The Deep Cleansing, Pore Shrinking Mud From The Amazon

We’ve all got our problems, right? One of mine is pores the approximate size and depth of the Mariana Trench. James Cameron himself would lose his way in the depths of these pits of horror that are dotted across my face. Perhaps I am being dramatic, but as I was wandering through Kiehl’s last month, I stopped short when I saw the display for the Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque. Reading on, I found that this masque is formulated with White Clay from the Amazon. Can you imagine my delight? Claiming to minimize the look of pores by thoroughly cleansing the skin and eliminating surface impurities, I knew this was the product for me.

Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque Review

To apply, I spread a thin layer over clean, damp skin. I like to do face masks a couple of times a week right after a hot steamy shower, which will open up your pores to let all that Amazonian goodness in. This masque takes about 10 pleasurably tingling minutes to dry. I did apply the product more thickly over the “problem areas” of my face (which is most of it right now, thanks heat wave!). I have decided that this provides an extra boost of treatment for these areas, but whether or not you believe this is for you to decide. When it has dried, I remove the masque with a damp cloth, and voila! Poreless, perfect, glowing skin!!

Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque Review

…yeah, I wish. This is no miracle product, but in all seriousness I am quite pleased with the results. This is a deep cleansing masque and leaves my face feeling just that, clean! Free of excess oils (but not too dry), oh so soft, brighter, firmer and yes, even my pores of epic proportions have made some improvements over the past few weeks. I think this would be a good option for anyone with combination or oily skin, even if you are not amongst the ranks of those long suffering with large pores.

I should also mention I have been using this masque as a spot treatment with good results. I just apply it to my blemishes and leave it on for a few hours. Though this product has never irritated my very sensitive skin, I have been fearful of leaving products on overnight ever since a very unfortunate and misguided toothpaste-as-a-spot-treatment incident in high school (spoiler alert, I woke up with bright red burns all over my face). As a spot treatment, this masque works to both dry out and soothe the redness of my blemishes quite effectively!

Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque Review

All in all, I would definitely recommend this product. It is a little pricy for a tub of mud, as rare as it may be, but I’ve used it about 10 times, and as you can see there is still a lot of product left! Purchase from Kiehl’s, $23 USD.

Have you tried this masque? Let me know what you think in the comments, and fill me in on any other pore refining products you swear by!

Written by Jessica Knox