold). Anyway, the reason I do this before a long-day-wear of makeup and festivities is because this holds my makeup up so well; meaning my skin looks [with makeup] even more phenomenal than if I weren't to use it prior to the fact. Every time I've used this, I've received compliments on how great my skin/makeup looks, so I know this mask is doing SOMETHING great to it, whatever it is. 

Thats really the reason why this is in my top 5 favorite masks; it gives my skin the extra (unnoticeable-noticeable) UNF that it needs. I wouldn't use this to help with problematic skin or for treatment purposes; if anything, this is more of a 'fun' kind of mask, a very expensive $70 'fun' mask. I don't reach for this often unless I'm doing the above; I maybe get 2 uses a month out of this, if that... which isn't bad because the tube isn't big to begin with and, again, it's expensive. If you're on the market for a 'my skin but better for a day' mask, this is your gal right here. Regardless of your intentions of picking this up, it's a good one to have in your beauté cabinet for those special, fabulous occasions.

You can purchase this mask on Beautylish, here or on Ms. Tilbury's main site, here.