Kakadu C Amethyst Clay Detox Mask by DERMAdoctor

Disclaimer: I received a sample as a GWP.

I've received and used about 3 of these DERMAdoctor Kakadu C Amethyst Clay Detox Mask samples from Ulta whenever they offer their GWP sample bags, so I think it's about time to give my impressions. First, let's discuss the benefits of magnesium for your skin, since this purple mask has it high on the list of ingredients.  Namely, it is supposed to have a calming effect, which is good for those with acne or rosacea.  It's also necessary for the enyzmes that regulate DNA replication and repair. Actually, there is quite the list of health and beauty benefits when it comes to magnesium, if you would like to delve more into that subject. I've taken magnesium supplements in the past, and this is reminding me I should probably restock.

"Magnesium rich amethyst clay absorbs impurities and detoxifies without removing natural oils. Provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation and helps leave skin feeling smoother, brighter, and softer. Enriched with stabilized vitamin C, Kakadu plum, Tasmanian pepper berry, lilly pilly and Muntari berry." (Source: Ulta)

I'm also a big fan of vitamin C in skincare, and this mask features a stabilized version from Kakadu plums that is supposed to be 55 times more potent than the vitamin C found in Florida oranges. Plus, I really like the purple color. My 3 uses is not really enough to tell any long term benefits and at $58 for a 1.7 ounce jar, this is a pricey mask. A group of twenty people who did use it 3x/week indicated a variety of skin improvements, including improved skin tone, clarity, brightness, and texture.  Bottom line, I like it and it's got a 5 star rating (38 reviews) on Ulta.  I may have to invest in a jar with my next Ulta 20% off coupon for prestige brands.

Moroccan Lava & Rose Hips Thyme-to-Go Facial Masque by Shea Terra Organics

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

Blemishes.  I get 'em, still.  So, a masque with ingredients designed for blemish relief is going to appeal to me.  Shea Terra's Moroccan Lava & Rose Hips Thyme-to-Go contains Moroccan lava, vitamin-C rich rose hips, bacteria fighting thyme, honey and aloe vera, all in a powder formula.

All you do is mix with hot water to form a paste for blemishes or a mask for your entire face.  The first time I used this I did a thick mask, and when it dried, I was like "wow".  I've never had anything get that tight on my skin - it was a bit uncomfortable.  So now I use more water for a thinner mixture.  I can see where a thicker paste on individual blemishes would be perfect, though, as it really feels like it is vacuuming out your skin.

The 100% natural ingredients do have an earthy, herbal scent.  It's not unpleasant to me, more reminiscent of opening a chest where dried spices are kept.  You can see bits of the thyme as it dries on your skin, and I use a wet washcloth to loosen the mask and help brush the dried bits off as I'm rinsing.  I can tell my pores are smaller immediately after use, and my skin feels smooth.  I would call this an active mask and my skin was slightly red afterwards, so if you have sensitive skin, you might want to do a patch test first.

The amount I mixed in these pictures is about 1.5 teaspoons of the powder, which was too much and enough for probably 3-4 uses.  I refrigerated the remaining  to do daily masques and spot treatments.  I'm guessing a batch like this will be good for about a week before it goes bad.

I've really liked the Shea Terra products I've tried and this was no exception.  The Thyme-to-Go masque is $28, but it should last a very long time, both in terms of use and shelf life.  I purchased mine as part of a set available exclusively through Birchbox for $50, which significantly reduced the price.

Million Year Revitalizing Mud Mask by 7th Heaven

I received the Million Year Rivalizaing Mud Mask by 7th Heaven in my January Eco Emi box, and was taken with the colorful and informative packaging. This particular mask uses Rhassoul clay, which originates from within the Atlas Mountains in the northeastern region of Morocco.  Supposedly, Rhassoul clay is unmatched in it's ability to absorb impurities from the skin while imparting beneficial minerals. 

Other key ingredients are organic aloe vera leaf juice, honey, shea butter, juniper, elderflower, ginseng, and clove.  The mask is a pale blue in color and has a rather herbal/astringent scent. 

I was able to get two uses out of the packet and left the mask on for the recommended 20 minutes.  After rinsing, my skin felt clean and I do think after the first use it did draw the blackheads of my nose closer to the surface, making it easier to extract them.  I'm got oily, congested skin, so anything that can help in that area is welcome.  I did not find this mask to be particularly hydrating and my skin did not feel any softer afterwards, despite the honey and shea butter in the ingredient list. 

Overall, it performed like most clay masks I've tried in the past.  The packets are $2.99 each and there are six different varieties available, including the Clean Up Mud, Detox Mud, and White Thai Mud.  Free shipping is available for orders over $20 at 7th Heaven, which is not bad.  I like that they come in smaller packets and that a variety are available, as it makes it easy to try them all if so inclined!

Disclaimer:  I received this in my Eco Emi box, which I purchased.