The Weekend Feature #2: Detox Masks

I've never been in a great believer in the New Year detox. It's cold outside and payday seems like an age away so it's hardly the time to punish yourself with a restrictive diet. Instead, indulge in a pampering session with a detox face mask. This week, I've rounded up 3 to try...

I've previously blogged about Omorovicza's Deep Cleansing Mask here. It was a rave review in which I described the mask as "the best deep cleansing mask I've ever used", a sentiment which still holds true today. Cooling upon application, this mud mask helps to soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness, resulting in a more refined skin tone. It's eye-wateringly expensive at £57 for 50ml but it's worth every penny in my opinion, thanks to the impressive results.

Heaven by Deborah Mitchell has been one of my favourite skincare brands for a number of years, with fantastic results driven products and the Deep Cleansing & Firming Mask is no exception. Containing river silt that's packed full of amino acids, the mask has been specially designed to draw out impurities from the skin.
Heaven by Deborah Mitchell Deep Cleansing & Firming Mask has a thick gel like texture which slightly disconcertingly, resembles green slime. It feels wonderfully cooling and soothing upon application and this sensation continues for the duration of the treatment. It also has a lavender scent which adds to the calming sensation. The mask sets onto the face, although it doesn't dry in the same way that some clay masks can. There's a tightening sensation but it's not uncomfortable. My skin was left looking smoother with fine lines appearing diminished. Whilst I wouldn't say that there was a dramatic difference to the redness in my skin, there was a noticeable improvement overall and I was impressed with the results, particularly as they remained noticeable for a couple of days following use. It's a great choice for those with adult acne as it helps to soothe and treat problem skin whilst having a subtle tightening effect and is available from just £12.70 for 15ml

A more recent discovery is Aromatherapy Associates Deep Cleanse Face Mask, £36 for 100ml. Unsurprisingly, I preferred the functional tube presentation of this mask compared with the jars of those aforementioned. I was impressed with the high concretion of clay in the ingredients list, particularly in comparison to other masks I tried whilst researching this feature. It's this ingredient which makes it a good choice for those with oilier skin types as the clay helps to absorb excess oils, whilst also drawing out impurities. Along with clay, Aromatherapy Associates Deep Cleanse Face Mask contains anti-bacterial lavender and ginger and mattifying silt. There's also softening almond oil and it's this ingredient which lends the mask a subtle marzipan scent.