OK, so, I have a bit of a confession to make: as much as I love skin care and beauty, face masks have never really been ‘my thing’. I’ve tried a few that I really like, but I never used them often – just here & there when I had a particular skin concern to address or when I felt like I needed some pampering. But while I was shopping at the French Pharmacy in Paris the Caudalíe Purifying Mask was forced (quite literally, actually) into my basket as the sales assistant said: “This one is good for you. Use it weekly and goodbye spots.” Now, who am I to argue with that?

According to the Caudalíe website, the Purifying Mask is designed to absorb excess sebum for shine-free skin that feels clean with a clearer complexion.

I’ve been applying it weekly (though aiming for twice a week!) since I bought it, and I have noticed a difference. Particularly, my skin feels more balanced throughout the day and the redness associated with breakouts seems to be calmer. Which does, in fact, offer the appearance of a clearer complexion because (as far as I’m concerned) redness is half the battle. (And there’s only so much concealer I actually want to put on spots.)

I like to use this on Saturday afternoons post-Jivamukti practice lead by Amy (if you live in London and fancy a magically relaxing yoga practice, Amy brings a beautiful energy). When I come home I double cleanse (pre cleanse to remove any of the sweat from practicing, and then a milk cleanse to make sure my skin is clean), apply the mask and relax for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with water, toning, a quick hydrating spritz, applying an eye cream, then serum and finally moisturiser. Then the plan is to veg out and continue with a calming day (good for body, mind and skin!) until going out in the evening.

Sometimes I use this mask before work if I’ve been experiencing a stressful week or have been struggling with sleep so that my skin can enjoy a bit of love and (hopefully!) look a bit better.

Are you a face mask fan? What are your favourites? Do you have a special routine, too? 

What’s in it?
INGREDIENTS : AQUA (WATER), KAOLIN, GLYCERIN*, OLUS OIL (VEGETABLE OIL)*, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL*, PROPYLENE GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE*, NEOPENTYL GLYCOL DIETHYLHEXANOATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE*, CETEARYL ALCOHOL*, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE*, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE*, CETYL ALCOHOL*, BENTONITE, CETETH-20 PHOSPHATE, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), BENZYL ALCOHOL, DICETYL PHOSPHATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE*, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA (BERGAMOT) FRUIT OIL*, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL*, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) OIL*, LINUM USITATISSIMUM (LINSEED) SEED EXTRACT*, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX*, CUPRESSUS SEMPERVIRENS OIL*, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SALVIA SCLAREA (CLARY) OIL*, COMMIPHORA MYRRHA OIL*, SANTALUM ALBUM (SANDALWOOD) OIL*, SODIUM PHYTATE*, ZINC PCA, ANTHEMIS NOBILIS FLOWER OIL*, LIMONENE*, LINALOOL*. (074/051)*Plant origin