origins clear improvement active charcoal mask

origins clear improvement active charcoal mask - purchased at sephora

Quite a few of you guys noted that you'd be interested in a more in-depth review for this mask, so here we are. I wanted to get some more use out of this before I wrote my review for a more well-rounded opinion (I thought this was too good to be true!), but it's stayed the same since day one :)

I'm usually not a fan of Origins skincare - I've only tried their microdermabrasion and GinZing moisturizer and they irritated the heck out of my skin and broke me out, respectively. But since my sister had this when she visited in December and I desperately needed a clay mask, so I gave it a try.

Freshly applied, and about ten minutes later. The area I put the mask on instantly became smoother and softer after I washed it off. I didn't notice it at first, because I usually jump in the shower to wash it off and go straight into my facial cleanser.

The results: I love this! It's the first mask I've tried that doesn't irritate my skin, which is the pickiest when it comes to face masks. I've tried some well-loved masks, from Queen Helene's mint julep mask to Ren's glycol lactic radiance renewal mask to the Korres greek yogurt sleeping facial, and even Glamglow Thirstymud, they all gave my skin a burning feeling. Not this one, though!

I use it mostly for spot treating. If a pimple starts peeking out, I'll put some on it as soon as possible. I also use it for the area where the bottom sides of my nose meets my face because it gets clogged up pretty easily and starts feeling tender to the touch. The results aren't instantaneous, but there's a major difference by next morning, if it hasn't disappeared by then. I rarely do my entire face, but when I do I notice it looks brighter. This mask is definitely a keeper.

Last-minute fun before washing it off. If you can even categorize this as fun.