The Beauty Picks: Powdered Exfoliators, Cleansers & Masks
For this edition of The Beauty Picks, I decided to highlight some of my favorite powdered exfoliators, cleansers, and masks. I feel like I’ve been talking about these a lot lately but I can’t help it–I really love this type of product! They’re just so much fun to use! Instead of just going on auto-pilot with your regular, everyday cleanser, you can really play with the product and get your hands dirty, so to speak–really experiencing the product in a different way! These products are, for the most part, all quite gentle and suitable for all skin types if used correctly. But some are just a bit more suited to one skin type more than another, so I listed my recommendations for each. I hope you enjoy this edition of The Beauty Picks!
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Normal, Combination, and Oily and/or Problematic Skin: Osmia Organics Detox Exfoliating Mask*
This is yet another product I have fallen in love with from Osmia Organics. This mask is sooo effective–it really sucks every bit of oil and dirt from my skin. It’s kinda weird to see all this gunk slowly seeping out of your pores (refer to photo below) but also really, really gratifying because you know it’s working! Even though this mask is tough and whips your pores into shape, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry or taught afterwards. I believe this is thanks to the manuka honey powder and olive leaf powder–incredible stuff!
Prepare to be wowed…(or really grossed out! )
Like many of the products on this list, the Detox Mask is a 2-in-1 type of product. It not only is a purifying mask but it also an exfoliator. To use, simply wet your hands and press it around the dry mask on your face to soften the mask then massage in circular motions and rinse away. The black walnut hull powder provides quite an intense exfoliation–it leaves my skin feeling absolutely baby smooth!
*Remember, use the code “TBSTEN” anytime during the next month to get 10% off your order of $15 or more at OsmiaOrganics.com!!
Combination or Oily and/or Problematic Skin: May Lindstrom The Clean Dirt* (review to come)
In case you guys hadn’t noticed already, I am currently in the midst of a torrid love affair with all things May Lindstrom. This product in particular has really captured my heart. The Clean Dirt is a very fine powdered cleanser/micro-exfoliator that smells like chocolate spice cookies and has a unique formula that, when activated with water, puffs up into a mousse-like consistency.
The cleansing clay, as it’s called, contains a spectacular blend of edible, organic and incredibly efficacious ingredients like raw cacao, sea salt, cinnamon, clove, and turmeric. These warming spices create a tingling, warming sensation on the skin when applied. For this reason, I don’t recommend this for very sensitive skin types. If you are a regular user of retinoids or acne treatments, I would suggest doing a patch test before use (actually, all skin types should probably patch-test this one just in case).
Combination or Oily and/or Problematic Skin: May Lindstrom The Problem Solver* (review to come)
Another product I am in love with from May’s gorgeous line. I am just finishing up my posts for each product, so those will be up shortly. Until then, I will just say that this mask is just pure potent magic for my oily, acneic skin! It’s such a fun, incredibly therapeutic experience–it really stimulates the skin and the senses!
Like the Osmia Organics Detox Mask, this mask contains raw cacao, bamboo charcoal, and a mix of clays. It also works very similarly by sucking all the gunk out of your pores. The only difference? The Detox Mask is a bit more paired down ingredients-wise (which is great if you have more sensitive skin as The Problem Solver contains warming spices that might be too intense/irritating) and The Problem Solver is much cheaper per ounce. I find that The Problem Solver also creates more of a glowy skin effect. Both are amazing though, so it really just depends on what exactly you are looking for. The Detox Mask can be used more regularly and is a great bi-weekly treatment for acne-prone skin!
Extremely Sensitive Skin and/or Dry Skin: Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel
This product retains none of it’s original powdered texture when mixed with water–instead, it forms a very silky, smooth lather. I personally did not experience any exfoliating benefits from this one but then my skin is quite hardy and is used to pretty strong actives, so this one just didn’t cut it for me. However, my mom does love it. She has very dry, sensitive skin and really loved that she could use this product regularly to maintain a smooth, bright complexion.
Very Sensitive to Normal Skin: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant*
This product has extremely fine grains that dissolve almost entirely upon contact with water. There’s just the barest hint of texture felt on the skin when applied. For this reason, I do recommend it for very sensitive to normal skin types. All skin types can use this, however, and since it is so fine, it can be used daily (hence the name, I guess ). This might not be the most exciting product on the list but it definitely has its place in a routine and is great for when your skin just needs something really soft and gentle.
Sensitive to Normal Skin: TATCHA Classic Rice Enzyme Powder*
TATCHA’s version is very much suited to all skin types, though the brand has gone even one step further and offers 3 versions: Classic, Gentle, and Deep. However, as I stated in my original review, the product is just so gentle (yet incredibly effective) that I believe all skin types can use this particular one, even the most sensitive. The grains are very fine and uniform and retain their texture even after mixing with water. It’s kind of like a pumped up version of Dermalogica’s, except it exfoliates better and foams up more (doubling as a light morning cleanser). Love this stuff!
Sensitive Skin or Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: Pure Simple Organic Vanilla Cleansing Powder*
I love this one and have actually been meaning to write about it for a while–I’ve been using this product for almost a year now and it never fails to impress me! This product is a 3-in-1 cleanser/exfoliator/treatment mask. It contains an amazing blend of french clay and incredible organic ingredients like vanilla powder, colloidal oatmeal (I love using colloidal oatmeal on my face!), buttermilk powder, calendula, and more. You might notice that these are all incredibly soothing ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes this great for even the most sensitive of skin types! But the clay also makes this really ideal for oily, problematic skin as well. I use it all the time when I am experiencing breakouts or just have a massive pimple. It takes it down right away and leaves my skin clean, clear, smooth, and ultra soothed.
PS: apologies for the inconsistent background color. I tried my best but you know how it goes–some products bring out the violet and others bring out the blue. What can ya do?? (no really, that was not a rhetorical question; it’s driving me crazy! haha!)
*these products were provided to The Beauty Sample free of charge for review purposes. Despite this, my opinions are always honest and I only included products in this post that I truly use and love
