Softer and fresher skin for several days after use - what's not to like! (Garnier Synergie Deep Pore Sauna Mask)

Member Name: k4ssie

Product:	Garnier Synergie Deep Pore Sauna Mask
Date:	05/06/09 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Actually delivers great results

Disadvantages: None!

I first bought this mask because i was looking for a quick anti-breakout treatment for my combination skin, and it's one of the few that you can buy as a sachet rather than a whole tube. I always think that's a good sign - if the manufacturers are confident enough to let you try a small quantity before investing in the full size product, I think it's more likely to be good!

The mask is "self heating" and contains zinc and clay to absorb oil and impurities. On squeezing out of the sachet, it's a pale blue colour (no chance of not being able to see where you've already applied this!) and has a slight medicinal smell which i thought was very pleasant.

The mask has a thick cream / paste texture (i suppose more like a paste because of all the clay particles). Applied to dryish skin, i find it easy to get the right thickness layer - not too much, but thick enough to feel as though it'll be effective. And it does indeed self heat slightly - as you apply it to your skin, you can feel a definite warmth. I don't know whether this is mostly a gimmick, as the heat dissipates very quickly and if you're already in a warm bath or shower, probably doesn't make a huge amount of difference - but it does feel pleasant.

The mask only requires a few minutes on, and doesn't dry out too much - i hate it when masks dry totally and start to crack, as that tends to make my skin itch underneath. This one feels nice, and if you check yourself out in the mirror, you get a glimpse of what you'd look like as an alien cast member in The Fifth Element. Always good for a giggle.

~ The results ~

So, the important bit. Have you just wasted five minutes of your evening, or can you actually tell a difference once the mask comes off?

I really think so. The mask rinses off quite easily - a cotton wool pad dipped in warm water helps - and leaves my skin feeling cleansed straight away, but not at all dry. So much so that i often give my skin a night off from heavy moisturisers after using this, and it still feels totally comfortable.

My face is left feeling really, really soft - i often notice this the following morning when I go to wash my face, as I apply my facewash the softness is really noticeable. Overall shine and greasiness is reduced - and this lasts for a day or two after using the mask, my skin stays fresh feeling all day, which i think is oustanding especially in the summer months.

I'd recommend this one to anybody, unless perhaps if you have extremely dry or sensitive skin - but i've used "sensitive skin" clay masks in the past which have dried my skin much more than this one does, so even then it might be worth a try.

Summary: At last, a mask which actually works!