Everything She Wants' Beauty Mask Roundup

Masks deeply cleanse and remove impurities from your skin, and I haven't found a better way to zap a zit than to slather it with mud or clay.

Over the years, I've tried my share of masks (Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque and Queen Afua's Rejuvenating Clay still work wonders) and have a bad habit of sleeping with them on (don't do it, it will scare your husband and dry out your skin).  Recently I added a few new beauty masks to my skin care regimen.

Here's how they worked:

Nutriganics Smoothing Mask from the Body Shop:  This mask is infused with community trade, organic ingredients from around the world including babassu oil from Brazil to smooth and revitalize; olive oil from Italy and sugar from Paraguay to moisturize and soften; and buddleja and thyme from Switzerland to protect the skin.  The mask feels soothing and smells divine thanks to a blend of damask rose, geranium, thyme, fennel, and organic oils.  My verdict: Nutraganics Smoothing Mask lives up to its name and provides an at-home spa experience. (A)

Norma Kamali Sea Clay Olive Masque: This unscented deep pore treatment is made with olive oil and clay mud from the sea.  It can be used on your face, hair, and body. On her website, Ms. Kamali describes her masque as "one of the oldest and most beneficial masques ever created for men and women." My verdict: The masque has an authentic, gritty texture.  It works to draw out toxins, but maybe too well.  I used it on a pesky pimple and the bump got bigger. (B-)

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Clay Mask: This loose clay mix contains loess (healing earth), witch hazel extract, corn starch, and other natural ingredients. The instructions advise to mix one heaped teaspoon of powder to about one and a half teaspoons of water to create a soft paste. My verdict: I love the crunchy ingredients, but for the price I don't enjoy the mess of mixing my own mask. And I'm not a fan of the yellowish brown color. (B-)