Mask month continues with these clay-based beauties

I never set out to make July the “month of masks,” but I figure I might as well finish what I inadvertently started. At this point you’d think I’d have the purest pores and smoothest skin on the planet, and while my face is in pretty good shape, I blame summer’s heat and humidity (and resulting non-stop sweating) for the persistent blackheads that seem to return almost immediately after I eradicate them. Then I busted into my stash of Generation Clay masks and I think that maybe I’ve broken the vicious cycle.

These all-natural Australian masks tap into the purifying properties of kaolin and bentonite clays and activated charcoal powder—plus ingredients you’ve never heard of like Old Man Weed and Desert Lime—to detox, brighten and refine your skin while you kick back and relax.

First up was the Detoxifying Charcoal Clay Mask, and there’s something about the mud-like consistency that makes it so easy to apply. (The adorable brush that comes with each mask definitely helps, too.) You know it’s working thanks to a subtle tingle, and the color lightens as it dries so you know when it’s time to rinse. It also gets tight, and there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing those little dark dots that you know are caused by the oil that’s getting sucked out of your pores. After you rinse, your skin is soft, smooth and squeaky clean—with nary a pore in sight.

After a beyond satisfying experience with the charcoal mask, the Urban Defence Purifying Pink Clay Mask was next in line, and even though I hardly live in a bustling metropolis, I’m sure my pores have picked up some of the nasty stuff that’s floating around out there. Hence the vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum, which works to neutralize free radicals while brightening and giving skin a collagen-boosting kick in the pants. It goes on cool and a little tingly and seems to dry faster than the charcoal mask. After rinsing, you’re left with supple, rosy, glowing skin—try it in the morning to put your best face forward!