Review: Mario Badescu Cucumber Tonic Mask

I am a big fan of clay masks, as evidenced by previous posts (see inSpa Pore Purifying Masque; Chella Balancing Clay Mask; PCA pHaze9 ) so when I received a sample of Mario Badescu’s Cucumber Tonic Mask, I was pretty excited to try something from this well respected skin care line (I love the Drying Lotion.) Unfortunately, due to my personal experience using this mask, it found it’s way to the trash pretty quickly.

This pastel green colored mask is targeted to oily/combination skin types, which I am. I opt to only use a clay-based mask only once per week because it is well known that if you take away too much sebum from your skin, your face freaks out and begins over-producing it. Then you find yourself stuck in a crazy tail-chasing routine of trying to counteract this only to make it worse. Believe me, I’ve been there. Directions on this product suggest use of 2-3 times per week, however, I advise that with any product, you know your skin best, so use as appropriate for your skin type.

As directed, I cleansed my skin first, then applied a thin layer of the Cucumber Tonic Mask to my face. Wait time is said to be 15-20 minutes, however after 5 minutes my skin felt incredibly tight (as in uncomfortably tight) and upon looking at it in the mirror, the mask had completely dried and cracked on my face. I was surprised, but figured that my skin must be super oily and that the clay was doing its job sopping it up. I chose to rinse it off and not wait 10 more minutes to do so. Upon rinsing it off, my skin felt “squeaky clean” and not an ounce of oil or shine was detected on my face.

However, my skin felt super tight, more so than any other time I’ve used a clay mask. I immediately applied a moisturizer to my face thinking that it would make this feeling subside, but no such luck. In fact, my skin felt this way for about 3 days. I do not have sensitive skin, so I was pretty surprised. This is a product I personally will not use again.

I will say that I do love their Drying Lotion. In fact as soon as I notice any blemishes beginning to arise, I apply this lotion directly on the site before bed and it works well. (Although, I do admit occasionally this lotion burns like heck, must be the Camphor.)

Have you used this mask? I’d love to hear your experience with it.

*Disclosure