500 Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

Firstly, I like this product! I have used it only three times so far. If you are into your face masks you should know that charcoal is one of the best. It is generally a powerful one so please be careful if you have sensitive skin. I got this one in a set at Christmas, which you might have read before. You can buy the full-sized product, but this size is a Christmas option only.

I would recommend this product to anyone who has a problem with the skin. You can use it on all skin types, but it is particularly beneficial for problematic skin. It works well to clarify and dig out the dirt.

I am intrigued by the packaging. It is almost a distressed look which is in trend, particularly with teenagers, a great way to draw in the younger generation into skin care. For many, looking after your skin is not something on your mind or something teens can afford. Having packaging that stands out and follows the current trends is a great tactic Origins, well done. I also like that the distressed scratches are clear, so you can see how much product you have left. There is something about not knowing how much that’s left that is just irritating. I hate going to use a product and there is not enough because you can’t tell what’s in the pot.

When buying the full product, you get a 100ml product for £26.50 which is a lot of money for a face mask, but it is 100% worth I think about how many uses you will get out of it and how much you pay for the one-use packets. You don’t need to use an expensive face mask every day or every time, you can mix it up, so you will have the product for a long time. I would use this one every 2-3 weeks depending on my skin, if it is having a bad time then break this puppy out but if you are having a good skin day maybe use a gentle gel mask instead of a charcoal or clay mask.

Another feature I liked about this product is that the instructions on how to use it are simple and clear. You don’t have to read everything to find them on the back of the product, you’re not left searching for the words, or trying to hold it at different angles trying to read what the tiny squiggles say, you don’t have to squint of pull it close to you. You can flip the product over and read the straightway the best conditions to use this product. I like to call these hassle-free products.

Clay and charcoal are my favourite kinds of masks; they are like industrial products of skin care. I would say they are the best product of their kind for getting results that I have tried. I have never used a charcoal or clay mask and have been unhappy or dissatisfied with the results. You have ones that are better than the others, but even with the cheaper ones you can see and feel the results.

My only criticism is the tubes, they can be a pain to get it out, particularly when you are at the end of the product, but it is the most hygienic way to use a product, you’re not putting your hands in and letting the dust settle in it. The tubes are annoying but not the end of the world, I mean if you are that fussed take the lid off and get the last bit.

Upon application it feels cooling and refreshing, the best kind of mask, I think. Anything that feels cool on your skin after a long day at work feels amazing, to me at least. This type of mask is designed to draw out all the dirt and oil trapped behind those pores. Your skin looks at feels super fresh and clean when you remove the product, and I can confirm this product does not disappoint. I have oily skin, which results in it being a bit inflamed and feeling blocked and yucky. I will never get fed up with the way my skin feels after using this product.

I always dread taking clay or charcoal masks because they are such solid masks you think it would take a few minutes to break down and wipe off and it feels like you are dragging your skin around trying to get it off, but I can honestly say all you need is warm water, you can use a flannel if you want, but hands are fine. As soon as you apply the warm water it goes back to being a creamy texture and washes straight off.

I would 100% repurchase I plan if to and I would recommend this to everyone (BE CAREFUL IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN). A little tip for those of you with a tight budget, wait for the after-Christmas sales and you will find all the neat little products in sets on sale. This allows you to try the product and decide if you want to splash out on the full size.

This next section could be a bit of TMI (too much information), if you are squeamish, please finish reading now and keep your eyes peeled for the next post.

If you are not squeamish, please continue to read.

If you are a friend of the problematic skin community, you know skin care is the bane of your life. Use one wrong product you are paying for it for anything to weeks at a time. There is such a thin line between covering your problematic skin and loading it up so much you are just making it worse. You will also know, that with masks such as this one where it sets and then you remove it, you can sometimes cause bleeding from any blemishes that have opened or been damaged.

I can confirm I have not had this issue. As soon as you apply the warm water you get the creamy texture you began with. This shows that the product is powerful but not harsh on the skin.