Thursday, February 21, 2008

Review - Alaska Glacial Mud Facial


The glacial facial purifying mineral mud masque contains the most mineral-rich and pure glacial clay in the world, sustainably harvested from the remote waters of the Copper River Delta in Alaska. Our glacial masque detoxifies, exfoliates and softens skin while more than 60 nourishing major and trace elements promote healthy skin cell regeneration.

When I first investigated the website for Alaska Glacial Mud Facials, I got very excited - it's a certified organic product! They harvest the mud in a sustainable way! They donate 10% of profits to various environmental causes! "Hooray," I thought, "this company is amazing!" Then I started to worry that the mud facials would fall short of my now-heightened expectations. Thankfully, these mud facials not only met, but surpassed even my inflated hopes. First of all, it smells glorious - earthy, but not musty, natural and sweet. I used the vanilla-lavender scent, which is soothing, but it also comes in a lavender-peppermint and an unscented version. The little applicator brush (which costs extra, but you get free shipping when you purchase it) allows you to spread the mud on more evenly than you would with your fingers, so you get more uses out of the 3.5oz jar. I left the mud on for the recommended 20 minutes, then rinsed and - I am not even making this up - saw IMMEDIATE tightening of my pores and a reduction of redness in my face. (I tend to be what Dickens might have called "ruddy-faced." I would definitely have been a chambermaid or bar wench in his time.) It did feel slightly drying, but nothing a little moisturizer couldn't handle. For that reason, I would be cautious if your skin tends to the dry end of the spectrum - I am definitely over the line into Combinationville, heading down the Oilytown Freeway, so someone with less natural oil on their face might get too dried out with this product. As for me, though - I am officially an addict. At $34 a jar (plus $6 for the brush), it might seem steep for what is, really, a jar of mud, but if I do manage to get the suggested 20 uses out of it, I'd say $2 for a mud facial that ACTUALLY WORKS (and is, don't forget, sustainable) is a bargain and a half. Currently, this product is only available online at their website, http://www.alaskaglacialmud.com/ or at a few online retailers.

Deedlejuse says:

I agree with Movie Maven. I have normal to dry skin and I usually find mud facials rather drying, almost comfortable after removed. This one was definitely a different sort of mud facial than those I have used in the past. The smell was very pleasant; I used the Lavender Peppermint flavor. After, my pores were much tighter and my face just felt fresh and squeaky clean, but not super dried out. My boyfriend even noticed (without me telling him) that my face looked different, in a good way! I was impressed. For me $34 for a jar of facial mud would be expensive, but for the results and considering the green efforts the company is making, I think that it would be worth it. I really loved the way I looked after I used this product I am a big fan.

CitySlicker Says:

I, like Deedlejuse got the chance to try the Lavender Pepperment scent. From the moment I opened the container, the cooling mint was enveloping. I am a huge clay mask person and am not sure I have ever tried an actual mud mask. I feel like I have been living under a rock, confessing to this. I always apply my fluid masks with a fan brush. It's easier and doesn't waste any product. This mask is loose and easy to sweep over the face with a brush, it't got the consistency of a cream... It feels amazing on, a cooling sensation take over and really relieves all the stress of the day. I loved the experience..

I read about this last year at some point. I think it was in the spring. I found it in a magazine and was enthralled but never actually bought any or looked into it any further. I am elated that I was able to try this out. Back to the review, I rinsed off using a face cloth, when it dries, it does tighten and make you look like a crumbling statue. It's easy to wash off with the cloth. I wet my entire face as well as the cloth then rinse and rub gently. The results are an instant plump flush face (not from being irritated) My face felt smooth and clean. It was soft but felt refreshed firm. This is a great mask that I will surely pick up. I totally recommend the Lavender Peppermint scent. It's amazing! I felt like it refreshed my skin and relaxed my mind. It's a great spa experience at home!

Amanda S says:

Holy cow! I am converted, I don't want to repeat everything said above, but here I have been, strolling through life using drug store bought mud masks that are pretty alright but not amazing, and then *this* stuff comes along. WOW! All I can say is honestly, I love this stuff, my skin was so soft and clear and smooth after using this mask twice in one week that I am definitely going to have to go out and get more. I don't want to pretend to know what sets it apart exactly from other mud masks, I just know that there is something special and different that I really appreciate here. If you're a mudmask / facial type person that loves using these types of things, this is well worth the money to have such an experience. Highly recommended.

Joyce says:

I’m going to continue to use this on my nose and chin, especially since this mask quickly and easily took care of a blemish that popped up. I did enjoy the cool scent and feel. However, I noticed the fine lines on my forehead that have been diminishing were more noticeable after I rinsed it off. But I’m not going to say the product, alone, had this effect. I’m using a specific skincare line and maybe the two just didn’t agree. This mask is supposed to be for all skin types, but I’d love if the company enhanced one for more mature, dry skin.

1 comment:

schmidt's confectionery said...

I read this review when it was first posted, and while I don't usually send this much money on facial products, I thought I would give it a try after such an amazingly glowing review. It is great and I LOVE it. thanks for the tip movie maven!