(note: I’m not receiving any form of compensation for my thoughts on this product.)
“This jet-black, mineral-rich mask creates a unique peel-off effect that delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening results.”
Okay. Sure. I love a good face mask; I was intrigued by its peel-off nature and noted some quality ingredients like witch hazel and natural clay. Let’s see what this puppy can do.
Instructions
“Apply a thick, opaque, even layer to clean skin. Avoid eye area, eyebrows, hairline, and lips. Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes or until completely dry.”
What That Actually Means
Pack it on until you look like a face painting project that’s verged into deeply insensitive racial territory. When they say ‘Black Mask,’ they don’t mean charcoal grey, they mean BLACK. As a white woman who tries to be aware and cognizant of my privilege at all times, seeing my face in the mirror while wearing this made me uncomfortable, so there’s no photos of the finished application.
Since this is a peel-off mask, once your allotted 30 minutes are over you just peel it right off in strips that look like goth seaweed. Boscia recommends starting at the outer corners of your face, but I like to make silly expressions until the dry mask loosens up around my nose and mouth, and going from there.
PROS
- Noticeably smaller pores.
- Refreshed skin that feels very clean without being stripped of its moisture. None of that tight, dry, “when did my face become the Sahara?!” feeling.
- No artificial fragrances or dyes.
CONS
- Gloppy to apply. One reviewer on Sephora described it as “liquid asphalt,” and that’s pretty bang-on in my opinion. The texture and how to distribute it across the skin do take some getting used to.
- It smells a little strange. Not bad, per se, a bit sour but not offensive or intolerable. Personally I prefer this to anything artificial, but it could be an issue for some.
- The bits you can’t peel off do need to be washed and don’t come off as easily as other face masks.
BOTTOM LINE: Will repurchase. Still a big fan after several uses.
Meredith Foster 