So I keep on mentioning that Tony Moly has adorable packaging, but I haven't showed you any of their products that actually adhere to this rule. Well, today that's all going to change.
Here's a member of the Tony Moly "Egg Pore" line, their "Tightening Cooling Pack." I actually purchased this thinking it was the "Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm." It wasn't. Which isn't to say that it's bad! Both products come in very similar packaging with the only difference being the color: white or brown.
It just had a different application than what I wanted. Like most people on this planet, I'm constantly looking for a product that will rid my nose of pesky blackheads. I've heard fantastic things about the "Black Head Steam Balm," but that review will have to wait for another time. The cooling pack's primary function is to minimize pores, tighten skin and restore elasticity.
Look at that attention to detail! |
First thing that I immediately notice, the texture is WEIRD. It's aerated clay. It feels very spongey and has a bouncy texture. You don't be able to sink your fingers in, spoon it out and spread it on your skin. You'll have to break it apart and smooth a little "mask nugget" over you skin.
The second thing I noticed was the quantity that you get. I expected the egg to be more than half full of product, but you really only get the bottom third of the plastic egg filled with mask. You only get 30 grams of product.
The instructions on the box say to take a "moderate to heavy" amount and spread it over you face for 10-15 minutes or until dry. Then wash off with warm water.
The ingredients include:Water, Kaolin, Butylene Glycol, Bentonite, Titanium, Dioxide (CI 77891), Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Vinegar, Egg Shell Powder, Sea Silt, Glacier Water, Perfluorohexane, Tromethamine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cellulose Gum, Perfluorodecalin, Potassium Alginate, Pentafluoropropane, Disodium DETA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance.
Here's my bare face before the mask. (Super Tired)
Despite the strange texture the mask was easy to smooth on my face. With clay masks I prefer an opaque covering of mask to really absorb all the impurities from my face.
Most of the masks that I use are clay based, I've tried bentonite, kaolin, and umbrian clay, and I find they really help with oil and sebum control. Waiting the 10-15 minutes wasn't unbearable, I just queued up some youtube videos and sat down.
Unlike the rest of the clay masks that I've had the pleasure of trying, that crack and crumble when they dry, this mask coalesced together and really did feel like it had a "tightening" effect. It was a bit difficult to talk after the mask had fully dried.
After I washed the mask off my skin felt really good. My skin didn't feel stripped, but I did notice whatever bubbling breakouts I had underneath my skin became smaller.
This before and after picture is slightly deceiving, as the after makes my skin look more angry and red, but the next morning when I applied my makeup my skin's texture was phenomenal and looked markedly different. Again, I don't think it can "shrink pores," but in terms of acne fighting powers, sebum control and skin refining this is a pretty good mask.
The real drawback for me, is that you get a small amount of product. On the other hand it retails for $13 so that's not necessarily too bad? The ultimate test is whether I'd purchase it again and yes I would. Despite the small negative of the amount of product, I felt like this mask offered something new and beneficial to my skin.
I hope this review helps anyone looking to invest in this product! I purchased mine from the Tony Moly flagship store, but if you're curious, here's a purchase link below:
Pretty and Cute
Amazon*