ORIGINS Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask | Review

Hi guys!

Today I'm going to do a review on the Origins Clear Improvement mask. This mask has been around for a long time but I have never gotten around to trying it until  recently. I got the travel size which retails for $20 CAD at my local Sephora. The full size retails for $28 CAD. I wasn't sure if I was going to love it so that is why I went ahead and bought the travel size.

First off let me explain what my skin type is. I have combination to oily skin that is also acne prone and my biggest skin issue are dark spots that are left behind once the blemish goes away. I have been using this mask twice a week for the past month and I have to say, it has become a staple in my skin care regime.

This mask has a smooth gel consistancy which can be quite sheer with just one layer. I like to put a sheer layer all over my face once I come out of the shower (so pores are open) and then add another layer on problem areas. Once the mask is on, there is that tingling feeling that comes with every clay mask, but what I really appreciated was when it dried, the mask was still flexible enough for me to move my face..Like when I needed to talk or drink water. It will not crack once it's dry which I LOVE.

I will say that this mask did not give me "amazing" and "instant drastic" results like other people have experienced. My skin did feel softer and it did brighten my complexion after my first use but that was it. After multiple uses however, I started seeing results. I also like to leave this mask on for about an hour because the longer I wear this mask, the better results I see. A little also goes a long way, I have been using this mask twice a week for a month and in the picture above (which I took today) shows how much I have left.

After about the fourth or fifth time using this mask, I noticed my overall complexion started to look quite good. It does get rid of some blackheads and it does clean out most lightly clogged pores and my dark spots looked lighter. But what this product is really good for I find, is acne. It minimizes the appearance of the spot and after a few days, the spot dissapears. Which is why I also like to use this mask as a spot treatment.

Taking off the mask can be quite messy if you just want to manually remove it with your hands and water. It will get everywhere and stain your clothes if you do that. So the best way I found to take off this mask, is to use a damp face cloth. Once the mask is taken off, I continue with my regular skin care routine.

To sum this mask all up, here are what I think the pros and cons are :

PROS:
-minimizes acne spots
-can choose the opacity of the mask
-brightens a dull complexion
-does not crack and fall off once it's dry
-reasonably priced (still a bit pricey but it's not the priciest in terms of good clay masks)
-clears lightly clogged pores/ blackheads
-lightens dark spots
-The travel size will last forever

CONS:
-Can be quite messy to take off
-does not do much with stubborn blakheads and stubborn clogged pores (in my experience)

Love,
Kristie