Product Review: Clarins Pure and Radiant Mask with Pink Clay

So, it has been much too long since my last post, and while I have many topics to write about I have been very busy! So instead of writing a lengthy post full of (awesome) skin car science facts and advice I decided to write my first ever product first impression and review! So here it goes!

Recently the spa I work at changes owners and product lines. Before we used Phyto5 which was nice, but not many people knew about it, now we use Clarins. Yes, the world renowned brand developed in France that literally perfected the way skin care specialists/Estheticians, Makeup Artists and Registered Massage Therapists treat the skin, Clarins. And we love it!

So, naturally, I wanted to try out the products! Of my Clarins collection thus far are a cleanser, toner, two serums(one for day and one for night, reviews to come), body gel for cellulite(no one is immune!), eye makeup removers and lastly a mask. 

The Pure and Radiant Mask with Pink Clay is the treatment mask designed for the purifying line for oily-combo and acneic skin types, which I have. My skin is quite oily and I breakout in remote areas quite frequently, but my cheeks remain dryer than the rest of my face. 

This mask is really great for treating my skin without making it feel super tight and dry after absorbing all the excess oils and treating my breakouts. It feels refreshing on the skin, but not cold and it doesn't tingle aggressively like most masks. Many clay masks tingle in a way that almost burns and then you're left wondering if your skin is sensitive, if the product is crap, or both! The Pure and Radiant mask leaves skin feel soft and hydrated and while it absorbs the excess oil it doesn't soak up all the necessary oils!  This is very important when choosing a mask, or any treatment product, if it leaves you feeling like a prune it's probably not any better for your skin.

The price point is great for a product like this, $31 for a tube. And it can also be used as a spot treatment instead of a full face mask, so it can take a few months to use up! In order to achieve the best results with any mask is to exfoliate right before applying with a gentle refining scrub(small micro beads) and using your mask faithfully once a week. 

My results after using this mask: my skin feels smooth in texture, it looks even with a new found radiance. My blemishes are still there(but nothing will miraculously make them disappear) but they are noticeably less inflamed and not as sore. In my eyes that's a goal achieved! With weekly use I can expect clearer, smoother and healthier skin!

Let me know by commenting below what you'd like to read about next, be it skin conditions, skin types, product reviews, or products that are best for dry, sensitive or oily skin types.

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Presley Charlotte :)

Let's Talk Skin Care: Blackheads

So sorry I've been MIA on here! There's a lot going on in my life right now (exciting stuff of course!) so I've had to take a break on blogging for the moment. But now I'm back with another requested post: Blackheads, how to get rid of them and prevent them!

So first, what is a blackhead? Blackheads are actually called open comedones and they are oil that was secreting from the skin as normal but got trapped at the top, therefore clogging the pore an oxidizing into the color you normally see as a blackhead.

First things first, WASH YOUR FACE. If you don't have a good cleansing routine followed by a moisturizer, then there isn't much I can help with because all my tips will begin with a cleansing routine. Once you have a routine in place, add a gentle facial scrub once or twice a week, no more than that. Facial scrubs help to loosen up dead cells and trapped oils in the skin to clear the pores. Work the scrub in circular motions to loosen the oil.

Next are extractions, I'm not going too in-depth with this because it basically squeezing the oil out of the pores. BUT I'm also not giving you a go ahead to "pick" at your face. Extractions should be done as gently as possible, and if you're not sure how to do it properly, then don't. If you can see marks on your skin from your nails, stop what you're doing. If you break the skin, the trapped oil will mix with bacteria in the broken skin and cause a pimple, let's not do that! My ultimate tip is go to your esthetician for regular facials and ask for her to show you how to properly keep up the work between facials at home. I also like Biore strips for when I need to quickly remove some blackheads without tormenting my face with my fingers.

Finally, the moisturizer. To make sure blackheads are less-likely to come back, use a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic. That big long word means the product won't clog your pores causing more blackheads or breakouts. In case you're not sure which product is non-comedogenic, check the packaging very well because it will be written on it either in the front or the back. If it doesn't say it(sometimes its hiding) then put it back on the shelf, chances are it's not.

Thanks for reading and suggesting topics, if you have anything you want to ask or any topics to suggest don't hesitate to comment below or post on my facebook page PresleyCharlotteMUA.

Have a great day! Thanks for reading!

Presley Charlotte :)