Nimi Notes: REVIEW: Aztec Secret face mask

My 'REVIEW' post features a beauty face mask that may be hard to find, but is sure worth the look! This product is the 'Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay' and is apparently the "worlds most powerful facial". I'm not sure if I have the scientific knowledge to know to what extent that statement is true, but I think it is definitely very effective, and one of the best face masks I have ever come across.

The 'Aztec Secret' healing clay has become more popular with celebrities particularly in America as the clay actually originates from Death Valley in California. This clay is 100% natural Calcium Bentonite Clay.

So now for the science-y bit! This healing clay is bentonite clay from Death Valley where it is sun-dried for up to six months in temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 134 degrees. Death Valley is the hottest, lowest and driest point in America and I was lucky enough to visit there this summer, and let me tell you, it HOT!! It's also an extremely interesting and picturesque place to visit, and you can see how something like this can form! SO what is Calcium Bentonite clay? Well it is volcanic ash with all the impurities burned out leaving pure trace minerals. This cannot be repeated in a lab and therefore demonstrates the natural source of this product.

When you open the tub you will see a whitish-grey coloured powder and you might be thinking how on earth this constitutes a face mask! As instructed on the tub, you have to mix the clay powder with a liquid to form the face mask. This is apple cider vinegar. You can buy yours form a supermarket, but I got mine from Amazon because honestly I got a bit lazy!

So to make this fantastic mask, you will need:

- The 'Aztec Secret' healing clay

- Apple cider vinegar (the one below is organic, but you don't have to get that)

- A facemask mixing bowl

- Face mask making tools (brush and spoons)- you also don't particularly need these but they are handy to have and makes face mask-making more fun!

For one face mask I use the 'biggest' measuring spoon as shown in the picture below, marked 15 and also the one marked 5 (and put two of them in) altogether making 35. When I first got the mask I fiddled around with the measurements to see how much I needed to use and realised a little goes a long way with this clay! I would say it's the equivalent to a little more than a tablespoon.

I then start adding drops of apple cider vinegar whilst stirring using my face mask brush.

And eventually the face mask will form, and you are ready to apply it. Remember to always apply face masks to cleansed skin and avoid the eye area.

I like to leave my mask to dry for around 10-15 mins, or when I start feeling it harden on my face. You then remove the mask as normal and tone and moisturise.

This face mask is sold in many whole health food stores in America, particularly in California. I was in California this summer so I was able to find it, but over in the UK I haven't been able to come across it in stores. However I did find it on amazon, and you can purchase it in two sizes:

I would definitely recommend this healing clay; particularly if you're going for deep pore cleansing; it is really effective. I don't find that it is harsh on the skin and this mask achieves great suppleness and cleanliness in the skin. I often find that my skin is a lot clearer, feels fresher and is radiant after using this mask. The apple cider vinegar however doesn't have the best smell, and can put people off applying it to their face, although it does have many skin benefits as well with it being effective in reducing inflammation. So together they are a match-made in heaven!

One last thing! A face mask mixing kit is so handy! They usually come with the bowl, a mixer, three measuring spoons and a brush, and it makes the face mask so much easier to make and apply. I love using the brush (it feels like you are painting your face!) and the kit is also so easy to clean. I bought mine from Amazon, and you can get them in all different colours for roughly around £4!