We are introducing you to our favorite at home face mask that is very inexpensive and effective! There's been an influx of new clay masks on beauty shelves lately.  They all talk about the benefits of clay and its ability to pull out impurities while infusing the skin with natural nourishing minerals. However, not all clay masks were created equally.  Many of them (especially ones marketed by bigger companies) are packed with other un-natural chemicals and ingredients needed to keep it on shelves longer.  We are firm believers that some beauty routines, like face masks, are best done at home using raw natural ingredients you can probably ingest without dying (like Honey and Avocado).  In this case we are focusing on a clay that is a natural powder with no added chemicals. Clay is one of the best masks to pull out impurities from deep in the pores, so think of it as a detox facial. Note: It may cause breakouts to occur that have been hiding under the skin, but that's a good thing long term!  

Mask Directions

Mix about 1/4 cup of clay powder with 2 tbsp of Braggs Apple cider vinegar or water to make a clay mud like texture.  Make sure you mix it in a non medal bowl with a plastic spoon (metal interacts with the active ingredients).  Sometimes the ratio is different so play with it until the texture is right. If your skin is very sensitive and not used to the vinegar, try using part water and part vinegar.  Apple cider vinegar has numerous benefits for skin and beauty.  It will brighten, purify, and remove dead skin cells.  For more uses check out this article by women's health magazine.   Add more liquid until you get a consistency that can be applied to your face without dripping off.  Let it dry for 10-15 mins (up to 30) before washing it off with warm water and wiping your face dry with a clean cloth.  As the clay dries and tightens around your pores it will feel itchy and cause a tingling sensation.  After the mask, your face will probably be slightly red for the next 15-20 minutes but don't worry that's normal!  We suggest adding this mask to your weekly routine (1-2 times a week).  

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

This clay is 100% natural calcium bentonite clay and it's the best one for deep cleansing facials. It has no additives and it has been used as a deep pore cleansing ingredient for thousands of years. The key word here is bentonite.  It's known as a 'healing clay'.  Formed from volcanic ash, it has a strong negative electromagnetic charge, and when activated by water, it acts like a magnet in and on our bodies, pulling metals and toxins to it.  Known as a detoxification hero, some people even ingest it in order to detoxify and defend against illness. You can get a big jar of it on amazon and it even suggest the Apple cider vinegar as an additional purchase when you add it to your basket.  A lot of people are starting to find out about this 'secret clay'.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Michelle Phan talks about it on a skin care vlog! A must watch below.  

This clay mixed with the apple cider vinegar has become one of our weekly face masks and we've definitely noticed a reduction in little bumps and impurities!  We hope you find this article helpful and give it a try! Let us know how it worked for you and if you would suggest it to a friend!