The Body Shop have just launched a new line up of 100-percent vegetarian ‘super food’ face masks (R300 each), many of which are vegan, and free of parabens, silicone, mineral oils and paraffins. Each one draws inspiration from a destination like the Amazon or Ethiopia and aims to achieve a beauty goal like hydration, brightening or energizing.
At a recent launch, we were given the option to choose one and I picked Himalayan Charcoal purifying glow mask with bamboo charcoal and green tea.
It contains loads of kaolin (clay) which I know is a surefire way to pull oil from your pores so I knew it would hit home. Also, green tea’s a great antioxidant and it sits nice and high up in the ingredients list.
Other great notable ingredients include charcoal (another nice impurity magnet), hydrating argan oil and Shea butter, soothing aloe and bacteria-busting tea tree oil. To be fair, on the downside, the mask also contains a high amount of alcohol, a fair amount of fragrance and a little menthol. The latter gives the mask a tingly sensation which some users have mistaken for the sensation of it ‘working’ but that’s not the case. The clay and charcoal can easily work their magic without it.
Having used it a few times now I can say I’ve really enjoyed it. It really does leave my oily-combo skin feeling super clean with pores that look more ‘refined’ but hasn’t dried me out. My top tip is to apply it before you’re going to jump in the shower and bath and then remove it with a warm wash cloth as once it sets it dries fully and eventually ‘cracks’ and shifting it with a wet wipe is a serious las.
Love, love
Leigh
Lipgloss is my Life 
How do you feel about alcohol in any of your skincare? I used an undereye mask with alcohol in it last night and felt that maybe the alcohol drying out the skin will make it ‘tight’ and appeal more youthful. What are your thoughts?
– Jane Wonder –
Hi hun! I avoid it at all costs. Alcohol is drying and some studies say it can cause ‘cell death’ over the long term. If you spot something like cetyl alcohol in the ingredients list don’t worry about it as it’s a ‘fatty alcohol’ and not a true, drying one. But if I see ‘alcohol’ or ‘alcohol denat’ sitting high up in the ingredients list I don’t touch it with a stick.
I bought this mask yesterday. Scored 20% off!! Used it once and quite enjoyed it.
I am always so worried about trying our new masks on my face because my skik is pedantic but after the amount of good reviews ive seen on the body shop glow mask, I have to say I am excited
Wiping it with a wet cloth is a serious las. LOL! I seriously always laugh when you gooi in the afrikaans. It’s so descriptive. Hahaha!