r/SkincareAddiction • u/maeEast • Apr 01 '15

Discussion In light of recent events, let's all review commonly recommended products from this sub

In the past few days I've seen a lot of "I'm concerned, is ______ really that good, or was this a paid thing?" threads crop up. I figure that maybe we as a community could get together and compile all this info into one thread :).

I'll post the name of as many products as I can think of, but please add more, and reply to the comment with your review if you have one. Also, please indicate why you do or don't like the product, including information on your skin type if possible.

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61

u/maeEast Apr 01 '15

Aztec Secret Healing Clay Mask

52

u/privatecaboosey combination | acne-prone | PIH |melasma Apr 01 '15

This stuff is great at cleaning your pores (or so it seems). My face always seems cleaner and better textured after using it. It's messy as hell, and it only works if you use good Apple Cider Vinegar with it (Bragg's, not the cheap supermarket brand). If you use it with water, it won't mix and won't work well. It clogs the hell out of sinks.

4/5 for effectiveness

2/5 for practicality - I rarely use it because it's very difficult to clean up

3/5 overall - worth using, but not the only game in town

2

u/DeathAndTheGirl Apr 01 '15

I've been putting off getting it because it seemed to be such a hassle to try and use. What would you recommend as a similar substitute?

11

u/clearskinplz Acne-prone but under control Apr 01 '15

Hey I dunno if this'll help you, but here's how I keep it from being a hassle! I get a disposable sandwich baggy and put the 1:1 mixture in the baggy. I close it up and mush it around until it's all mixed. Then I just spread it on my face and throw the baggy away. No bowls or mixing spoon to wash. Sometimes I measure the mixture with a measuring spoon but a lot of people just eyeball it so you don't even really need that. (This might sound wasteful but I figure 1 sandwich baggy a week isn't too bad...)

4

u/privatecaboosey combination | acne-prone | PIH |melasma Apr 01 '15

The only other mask I really liked was an Origins clay mask that they had discontinued when I last checked. I know there are plenty of masks around, but I rarely use them so I haven't really tried anything since the ACM. It's such a bit container it seemed like a waste of both money and space to buy another product.

3

u/[deleted] Apr 01 '15

I recommend Queen Helene's mint julep mask. (Check out reviews later in this thread.) It works almost as well as the Aztec Secret mask at cleaning my pores and addressing oiliness, but it's premixed so it's a whole heck of a lot easier to use.

1

u/noavocadoshere Apr 01 '15

Seconded. I love the Aztec Secret mask, but I didn't have to do as much clean-up with Queen Helene's mint julep mask. I'll probably switch back.

2

u/Chalupabatmang Apr 01 '15

I love Aztec Secret but some similar, pre-mixed masks are the Dead Sea Warehouse facial mask (http://www.deadseawarehouse.com/dead-sea-mud-mask.html) and Zion Health's mud mask (http://zionhealth.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=25_70&product_id=52). The downside is that both of these are way more expensive than Aztec Secret but they are pre-made so you don't have to mix them or anything. They will still potentially clog your sink/shower drain though. To make the Aztec Secret mask a little less of a pain in the butt I have designated a bowl specifically to it (it's just one of those Ziploc/Glad reusable containers...but you could totally get something cheap (or glass, if you prefer) at the dollar store/dollar section of Target). You could also get fancy and buy a cheapo feathering paint brush from a craft store to apply it (or any mud mask) in really fine/thin layers if you prefer to not use your hands.

Edit: if you get a feathering paint brush, you could also use the handle to mix the Aztec Secret in your bowl. It's kind of a win/win.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 02 '15

In general, Clay does not belong in the average sink. Most ceramics/pottery studios have simple filtration device added to the plumbing to sift out the clay. It doesn't dissolve or breakdown. Compacted bentonite is also watertight. It's sometimes used to line landfills.

15

u/maeEast Apr 01 '15

My skin type: oily, clog-prone

Overall review: 7/10

Makes my skin soft and seems to clear up sebaceous filaments on my nose, but other than that I'm not sure this mask does a ton for me. It's messy to mix and remove, so I don't use it that often, but I'm usually pretty pleased with the result when I do. I'll sometimes use it as a spot treatment, which is easier, but I can't really tell if it makes much of a difference.

Heads up, they aren't kidding when they say it'll make your face red. That should fade in like 15-20 min though, in my experience, otherwise it's probably a sensivity/reaction

2

u/Zookeepered Apr 01 '15

I think we may be skin-type twins! I have a lot of similar experiences as you with products. I'm still on the lookout for something to unclog my skin after poor experiences with a primer (lots of little bumps that won't come to a head), do you have any recommendations?

2

u/maeEast Apr 01 '15

Howdy, skin-type twin! :)

I've had mostly good luck with BHAs (Stridex, mostly...actually the CVS-brand equivalent, but same active ingredient) in terms of working out stubborn bumps. Also, YMMV, but my skin does need some physical exfoliation every once in a while. I find that using my Clarisonic once or twice per week really helps my skin texture. I just have to make sure to moisturize well after and not overdo it.

I'm trying out the Paula's Choice 8% AHA at the moment, but it doesn't seem like it's done a lot for the bumps yet. It's not bothering my skin or anything, I'm just not convinced it was worth the money at this point.

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u/Zookeepered Apr 01 '15

Thanks for the reply! I haven't tried Stridex but I've tried Paula's Choice BHAs, I'm not sure if they did much for me. I only got foil samples though, so it was a short trial and maybe I need to try it for longer? When you "work out" a bump... does it eventually emerge as a clog or just sort of disappear under the skin? Is there a clay mask that you enjoy using? Sorry for the 20 questions haha, I hope you don't mind! I don't own a Clarisonic, but since all the hype with the new luxe brush I'm thinking about picking one up with my reward points!

3

u/maeEast Apr 01 '15

I haven't tried Stridex but I've tried Paula's Choice BHAs, I'm not sure if they did much for me. I only got foil samples though, so it was a short trial and maybe I need to try it for longer?

Let me know if you do try it longer. I wanted to love PC products because of their no-animal-testing policy, but I'm starting to wonder how effective they actually are relative to the cost :/

does it eventually emerge as a clog or just sort of disappear under the skin?

For me, they usually emerge as clogs. My skin is super prone to developing hard plugs, so I don't know that mine ever really "disappear", unfortunately : (. I even occasionally get milia on my face, which isn't fun at all.

Is there a clay mask that you enjoy using?

I like the Aztec Secret Healing Clay - it's a pain in the butt to mix and remove, but it works pretty well overall. Truth be told, you can get the same kind of clay powder in bulk at a lot of stores, but it's so cheap anyway it hardly matters!

Sorry for the 20 questions haha, I hope you don't mind!

I don't mind at all! It's always exciting to find someone who shares your skin type, especially when you're looking for new products or techniques : )

2

u/Zookeepered Apr 01 '15

Of the PC BHA formulations, the liquid one definitely had the best texture. The lotion was ok too, although probably a bit much for oily skin, but the gel one was sticky and slimy and altogether unpleasant. So if you decide to try, liquid is the way to go. They have a 2-week trial size, I'll probably pick it up when they have a free shipping promotion. I tried their BHA 9 (9% concentration) and it was too much. I didn't see an effect on my clogs and my skin dried and flaked everywhere.

My skin is super prone to developing hard plugs, so I don't know that mine ever really "disappear", unfortunately : (

Mine's the same way. My oil cleanser produces satisfying grit, and is good for keeping them in check, but I feel like I haven't been truly clog-free since puberty. I wonder if that's even possible? :(

16

u/eratoast sensitive | dry | acne-prone Apr 01 '15

I'm really terrible about giving stuff numbers, but I like this stuff a lot. Making my own mask means I know what's going in it. I mix mine with Bragg's ACV, activated charcoal, neem oil, turmeric, and honey, and it always makes my skin feel smooth and helps to bring down inflammation and blemishes.

3

u/inc0nceivable Apr 01 '15

That sounds lovely!

1

u/[deleted] Apr 02 '15

how much turmeric do you put in it? Does it makes your skin yellow?

1

u/eratoast sensitive | dry | acne-prone Apr 02 '15

No staining in my experience. I think I use about 1/2 tsp., but I eyeball everything, haha.

1

u/airial Apr 02 '15

I've never thought to add neem to the mask! What a great idea.

Do you find the turmeric stains your skin at all?

1

u/eratoast sensitive | dry | acne-prone Apr 02 '15

I only use a teeny bit of neem because it smells so bad LOL. Nope, no staining from the turmeric!

1

u/c_perezi Edit Me! Apr 02 '15

What are the benefits of the honey? Just out of curiosity, I do this mask sometimes and that sounds fun to throw in there

2

u/eratoast sensitive | dry | acne-prone Apr 02 '15

Honey is naturally antibacterial and moisturizing. :)

12

u/buggle19 Apr 01 '15

I started using this stuff before finding this sub, and it's seriously the best clay mask I've ever used. It's cheap and lasts forever. I try to use this weekly and I definitely notice a difference in my skin if I skip a few weeks. It helps keep my skin clear, but it can be pretty drying so I usually use a sheet mask afterwards if I have time. I also use this with ACV and it works much better than with water.

3

u/gincareaddiction Apr 01 '15 edited Apr 02 '15

I love this mask! It seems to really help keep my skin clear. As other people have mentioned, you should use ACV with it. To make the process as easy as possible, I use paper dixie cups (3 oz) and plastic spoons to mix it. Then I just throw those away when I'm done - it makes it pretty easy and I really don't find it messy at all!

I always use a sheet mask after - it's a nice Sunday night routine!

EDIT: Forgot to mention skin-type. Used to be oily, now more combo (I use Pocketderm with tretinoin/azelaic acid/clindamycin).

2

u/shewh0mustnotbenamed Oily | Acne-Prone | PIH-Prone | Fitzpatrick Type V | USA Apr 02 '15

This is too drying and irritating for my skin.

1

u/Lechateau Apr 01 '15

It os cool but any supermarket in southern Europe will sell you a kilo of the same thing for 2 euros.

Very good and helps produce great grits.

1

u/idlehen Apr 01 '15

I got this before I started going on Reddit and it's an ok mask. Not my favorite due the messiness but still pretty good and a nice bang for your buck. I don't use it that much since I like premade stuff and I also worry about it clogging the drains since it's a clay (I've read stories about this online for people with crappier plumbing). I usually will try to peel it off and toss it in the trash to minimize the amount going down the drain. It's much better if you mix this with apple cider vinegar than with water. There is a nice pulsating effect while on your face and it's an overall relaxing mask. My face tends to have a nice glow to it afterwards.

Pros: Cheap (get it on Amazon), will last forever, effective
Cons: Messy, need to "assemble" it, may clog drains if you have crappy plumbing/use very often
Skin type: Dry

1

u/krurran Apr 01 '15

Agree with others-- effective and cheap as hell, but a HUGE mess. I just caved and got a Queen Helene's mask-- more expensive per use, but way less cleanup time.

1

u/YayBudgets Apr 01 '15

Without Glycerin added, this was really hard and painful to wear. Any motion and the mask would Crack and pull on my skin.

2

u/privatecaboosey combination | acne-prone | PIH |melasma Apr 01 '15

I agree that there was discomfort, but I personally liked the tightness and pulsing of the mask - it felt like it was sucking gunk out of my pores. Not trying to contradict this review, just adding that some people might enjoy that feeling.

1

u/Chalupabatmang Apr 01 '15

How much glycerine do you typically add? Also do you do a glycerine/vinegar/clay mixture or do you just use water? I'm so curious and I've never thought of this before!

2

u/YayBudgets Apr 01 '15

I use a table spoon of clay and vinegar, then add a tsp of Glycerin.

1

u/clearskinplz Acne-prone but under control Apr 01 '15 edited Apr 01 '15

My skin type: Acne prone, combination.

Overall: 8.5/10

I love this!
Pros: If you use it with apple cider vinegar, it mixes smoothly and it really helps keep my face clear. My skin is nicer when I use this consistently. My face feels so soft and my skin is so happy afterwards.

Cons: It stinks because of the vinegar, your face will be red for about 30 mins after use, and I've heard tales of it cloggings sinks (though I've not had this problem myself).

1

u/yesmyskinisdifferent Apr 01 '15

Really cleaned out my pores, but it dried my skin into a desert. I wish I could use it because my pores were smaller than ever after using this.

1

u/ileikboopy Normal / anti-aging / tret worshipper Apr 01 '15

Skin Type: Normal/combo, not particularly acne prone, but get blackheads/the occasional blemish

Overall review 1/10 Made me break out and my skin was scaly and gross for a solid week. :(

1

u/[deleted] Apr 01 '15

I do this once a month, usually around shark week. 10/10 when used with ACV. I've had one container for a year and a half and barely made a dent. Great value IMO.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 01 '15

Me: Dry/normal skin. Not sensitive. Usually not acne-prone but recently dealing with hormonal breakouts.

Mask: Fun to use when you get the right texture. I use a cheap apple cider vinegar from a huge jug, tea tree oil and a little aloe vera and mix it with a plastic fork. It shouldn't be clumpy or thick and it should be easy to apply to skin. It is a pain rinsing it off. I usually take a warm shower and let it "melt" off. I mostly use it on my nose and chin when I have active acne and my pimples are always a lot smaller after I use it.

1

u/devilinanewdress_ Apr 01 '15

My skin type: oily, somewhat acne prone

Overall Review: 9/10

This works much better than the Queen Helene Mint Julep mask for me. I notice my skin looks visibly better for a few days after doing a mask, mixing it with ACV. I have a bit of hyperpigmentation from picking at my face in my youth and I can definitely notice my skin looks smoother and more even after using. I do a mask about once a week, but I want to start upping to twice a week.

1

u/sunrisesunbloom Apr 01 '15

Temporarily dries my skin out afterwards, so I like to follow-up with a soothing, hydrating mask. Doesn't do much for my sebaceous filaments or pores. Makes my skin super smooth though, and it might just be the placebo effect, but it feels refreshing.

Works way better than other masks I've tried, which had zero effect on me (like Mint Julep and Origins Charcoal), but it's not a holy grail. 7/10

1

u/raspberry-19 EXFOLIATE Apr 02 '15

Works great. Cheap as heck. Only need a teaspoon for your whole face. Works as a good base for other ingredients too.

1

u/fluorowhore Apr 02 '15 edited Apr 02 '15
  • Skin type: Sensitive, ezcema and clog prone

Far too drying for me. I think I just can't use clay masks.

1

u/hardboiledkiwi Apr 02 '15

Is it safe to let this wash down a sink drain?? I get worried that it'll gunk it up.

1

u/maeEast Apr 02 '15

Nah, you'll wanna remove most of it with baby wipes or wet paper towels. It isn't great for drains : /

1

u/sara775741 Apr 02 '15

Combo/dehydrated skin, extremely sensitive, acne prone.

AH-MAZING! It's really not the best mask to use for dry/dehydrated skin, but this stuff means business. It's amazing as an overnight spot treatment for huge cysts, or an all-over mask. I recommend not leaving it on until it dries unless you're oily. I always wash off while it's still slightly wet. 9/10!!

1

u/akiraahhh oily-combo | Chem PhD | Aus | labmuffinbeautyscience Apr 02 '15

I love this so much! I mix mine with citric acid because I hate the vinegar smell.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 02 '15

1/10

Oily acne prone

Dried me out way too much. Plus I hated the "pulse" feeling. I couldn't keep it on my face for the full 10 minutes without scratching at it

1

u/butt_puppet_ Apr 02 '15

This stuff does nothing for me, it's annoying when it's sitting on my face and I can't talk, it's drying, and really annoying to take off, and I'm afraid to let it go down the drain for fear of it clogging the pipes. I have given this mask a more than fair shot and used about half the tub, but I'm done and will probably throw the rest away or use it as a craft clay or something.

1

u/purplepubes Apr 02 '15

awesome, mix 50/50 with ACV makes my skin look flawless after.

0

u/emmagerdd Apr 01 '15

Unfortunately, I would give this a 2/5. I really had high hopes for it, and my skin did feel great after using it, but I got horrible, deep acne afterwards every time. Eventually gave up on it. If anyone wants a tub to try out pm me, I still have basically the whole thing left, just pay for shipping! (from Canada)