Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask

I’ve never been a face mask kinda gal. I’m not sure why really, I think it goes back to an occasion in my teens when I used a mask then broke out horribly and I vowed never to use a face mask again.

That was until I came across the Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask.

 

I saw photos and videos all over social media of this dusky pink mask being used revealing brilliant results and curiosity finally got the better of me.

So, what’s so special about this product?

The key ingredient within this pretty pink mask is Australian pink clay which is a bit of superstar it seems.

 

This clay instantly works to detox by drawing out impurities, toxins and pollutants from the skin. It invigorates a dull complexion while tightening and refining pores and gives your skin an instantaneous boost of radiance.

Organic liquorice and old man’s weed help to regenerate the skin cells and stimulate cell production, which gently removes pigmentation clusters from the skin’s surface while organic pomegranate and aloe vera tighten pores, soothe the skin and stimulate collagen production for long-term firming.

Sounds pretty fab right?

Well, the pink clay is also complemented by kakadu plum and organic mangosteen which guard against free radical damage and create a defensive shield to help deflect harmful pollutants. 

I had no idea that a mask could work in so many beneficial ways!

So, after doing my research it was time to bite the bullet and try it myself. I have sensitive skin and I am always so wary of using new products in case they cause a reaction, but I was reassured to read the mask is suitable for sensitive skin.

The fab little pot comes with a dinky little application brush with the softest bristles. I’d never thought of applying a mask with a brush before but I really enjoyed the process and stroking the mask onto my face with the soft bristles was really rather pleasant!

I applied a generous amount to my face avoiding my eyes and lips but started to panic as I could immediately feel a tingling sensation on my skin.

A quick read of the Sand & Sky website reassured me that this was totally normal so I sat back to let the mask work it’s magic for 10 minutes.

I dried pretty quickly and I rinsed it off with warm water to reveal a soft, toned and glowy looking complexion.

My skin felt toned and firm, clean and radiant. I was actually really, really impressed.

I did find that I needed to use a little more of my moisturiser after I’d used the mask than I would ordinarily after just cleaning but I don’t think that’s a big deal.

I imagine the mask would be a brilliant treat for your skin if you used it just before bed as it provides a brilliant base for your other skincare products to work effectively.

If like me you have oily to combination skin you can use the mask 2-3 times a week, otherwise its recommended for use once or twice a week.

Although the initial outlay of £39.90 may seem like a lot for a face mask, I reckon you could get a least 15 masks out of this pot, if not more depending on if you use it on your whole face or just problem areas.

I’m please to say that I’m a huge fan and a face mask convert because of this product.

The Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask is available now from their website.

L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Range

My hair type is pretty much exactly the same as my skin. Combination. That means my roots get oily really quickly while the ends of my hair are left feeling dry and lacking moisture.

Choosing a shampoo and conditioner is always a bit of a ball ache as to date, most types treat one issue or the other- either they are for hair prone to greasiness or they are for dry, damaged hair.

Neither have been a great option for me but what can you do?

 So, imagine my complete and utter joy when I heard about the new Extraordinary Clay range from L’Oreal Paris Elvive.

This gorgeous new range has been designed specifically for the 26% of people who like me suffer with oily roots but dry, frazzled ends. But how can a shampoo and conditioner range target both issues I head you cry.

Well to start with they are re-defining the way you wash your hair by introducing what they call ‘an integral pre-shampoo phase.’

 

This phase involves using their new Clay To Mask Pre-Shampoo (£5.99) which you apply to your roots and scalp for 5-10 minutes, in which time it absorbs sebum and impurities leaving your hair light, soft and ready for washing.

 

It may seem like an odd idea but if you understand how clays work, if you do suffer with oily roots then it actually makes a lot of sense and this range contains 3 different types of refined clays.

Clays have been used in beauty rituals for thousands of years due to their unrivalled ability to cleanse, purify and energise. In terms of hair care, Clays combat the excessive oil production at the roots but also any dehydration throughout the lengths and ends. 

Basically they’re bit of a beauty miracle maker!

The first clay this innovative range contains is Kaolinite (white clay) which is really light and smooth and boasts fab oil absorbing properties. It also features Montmorillonite (blue clay) which is a version of the mineral containing a smooth, water-absorbing texture and Argilane (green clay) which is made up of soft, slippery, microscopic balls that hold remarkable cleansing and water-absorbing powers.

So, this sounds great in theory but what about in practice?

Firstly the whole range smells gorgeous- really fresh and light and not at all synthetic or overpowering. 

Once you get used to using the clay mask prior to shampooing it actually becomes a rather enjoyable, spa-like experience that I actually found helped to prep my hair really nicely for a decent shampoo.

The re-balancing shampoo (£2.99) itself is quite thick and creamy but lathers nicely and rinses off leaving my hair feeling fresh and clean. The re-balancing conditioner (£2.99) is lighter than I expected but is nourishing enough to leave the dry ends of my hair feeling softer and I had no trouble getting my tangle teezer through the lengths after.

Once blow dried by hair felt really light without a hint of heaviness which I was impressed by, but what impressed me more was how long my hair was left looking fresh for.

They claim the products can deliver 72 hours of oil free roots and do you know what, they weren’t wrong! Normally after 48 hours my hair would definitely be looking worse for wear but 3 days later it was looking remarkably good and thanks to their Clay-To-Spray dry shampoo (£3.99) I actually managed 4 days without having to wash my hair again!

Normally this would be totally unheard of for me and to say I am impressed is a MASSIVE understatement!

Thank you L’Oreal for answering my haircare prayers and delivering a fabulous range that actually works.

The L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay range is available nationwide now.

Murad Detoxifying White Clay Body Cleanser

Murad Detoxifying White Clay Body Cleanser has to be one of the most fabulous shower products I’ve ever used.

I relish my evening showers and bath time as its the time of the day where I FINALLY get some peaceful, un-interrupted ‘me’ time and this cleanser makes that time all the more special.

Now, I have limited experience of clay based products but this is unlike any I’ve tried before, especially given that it is a shower product!

The clay body cleanser contains ginger root extract to help stimulate circulation while safflower and sunflower oils moisturise the skin to leave it soft and hydrated. The Kaolin Clay gently absorbs oil and draws out toxins from the skin without leaving it horribly dry.

It’s a very clever little product if you ask me!

Yes it’s rich and thick, but it’s creamy rather than chalky and gloopy, which makes it much more pleasant to apply to your skin.

You only need a tiny amount because it lathers up beautifully to create a frothy and luxurious shower experience.

It has a delicate, citrusy scent which leaves your skin smelling fresh and clean and it does a great job of leaving your skin feeling soft.

I suffer with really dry skin on my body but I didn’t feel the need to rush off and slather tonnes of lotion all over my body after using this, which is most unlike me!

It really did leave my skin feeling soft and nourished and I felt a bit like I was having a spa experience when using it.

It is far from your average shower gel and while this is reflected in the price (£30) it is well worth the investment, if only for a weekly treat.

The Murad Detoxifying White Clay Body Cleanser is available now and costs £30.