We test the best balancing face masks to reverse the damage of festive partying – one has super fun packaging
“NEW year, new you” gone out the window?
Don’t worry – a balancing clay mask can go a long way to reverse the festive damage and provide a clean slate.
This week I put three to the test.
Budget
Body Shop tea tree skin clearing clay mask, £12 for 75ml: This is the most basic of the three, with 97 per cent natural ingredients, but that’s by no means a bad thing.
The tube packaging makes application much cleaner, as you don’t have to dip your fingers in the tub and get it under your nails, although the formula can separate so it’s best kept out of the bathroom.
It’s definitely one for more turbulent and acne-prone skin as the tea tree ingredient is quite harsh and may leave dry complexions feeling tight and sensitive.
The consistency is quite thin, so you use more than you’d expect to cover your face.
But given the size of the tube that’s not a massive problem.
Mid-range
Bubble Come Clean Detoxifying Clay Mask, £19 for 45ml, Boots: The innovative thick gel consistency and wealth of hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and calendula make this mask far less drying than most clay options, making it suitable even for those with dry and sensitive skin, which isn’t often the case.
But it does tingle slightly on application, so that’s something to be aware of.
As well as the oil- absorbing bentonite and kaolin clays, there’s also exfoliating azelaic acid, which helps slough away spots and dead skin cells for a smoother, even complexion.
Plus, the bubble- shaped bright blue packaging is super-fun.
No wonder TikTok loves this product.
Luxury
The Outset Purifying Blue Clay Mask, £46 for 50ml, cultbeauty.co.uk: The brand was co-founded by A-lister Scarlett Johansson, who regularly forgoes make-up and looks completely flawless, so I expected big things.
Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed.
The rich blue cream consistency isn’t like any clay mask I’ve used before, and at first I was worried it wasn’t going to deliver the oil-absorbing benefits I want.
However, thanks to the salicylic acid ingredient it doesn’t just absorb oil but breaks it down deep within pores and clears them out, making it the best preventative option if you’re fighting blemishes.
Plus, it’s gentle enough to use multiple times a week.
I hate to say it, given the price, but it’s definitely my favourite of the three.
Pick of the week
KICKSTART your new year beauty regime with a helping hand from M&S Beauty’s new Wellness Box, which contains eight self-care hero products, three of which are full-sized, across nourishing skincare, soothing sleep essentials and indulgent bath & body products from big-name brands such as Emma Hardie, L’Occitane, This Works and Neom as well as M&S brands Formula and Apothecary.
Filled with treats worth £85, the Wellness Box costs just £25 and is available both in-store and online now.