What: MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator and Thermal Mask
Price/ Volume: $19.50 each/ 100 ml
Why: I suck at so-called natural products and nothing screams earth more than ashes from volcanos. And the fact that they are black tickles me even more.
VOLCANIC ASH EXFOLIATOR
Claim: A highly effective, dual-purpose foaming, cleansing and exfoliating scrub blending natural Volcanic Ash with fine sugar crystals. Refines and unclogs the skin, adds instant moisture: leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably clean. Mineral-rich. May be used effectively on any part of face or body. Rinses off with warm water.
Review: Some scrubs are either too soft that it doesn’t scrub enough or too hard that it feels like sandpaper. This one is perfect in terms of texture but you need to work on a damp face. Too wet and the sugar crystals will dissolve too quickly.Unless you’re OK with scrubbing off your sink, I would recommend youuse this in the shower. I don’t find it staining or anything, but I do mind additional work i.e. wiping the blackish wetness off my sink.Other than that, I love the instant result, which is softer and clearer skin, and I am ready for the next step:
VOLCANIC ASH THERMAL MASK
Claim: Formulated with Volcanic Ash and natural oils, this ash-black facial mask simultaneously deep-cleanses and treats the skin. When water is added, the mask heats up and the oils instantly lubricate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and clean. Helps keep skin moist, clean, soft, and evenly-textured. Limited edition.
Review: Hot is cool. The mask heats up upon contact with damp face and I find it very relaxing. It is a deep-cleansing mask so I make sure I cover every part of my face (including those pesky nose folds), leaving out the eye and lip area. Clay has been used for centuries to cleanse and condition the skin and this one does the same. Wait until it dries up and wipe it off with wet cloth. Your skin will thank you.
So I was $40 poorer but my skin is happier. The fact that these products are made of volcanic ash makes me think of MbahMaridjan! What would he say if I gave these products to him? “Lha, kok repot-repot tho, Mbaaakk… Wong nangkeneakeh, jhee..Orasahtuku!” 😀
