The natural face masks for oily, dry or dull skins
From top left: Superna Trikha's Skin Laddoos, Farmacy Honey Potion, Purearth Mitti.
Ever since I quit my full-time job, the ritual that is really enjoy is a face mask. I mean think about it - I’m writing all the time, from home, in my pyjamas. This means that there’s nothing to prevent me from slapping on a face mask and type furiously for an hour our so. Actually, working from home is great for all beauty rituals (if you’re as beauty obsessed as I am). Right now I’m nourishing my skin with the new Purearth Mitti Face Mask, and Suparna Trikha’s Maha Bhringraj hair oil on my scalp. It’s been quite a productive morning too - I’ve finished my column, another large feature, and now I’m writing my post, all before lunch. But, I digress.
I’ve been trying a few natural, toxin and cruelty free, artisanal variants over the last couple of months. They are all quite different from one another and impressive in their own way. But the thing they have in common with each other that their results are be more apparent over time. Are they a pre-party fix? No. Do they offer long lasting results? Yes.
Here’s what I think:
Farmacy Honey Potion
The label says renewing antioxidant mask, and that perhaps is the only place where this mask has gone wrong. It isn’t very renewing or hydrating. In fact, its perfect for oily skin. It dries up acne (pretty much immediately your breakouts will feel smaller), and over a period of time, does help clear your skin. However, dry-skinned beautistas who try this mask for hydration, may find it a bit disappointing. I find this mask very comfortable to use in the monsoon because my skin is oily and breakout prone. And it did help shrink minor acne. The mask contains honey, propolis and royal jelly, which are known for their antibacterial properties. It’s a sticky, balmy mask that you need to massage into your skin till it transforms into a white cream (from it’s original yellow colour). It is self-warming, which could feel like a burning sensation on sensitive skin. The heating action opens up your pores, which makes it ideal for a second mask, or for an overnight skin routine, because the pores are ready to receive product. I wouldn’t use it as a pre-party mask, or a morning mask. I would reserve it strictly for the evening when I’m wrapped up in my pyjamas.
Purearth Mitti
OMG what does this mask not contain? Bentonite clay, raw honey, ayurvedic herbs such as gotu kola, yashti madhu and manjistha to improve pigmentation, oils such as rose hip seed and tamanu to balance the skin, and steam-distilled rosa damascena. Wow. Unlike other masks that you need to apply for 10-20 minutes, you need to wear this one for 40 minutes at a time. And the amazing thing is that even in 40 minutes it won’t dry out. The first time I used it, I was impressed because it dried out breakouts but yet moisturised my skin. However, I didn't get that same affect the second time I used it. But as I said earlier, these masks are designed to used over a period of time to improve the quality of your skin. This mask is great for combination and dry skin types. It improves tone, texture, over a period of time. And the best part is that you don't need to apply any skincare afterwards, because your it feels quite nourished with just the mask.
Suparna Trikha Skin Laddoos
This is more like a scrub than a mask. I really love it because it really makes my skin look brighter and more radiant in a single application. You’re supposed to mix one laddoo (I use half) with a bit of milk (for dry skin) or rosewater (for oily skin) to turn it into a paste, then apply it all over till it dries. Once dry, you wet it again with a bit of milk or rosewater and rub it off. Each laddoo contains dry fruits, natural fibres, saffron, and floral extracts. When my skin looks dull, I use this and it never disappoints me. It’s extremely gentle, and even after being completely dry, doesn’t make my skin feel sensitive. I use this all over my face, neck and shoulders.