Jurlique Intense Recovery Mask

Hi guys!  :-h   As covered in the last review I posted, there seems to be a bit of an issue with labelling laws in our country, which is very confusing to consumers.  The next product I am going to discuss, the Jurlique Intense Recovery Mask, was sent to me by the gorgeous Tammerly from Spoilt beauty blog to trial and review. (the link can be found here)   :)  Jurlique is another company who markets their products as ‘natural’, based on the fact that their formulations contain ‘mostly’ or ‘almost’ all natural ingredients.  :-/  However, a quick glance at the ingredient list implies otherwise!  :-O  Amidst the impressive array of essential oils, flowers, herbs, vitamins and antioxidants are a few known nasties, such as irritants and toxins.  :(  The Jurlique Intense Recovery Mask is a ‘feel good’ mask with a green kaolin clay base that maintains balance by regulating sebum production, smoothing dry patches and helping to purify, nourish, soothe and heal the skin.  The inclusion of antioxidant power protects against damaging free radicals, Vitamins A & E reduces the visible signs of premature skin ageing and the blend of potent oils provides a deep-pore cleanse to draw out impurities and bacteria.

The mask comes in an outer cardboard sleeve with a simple design, reflecting the Jurlique range, while the inner packaging is not what I would describe as visually appealing.  The cream coloured tube is available in a small 40ml size as well as a larger 125ml option, sealed with a dark grey lid and is printed with grey text that displays the size and weight, along with the brand and product name on the front, which consorts with a brief blurb about the mask, directions for use and the company details on the back.

The consistency of the mask felt very liquid and runny when I shook the tube before opening, yet surprisingly, the dirty-green coloured formula boasts a thick, creamy texture that spreads easily over my skin.  :">  The herbal scent reminds me of citrus fruit, possibly associated with the grapefruit extract listed toward the bottom of the ingredient list.  It is quite pungent though and could be a problem for those with fragrance sensitivities or anyone who doesn’t like strongly perfumed skin care, but I think the aroma is refreshing and uplifts my senses.  \:D/  Squeezing out a blob of product, about the size of a 10 cent coin and using my fingers, I apply a thin layer of the cool, moist treatment evenly over my face and kick back for 10 minutes prior to rinsing it off.  I-)  During this time, the mask dries out, but my face still remains comfortable.  ;)  Unlike other clay masks I’ve used, this one doesn’t harden to the point where any facial movement will cause it to crack or crumble, instead it creates a subtle tightening sensation that is none other than utterly relaxing.  8->  Afterward, I use a warm face washer to emulsify the dry mask, then rinse off the residue with water.  My skin immediately feels soft, smooth and nourished and looks plump, firm and calm with a noticeable reduction in the size and appearance of my pores.  =D>

The Jurlique Intense Recovery Mask is the perfect mask for a pamper session or DIY facial because it feels good and provides an instant boost for problem skin.  It’s non-irritating and hasn’t upset my sensitive skin, rather the soothing properties gently nurture any discomfort and diminish the redness and inflammation of blemishes for a calmer, more evenly toned complexion.  It effectively controls excess oil and draws gunk from my pores to eliminate congestion, without drying my skin or stripping its essential moisture.  <:-P  Although, I’ve been using this mask for a month and can’t see any visible anti-ageing improvements, such as softening of fine lines and wrinkles, the temporary results are clearly evident.   I think it will make a great ‘quick-fix’ to refine my complexion during the warmer months when my skin usually becomes overly oily, greasy and congested.  Unfortunately, the price of the mask is excessive, retailing at nearly $100 for a full-sized tube, which is above and beyond the price I would expect to pay for a top shelf, professional skin care mask and to be honest; this natural based product just doesn’t deliver with outstanding visible results that could warrant such a costly price tag.  /:) Because of these factors I am only rating this mask with 3.5 stars out of 5.  

(*)  (*)  (*)  & ½  (*)  This particular mask might attract those who prefer natural ingredients and want to indulge in a revitalising experience that quickly transforms their complexion.  Personally, due to the price and the limited long-term recovery capabilities, I wouldn’t repurchase it myself.  #-o

TIP -  *-:)  This mask is perfect to use as a spot treatment on individual blemishes.

Have you tried this mask of any of the other products from the Jurlique range?  :-?   How do you feel about products that claim to be all natural or have missleading names, when you've found out the info isn't exactly true?  Feel free to comment below.  B-)

The images in this post are generic.