I had a lot of requests for this issue of SioS. Probably because there isn’t a woman in America who hasn’t seen the Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest ads promising smaller pores, softer, brighter skin, and detoxification from one face mask.  But does the product live up to the hype?

Nothing makes me more skeptical about a product then lots of positive reviews from beauty bloggers.  Especially when so many of their disclosures don’t really disclose anything.  Were you gifted?  Were you paid?  Are you getting a commission?  Saying you “partnered” doesn’t clear up the level of your relationship.

Also, the bloggers in the videos all have really good skin. I mean look at this video and this one, these girls have amazing skin.  So are they really qualified to review a product for those of us with enlarged pores, acne scarring, and “I worked 60 hours this week and slept 25” skin?

Let’s jump into the review for the Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Mask ($49).

The product is millennial pink, which many bloggers mention in their reviews.  No idea why they feel this is a positive.  It also comes with a little paintbrush to apply it.  I like the idea of applying a mask with a brush for even application and smoothness, so that is a plus.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the container was that mine was only 3/4 full.  If you’re paying $50 for a small jar of product, you expect it to be full.  So I’m hoping that was just a one-off filling error.

The second thing I noticed was the smell.  It’s hard to describe.  But it smells like the bricks of salt you give to farm animals with a hint of the beach.  It’s very distinctive.

When I applied the mask, I was impressed by how smooth the application was.  And the brush certainly cuts down on waste and mess (two plusses).  But I was a little surprised by how quickly it starts drying.  I wasn’t even done applying it and it was already starting to turn white.

The ingredients in the mask are pink clay, water, Bentonite, mangosteen, kakadu plum, and a host of ingredients that the brand bills as “active” and “natural.”  The mask is loaded with Vitamin A, so you’re warned not to overdo it if other products you use have Vitamin A in them.  That makes this mask a tough sell for those using retinols, which is everybody.

The mask tingled and burned (a tiny bit) when I used it.  I thought this might be a good sign.  Much like Listerine, I was somehow equating a burning sensation with effectiveness.  (Why do we do that?)

After 5 minutes it was completely dry, but it didn’t feel tight or uncomfortable.  I rinsed it off easily with warm water, which was a nice change from charcoal masks that need to be chiseled off.

I am not wow’ed by the results.  My skin was softer, there was no denying that.  It also felt smoother.  But I don’t have people walking down the street touching my skin all day, so that’s not a meaningful benefit.

After two uses in a week, my skin was brighter.  But pore size was the same.  Pore congestion–blackheads, etc.–was the same.  It had no clearing effect on existing acne.  I also found it drying, which just required me to use more moisturizer, which leads to more acne.

Final verdict?  This mask is mostly hype.  If you have pretty good skin, your benefits might be more noticeable and meaningful.  If you need a brightening mask, this would be a good one.  But for those of us with real skin issues, save your $50.

Like the majority of posts on this blog, I bought this mask myself.  No gift, no payment, no contact with the brand at all.  I wouldn’t spend my money on it again.  If you have a recommendation for Saw It On Social, e-mail me.  Also, if you like this series, check out previous reviews for Glossier, Rothy’s shoes, and more popular social media brands.

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