We turn to the purifying powers of charcoal when things get dire, our exfoliating regimen has been lax and those stubborn blackheads won’t budge. A good charcoal mask is a must before a big event (such as a summer wedding) or for guys who need a next-level cleanse so we tested three popular clarifying masks to help you decide which one is the best option for smooth, blackhead-free skin.
BEST FOR: TEXTURE
After applying a thin layer of the Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask ($72) it immediately felt tingly, which is hard to distinguish from a burning sensation if you’re sensitive. The impressive ingredient list is somewhat of a consolation for any discomfort. Irish moor mud contains amino acids and purifying bio-minerals, while the volcanic ash helps to heal and the charcoal magnetizes impurities for smaller-looking pores. If you’re on the sensitive side, this mask might cause redness so do a patch test first or avoid putting it on right before a major event. Once things calmed, our face was the softest it’s been in a long time, making this a winner when it comes to improving texture.
