Southern Soul Bentonite Clay Mask
Southern Soul is a proudly South African, eco-friendly health and beauty brand. Started in 2016, the brand is all about using nature's bounty to heal and treat the body. I picked up their Bentonite Clay Mask for blemish prone skin at the newly launched Bedford Centre Local Market. With added tea tree oil extract, this all natural, organic mask is perfect for when your skin feels dull and dry. It is also super easy to apply, taking only 15 minutes to work its magic. Start by cleansing your face, then apply a little water to the dry mask powder, mixing into a paste. Apply the paste to problem areas or your whole face and neck. Almost immediately, you will feel your skin tightening, giving you that all too familiar face mask grimace. If you can, try not to smile while the mask does its work!
Once the 15 minutes are up, simply rinse the mask off with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a Southern Soul re-usable face wipe (a great eco-friendly alternative to cotton wool pads and plastic sponges). You can also use your nifty face wipe to apply a natural astringent such as apple cider vinegar and water or tea tree oil to your face afterwards.
While this mask advertises itself for combination skin, it left the dry areas of my face a little worse for wear. It did however brighten up my skin. Perhaps next time I will apply it only to my cheeks, neck and nose. Apply moisturiser liberally after using this face mask!
Rating: 7/10
Freeman Feeling Beautiful Exfoliating Grapefruit Scrub
A skincare specialist recommended the Freeman Feeling Beautiful Exfoliating Grapefruit Scrub to me. For normal to combination skin, this exfoliating mask deep cleanses your skin to leave it feeling super refreshed.
The natural agents in grapefruit are perfect for activating skin cells, sloughing off dead layers to reveal a brighter looking complexion. This mask is a great alternative to costly laser or chemical peel treatments. Plus, it smells divine! I apply this mask while in the shower, leaving it on for 2 - 5 minutes. Unlike other scrubs and face masks, this one does not leave my skin feeling dry or overly tight. While it does not clear blemishes, it does give my skin a renewed texture. You can apply this mask up to two times a week, which is ideal for summer when harsh UV rays and polluted city air join forces to wreak havoc on our skin.
The Freeman Feeling Beautiful Exfoliating Grapefruit Scrub is available at Dischem pharmacies. Check out their range of peel off face masks and sheet masks as well.
Rating: 8/10
Skin Republic Face Mask Sheet
Skin Republic's range of sheet masks are my go-to for a night of pampering. Featuring brightening, blemish corrector and energising masks, this is one of the most diverse range of skincare products on the market.
My favourite is the Anti-Spot and Pore Refining sheet mask with tea tree oil, witch hazel extracts and salicylic acid. This combination of ingredients ensures a mask which reduces blemishes, redness and excess sebum. To prevent drying out the skin, the mask includes a thick layer of gel. This may be uncomfortable to some, but most soon become accustomed to smothering their face in this gooey cream. Be warned, you may look like an alarmed ghost while wearing this mask. It is also extremely cold when first applied (it's not advisable to use during the peak of winter, as I did!)
The Skin Republic Anti-Spot sheet mask perfectly balances natural ingredients with dermatologically tested chemicals. It feels similar to a spa facial treatment, without the poking and prodding. You can gently rub in the gel once you remove the mask, which should stay on for 15 - 20 minutes. I find this mask ideal for reducing redness and swelling of blemishes, as well as for providing long-lasting moisture.
Rating: 9/10
Sorbet Charcoal Peel-Off MaskÂ
Sorbet recently launched a new line of peel off face masks and sheet masks for men and women. The most versatile of these is the Charcoal Peel-Off Mask. Removing blackheads, impurities and excess oil, this mask should be on your summer shopping list. Activated charcoal is proven to help clear skin of nasty spots, which is why this peel off mask is so effective. I struggle with blackheads on the area around my nose, so trying this mask, I had high expectations of being blackhead free. Applying this mask can be a little messy, so allow time for clean up. Again, you may have to limit the chit chat while it does its work. After 15 - 20 minutes, peel off the mask to reveal a brand new you! Not really, but it definitely does leave your skin feeling tighter. It does remove blackheads to an extent, but you may still have to do some scrubbing later on.
Sorbet is one of South Africa's most trusted beauty brands, so give their new range of masks a try. They are surprisingly reasonable.
Rating: 8/10
Vichy 3-in-1 Cleanser, Mask & Scrub
We know how frantic city life can be. Often, we don't have the time to sit around with a funny looking mask on our faces. For when you need a little deep cleaning without the extra hassle, try Vichy's 3-in-1 Cleanser, Mask and Scrub. Suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone skin, this triple threat beauty product provides your daily cleansing needs, as well as added exfoliation. This cleanser meets mask can be slightly abrasive, so apply gently. As a cleanser, simply massage onto damp skin and rinse. For a mask effect, apply a thin layer onto the face and leave to dry for five minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and apply toner and moisturiser.
Most clay masks leave my skin feeling dried out, but the Vichy 3-in-1 is enriched with glycerin, which locks in moisture. This time-effective and versatile mask product is well worth investing in. You can get yours on the Vichy online store or at Dischem pharmacies.
Rating: 9/10
Do you have any favourite face masks for combination, oily or blemish-prone skin? Let us know about them!Â
What Is Vichy's Serum 10 Supreme?
Vichy’s LIFTACTIV Serum 10 has been revamped to become LIFTACTIV Serum 10 Supreme. This serum is even more powerful than before, offering accelerated improvement of all signs of ageing, with results visible from the first day of use. The serum's formulation contains twice more rhamnose for anti-ageing, fragmented hyaluronic acid for plumping, and Vichy mineralising water to make skin more tolerant to aggravation.
The serum also offers a more sensorial experience. LIFTACTIV Serum 10 Supreme has a pearlescent and sheer texture that delivers longer lasting comfort and improved hydration to your skin, making it look radiant and feel well moisturised. With this comfortable new texture, the serum is absorbed into the skin quickly, leaving a velvety and even finish. It is even perfect for sensitive skin and it’s also paraben-free and hypoallergenic.
Results From The First Application
The more powerful LIFTACTIV Serum 10 Supreme offers optimised efficacy, meaning you will see results from the first application. After applying the serum to your face for the first time, your skin will be smoothed and comfortable. After four hours, your skin will be firmer and more toned. After 10 days of use, you will notice that wrinkles will be reduced, your skin is plumper and healthier, and your complexion is more even. And, after one month of use, all signs of daily ageing will be improved.
The LIFTACTIV Serum 10 Supreme is even more effective in improving and correcting the 10 signs of chronological ageing, namely:
• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Lack of firmness
• Loss of elasticity
• Decreased plumpness
• Dull complexion
• Unevenness
• Drawn features
• Signs of fatigue
• Dehydration
For More Information
For more information about Vichy and the range of products they have to offer, check them out here.