I read a lot of product reviews, even for the most mundane of things such as a tile brush – I wish that was a lie, I even extensively researched the best tile grout reviver to buy. I like to get the best bang for my buck, reading countless reviews before making the big decision of clicking ‘add to basket’ for a new floor mop. I’m ridiculous and I am selfish. I have never wrote a product review in my puff, even though I never make a purchase without scoping out the opinion of others.
So here it is! I’m giving back to the shopping community with my first product review (imagine trumpets playing do do do dooo!).
I had seen the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque pop up on Buzzfeed before, this time it was on a list of ‘cheap but great beauty products’ kinda pages – I couldn’t find the page, there’s far too many to try and search through. Of What I remember of the post, it claimed the mask reduced pores, redness and gave beautiful clear skin after one use.
Being the cynical and frugual human I am, I checked out the product on Amazon. Over 300 reviews and a rating of 4 and a half stars! Tell me more Mr Amazon! The reviews looked promising so I took the plunge. For some reason buying the larger tub worked out cheaper that the smaller tube? So I bought the 340g/12oz (£4.99 at the time) tub on Prime as I’m wildly impatient and get over excited!
The tub is a fair old size, quite large and heavy. After screwing off the lid I was hit with a beautiful minty smell, not too menthol that your eyes burn like applying too much eucalyptus rub when trying desperately to breathe with one of those horrid nasal colds. No, the mask has a light refreshing tooth paste smell (funnily enough). The tub is filled to the top with a very thick green paste, I really wanted to stick my finger in it. But I resisted.
If it helps anyone, for comparison reasons, to know that I have fairly easy going skin on my face. I don’t suffer from acne or breakouts. I would say my skin can be quite high maintenance with products as in it can get very dry and irritated, this makes me nervous trying new products as usually my skin is not a fan and will punish me in the form of being uber sensitive and itchy. Therefore I’m a little reluctant to try new face washes, moisturisers, etc when it comes to my face. I know people say give everything a few weeks, but most products just don’t agree with me and I won’t give them more than a few uses.
The mask instructs you to cleanse your face and neck then generously apply the green paste, allowing it to dry for 15 minutes in order for it to work it’s minty green magic. It claims it is a “home treatment to absorb excess oil, rinse away blackheads and help minimise appearance of pores”. I was excited, lets get my face lathered up!
It gave me great satisfaction ramming my fingers in the firm green minty paste, scooping out healthy amounts and smearing warrior stripes on my cheek before rubbing it all around in a ‘wax on, wax off’ fashion. I absolutely love the smell! It’s very relaxing and fresh, invigorating whilst not too strong that it makes you uncomfortable and wishing 15 minutes would hurry up and pass already.
After 5 minutes the mask started to harden, I took this opportunity to Snapchat my face to my friends. What are friends for if not sending them borderline bath porn pictures? Then the mask reeeeally hardened, so I took even more snaps of me ‘smiling’. My mates are so lucky.
Times up, mask is off. The verdict?….I’m impressed! My skin was very clear, my pores did look smaller, my face was tight but in a nice way. There was a good bit of shine to my skin, I’m not sure if this is good or bad but I must admit my face looked clean and clear, I was very happy with the results.
Over the next few days my skin was easily irritated, especially on my jawline. The slightest touch from my hair would annoy it resulting in red blemishes and a little itchiness. I was apprehensive to use the mask based on some reviews saying it is too strong to use more than once a week, so when I experienced only mild irritation for a few days I was okay with it. The skin on my face continued to look clear (despite the jaw blemish) for roughly a week, I haven’t used it since as it’s hard to find time to relax and enjoy a pamper in between working and mumming. I will schedule in a self love date and will for sure be using the mask again (and not because I am a cheapo that can’t deal with wasting it).
Over all I was quite impressed! It’s cheap, it’s huge and it compliments my skin, very happy with my fiver purchase!
If you like it, give it a wee share :)
Honest K 