You always want what you can’t have — especially when it comes to beauty products. That’s why we’re getting the inside scoop from your favorite retailers on what’s selling out right now, how to sign up for waitlists, and where to go to find the next best thing. Because if everyone’s buying it, you know it has to be good.
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, a clay mask might already be a staple in your beauty routine. Clay (like kaolin, bentonite, or volcanic ash) soothes, absorbs oil, cleanses, and even exfoliates, which makes it a superhero for easily congested skin.
Recently, our beauty director Cat Quinn discovered the holy grail of clay masks. (She even dedicated an entire Snapchat story to it, which means the thing is legit.) "I had an active breakout on my cheeks and chin, so I used this mask three days in a row and by the third day, my skin was completely clear," she told us, clearly amazed.
Naturally, after hearing about this wonder product, I had to check it out. When I did, I discovered that the mask (which retails for a hefty $125) is on backorder at Nordstrom and out of stock at Bloomingdale's. Neiman Marcus still appears to have some tubes in stock, but judging by this product's popularity, I'm guessing they won't be around for long.
Clearly, I'm not the only one itching to get my hands on the mask, but if you miss your chance, or don't have $125 to drop, there's still hope. Ahead, we've gathered four other A+ clay masks that will do the trick. Let the pore-purging begin!
Cat posted her first makeup-free selfie after using this mask. "It made my skin so even, it looked like I was wearing tinted moisturizer," she said. The thick, gray putty contains a potent blend of kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb oil, bisabolol to soothe irritated skin, and glycerin to moisturize. "It's pricey, but the immediate effect it had on my skin made it worth it for me," she said.
RéVive Masque de Glaise Purifying Clay Mask, $125, available at Neiman Marcus.
This mask was made for acne-prone skin. The charcoal absorbs oil, while the salicylic acid clears up breakouts without drying out your skin. It also contains a whole host of natural, good-for-you ingredients like tomato, aloe vera, watermelon, chamomile, and pumpkin extract.
Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask, $15.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Unlike some charcoal and clay masks, this one won't leave your skin feeling tight. In fact, our beauty editor Maria Del Russo called this sheet mask a "marriage between deep-cleansing and hydrating." It contains activated charcoal, Moroccan lava clay to draw out impurities, and spearmint extract to improve elasticity.
Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask, $7.50, available at Sephora.
If you struggle with oily skin, you'll fall in love with this mask from Boots. It contains clarifying willow bark and sea-silt clay to absorb oil and leave your complexion beautifully matte.
Boots Botanics Ionic Shine Away Clay Mask, $9.39, available at Target.
Looking for a serious pore-cleansing session? Meet this GlamGlow mask. Sure, at $69, it's not cheap, but a little goes a long way — you won't run out of this anytime soon. Dampen your face a bit before slapping it on, then give it 20 minutes to dry. As it works, you'll be able to see the oil in your skin getting sucked up by the clay, which is so satisfying.
GlamGlow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment, $69, available at Birchbox.
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