My skin has gone through the wringer when it comes to dealing with acne and breakouts. It's something I've dealt with since I was a preteen, and I still deal with it in my late 20s. But now, it's different — my skin gets congested with tiny pimples and the occasional hormonal zit. I realised those tiny bumps and pimples happened because my skin felt irritated, probably from overdoing it with potent skin-care products. My skin becomes imbalanced and inflamed, and as a result, it breaks out into bumps and blemishes [1].
I have noticed that my skin has become a lot more sensitive and reactive since my teen years. I needed something to help calm down my skin yet manage my congestion and breakouts [2] simultaneously. When I heard about Blume's new Superpower Clay Mask [3], I was very intrigued to try it out. Traditional clay masks tend to dry out the skin for a soft, even texture, which is aimed at those with oily skin. However, my skin type is on the normal to dry side, and it gets drier during the colder months. Blume's Superpower Clay Mask is suitable for all skin types. It incorporates the best of both worlds, including hydrating, nourishing ingredients and three types of clay that aim to calm the skin while clarifying it.
After one use, I noticed a difference in my reactive skin. Areas of irritation were less inflamed, and the redness disappeared. My skin looked and felt less congested as well without making it feel stripped, dehydrated, or super tight. This mask helped me manage my skin when it acted up. Keep reading for my in-depth review.
What Is It?
The Blume Superpower Clay Mask [5] ($34) has a fantastic combination of nourishing ingredients and clarifying ingredients, including licorice extract, vitamin E, aloe vera juice, niacinamide, montmorillonite clay, bentonite clay, kaolin clay, and glycerin. It has a very faint, fresh scent, like eucalyptus, and it's not overbearing.
How I Used It
After thoroughly washing my face with a gentle cleanser, I applied a thin yet opaque layer of the Blume Superpower Clay Mask [6] ($34) all over my face but avoided the undereye area. I turned on my timer for 10 minutes and proceeded to clean my room, drink some tea, and watch the latest season of Selena and the Chef — multitasking at its best. The mask has a slight tingling feeling right when you apply it but fades away and settles into a more refreshing and cooling sensation that's relaxing. As the minutes went by, I felt the mask tightening up and drying down. Like a traditional clay-based mask, as it dried down, it got harder to move my face. The mask went from an opaque yet shiny pale pink to matte dusty-rose pink.
After-Mask Results
Once the timer went off, I rinsed off the Blume Superpower Clay Mask [7] ($34) with warm water using circular motions. Once I patted my skin dry, it felt refreshed and normal, not overly dried out but not intensely moisturised either. My skin looked brighter and revitalized. Any areas of inflammation and redness, including breakouts, shrunk down or diminished to a calmer, softer state. My complexion looked less congested as well!
How I Incorporate It Into My Skin-Care Routine
I followed up with a hydrating serum and a lightweight but nourishing moisturiser to lock in hydration, prevent irritation, and keep my skin calm and balanced.
I use the Blume Superpower Clay Mask [8] ($34) whenever I have irritated breakouts or congested skin that needs clarifying. It gives my skin a clean slate so the rest of my skin-care routine can nourish and treat away. If you have acne-prone skin or any active breakouts, it's gentle enough to use twice a week. You can also follow up with Blume's Meltdown Acne Oil [9] ($28) for pesky breakouts; it's an editor favourite [10] as well!
Who Can Use It
Although it's a clay-based mask, the Blume Superpower Clay Mask [11] ($34) is good for all skin types, including sensitive or those who have dry skin or get drier in the wintertime. The mask doesn't make your skin feel stripped or overly tightened. It manages to calm down inflamed areas, make your skin feel clean and refreshed, and look glowy and smoother. This is a mask that's perfect for anyone who deals with breakouts and acne, whether it's an occasional pimple, irritated congestion, or a hormonal situation.