Skincare Review: Health and Beauty Aztec Secret - Indian Healing Clay

If I'd only have one thing to describe this mud mask - it would be Cult Fave. You can tell by how almost all Healthy Options branches are always out of stock. Good thing a friend of mine got a hold of the product and sells in smaller quantities (50g). By experience, the 50g one lasts up to 2-months worth of use and is ideal if you want to check its compatibility with your skin first.

This mask is made of calcium bentonite clay - a very powerful clay derived from volcanic ash. This has been used for years and years for different detoxification purposes. On top of its detoxifying abilities, calcium bentonite clay is also said to have numerous minerals that could be beneficial to the human body. 

Product Description:

100% natural calcium bentonite clay. World's most powerful facial. Deep pore cleansing! Feel your face pulsate! Facials, acne, bodywraps, clay baths, foot soaks, chilled clay for knee packs and insect bites! Enjoy the benefits of clay in your own home. Beautify & refresh. Sun dried. No fragrances. No animal testing. No animal products. No additives.

Current skin condition

Before trying the product, my skin is a little bit rough to the touch with lots of dry patches mostly around the cheek area. I also have some pimple scars as well as active ones mostly around my jaw. My skin is acne prone hence the wild black and whiteheads around my nose.

How I prepped my skin for the mask

1. Make-Up Remover - I normally double cleanse even on days when I wear minimal make-up. Used my favorite coconut oil remover to strip my face off the gunk I have collected for the day.
2. Wash - Washed my face with a gentle cleanser. 
3. Exfoliate - Exfoliated using my conjac sponge.

How I prepped the mud mask

  

For perhaps the most researched and important part of the mask - preparation! 

1. Measure desired amount of the clay. In my case, 1 tablespoon is more than enough.
2. Measure same amount of either water or Apple Cider Vinegar.
3. Mix until consistency is pasty.

Some reminders in prepping the mixture

• Use a non-metal bowl and spoon in mixture preparation.
• If you are new to mud masking or has sensitive skin, you may opt for water for a milder mixture.
• On the other hand, if you've already mastered mud masking or you feel that your skin needs the extra benefits, by all means use Apple Cider Vinegar.

Application & Removal

• Just like any normal mud mask - apply the mask all over your face avoiding lips and eye area.
• For normal-dry skin, let the mask stay for 5-10 minutes.
• For oilier, less-sensitive skin types, mud may stay up to 15-20 minutes.
• Remember that it is best to remove the product while still a little bit damp and not completely flaky-dry.
• Gently wash the mask off with the use of warm water. NEVER RUB THE PRODUCT OFF VIGOROUSLY. Let the water melt the product off before rubbing gently and in small circular motion.
• Pat your face dry with a clean towel
• The mask could be drying so it is best to apply your favorite heavy moisturizer immediately.

Effects and other observations

• The "pulsating" feeling claimed by the product is very similar to a tingling, slightly itchy sensation. The kind of feeling that makes you think your skin is being deeply cleansed.
• Redness is very visible right after removing the product.
• Leaves the skin squeaky-clean, but with that fresh glow.

Pros

1. Easy to prepare
2. This product can last you a long time depending on use, value for money!
3. Effective and true to its claims
4. Minimally processed which means product contains very minimal chemicals

Cons

1. Limited stores carry the product
2. Always out of stock due to high demand

The Verdict

I love, love, love this product!

My face instantly felt fresh and clean. I have noticed that impurities were greatly minimized. It also controlled my impending pimples. 2 days after use, I feel confident to go bare face to work. My face looked like I has BB Cream on the whole time!

If you are looking for an effective, affordable, easy to use and relatively safe product - this one may be your bet!

Skincare Review: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

At this time, I would be guessing most of us have heard of or seen Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate somewhere. Chances are, you have read a blogger rave about it or you have seen ads all over social media. Boy this product is well-advertised!

Because I am impulsive like that, I went on and paid a little lot more than what I usually would to get my hands on this baby and see if it was indeed worthy of all the hype.

I rushed to the stores, got myself a combination of the Midnight Concentrate and the Daily Reviving Concentrate and regretted the purchase for a short while. The Midnight Recovery Concentrate sets me back at Php3,969 for a 50ml jumbo bottle. The Daily Reviving Concentrate easily cost me Php2,895 for a 30ml bottle. Nearly commended myself for the courage I took against the hefty price tags but hey, better than botox 15 years down the road, I think. Also, these goodies came with a limited edition Kate Moss-designed pouch for a minimum spend of Php6,000. Makes the deal a little better I guess?

I purchased these babies at the Kiehl's Greenbelt Flagship store and the attendants were more than accommodating. They walked me through their new products, had me try the calendula facial wash and toner (which I instantly fell in love with) and gave out very specific instructions to maximizing the benefits of my serums.

Let me take a moment and admit that it was not love at first try with the Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Although I followed the suggested instructions - wash face, tone, get 2-3 drops of the serum, warm them in my fingertips and lightly press all over my face, I was a little bit disappointed to not be able to recognize immediate results. But, having splurged on the product, I was not really ready to let go of all my hopes... And then the magic happened. 

It was around my second week of use when I started appreciating the serum. A bit of a disclaimer though, this is not your one-product-five-effects kind of thing. It holds true to what it says in the packaging - A replenishing elixir of Pure Essential Oils and Distilled Botanicals to visibly restore the appearance of skin by the morning. I find that what it mainly does is to hydrate and calm your skin to prepare it for overnight rejuvenation. Straight and simple. Another plus would be the very calming scent which sort of sets my mood for some serious Z's.

Pros:

• Instant hydration.
• Light consistency that won't leave you feeling greasy while you sleep.
• A clearer complexion in the morning.

Cons:

• I did not necessarily get bothered by the scent but if you are sensitive to gingery-smelling stuff, you might want to pass.
• Price is just waaaaaay up there! But then again, value for money.

If you ask me, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate works the way it was made for. Like I said, the price tag could be a bit of a problem but for a giant bottle full of the concentrate that really packs a punch and would only expire 18 months after opening the seals, this easily passes as my holy grail. Plus the fact that it just really takes 3 drops for the entire face, I say it is quite a steal.

If hesitant, their stores can be generous to give you samples or you always opt for the smaller bottle.

Have a nice time loving your skin more! :)