Tag Archives: exfoliater

May2

10 Steps To More Youthful Skin

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10 Steps To More Youthful Skin

Are you tired of feeling like your skin looks tired? Or would you like to achieve that radiant, youthful glow? Well, fear no longer as we have the perfect guide to helping you attain youthful skin! In this post we will offer ten valuable tips for taking care of your skin that will bring your best face forward:

Cleanse Your Skin Thoroughly:

Cleansing should never be taken for granted when it comes to maintaining clean and healthy skin. Proper cleansing isn’t just simply using water from a faucet; hot water could actually strip your natural oils. Also be mindful that when selecting a cleanser you should choose one that fits your skin type; for oily complexions a foaming cleanser with salicylic acid would work wonders while those with dry complexions might be better off with something cream-based.

Exfoliate Regularly:

Exfoliating is another essential step in any skincare regime, helping remove dead skin cells and unclog pores which contribute to acne or other skin issues. But be wary not to over exfoliate as this could damage your skin in the process – use gentle exfoliators once or twice a week instead of harsh scrubs that could be too abrasive.

Hydrate Your Skin from Within:

Staying well hydrated is vital for maintaining youthful-looking skin. Being dehydrated causes fine lines and wrinkles to become more apparent than they otherwise would, so make sure that at least eight glasses of water a day are consumed.  However, don’t rely solely on drinking liquids; eating water-rich fruits like cucumber, watermelons, and oranges is another excellent way of providing essential hydration from within.

Slathering on Sunscreen Every Day:

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging, contributing to wrinkles, dark spots, and other telltale signs of skin aging as well as increasing your risk for skin cancer. Therefore it’s vital that every day (even on cloudy days!) at least SPF 30 sunscreen is worn – and to reapply it every two hours when spending time outside!

Moisturize Regularly:

Moisturizing regularly is crucial to maintaining healthy and supple skin. Dryness causes itchy, flaky patches as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Select an adapted moisturizer tailored for your specific skin type and use it daily, both during the daytime hours as well as overnight for extra hydration benefits.

Include Antioxidants in Your Skincare Routine:

Antioxidants are an essential element in any skincare regime, as they protect skin cells against free radical damage that causes premature aging and cell loss. Some common antioxidants include vitamin C, E, and green tea extract – you can incorporate these components either via products that contain them or through a diet rich in them.

Use Retinoids to Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines:

Retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives, are an excellent way to fight wrinkles by increasing collagen production and cell turnover – two processes which contribute to anti-aging efforts. While retinoids may initially cause discomfort for some users, gradually increasing your use will provide long-term success and can help alleviate signs of aging. It is wise to start slowly when first beginning use; your tolerance level may require adjustments over time.

Seek Professional Help:

If your skin still appears aged despite following an effective skincare regime, professional help might be in order. Consulting a dermatologist could identify any underlying skin conditions and recommend treatments designed to restore health and appearance to it. They might also suggest products and ingredients most suited for your skin type and concerns.

Consider Plastic Surgery or Microneedling for a More Dramatic Change:

While adopting an effective skincare regime can do wonders for your complexion, some individuals may desire something more dramatic. Plastic surgery or microneedling might offer relief. Plastic surgery addresses issues like sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and other signs of aging which cannot be effectively managed with topical products alone. Meanwhile, microneedling employs tiny needles puncturing the skin to stimulate collagen production and enhance texture. There have also been advancements in this technology in order to treat skin irregularities safely and effectively. However, both should only be explored after consulting with qualified professionals first.

Exercise for healthy, youthful skin:

The impact of physical exercise on skin health and youthfulness is often overlooked but is actually extremely powerful for the skin. Exercise helps increase oxygenation of blood throughout the body including its surface (i.e. skin); improved blood circulation helps nourish skin cells, enhances skin elasticity, and decreases inflammation, as well as relieve stress – all which have positive ramifications for overall skin health and beauty.

Attaining youthful-looking skin requires more than simply following one regime; it takes a combination of healthy lifestyle habits and tailor-made skincare programs designed for each person’s specific skin type and concerns. By following these ten tips, you can start improving the health and appearance of your skin to attain that elusive youthful radiance!

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

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Mar21

Reduce Chicken Skin With These Tips

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Reduce Chicken Skin With These Tips

Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, can cause redness and bumps on the skin. It is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is generally caused by an overproduction of keratin, the protein responsible for forming our skin’s texture and protection. Fortunately, several treatments are available to help reduce the appearance of chicken skin and keep it from returning:

Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers:

To control chicken skin, it’s essential to use gentle cleansers and moisturizers when dealing with it. Strong soaps can irritate the sensitive bumps on the surface of the skin. Cleansers with lactic acid can help reduce redness, improve hydration, and create a smoother texture. Once your face or body has been cleansed, a moisturizer should be used to keep the affected area soft and prevent itching. When choosing a product, look for something that contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin or shea butter, as they can lock in moisture without clogging pores.

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Exfoliate regularly:

Exfoliating regularly is the best way to keep your skin looking smooth and healthy. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliant suited for sensitive skin. Exfoliation helps shed away dead cells on the surface of the skin, revealing brighter, healthier skin and allowing moisturizers to be absorbed more easily. Start slow, taking time with each section of the affected area by softly massaging it with an exfoliator in circular motions with lukewarm water. Regular exfoliation helps prevent chicken skin from occurring while also providing some relief from existing lesions in less severe cases.

Apply topical retinoid creams:

Correctly applying topical retinoid creams when dealing with chicken skin is one of the most effective treatments for this condition. Dermatologists may recommend topical retinoid creams containing an active ingredient called tretinoin. Not only does this help exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, but it also helps to reduce inflammation caused by keratosis pilaris. When applying topical retinoid creams, it is essential to follow your dermatologist’s instructions carefully to avoid potential side effects like skin irritation or dryness. Additionally, applying sunscreen when exposed to direct sunlight is recommended to prevent further damage.

Avoid harsh products:

To correctly manage chicken skin and avoid flare-ups, it is essential to steer clear of harsh soaps, perfumes, and irritating fabrics like wool. Harsh soaps can strip away vital oils that protect the skin and keep its natural pH balance intact. Fragrances are particularly troublesome because they often contain ingredients that cause redness and itching. Additionally, fabrics such as wool can be highly irritating when they come in contact with the skin. Sticking with softer or more cotton materials is best to ensure optimal comfort levels. Taking these small steps can significantly reduce symptoms of chicken skin and provide increased relief from uncomfortable conditions associated with this condition.

Use aloe vera gel:

Aloe vera is a popular remedy for treating various skin irritations, including chicken skin. It has anti-inflammatory and otherwise cooling properties which are deeply soothing for dry, sensitive skin. The gel derived from the aloe vera plant should be applied directly to affected areas of the skin and gently massaged in. This will work to reduce both redness and irritation that can often accompany chicken skin.

Using aloe vera regularly is an essential step towards effective and lasting management of this condition because it works as an antioxidant, protecting against oxidative stress, which can cause further damage to already sensitive skin. Allowing aloe vera gel to rest on the surface of the skin at least once per day can lead to reduced itchiness, improved texture, and fewer outbreaks over time.

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Drink plenty of water daily:

Proper hydration of the skin is essential to restoring its natural balance when dealing with chicken skin. While moisturizing creams and treatments can help improve dry, itchy, and bumpy patches associated with chicken skin, drinking plenty of water daily is integral for internal and external healthy skin. When your body receives a consistent supply of water it helps detoxify the skin, delivers oxygen to all cells allowing them to regenerate efficiently, and regulates the body’s temperature – all of which are key for healing chicken skin. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water every day to avoid further dehydration of the skin.

These are just a few ways that you can manage and treat chicken skin. With the right combination of treatments, it is possible to control this condition and prevent flare-ups!

Mar17

Pixi Beauty Peel & Polish Review

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Pixi Beauty Peel & Polish Review

Howdy everyone! This past week, my mom treated me to a couple of new products including a face mask and the Peel & Polish by Pixi Beauty. I absolutely loved the instanatural mask as per yesterday’s post and I was eager to try the Peel & Polish because I have never used any skin care products by Pixi before. Despite its not so pleasant scent, I would use it again! Let’s discuss:

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My first impression of the Peel & Polish was how it smelled because it was… interesting lol. It seriously smelled like vegetable broth and it was quite pungent. I have never used any product that had this aroma before and I can’t say that I was relishing the fact that I had to rub it on my face! Thankfully, the directions said that it only had to be left on for two minutes because I couldn’t imagine having it on for any longer than that.

I applied the Peel & Polish just before getting into the shower and I was interested in seeing the results because two minutes isn’t a very long time for it to sit. I was surprised by how well it worked after scrubbing it off because my skin looked noticeably brighter and it felt nice and smooth. This product was also so gentle, which made me even more impressed with it.

I could tell that it had made a difference when using it on Sunday morning because Saturday night is mine and Johnny’s game night. Saturday night is our standing date night in and we stay up late listening to music, playing board and video games, and talking until we’re practically falling asleep in the living room. Needless to say, my skin always looks dull and tired the following day!

I don’t know if I would go out of my way to order just the Peel & Polish from Pixi Beauty but if it were on promotion, I wouldn’t be opposed to it. According to the reviews on Pixi’s website, it is a product that its users can’t live without so maybe I’ll feel differently after finishing up the trial size bottle!

What is a beauty product you can’t live without? What is your favorite skin care brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar16

Face Mask Festivities: instanatural Exfoliating Glycolic Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: instanatural Exfoliating Glycolic Mask Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Face Mask Festivities! It has been a while since I tested out a new face mask so I was very excited when my mom gifted me one by instanatural. This past week, I tried out lots of new skin care compliments of my last Sephora haul and I wasn’t loving the way my skin looked after the fact. I think it was too many new products at one time and my face looked dull and clogged by the time the week was out.

Thankfully, the Exfoliating Glycolic Mask by instanatural did the trick and this is a mask that I would happily use again. Let’s get to it:

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Upon opening the new mask, my first impression was how happy I was that a little spoon was included to ladle out the product. I think this is such a nice touch and I love when companies do that! When I opened the jar, I could see why it came with a spoon because the mask was fairly thin and runny in texture. As a side note, it also smelled exactly like the gingerbread cake that my mom makes which was a nice bonus lol.

I used about three spoonfuls to cover my face and neck and let it sit for a little under fifteen minutes before washing off. I really enjoy using masks with exfoliating properties because it feels like getting a double treatment. I was eager to see the results when I got out of the shower and I was very impressed.

This instanatural mask not only scrubbed all of the yuck from the past week away but it left my skin looking so much brighter and radiant. It was such a huge difference from the way my skin looked prior to using it and it also felt soft and smooth to the touch. I am writing this post about an hour after using it and my skin still feels tingly, cool, and invigorated. It was like a mini spa treatment right in my apartment!

I’m excited to use the instanatural Exfoliating Glycolic Mask again and it is one that I would definitely recommend. This mask was gentle despite the intense exfoliation it provided and I am loving the results! 😀

What is your favorite face mask? How do you pamper yourself at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Jul28

Face Mask Festivities: GlamGlow BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: GlamGlow BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment Edition

Howdy and welcome to the last Face Mask Festivities post from my Sephora Haul! My online purchase provided me with fun new eyeshadow palettes to play with as well as lots of freebie products to try out too. Today, we are going to be discussing the BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment by GlamGlow which was free after spending twenty-five dollars. And, let’s be honest, that’s not hard to do at Sephora! Let’s get to it:

I have always been interested in GlamGlow products so I was very excited to have the opportunity to test the BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment out. It actually reminded me a lot of the Korres Pomegranate mask that was featured yesterday in terms of its texture and effectiveness. However, that mask was specifically for oily to combination skin and wouldn’t be something that I would use again.

What I liked about the GlamGlow treatment was that, even after twenty plus minutes of having it on, my skin didn’t feel tight like it did with the Korres mask – and that was only on for three minutes! The texture of the mask had a lot of grit to it so that was a pleasant surprise. To activate the Exfoliating Treatment, I applied it in circular motions as advised and did the same when washing it off. I was definitely eager to see the results because it was one of lengthiest amounts of time that I had a mask on.

My primary fear about the GlamGlow BrightMud mask was that it would leave my skin feeling really dry but that wasn’t the case at all. After removing it, my skin felt oh so clean and smooth and looked bright. This was very welcomed because I used it in a hotel room after a long drive to Indiana with my husband and mom and I was glad to see my skin didn’t look as tired as I felt!

Despite enjoying the BrightMud treatment, I can’t say that it would be one that I would purchase a full size tube of. When it comes to exfoliating, I am extremely partial to the St. Ives scrubs and just bought three different ones from TJMaxx. While it is so fun for me to test out new products, you just can’t beat the price of good ol’ St. Ives for the amount you get and how well they work. In fact, I think they are even better than the GlamGlow BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment. Sometimes you can get a lot more bang for way less buck with drugstore brands and this was the case for the GlamGlow treatment.

What is your favorite high end skin care brand? How about your favorite drugstore skin care brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul27

Face Mask Festivities: Korres Pomegranate Ahas & Enzymes Resurfacing Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Korres Pomegranate Ahas & Enzymes Resurfacing Mask Edition

Hello and welcome to another new edition of Face Mask Festivities compliments of my Sephora Haul! The best part of online shopping with Sephora is all of the freebies and promotions on the site and during my last haul, I received five items FO FREE. This never happens when shopping in store and I feel like I get so much more bang for my buck when I need to restock my beauty must haves.

Today, we are going to be discussing the Pomegranate Ahas & Enzymes Resurfacing Mask by Korres. This mask is made for people with oily or combination skin and, despite having normal to dry skin, I figured it couldn’t hurt to try! Now, let’s get to it:

My first impression of the Korres Resurfacing Mask was how good it smelled! I caught a strong strawberry scent and was reminded even more so of them by the crushed pomegranate seeds. This mask had a sandy texture, applied easily, and dried quickly so if you use it, you do not want to have it on more than the recommended time. I had the mask on for roughly three minutes before washing it off and that was plenty as my skin started feeling slightly tight.

Although I don’t have oily skin, I do sweat a lot in the summer because my apartment is so hot which is why I thought the Resurfacing Mask could still be beneficial. I was right on the money because my skin both looked and felt much better after using it. My skin had a nice glow to it thanks to the exfoliating pomegranate seeds and it didn’t look as shiny, either. Any tightness I felt also dissipated as soon as I put my serum and moisturizer on.

I wouldn’t be able to get away with using the Korres Pomegranate Ahas & Enzymes Resurfacing Mask regularly as it would really dry my skin out. However, I can definitely see how it would be great for people with oily or combination skin and recommend this mask if you have that skin type. It had a wonderful scent, worked quickly, and had instant results. It doesn’t get much better than that!

How would you describe your skin type? Which products benefit your skin the most? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Jul27

AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder Review

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AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder Review

Greetings! During my last Sephora haul, one of the two free samples I chose with my order was the AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder. Woo, that is a mouthful! I tested this product out a few days ago and I’m not sure how to feel about it. Of course, it’s always nice to try something new. But, just one tester sample isn’t exactly enough to give you a full idea of how the product works. We’ll get into that further in a sec but, first, take a look at some pics:

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My impression from reading the reviews for the peel on Sephora’s website is that it is viewed as a miracle product by its users. The reviews boasted of how well it exfoliates and that after using it, their skin was perfect. But, I have a hard time seeing how that was possible during my tester run with the powder to foam product.

After adding a few drops of water to the powder seen above, any attempt at “lathering” it onto my skin was in vain because it dried almost instantly. While some reviewers said that the peel tightened their pores, my skin was only left feeling dry and dehydrated. The name of this AmorePacific peel is all very confusing because the reviewers claim that it’s an exfoliater and not a peel. Meanwhile, I didn’t think it was much of anything!

If you have the option to sample this product with your online Sephora purchase, I wouldn’t recommend it. This exfoliater/peel/whatever it is is something that needs to be used several times before you can form an opinion on it and the amount that I was given really wasn’t enough to do anything for me. And, maybe this product is a holy grail one – but, I just wasn’t seeing it.

Has anyone used the AmorePacific peel before? What were your thoughts on it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun27

Shaving Secrets

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Shaving Secrets

Hi! During my late birthday outing to a winery with my BFF, she commented on how smooth my legs are. Through BFF telepathy, we both shaved the night before our hang out and my legs were definitely a lot smoother in comparison to hers. She asked for my secrets and also looked through my bathroom once we went to my apartment to see my shaving supplies, lol!

After bequeathing my knowledge onto her, I realized that this would make a great blog post. So, here I am to share my tips for the closest shave ever with you!

Use a men’s razor:

You have not experienced a close shave until you’re using a men’s razor. I swear by the razors by Gilette and refuse to use anything different. Men’s razors are designed to give as close of a shave humanly possible for their face as well as to move around gently on the contours. So, it just makes sense that it would work amazingly for the rest of the body, too!

I feel like women’s razors are made to just go in straight lines on the legs but the human body is not perfectly straight. There’s curves and bumps and muscles and a terrain on the body that doesn’t make it that simple. Men’s razors have a lot more movement to them to get all of those difficult areas effectively. Ditch your women’s razor and see an immediate difference just from that.

Take a soak:

I only will shave after I have had a nice soak in the tub. The warm water relaxes the skin and makes your hair stand up, which makes for an easier shaving experience. I enjoy a weekly bath every Friday night with a glass of wine and my music to help unwind after a long work week. There is just too much room for error if you shave in the shower and a bath time shave lets me know that I haven’t missed any spots. No one likes random hairy patches!

Use an exfoliater:

Instead of using a shaving cream, I treat my legs and any other areas of my body that I shave to an exfoliater. It helps loosen up the hair follicles, removes any dead or dry skin, and really helps prep your body for a shave. I used to love the more gel-like scrubs from The Body Shop but, after using a cream based one, I don’t plan on using anything different. Gels and shaving creams dry the skin out but a rich, creamy scrub moisturizes the skin as you go along and provides a much closer shave.

Lotion up:

And, finally, using lotion after you shave is a must. I will cover my whole body in lotion (I like Jergen’s!) after my bath, put on a long sleeved pajama top and bottoms, and then sleep in it for all night moisturizing. When I wake up, my skin is so silky smooth and I don’t feel any type of prickles growing back. And, on the subject of moisturizing – make sure you use a cream based body wash to avoid your skin from drying out, which doesn’t help the cause of smoothness, either.

With my shaving routine, I don’t see any type of noticeable hair growth on my body until at least day four. And, at that point, my bath night is close enough that I can handle a little prickle until then!

What are your shaving secrets? How do you stay smooth in between shaves? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Rebel Circus

Aug6

Quick & Easy Skin Care Tips

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Quick & Easy Skin Care Tips

Caring for your skin doesn’t need to be complicated. You simply need to adopt the best skincare routine, use the right beauty products, and avoid items that could cause an unwanted reaction that could damage your skin and dent your self-confidence. If you want to enjoy a clear, radiant complexion day after day, find out how to look after your skin easily with these tips:

Wash Your Face in the Morning and Evening:

If you want to have a clean and healthy glow every day, you must wash your face in the morning and once again in the evening. It should be the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning, and one of the last things you do before bed to keep yourself radiant.

Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type:

You also should pick a facial cleanser that is right for your skin type. For example, avoid products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid if you have either oily skin or acne. However, if you are living with dry skin, pick up a gentle, fragrance-free face cleanser for optimum results.

Turn Down the Heat in the Bath or Shower:

Hot water can damage your skin because it can strip away its natural oils, which can lead to dryness – so turn down the heat in the bath or shower. Try to only use warm water in a bath, and you would also be wise to limit your bathing time to just twenty minutes.

Try to avoid using fragranced soaps, as well, as they can be harsh on your skin. Once your bath or shower time is over, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing, and leave a little water on your skin so that it can soak up the excess moisture.

Buy Nickel-Free Jewelry to Avoid Irritation:

If you want to avoid an unwanted skin reaction, you should only buy hypoallergenic jewelry. Unfortunately, people living with a nickel allergy can struggle to find the right necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for their skin. Don’t make the mistake of triggering a flare up and turn to Blomdahl USA for fashionable, nickel free jewelry to complement your personal style.

Limit Exfoliation to Only Twice Per Week:

Many people make the mistake of believing that the key to healthy, clean skin is to exfoliate every day. But, this can be a huge problem, as it can seriously dry out your skin. If you want to scrub away dead skin cells to enjoy softer skin, you should limit exfoliation to twice per week.

Give a New Product Time to Work:

Unless a beauty product has resulted in an adverse skin reaction, such as a rash or redness, you should give it time to work. It can take time for you to feel the benefits of a fragrance-free moisturizer or cleanser, so have a little patience before you start seeing the desired results. If you use the product multiple times and experience little or no change, you should then look for a different option for your skin.

Skin care doesn’t have to be difficult and, with the steps above, you will be well on your way to a beautiful complexion in no time.

Jul12

Face Mask Festivities: Freeman’s Charcoal + Black Sugar Gel Mask & Scrub Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Freeman’s Charcoal + Black Sugar Gel Mask & Scrub Edition

Hello darlings and welcome to a riveting new edition of Face Mask Festivities! Today, we are going to be discussing another Freeman mask, which consisted of charcoal and black sugar. We all know that I love all charcoal everything, so this gel mask was an obvious hit for me! Take a look and let’s get to it:

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^^^ Peep that freshly dyed hair! 😀

In my humble opinion, charcoal products have been the most major game changer since Vitamin C skin care. It detoxifies, it cleanses, and it leaves the skin simply glowing after all of the gunk that’s been clogging your pores has been rinsed away. And, of course, this Freeman mask did all of that, which left for a really satisfying face mask experience.

The best part about this mask is the texture, because it isn’t your standard clay mask. This Freeman gel mask is a sugar scrub, too, so you got to exfoliate your skin while you were washing it off. And, speaking of texture, this mask literally never over dries. I had my mask on for the entire forty minutes that my hair dye was setting and it stayed the same consistency as when I first applied it until I washed it off. So amazing!

After giving my face a good scrub when rinsing my mask off, my skin felt so good. This Freeman mask gave my face such a deep clean and it was nothing short of invigorating. My pores feel like they can breathe, my blackheads are gone, and I would happily use this mask again.

Who else is a charcoal product fan? How do you keep pesky blackheads at bay? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah