The Product
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The product I am reviewing is a Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask, from The Body Shop. The product is suitable for combination/oily skin and helps to purify, cleans and control access oil on the skin. I don't often suffer from spots, how-ever I do get the occasional break out during the time of the month and my skin can become a little more greasy and sweaty than normal. I thought that this would be a good product to use once a week to give my face a good cleanse and clean. As well as drawing out impurities the mask also refreshes you face leaving it feeling clean, soft and smooth. The product comes in a round plastic tub which is clear so you can see the colour of the product through the tub. There is a light blue label around the whole of the tub and one on top as well stating what the product is and what it does. On the bottom of the tub is a label which you can peel back to reveal a list of ingredients and how to use the product. This is in a number a different language. The tub can be purchased online from The Body Shop website or it can be purchased from their high-street store. This product only comes in one size which is 100ml. The tub at full price will cost you £12.00; how-ever I would suggest looking at the website as they often have some very good offers on here.

Using the Product
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I unscrewed the lid which was easy to do to reveal the clay mask. The mask definitely looked like clay and was a very dark grey colour. The mask looked quite thick and had a shine to it. I ensure all my hair was tied back and I used a hair band to ensure there were no other stray bits of hair in my face that might get covered in the mask. It suggested applying the mask in a thin layer and leaving it on for 10 minutes so this is what I planned to do. I dipped my middle fingers into the mask to ensure I picked up a nice amount. The mask felt cold and quite thick on my finger. I spread this onto my forehead first into a thin layer. The mask was easy to apply and did soften a little as I applied it to my skin. I continued applying the mask using a little bit at a time and then once I was satisfied I left the mask on for the suggested 10 minutes. It's important not to apply the mask to close to your eyes or lips, as stated on the sticker on the bottom of the tub. I presume that the mask may irritate these areas. I could smell the mask now it was on my face and the smell reminded me a little of witch hazel. Although I'm not a huge fan of this scent it wasn't too strong or overpowering which was good. The mask did make my eyes water a little when I was applying it around the eye area so I ensured I didn't apply it too close to the eyes in case of any irritation. The mask was a dark grey/green colour once it had been applied to my face. As I sat and watched the TV for a good 10 minutes I could feel the mask drying slightly which made my face feel a little tight. This how-ever didn't really bother me as I would be washing the mask off in approximately 5 minutes anyway. As the mask dries and leaves your skin feeling a little tight this may feel a bit strange to people who haven't used this type of mask before but it's completely normal as it's just the mask drying on your face, so you have nothing to worry about as it's meant to do this.

After 10 minutes I got ready to wash the mask off. By now the mask had dried fully and was a very light/pale green colour. I could also see some of my pores where the mask had been applied and this showed as small dots on the dried mask. I filled the sink up with lukewarm water and splashed water over my face to wash the mask off. I was actually a little surprised at how easy the mask washed off as I thought I may have to rub my face a little in order to get it off. After a few splashes on my face and a few extra to ensure I got rid of all traces of the mask I patted my skin dry using a clean towel and looked in the mirror. My skin looked and felt really clean and it looked so much brighter and radiant than it had done before. My skin also felt extremely soft and smooth, I was really impressed. I applied some moisturiser to my skin shortly afterwards (I am currently using the Vitamin E Intensive Cream) and this of course made it even softer and smoother to touch. The mask hadn't irritated my skin at all and I didn't have any skin reactions from using the mask.

Overall Opinion
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The mask is easy to use and is also very easy to apply. Over the 10 minutes as the mask dries on your face this does feel a little strange at first, how-ever once you get used to it, its fine. I found that the mask helped to make my skin look radiant and fresh and it also made my skin clearer too and since using the product once a week my skin has had less blemishes, even when it's close to that time of the month. Although I'm not a keen lover of the smell of the product, it's not too strong so is something that I have gotten used to since started using the mask. I was surprised at how easy the mask washes off which is good as it means you don't have to rub at your skin in order to actually get the mask off. My skin is noticeably clearer, more radiant and not only looks good but feels really smooth and soft too. In terms of value the mask is quite pricey in comparison to other masks that are available to buy in other shops such as Boots, how-ever I don't mind paying this much for the mask though as I think it's by far one of the best face masks I have ever used. As I only use the product once a week the mask will last me over a month. I think this is a brilliant product and would recommend it to others.


(review also on ciao)