Review: Herbivore Blue Tansy Mask (vs. Drunk Elephant Babyfacial)

Product:

Herbivore Blue Tansy Mask AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask

Image via herbivorebotanicals.com

Price: 

$48 for 2oz (Sephora)

Claims:

"A truly natural clarifying and cooling gel face mask, features white willow bark (natural BHA), fruit enzymes (natural AHA), and blue tansy to gently exfoliate, smooth, and resurface the skin." (from Sephora's website)

How I Use It:

Following the instructions that came with the mask, I used it for 3 days in a row, leaving the mask on for 15 minutes. After that, I used it about once or twice a week depending on how my skin was looking.* After washing the mask off, I made sure to go in with a hydrating serum and oil to bring moisture back into my skin and lock in all those amazing benefits.

(*Keep in mind that my skin has adapted over several years to using high levels of AHA's and BHA's. So if it's your first time using these types of acids and you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first and start slowly - you don't want to compromise your moisture barrier!)

My Thoughts:

I'll come right out and say it: I like this mask more than Babyfacial. Like, a lot more. For one, the price point is far more manageable - $48, especially if purchased at a discount like I did, is very doable for this much product, which will last me a few months at least. I was kind of surprised that I liked this mask so much, considering my only other experience with Herbivore products was their Rosewater creme which totally broke me out (sadface). But I think I've found my new favorite exfoliating, glow-giving mask and I will definitely be repurchasing it.

Let me break down each aspect of this mask:

Texture/Appearance:

The color of this mask is a gorgeous deep blue-green, which looks amazing in the tub and pretty weird on your face. It's a liquidy, jelly sort of texture and smells fruity and amazing. The packaging is also gorgeous - very clean and minimal, like all of Herbivore's products.

Application:

Since the texture of the mask is very liquidy, it's a bit difficult to apply at first, but I got the hang of it after 1 or 2 applications. I used the provided plastic applicator to dollop the mask onto my face, then spread it out with my fingers. (I'm looking into getting a more professional mask applicator, so hopefully that will help in the future.)

Ingredients:

The ingredients in this mask are excellent for sensitive, acne-prone skin like mine because they're noncomedogenic, natural, and free of "dirty" chemicals. The main exfoliating ingredients are willow bark extract (BHA) and pineapple and papaya extracts (AHA). To counteract the AHA/BHA combo, this mask has soothing aloe and blue tansy oil. The blue tansy oil is what gives the mask its gorgeous teal color, and also what makes it so great for sensitive folks.

Results: 

The morning after I first used this mask, I noticed my skin was brighter, clearer, and had a slight glow that it didn't' have the day before. After the first few days of using the mask, those results only increased. When I felt my skin was a little dull or congested - or a breakout was on the way - I went ahead and used this mask and it fixed those issues basically overnight. I haven't experienced any irritation with this mask at all - it does tingle quite a bit when you have it on, but nothing alarming or out of the ordinary for exfoliating masks. 

Alright, I know this review has been super long but I hope it was helpful if you're considering buying the Herbivore Blue Tansy mask (or comparing it to the Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial).