Ok so that title is a little bit of hyperbole. This mask may not rule them all exactly, but I’m a dork and I couldn’t resist AND it certainly can address a variety of different issues so there ya go. You see, it’s not really like a regular store bought mask at all, it’s more like a base for many different masks. At this point you’re probably thinking “Woman, wtf are you talking about?” So let me explain . . .

Aztec Secret, or more simply Calcium Bentonite Clay is a powdered clay that you can buy in a tub, and use to make all sorts of face masks. So while it may not literally RULE them all, it is definitely a very versatile thing to have around as it can be used to meet a lot of different beauty needs. Not to mention it’s that classic green clay mask color that makes you feel like you’re at a sleepover in an 80’s movie. If that’s not a selling point I don’t know what is.

Some favorites of mine are:

• For Acne Breakouts: Aztec Secret + Apple Cider Vinegar
• For Dry Skin: Aztec Secret + Coconut/Jojoba/Olive Oil (whatever you have on hand) you can also add honey to this mix for extra moisture!
• For Normal Skin: Aztec Secret + Filtered Water This will just bring a nice glow to normal skin, without being too drying or too oily.

Just choose the ingredients that make sense for your current skin situation and then mix away. There is no real recipe for how much clay or how much liquid, its a matter of preference, you can make it as thick or as thin as you like. I recommend a medium paste so that it’s easy to spread and to wash off. I also choose to put it in a sealable jar so that if I make too much, I can save some for later. Today, I was having some hormone related acne issues so I whipped up a quick batch of the apple cider vinegar recipe. Some things to note are:

• The vinegar mix will bubble a little. That’s normal, so don’t worry. Just pretend to be a mad scientist and have fun with it.
• You shouldn’t use any metal to store or mix this. The ingredients can react to the metal, and I’m not sure what it does to the mixture but I assume it has a negative impact on the effectiveness.
• As the mask dries, it will feel super tight on your face, and it might even feel like it’s pulsating a little. Don’t worry that’s supposed to happen, it even says it on the clay container. I have found this to be much more prevalent in the recipes that don’t contain oil though.
• If you use oil, it will never fully dry, it will just get a little more stiff.

That’s my bubbling clay and vinegar mask. Fun right? Now it’s time to spread it on your face and sit around looking super hot.

#Nofilter #Dontbejelly

It takes around 45 minutes for the mask to harden up, then you can just rinse it off in the sink with warm water and a washcloth. I find that my skin feels really smooth and clean afterwards. Keep in mind, however that your face may be a little red or pink when you first wash it off, especially if you use the vinegar, so maybe don’t do this right before you need to go out.

So long story short - if you need something to meet your ever changing skin needs and still be budget friendly (not to mention totally natural!) this may be something you want to keep around the house. 😉