Sample Saturday - The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask *

Happy Saturday x I hope you're all have a good weekend, I've had a bit of a rough week both mentally and physically so instead of the Glossybox catch up that I had planned for today, I've decided to bring back an old series on the blog, Sample Saturday and today I'm talking about a product that I got in the 2020 Glossybox advent calendar.

Before I start on the review, I thought I'd just give you a quick overview of the 2020 calendar x At £80 for Glossybox subscribers, and £99 for non subscribers, this was their most expensive calendar to date, but the contents was apparently worth over £390. 

What I particularly liked the 2020 calendar, was the fact that unlike previous years, it was really easy to reuse it. As you can see the sturdy cardboard calendar, came with magnetic fastening doors, and contained 4 good sized drawers, filled with little boxes of goodies. Although there was obviously an excess of paper shred and thinner cardboard, the fact that the bulk of the calendar could be used for storage was a huge thing for me, and it's currently living in my bedroom, stuffed to the brim with surprise, surprise make up, and beauty products.

Whilst I had issues with a few products in the calendar, the product value was probably there, alongside some cheaper items, and some teeny, tiny samples, there were some really good, high end full sized products, that along with the packaging, made the 2020 calendar a fab way to bring 2020 to a close. If you want to take a peek at the full contents then you can check out the a full day by day unboxing in the highlights section of my Instagram page x 

 

Today though, I am going to talk about one specific product in the calendar, and it's something that Glossybox described as a deluxe mini, and it's a skincare product from The Body Shop.

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, is designed specifically for oily skin, and skin that needs a little TLC. Containing sustainable, Himalayan bamboo charcoal, green tea leaves, Moroccan lava clay, pumice, argan shell powder, and argan oil, and Community Fair Trade tea tree oil, this mask claims to unclog pores, suck out dirt, debris and excess oil, and to add healthy glow, as well as leaving the skin softer, and smoother.

The is dark, khaki, green, brown in colour, and it has a creamy, clay like, mask base, with addition of dark green leaf like particles that give it a slightly gritty, textured feel. The smell is quite fresh, clean and herbal based, with hints of tea tree 

You can apply this mask either with a mask brush or your fingers, I've tried both and it was actually slightly easier with my fingers because of the leaves. Almost immediately on application it feels hot, then cold , and very tingly. The first time that I tried I actually debated whether or not to wash it straight off it was so uncomfortable, but I persevered and as the mask started to dry the tingling gradually subsided

Before

On Application

The Body Shop advise that you leave it on for between 5 and 10 minutes, so for full effect I've left on for around 10 minutes. As you can see in the picture below it wasn't completely set, but it was near enough. It dries down like a typical clay mask, with the mask drying, tightening and cracking, and it changes colour from a the dark brown, green, to a pale, slightly khaki tinged beige.

After 10 Minutes

It wasn't the easiest mask to remove, because as well as the clay you had the charcoal, pumice, argan powder, and the green tea leaves to remove. With all of the particles the removal process was quite a scrubby experience. The best way I found to remove it was to soften it down with a warm, damp flannel, before removing it in circular motions with lots of warm water.

After Removal

I'm not sure whether it down the mask itself or exfoliation from the removal but my skin did like quite pink and felt slightly hot. My skin though generally did look brighter, and clearer, and I don't think that my pore looked quite as noticeable. It's not that easy to see in these pictures but I did actually have a little hormonal breakout on my chin area, and I did feel that using this mask dried it up a little bit quicker than normal. The biggest difference I actually noticed though was the feel of my skin, it feel smooth and super soft, even on the oilier and bumpier areas of my face.

If written this review after the first use I probably wouldn't have bought it again, because the tingling was just a bit too uncomfortable. However, in the 2 or 3 times that I've used it since the tingling, hot, cold sensation wan't anywhere near as strong, and I still achieved the same smooth feeling, clear, fresher skin. I did first try this mask in the depths of winter so even though it's snowing today, my skin could possibly have been drier than it is now, hence the stronger reaction. I don't know what I do know is that yes I would potentially buy this again, probably in this smaller size, to deal with hormonal breakouts and as part of a multi mask application when my t-zone and chin feel more oily. If you have drier skin though I would definitely give this one a miss. This mask in my opinion is perfect for people with oilier skin, more visible pores, and breakouts, oh and if you have a more sensitive skin, then I'd probably also give this one a miss, as I thought I might just be a bit too scrubby and strong for you x 

This 15ml deluxe mini size retails at £6, and you can also buy the full 75ml size for £18 from The Body Shop stores, online, and from your local The Body Shop At Home representative.

Have you tried anything from The Body Shop skincare range? Let me know your thoughts and recommendations in the comments x

*This Post Contains Both Automatic And Added Affiliate Links

Collaborative / Partnered Post - Perfect Your Make Up By Reducing Shine*

As well as my obvious lack of skill when it comes to make up, one of my biggest challenges is hiding my sinkhole like pores and covering up that oil slick like shine. Sometimes you do want a bit of shine and sparkle in your look, and as you know I do love my highlighters but I want it where I want it, and I want to be able to control just which bits shimmer and shine, cheekbones - yes! nose and forehead - no! If like me you struggle to keep your oily skin under control and your make up just slides off or looks shiny in minutes, then you might need to start doing a few things to get that insta perfect look that you want. There are lots of tips and tricks that you might find useful if you want to perfect your makeup and at get rid of that shiny finish.

Image from Pexels - CC0 License

Use Products Designed for Oily Skin

It goes without saying that you should use skincare that's designed specifically for your skin type but you should also take a look at the make up that you're using. There are plenty of makeup products that are designed specifically for oily skin, so you don't have to continue using products that don't work for you. Colorescience is one brand that offers a range of products for oily skin, such as powder foundation, and more. You can find out more here about what they have on offer. Try out some new products to find what works for you, look at the textures, and finishes of your base products, and don't be scared to try products with a matte finish, you can always a bit of glow later on, where you want it. It's always worth having a look online and reading some reviews, and if you can try and get your hands on some samples especially if you're trying a new brands or a different type of product to what you normally use.

Prepare Your Skin with a Face Scrub

Preparing your skin before you put on your makeup can be a big help when you're trying to reduce shine. So if you're having problems with shine or your make up sliding off then get back to basics and reassess your skincare routine. As I said before, use products that will suit your skin and deal with your skincare concerns, don't just buy something because it's the it product of the moment. Although it can sound a little bit scary something worth looking at is a good face scrub which will help to ensure your skin is clean while also providing a gentle exfoliation. Face scrubs don't have to be harsh and scratchy, Enzyme scrubs feel more like a gel without any obvious exfoliating particles, and you can find various face scrub products that have natural ingredients and will help to rebalance your skin and control oils. Although I personally haven't tried it, you can also make your own scrub at home there are loads of different recipes online, so if you're into clean beauty or you want to know just exactly what's in your products then have a search, and let me know how your own natural skincare recipes x

Image from Pexels - CC0 License

Use a Primer

Many moons ago I used to go straight from skincare into foundation and concealer, but in my fight against the grease I realised I was missing quite an important step - primer! If you don't already use a primer, I think it's definitely worth adding one to your makeup routine. It prepares your skin so you're ready to put your makeup on, especially if you're someone who struggles with oily skin. Primer gives you a smooth base for your foundation so that you have a smooth canvas to apply your makeup too. It will make it easier to apply your makeup and make sure it stays there for longer too. If you choose a primer with a matte finish both your skin and your make up will look smoother and more even, and it will help keep the shine at bay. It may seem like an extra step but find a decent primer that works for you be it a cream, a liquid, or a gel, honestly you won't look back.

Set Your Makeup with a Face Powder

Now I know that it goes in and out of fashion, and that it doesn't work for everyone but personally I'm a bit of a face powder junkie, and I couldn't do my make up without it. When you have finished applying your makeup, you can help prevent shine by finishing it off with a face powder . This will help to set your makeup so that it holds for longer and will minimise shine at the same time. Even if you just pop a little bit of translucent face powder on your t-zone, it will help you to set your makeup look so that it stays in place for the day and won't come off until you're ready to take it off.

If you're looking for that insta perfect make up look, shiny and greasy skin just doesn't fit the bill, but there are ways and means and products to help you to minimise that shine, and to look glowy rather than shiny, but even if that oil continues to make an appearance don't worry, we are the lucky ones, oily skin doesn't age quite as quickly as dry skin does, so love the skin you are in, and if you do have an oilier skin type, make sure your following my blog to find out exactly what products works for me and my skin x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post