Review: Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

As a newcomer to masks, previously being one of those people who just didn’t have the patience to sit around and wait whilst they worked their magic, I thought if there was anywhere good to start it would be with Liz Earle. I am a fan of many of her other products and I find them very reasonably priced with no false promises or hopes, just very good skincare, so I purchased this a few months ago in the hope that it would go someway to taming my often hormonal, troublesome skin.

Liz Earle says that this mask is targeted at those with oily, combination or problem-prone skin which pretty much describes me.  I get a very oily t-zone with dry cheeks, and by lunchtime I usually have to blot or apply some powder on my nose and forehead to keep the oilies at bay!

I bought the 75ml starter kit which comes in a cute bag like many other Liz Earle products and with 2 small sponges. One thing I love with Liz Earle is that they allow you to buy small travel-sized or sample sets of their products to see if they work for you rather than shell out on the larger product.This is also available in a 15ml tube which is great if you are anything like me and have tonnes of unused products that you have bought only to be quickly disappointed by when you find they do not provide a miracle cure for your skin issues. 

The directions for use say to cleanse first and then apply a generous layer of the product over your face and neck for 5-10 minutes.  I usually applied this just before I stepped into the bath, leaving it on for 15 minutes in some cases.  It did dry but not in a hardening way that so many face masks do where if you smile when it is dry, the mask cracks!  Whilst waiting for the mask to dry, I fill the sink with hot water and leave the 2 sponges provided in the water to warm up.  You then use the sponges to gently swipe away all the product and although the sponges look rough, they feel just right, providing a gentle exfoliation at the same time as effectively removing the mask. 

After using this, my skin feels clear, refreshed and much softer, although I do occasionally have the odd spot pop up after using this but it tends to be just if my skin has been congested and I have been neglecting it.  I feel that this is just the clay doing its work and removing all the impurities as it cleanses the skin and draws out all the oiliness. 

I have to mention the smell of this product, as some people may find it rather off-putting – I can detect honey and geranium but it does still have a significant ‘Liz Earle’ smell which is on the more botanical end of the spectrum.  I do like this though and find it soothing but I thought I should mention it for those of you with more sensitive noses.

Verdict

Although I haven’t had much experience with masks, I do like this as it does seem to control some of my t-zone oiliness for a day or so after use and it definitely leaves my skin feeling softer.  There is no tingling when using it which is good, as some previous masks I have used have left my occasionally sensitive skin feeling rather sore when using them, but this is very comfortable to use.  I’ve had this since July and have been using it once or twice a week fairly liberally and I am only just getting to the end of the tube.  If you are a Liz Earle fan with problematic skin and haven’t yet tried this it is certainly worth a shot, especially if you try the sample pack for £5.

4/5

Price – £13.25 for the starter kit or £5 for the 15ml tube, both which include 2 sponges.

Where to buy – Liz Earle, John Lewis  (if you buy directly from the Liz Earle Website you can request some samples of other products you would like to try free of charge when you make your order which is a good way of trying other products that you may be interested in).