Una Brennan Superfacialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask

One of the things that aggravate me during my skincare transition from S/S to A/W, are breakouts. Like clockwork, these little clusters of nuisance pop up to stay awhile like unwelcome guests during Thanksgiving. 

I guess it is that switch from super light and mattifying skincare, to products that are slightly more rich in nature. It's not the end of the world, but it can get a little annoying when all those little spots appear. However, over the years I have devised an effective routine to combat these mini-breakouts and to this day it has been my failsafe remedy. Clay masks are integral to my arsenal. They absorb excess oil and help declog the pores. Until the spots go away, I would normally stick to using a clay mask twice a week consistently until the problem is solved. 

However, there are so many out in the market today, all seemingly poised to do the same thing. How do I choose which one to use, you ask?  It's all about the ingredients and knowing what your skin needs and what these components will do to help address the issue. Also, there is the matter of price points- but as they are masks, and most contain the same beneficial ingredients anyway, I normally just go for a good mid-range one. No need to splurge serious money on a clay mask. Unless they have magical Adobe Lightroom properties incorporated, but even then, no thanks. 

These days, my go-to breakout weapon is Una Brennan's Superfacialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Mask. This particular product was my gateway item into Una Brennan's delightful range of affordable yet extremely effective skin care, and in the last year I have reached for this tube every time my skin needed a quick detox. As far as clay masks go, some can dry out the skin really badly, however this one doesn't. The mask does contain Avocado Oil, and Acacia Honey which does help with calming and soothing the skin as it works, also leaving it moisturised and supple as opposed to tight and dry. There is a tingling sensation once applied but a bearable one at that. The star ingredients are of course, Salicylic Acid and Dead Sea Mud that help unclog and provide deep cleansing for congested pores and aid in controlling excess sebum. It's a great treatment, especially when following a lovely steam facial. You can just feel the product working you know? 

If you're skin is on the drier side (my winter skin can be VERY dry..) I would recommend using the mask as a targeted treatment (i.e T-Zone only, or cheeks, which are the more common areas for breakouts.) Just apply where needed to isolate the area and to prevent further dryness. Clay does absorb moisture after all. I then finish off by using a non-oily serum (typically EL's ANR or Hydraluron) and a face cream relevant to my skin's current state, to replenish on moisture. At the moment, Neal's Yard's Frankincense Hydrating Cream is doing the job well. Review to follow!  

This mask retails at an affordable £8.99 at Boots. Such a great steal!

Have you tried this mask before? Sound off below!