Quickie Review: Montagne Jeunesse Clean-Up Mud Face Mask

Hi, everyone! The subtitle of this post should be "Yes, those cheap drugstore masks in the plastic pouches really work!", because, yes, they do. If you've perused the beauty department of Wal-Mart, it's likely you've seen the display of face mask packets, each of which displays a mask-laden woman with a random assortment of foods and flowers on her face. For a while, the over-the-top imagery and $1.99 price tag put me off, but then I started hearing some pretty great reviews for these little skin care treats. I took the plunge about a year ago and, lo and behold, I was thoroughly impressed! My favourite among the bunch was the Clean-Up Mud** face mask, so I was thrilled when FarleyCo recently sent one of these babies my way! 

All Montagne Jeunesse masks come in individual plastic packages designed for single use, though I can usually get 2-3 applications from the packet. The Clean-Up Mud** touts itself as "deep cleansing" and suitable for blemish-prone skin. As my skin has been acting up lately, this felt like a godsend! 

The back of the packet features a description of the mask as well as a full ingredient listing, which is great! This mask features a variety of natural extracts, including aloe, willow, rosemary, and witch hazel, all designed to deep clean and tone the skin without irritation. 

You can see from the ingredients that this is a clay-based mask that is free from alcohol and parabens. The packaging also notes that all Montagne Jeunesse products are vegetarian and cruelty-free, which makes me happy! 

Despite the green-faced smiling woman on the front of the package, the Clean-Up Mud** is actually an ivory-white colour. It is quite thick and rather dry in texture, so application is made easier if skin is slightly damp. The mask doesn't tingle or sting, but quickly dries down to that typical tight I-can't-properly-smile sort of feeling. I actually took a picture of me trying to smile once the mask had dried down, but it looked so horrifying, that I decided to spare you and share a shot of the mask freshly applied instead :)

So what do I love about this mask? Despite the clay-based, drying feeling, once removed this does not leave my face feeling tight, dehydrated, or irritated. Instead, my skin feels calm, clean, and balanced. And the kicker? I really think that this helps to clear up my skin! After I've used up the two applications contained in the packet (usually on alternating days), my complexion always looks less spotty and shiny without any increase in redness or flakiness. And all for less than $2? Amazing stuff! 

Moral of the story? Next time you spot these cheap and cheerful little masks at the drugstore, don't hesitate! There is a mask for every skin care concern and they will leave your wallet happy as well!

Have you tried Montagne Jeunesse face masks? What is your favourite mask at the moment?

** This product was sent to me as a PR sample for consideration and review. All opinions in this post are authentic and 100% my own.