Aztec Secret Clay Mask

I love a good facial - so much that I see my aesthetician at least four times a year - once a season.  But, for the times in between I apply a facial mask once a week at home.

Typically, I use products such as 100% Purity Facial Cleanser + Mask or 100% Pure Caffeine Mask (this is really cool!).  But, recently a 100% natural product by the name of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing crossed my path.

There is quite the cult following for this little known wonder treatment and after reading several enthusiastic testimonials, I had to give this stuff a go!

Here's what I thought:

First off, you can't beat the price!  I was able to pick up a 1lb. container for $10 on Amazon.  The jar indicates that you can get 10-15 facials per container.  Sooooooooooooooo much cheaper than any organic, vegan facial mask that I have bought in the past.

Which brings me to the second thing I love about this clay - it's just clay.  Seriously, one ingredient: 100% natural calcium bentonite clay.  Which means, no additives, no fragrances and no animal products.  Bonus (and non-negotiable) it's not tested on animals! :)

The third thing I love is that while this clay is pulling gunk and impurities from your pores and skin, it's infusing the skin with over 50 naturally occurring minerals.  I'm a sucker for a multitasker.

Fourth, I love that you can actually feel this stuff working.  Aside from the drying, the clay causes your skin to pulsate.  Now for me, this didn't happen the first time and I was pretty disheartened.  But, others reported the same thing and just like them, the second time I applied this mask I experienced the weird/cool pulsating sensation.

Fifth, the clay helps with pimples, black heads and skin tightening.  It also helps with bug bites.  Some have reported a lightening of sunspots.

Sixth, Cleopatra used clay from the Nile River as part of our beauty ritual - I adore her!  Yes, I do picture Cleo as Miss Taylor - blame Hollywood.

Seventh, the clay comes from Death Valley, California - that just sounds badass.

I did experience mild redness and some skin sensitivity after removing the mask.  But, just as the jar stated, this resolved within 30 minutes.  So basically, don't apply this mask and then take off for a hot date afterwards - plan accordingly.


I know you're dying to try this stuff out, so here's some info to know:

1. The clay is in powder form, so you need to mix it with equal parts water or apple cider vinegar to create a paste
2. It's highly recommended that you opt for the vinegar - my go-to is
   Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar 
3. I found that 1 tbsp. of clay to 1 tbsp. of liquid was more than sufficient for one face
4. When mixing you need to use a non-metal bowl, measuring spoon and spoon - this clay does not like metal!
5. Add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to amp up the acne relief factor (100% optional)
6. You can apply the mask using your fingers, but I prefer to use an old make-up brush to get a nice even layer
7. You want to layer the mask so that you can no longer see your skin poking through
8. Avoid the under eye area - when this stuff starts to dry you don't want to pull on that delicate skin
9. Let the mask dry for 5 minutes if you have sensitive skin or 10-45 minutes for normal skin
10. Try not to move your face while the mask dries
11. DO NOT WASH DOWN THE DRAIN - the cult said this stuff is clogging drains all over town - I ended up removing with wet paper towels; a little time consuming, but better than calling the plumber 
12. This is a very drying mask, be sure to follow-up with a good moisturizer, I like Dr. Bronner's Coconut Oil 
13. If you are prone to acne, you will likely breakout with the first couple uses, this will pass and yield gorgeous skin thereafter

 
Check it out!