Purifying masks

Pangea Organics - Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask(HK$439/60ml)

Claim: contains ingredients that detoxify, deep cleanse and exfoliate. Antioxidant acai berry, white bentonite and kelp stimulate the circulatory system and metabolism to revitalise and detoxify the skin. Nutrient-rich kelp also stimulates collagen. Matcha green tea is anti-inflammatory and soothing, while wild myrtle tones and balances.

Mukti - Buttermilk Oat & Pink Clay Masque (HK$599/100 grams)

Claim: deeply cleanses the pores without irritating or drying out skin. Argiletz white and pink clays are used to draw out impurities and excess oil, while buttermilk calms irritation. Oats are a natural exfoliant and the organic rose petal a soothing antioxidant.

Gatineau - Tonimasque (HK$555/75ml)

Claim: containing the brand's patented sebum-regulator/pore-refiner and Chilean wild mint, this formula aims to balance the skin. It also claims to stimulate the cutaneous 'eco-system', enhancing the skin's strength and antibacterial defences. Absorbent mineral powder leaves a shine-free finish on the skin as hyaluronic acid works to rehydrate.

Verdict

The smell and grainy texture of Pangea Organics' mask may not be very appealing, but it gives the best result. Skin is left refreshed, bright and smooth, especially after gently massaging the mask before rinsing it off. The Mukti mask feels tingly and leaves the skin a little tight, although its pore-cleaning is the most obvious. It takes practice to make the paste the right density by combining the toner and powder. Gatineau's mask is cooling; it is the gentlest mask of all and very soothing. The skin feels matte yet moisturised after use, but its pore-refining effect is less apparent than it is with the two others.