I purchased the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask when my skin was incredibly acne prone. I had constant break outs and my blemishes were sticking around for over a week. The mask I had been using was the Trilogy Mineral Radiance mask, but I was hoping for something a little more potent.
The Origins Clear Improvement Mask is a black, smooth formula that spreads easily over the face. It does apply in a reasonably thick layer, and a little does NOT go a long way, so it is likely that you will go through the tube reasonably quickly. Once applied, the mask is slightly cooling and you can feel it working, but on my skin it does not sting, burn or feel overly powerful. Within 10-15 minutes it dries completely, feeling tight and noticeable, but not uncomfortable. Looking closely, you can see any areas where oil and gunk have been pulled out. The mask can then be rinsed off with warm water - I need a face cloth to get it off.
Stop reading now if you don't want an in depth discussion of pimples. After washing of the mask, active blemishes (even ones that are bumps rather than whiteheads) are often open and oozing. It's gross, but it does give you the opportunity to use a tissue and uh, extract the gunk, leaving blemishes much smaller. This speeds up the process. If you are doing this, I would recommend cleansing your face with an antibacterial cleanser to prevent the spreading of bacteria. My skin also feels tighter after use.
If you are familiar with Glamglow, the Origins Clear Improvement mask is a great dupe. It is powerful and works by drawing out impurities to the point where puss and oil are literally pulled out of the skin. It speeds up the process of a blemish, however they often get worse for a day than they would without. This would be very effective as a spot treatment, particularly if you had a single blemish and an event in a few days time. I personally don't like this process/treatment as I find that it increases the scarring left behind. My face is very fair, and scarring is my main concern, so a product that increases scarring is not one that I want to keep using. I have returned to the Trilogy mask, as it is effective, more comfortable and hydrating.
I brought this as the hype around Origins is so good and as a Glamglow fan I was intrigued by the claims of it being a dupe for their supermud pack.
Packaging wise it comes in a semi opaque, squeezable plastic tub which stands up on it's lid to keep the thick gloopy liquid at the right spot for when you need it.
Formula, this comes out of the tube in a slightly wet, dark grey shade that feels cold, even if kept in a warm room this retains that cooling effect from its blend of oils within it. Applied as directed, in an even layer after warming and wetting your skin with a damp towel, this opens the pores up to allow the charcoal to seep in and purge them deeply of all the gunky build up. Leaving to settle on your face for 10-15 minutes until set, this mask turns to a black colour as it hardens, and then rinses off easily even if left on longer than recommended.
After the first use I was hooked, my nose is bad for large, visible pores that make it look like a strawberry minus the redness (luckily!) But after rinsing this mask off the appearance of them was reduced and also I noticed that my oily t-zone area was matte, no shine whatsoever. The mask had acted like a giant sponge and sucked out all the clogged up matter and excess oil along with it.
I now use this mask 3 times a week and have seen a huge difference is my skin's brightness, clarity and pore appearance. Not a huge sufferer from outbreak of spots but they do happen occasionally, none to report since using this mask.