This week, I go back to one of my favourite types of product and an item I think every lady should have in her beauty bag - a great mask. Here's what I thought of the emergin C Vitamin + Retinol Mask...
Packaging: If you've been a bb member for a long time, you'll know we all love emerginC, and will have tried a few of their amazing products from box to box. Whilst the packaing is often in the form of small card packages, the full size emerginC products are housed in lovely glass pots. I particularly like the packaging because of its matte texture - for some reason, it feels earthy. The perfect house for their mostly natural and organic products.
Texture/Pigment & Smell: Even though this is a clay based mask, the texture is very light and creamy. The shade is also a lot brighter and lighter than the clay properties would suggest - no dark charcoal residue to clean out of your hairline! Also, because it is so light, the mask is very easy to apply and smooth over skin. The smell is really hard to place. It certainly doesn't smell fragranced (no extras in any emerginC formulations are a signpost for this) but the 'natural' scent of the product could only be described quite clean and 'plain'.
Application/Wear: As mentioned, the texture makes application very easy. As it is so light it also dries fast, but doesn't feel as tight as other, denser clay masks. That being said, the mask definitely firms up upon drying and also turns a very light mauve shade. I did get a little tingling (as suggested can happen.) However, I always seem to get this result when using masks and it subsides after a few minutes. Plus, it wasn't uncomfortable.
After removing with a warm cloth, skin feels very soft and smooth. As a big fan of clay masks (thanks to my oily skin) I love that they seem to mattify and remove any sheen. The emerginC Vitamin C + Retinol Mask certainly does this, but doesn't feel drying at all, which is a bonus. I tried it right before bed, so simply followed with a light spray of rosewater mist and my night serum and cream.
Verdict: This is a great clay mask to use to brighten and smooth for those who dislike the heavier clay-based masks on the market. Also, the natural components make it kind to skin (except very sensitive) so it is suitable for all skin types. Using once or twice a week is a great suppliment to your exfoliating regime, and the smoothing benefits are really noticeable straight after use!
Have you tried the emerginC Vitamin + Retinol Mask? What about any other emerginC products? Let us know! - Lauren