You'll have seen the adverts all over your Instagram and Facebook feeds. The magical, influencer-backed Pink Clay masks, hailed as a 'miracle' by bloggers, YouTubers and Feefo reviewers alike. Infused with Australian Pink Clay, a new cult ingredient which draws out toxins and impurities, the masks boast promises of sorting out large pores, banishing acne scarring and making your skin glooowwwww.
So, what's the catch? Well, the price tag isn't exactly purse-friendly. And with prices averaging between £30-40 for a jar, I must admit that when I first looked it up I had to close the browser with my eyes watering.
After watching the ads coming up on my social media for months on end and a lot of deliberating, I decided that I just had to get my hands on one. Partly because large pores has been a recent skincare struggle for me which I really wanted to sort, acne scars have been issue for a long time, and partly because I just was so intrigued by whether or not the claims on the ads were true!
I did a lot of research into which brand of Pink Clay to go for. In the end I got it down to the two main ones, Sand&Sky or Alya Skin. I went for Alya Skin in the end, based on the fact that it was a good tenner cheaper for more product, and the skincare sets were better value for money.
I know there are a fair few dupes out there which are much cheaper, but I decided to go for high-end based on the fact that I wanted to see if the social media claims are true! Let me know in the comments if you've ever used a dupe and what you thought!
Giddy wasn't even the word when the parcel arrived! I picked up the Complete Set which contains the mask, a micellar cleanser, an exfoliating scrub and a moisturiser. I haven't tried them all yet though so I'll only be reviewing the mask for now.
I've been using the mask once a week for the last two months or so. I've seen in other reviews that people have used it up to twice a week but I started with once, mostly because I didn't want to use it up too quickly!
The first thing to say is that the Alya Skin mask is really lovely to use. It smells gorgeous, spa-like with just a hint of floral. It's a really lovely texture too, it's quite creamy but smooths onto the skin really nicely and definitely has a luxurious feel to it.
You use it like any other mask, apply to dry skin (I've been applying with a brush because there's no way I'm wasting even a tiny little bit!), leave to dry for around 10-15 minutes, and rinse off with a face cloth.
Okay, let's get down to the crunch; the results.
Let's start with the positives. My skin definitely looked more glow-y after using the mask. It felt softer, and as if all of the crap had been brought out of my skin without feeling too harsh like other clay or charcoal masks do.
The biggest improvement I've noticed as a result of using Alya skin is my skin texture. I've mentioned before that large pores and uneven skin texture is something that I've only really experienced in the last six months or so, and I've not really been sure on how to deal with it. But as soon as I rinse off the Alya Skin mask, my pores look tighter and my skin looks so much more even. I'll be honest, I've been pretty down about my skin in the last few months but using this mask has helped to bring my confidence back!
BUT, I didn't see any difference in my acne scarring, especially not the larger scars. I would have been very surprised if it lived up to the claims of getting rid of acne scars completely but there wasn't really any change at all.
So, do I think it's worth the money?
If you have the money to spend, fancy a splurge and suffer with large pores - yes. As someone who has tried all sorts of things for uneven skin texture, I would say this is the biggest difference that I've seen as a result of changing one thing in my skincare routine. And for me, paying £30 to get some confidence back when I've felt self-conscious about my large pores is definitely worth it.
If your main concern is acne scarring, honestly, try something else. Based on the fact that I saw no difference at all, it definitely isn't worth the bold claims around banishing scars that you see in the social media ads.
With that being said, I would definitely repurchase the Alya Skin mask. I really look forward to using it every week, and part of the claims are true! Yes it's expensive, but I'm only around a quarter of a way through the tub as it stands, so a whole tub will probably last me 6 months or so with once-a-week-use. which doesn't sound as bad!
Have you ever tried a pink clay mask? I would love to hear what you thought in the comments!
Love,
Sian xo
You'll have seen the adverts all over your Instagram and Facebook feeds. The magical, influencer-backed Pink Clay masks, hailed as a 'miracle' by bloggers, YouTubers and Feefo reviewers alike. Infused with Australian Pink Clay, a new cult ingredient which draws out toxins and impurities, the masks boast promises of sorting out large pores, banishing acne scarring and making your skin glooowwwww.
So, what's the catch? Well, the price tag isn't exactly purse-friendly. And with prices averaging between £30-40 for a jar, I must admit that when I first looked it up I had to close the browser with my eyes watering.
After watching the ads coming up on my social media for months on end and a lot of deliberating, I decided that I just had to get my hands on one. Partly because large pores has been a recent skincare struggle for me which I really wanted to sort, acne scars have been issue for a long time, and partly because I just was so intrigued by whether or not the claims on the ads were true!
I did a lot of research into which brand of Pink Clay to go for. In the end I got it down to the two main ones, Sand&Sky or Alya Skin. I went for Alya Skin in the end, based on the fact that it was a good tenner cheaper for more product, and the skincare sets were better value for money.
I know there are a fair few dupes out there which are much cheaper, but I decided to go for high-end based on the fact that I wanted to see if the social media claims are true! Let me know in the comments if you've ever used a dupe and what you thought!
Giddy wasn't even the word when the parcel arrived! I picked up the Complete Set which contains the mask, a micellar cleanser, an exfoliating scrub and a moisturiser. I haven't tried them all yet though so I'll only be reviewing the mask for now.
I've been using the mask once a week for the last two months or so. I've seen in other reviews that people have used it up to twice a week but I started with once, mostly because I didn't want to use it up too quickly!
The first thing to say is that the Alya Skin mask is really lovely to use. It smells gorgeous, spa-like with just a hint of floral. It's a really lovely texture too, it's quite creamy but smooths onto the skin really nicely and definitely has a luxurious feel to it.
You use it like any other mask, apply to dry skin (I've been applying with a brush because there's no way I'm wasting even a tiny little bit!), leave to dry for around 10-15 minutes, and rinse off with a face cloth.
Okay, let's get down to the crunch; the results.
Let's start with the positives. My skin definitely looked more glow-y after using the mask. It felt softer, and as if all of the crap had been brought out of my skin without feeling too harsh like other clay or charcoal masks do.
The biggest improvement I've noticed as a result of using Alya skin is my skin texture. I've mentioned before that large pores and uneven skin texture is something that I've only really experienced in the last six months or so, and I've not really been sure on how to deal with it. But as soon as I rinse off the Alya Skin mask, my pores look tighter and my skin looks so much more even. I'll be honest, I've been pretty down about my skin in the last few months but using this mask has helped to bring my confidence back!
BUT, I didn't see any difference in my acne scarring, especially not the larger scars. I would have been very surprised if it lived up to the claims of getting rid of acne scars completely but there wasn't really any change at all.
So, do I think it's worth the money?
If you have the money to spend, fancy a splurge and suffer with large pores - yes. As someone who has tried all sorts of things for uneven skin texture, I would say this is the biggest difference that I've seen as a result of changing one thing in my skincare routine. And for me, paying £30 to get some confidence back when I've felt self-conscious about my large pores is definitely worth it.
If your main concern is acne scarring, honestly, try something else. Based on the fact that I saw no difference at all, it definitely isn't worth the bold claims around banishing scars that you see in the social media ads.
With that being said, I would definitely repurchase the Alya Skin mask. I really look forward to using it every week, and part of the claims are true! Yes it's expensive, but I'm only around a quarter of a way through the tub as it stands, so a whole tub will probably last me 6 months or so with once-a-week-use. which doesn't sound as bad!
Have you ever tried a pink clay mask? I would love to hear what you thought in the comments!
Love,
Sian xo
Facebook has become a social media platform that I love to hate. No matter how often I roll my eyes whilst scrolling through, or mutter under my breath that I should just delete the app from my phone, I can't quite resist having a nosey through my feed every day.
I find myself having the same thoughts almost every time I open up the Facebook app, so have a look through and see how many you relate to!
2. Aw cute, a friendiversary! Wait... 8 years?! How has it been that long? When did I get so old?!
3. Ooooh, friend request! Let's see... Someone from primary school who I haven't spoken to since year 6!
4. Still gonna accept though because, y'know, nosey.
5. I love my Facebook memories popping up with nights out from seven years ago, it reminds me of a time when I was fun.
5. Oh look, another engagement announcement. Lovely.
6. Wait, am I jealous? No, no. Not jealous. Or am I?
7. No, definitely not jealous. I don't even want to get married yet anyway!
8. BUT LOOK AT THIS FRIEND OF A FRIEND WHO JUST GOT MARRIED OMG THE DRESS AND THE CUTE LITTLE BRIDESMAIDS... I'm fine.
9. Wish my nan would stop sending me Candy Crush requests. I thought that died in 2013.
10. Oh goodie, another chain message from Aunty Sue. No, Aunty Sue, I'm not going to keep the candle going to raise awareness for the protection of donkeys.
11. Not that I have anything against donkeys.
12. Oooh, advert for that face mask I was talking to my friend about the other day. Must. Not. Buy.
13. WAIT. How did Facebook know I was talking about it?!
14. Life is a conspiracy. We must trust no-one.
15. Bloody hell, another baby announcement.
16. How am I already at the age where everyone around me is having kids. OMG am I going to be an old mum?!
17. Just gonna go and order my Zimmerframe now ready for the school run.
18. Oooh, Buzzfeed reckons it can tell me which Disney princess I am based on my star sign and favourite biscuit, GO ON THEN.
19. Aurora?! Disappointing. I'm clearly a Belle.
20. Screw it, I'm going back to Tik Tok.
Facebook has become a social media platform that I love to hate. No matter how often I roll my eyes whilst scrolling through, or mutter under my breath that I should just delete the app from my phone, I can't quite resist having a nosey through my feed every day.
I find myself having the same thoughts almost every time I open up the Facebook app, so have a look through and see how many you relate to!
2. Aw cute, a friendiversary! Wait... 8 years?! How has it been that long? When did I get so old?!
3. Ooooh, friend request! Let's see... Someone from primary school who I haven't spoken to since year 6!
4. Still gonna accept though because, y'know, nosey.
5. I love my Facebook memories popping up with nights out from seven years ago, it reminds me of a time when I was fun.
5. Oh look, another engagement announcement. Lovely.
6. Wait, am I jealous? No, no. Not jealous. Or am I?
7. No, definitely not jealous. I don't even want to get married yet anyway!
8. BUT LOOK AT THIS FRIEND OF A FRIEND WHO JUST GOT MARRIED OMG THE DRESS AND THE CUTE LITTLE BRIDESMAIDS... I'm fine.
9. Wish my nan would stop sending me Candy Crush requests. I thought that died in 2013.
10. Oh goodie, another chain message from Aunty Sue. No, Aunty Sue, I'm not going to keep the candle going to raise awareness for the protection of donkeys.
11. Not that I have anything against donkeys.
12. Oooh, advert for that face mask I was talking to my friend about the other day. Must. Not. Buy.
13. WAIT. How did Facebook know I was talking about it?!
14. Life is a conspiracy. We must trust no-one.
15. Bloody hell, another baby announcement.
16. How am I already at the age where everyone around me is having kids. OMG am I going to be an old mum?!
17. Just gonna go and order my Zimmerframe now ready for the school run.
18. Oooh, Buzzfeed reckons it can tell me which Disney princess I am based on my star sign and favourite biscuit, GO ON THEN.
19. Aurora?! Disappointing. I'm clearly a Belle.
20. Screw it, I'm going back to Tik Tok.
Don't get me wrong though, I've really embraced a different routine. I've been able to strip everything back, simplify my beauty habits and really look after my skin. It's been lovely not to put loads of make up on my face every day!
Seeing as I'm still going to be mostly at home for the next few weeks, I thought I'd share with you the products that I've been loving since lockdown started. Some I've mentioned before, others are old favourites I've rediscovered. Shall we dive in?
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
Complexion Rescue is somewhat of a rediscovery for me! It was a go-to summer base a couple of years ago, I ran out and never got around to replacing it. I purchased it again at the beginning of lockdown and I'm SO glad I did because I've been using it most days ever since. It's perfect for the days where you want a little bit of something on your face but nothing heavy. The formula feels super-hydrating, adds a teensy bit of coverage and a glowy, radiant finish. But at the same time feels like you're wearing nothing on your face at all! I think I'll be using this all summer, not just during lockdown because it's just so lovely and lightweight for the warmer months.
Shop here.
Glossier Cloud Paint Blush
Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while will know that I rave about this product A LOT. The Cloud Paints are such a staple in my day-to-day routine and that hasn't changed even through lockdown! For anyone who hasn't heard of Cloud Paint before, it's the dreamiest cream blush,
and has been the perfect companion for days where I want to put a bit of make-up on but don't want to spend long on my face to sit in my living room! Just pop a couple of dots on, blend with your fingers and done. Perfect, dewy, natural-looking flush of colour.
Shop here.
Mylee Gel Polish
I cannot express to you how much I miss my nail tech. SO much! I tried having bare nails and hated every second. I tried painting my nails with normal polish, but they were chipping after a day (and I hate having chipped nails more than I hate having bare nails!) So in the end I took the plunge and bought some gel polishes. After doing a bit of research, and reading Beth Sandland's post about the Mylee polishes, I decided to give them a go. The starter kit was really affordable, and the polishes themselves are reasonably priced, and are great quality. My manicures are lasting about 10 days - which I think is down to me needing more practice than anything! It isn't the same as going to see my nail tech every three weeks, but it fills a gel-polish shaped gap in my life.
Shop here.
Pixi Rose Tonic
Lockdown has had my skin feeling a bit sensitive, owing to a combination of stress, changes in weather and eating a lot of crap food! I tend to find that when my skin is this way, it's best for me to swap out my usual Pixi Glow Tonic for something a little bit more gentle. Rose Tonic has been a new discovery for me and I've been using it for a couple of weeks. It's lovely. It feels very gentle and soothing on the skin, smells gorgeous and leaves my skin feeling super soft.
Shop here.
Bare Minerals SkinLongevity Serum
This serum is another lockdown discovery and I can say HANDS DOWN that it's my favourite skincare product right now. Infused with Long Life Herb Extract and California Poppy, this little bottle of magic promises to nourish, promote anti-ageing and give healthy-looking skin. And ohhhh my goodness, does it deliver! The second I apply, my skin looks smoother, uber-glowy and radiant. I'm obsessed. It's a bit pricey, but 100% worth it in my opinion!
Shop here.
St Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist
I've recently got back into self-tanning, and I love it! It's amazing how much a little golden glow boosts your confidence. I got a mini face mist in my Latest in Beauty box a few months ago and it's fab! I've been spritzing it over my face as the last step in my evening skincare routine, and wake up in the morning with a nice healthy glow. Super-easy, no streaks or patchy-ness! AND when I'm a little bit tanned I feel like I can forgo the foundation which is a real bonus!
Shop here.
What have been your lockdown beauty heroes?
Love,
Sian xo
Don't get me wrong though, I've really embraced a different routine. I've been able to strip everything back, simplify my beauty habits and really look after my skin. It's been lovely not to put loads of make up on my face every day!
Seeing as I'm still going to be mostly at home for the next few weeks, I thought I'd share with you the products that I've been loving since lockdown started. Some I've mentioned before, others are old favourites I've rediscovered. Shall we dive in?
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
Complexion Rescue is somewhat of a rediscovery for me! It was a go-to summer base a couple of years ago, I ran out and never got around to replacing it. I purchased it again at the beginning of lockdown and I'm SO glad I did because I've been using it most days ever since. It's perfect for the days where you want a little bit of something on your face but nothing heavy. The formula feels super-hydrating, adds a teensy bit of coverage and a glowy, radiant finish. But at the same time feels like you're wearing nothing on your face at all! I think I'll be using this all summer, not just during lockdown because it's just so lovely and lightweight for the warmer months.
Shop here.
Glossier Cloud Paint Blush
Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while will know that I rave about this product A LOT. The Cloud Paints are such a staple in my day-to-day routine and that hasn't changed even through lockdown! For anyone who hasn't heard of Cloud Paint before, it's the dreamiest cream blush,
and has been the perfect companion for days where I want to put a bit of make-up on but don't want to spend long on my face to sit in my living room! Just pop a couple of dots on, blend with your fingers and done. Perfect, dewy, natural-looking flush of colour.
Shop here.
Mylee Gel Polish
I cannot express to you how much I miss my nail tech. SO much! I tried having bare nails and hated every second. I tried painting my nails with normal polish, but they were chipping after a day (and I hate having chipped nails more than I hate having bare nails!) So in the end I took the plunge and bought some gel polishes. After doing a bit of research, and reading Beth Sandland's post about the Mylee polishes, I decided to give them a go. The starter kit was really affordable, and the polishes themselves are reasonably priced, and are great quality. My manicures are lasting about 10 days - which I think is down to me needing more practice than anything! It isn't the same as going to see my nail tech every three weeks, but it fills a gel-polish shaped gap in my life.
Shop here.
Pixi Rose Tonic
Lockdown has had my skin feeling a bit sensitive, owing to a combination of stress, changes in weather and eating a lot of crap food! I tend to find that when my skin is this way, it's best for me to swap out my usual Pixi Glow Tonic for something a little bit more gentle. Rose Tonic has been a new discovery for me and I've been using it for a couple of weeks. It's lovely. It feels very gentle and soothing on the skin, smells gorgeous and leaves my skin feeling super soft.
Shop here.
Bare Minerals SkinLongevity Serum
This serum is another lockdown discovery and I can say HANDS DOWN that it's my favourite skincare product right now. Infused with Long Life Herb Extract and California Poppy, this little bottle of magic promises to nourish, promote anti-ageing and give healthy-looking skin. And ohhhh my goodness, does it deliver! The second I apply, my skin looks smoother, uber-glowy and radiant. I'm obsessed. It's a bit pricey, but 100% worth it in my opinion!
Shop here.
St Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist
I've recently got back into self-tanning, and I love it! It's amazing how much a little golden glow boosts your confidence. I got a mini face mist in my Latest in Beauty box a few months ago and it's fab! I've been spritzing it over my face as the last step in my evening skincare routine, and wake up in the morning with a nice healthy glow. Super-easy, no streaks or patchy-ness! AND when I'm a little bit tanned I feel like I can forgo the foundation which is a real bonus!
Shop here.
What have been your lockdown beauty heroes?
Love,
Sian xo
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