Mother Nature is a powerful force. It makes the trees grow, gives us beautiful tabby cats, and can delay flights for several hours when Icelandic volcanoes decide to erupt.
My holiday flight to Atlanta was delayed by nine hours last spring as the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull decided once again to spew ash into the air. Thankfully I found out the evening before so I wasn’t sitting around the airport all morning; however we still ended up sitting on the ground waiting for a new time slot to take off as the ash cloud above weaved its way around UK airspace. Eventually we took off but our flight was nearly two hours longer than usual as we had to fly around the ash. I am grateful though that our delays weren’t as bad as the first time disruptions started earlier this year.
A few days later whilst driving around the hills of Kentucky I went into a Rite-Aid store looking for something that I can’t remember only to notice the c.Booth Deep Cleansing Volcanic Mud Mask ($9.99 for a 4 fl. oz. tube) sitting on the shelf. Already knowing that a volcano can delay my holiday, I wondered if it was powerful enough to help my mostly oily, some times irritated and blotchy skin.
It promised to shrink pores, absorb impurities, and detoxify your skin as do most masks, although this one actually works! I have pores the size of the Grand Canyon and with traveling in a hotter climate than the UK (South Eastern United States) the heat and humidity makes them look even bigger – like they can be seen from space. After one use I saw a difference. It has a mattifying effect as well but doesn’t leave your skin covered in a film. I saw a continual improvement over the time I used it whilst away, and it cleared my skin of blemishes while leaving behind a peaches and cream look. I would also say that it appears to have a firming effect on my skin.
The mask doesn’t take long to dry (about 10-15 minutes) and can also be used as an overnight spot treatment. I would only use this on one or two spots though, if you have several your pillowcase would probably turn black. Recommended use is twice a week. I personally don’t think people with dry skin would benefit from this mask, it’s best for oily skins.
Wet mask
Dry mask
Is there any downside? The mask I bought was quite runny so I had to be careful when I applied it. I used a foundation brush to do it and it worked fine.
When removing the mask you definitely need a warm wet wash cloth to wipe it off. I tried just rinsing it off by splashing water on my face several times, but I just ended up making a mess. Use your favourite toner to wipe off any residue. I always use my Molton Brown Skin Balancing Toning Lotion chilled straight from the fridge which finishes off my treatment nicely.
For the price point and results, I would definitely recommend c.Booth Deep Cleansing Volcanic Mud Mask!
Annabella Freeman says
Just thought I’d let your readers know that I got in touch with Delicious Brands about the runny mask and someone from quality control sent my mom in Tennessee a new one which she forwarded on to me. Now that’s customer service!
HanaBerlin says
My skin is dry so I’m prob have to skip it. I like masks but if they are overdrying I can’t use them. Thanks for the tip on putting the toner in the fridge. That’s genious. =)
Annabella Freeman says
Hey Hana! This mask is definitely for oily skin, drier skins wouldn’t find this beneficial. Glad you liked my toner tip x
Sarahc says
How strange that it’s such a different color when it dries! I really want to give this a try. Thanks for the reco, Annabella.
Annabella Freeman says
No problem Sarah I really hope you like it!
Trina says
This stuff looks good. Maybe when I use up my Mint Julep mask, I’ll check this one out. I really like what clay masks do for my oily skin.
Modesty Brown says
Lovely review! I particularly like the idea of using it as a spot treatment.
Jane x
Becky says
This mask is great. But I found another use for it… after working outside in my yard, I got into some poison ivy and got ant bites. I was itching in a BAD way, and applied some of the mask onto the areas, and re-applied it 2 more times for about 3 days, and the itching stopped from the ant bites. A little longer for the poison ivy, but cannot complain. What a soothing help this was as I recovered.