REVIEW: Andalou Naturals "Instant Clarity" Face Mask
I am currently on the hunt for a good skin mask. I love playing in the kitchen/bathroom creating my own face masks experiments but I’m looking for something easy and handy for those daysI just don’t really feel like making my own. I love a good pamper evening, so a proper face mask is essential. That said, I came across this single-use packets from Andalou Naturals and decided to give it a try.
I haven’t heard of the company before, but after some research I am very happy to discover they really are an all natural, 100% organic skincare company mostly known for their face masks. There are 7 different types of masks to choose from, depending on what you are looking for. They range from soothing to hydrating to firming. I chose the Instant Clarity which says will help minimize clogged pores, wash away impurities and create soft, illuminating skin. This is what I was searching for - sold!
The key ingredients in this particular mask are:
- Argan Oil - for intense nourishment and protection.
- Blue Cornflower Extract - For soothing the skin, has many anti-inflammatory properties.
- Willow Bark Extract - More anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe skin and neutralize bacteria.
- French Clay - Draws out impurities and tones the skin.
There are lots of other healing ingredients like cocoa butter, vitamin e, and witch hazel which are all equally beneficial for the skin.
My skin is currently in limbo where it isn’t really dry, oily OR combination… it seems to vary between all three.. depending on my diet, stress levels, and the environment I’m in. These days, it’s more on the dry and acne-prone side which I take full responsibility for by filling my body up with multiple coffees a day and perhaps stressing over silly things. That said, it’s nothing a good skin care regimen can’t help with.. so here we go!
The application: The packaging was easy to open, and upon reading more on their website, it’s bio-degradable too! Awesome!
The product itself was very creamy and soft. I was surprised to feel a slight tingly sensation and smelled rather strongly of peppermint (I read afterwards there is peppermint essential oil too - surprise!). There was just enough in the packet to cover my entire face and even had a bit more left to add on i spots I felt needed it. While applying the mask, it felt very soothing to the skin. I suspect that was a mix of the french clay, cacao butter, and essential oils to thank for that.
I left the mask on for roughly 12 minutes - (the instructions suggested 10 - but hey, I got distracted making an Instagram story! By the way, are you following me on Instagram yet? @metatrove *wink*) - it didn’t dry like most clay masks I’ve used before, which was fine and actually made the removal very easy.
The result: I noticed a definite softness to my skin and my face was VERY red. I believe that’s because all the toxins and impurities were being pulled out from under my skin and coming to the surface. I didn’t think much of it and applied a little bit of rose hip seed oil for moisturizer before bed.
The next morning, I noticed a HUGE difference in my skin! I really wish I remember to take proper photos to show you, but there was an obvious reduction in redness and dryness and it felt sooooo smooooth. It’s been about 5 days since I used the mask and since then there has been a reduction in acne. Hurrah!
Overall, I am very impressed with this mask and definitely considering purchasing the full jar!
I have many other masks I want to test and trial first, so stay tuned to see what other products I will be trying and reviewing soon!
If you want to learn more about Andalou Naturals and try out their face masks for yourself, you can check out their website www.andalounaturals.com OR head to your local Whole Foods!
Peace, love & skincare!
