Self-care is important, especially during these stressful times, and we think the best way to start a relaxing self-care routine is with a face mask. As always, we’ve been on a quest to find a new face mask that work with the skin’s natural balance. Today we’re introducing a waterless face mask from Käsämä Cosmetics with their Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask made of 100% natural ingredients.
Käsämä Cosmetics, is a natural skincare brand from Finland, and founded by Pauli Wigelius. Wigelius has a background in commerce but was inspired by Finnish wilderness and nature to get into the business of cosmetics — Käsämä is named after an area in North Karelia, Finland, where the clay is sourced and first used by the indigenous people for making pottery nearly 6500 years ago. The brand currently sells three different clay masks, each for different types of skin — the classic mask is for all skin types, the cranberry mask is for sensitive and normal skin, and the sea buckthorn is for oily and combination skin. All face masks are sustainable, vegan, cruelty-free and waterless, and the latter allows for the products to be stored safely for several years, even without preservatives. The brand said, “Käsämä clay deeply cleanses and purifies our skin and helps us see and appreciate our pure, innate beauty, our truest self and brings a touch of the purest natural healing power within reach of modern-day city dwellers in the world’s busy metropolises.” Although the company is based in Finland, they have distributors in multiple countries and deliver worldwide.
The face mask that we tried was nominated in the Nordic Beauty Awards 2020, the Käsämä’s Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask is formulated primarily for oily and combination skin; this mask exfoliates and purifies skin by absorbing impurities, removing dead skin cells, and cleansing clogged pores — pretty much everything we look for in a mask. The only ingredients this mask contains are clay, sea buckthorn extract, and zea mays (corn) starch. 75% of the powder in the mask is clay, which is the key ingredient here to absorb impurities and excess oils. Sea Buckthorn is one of nature’s wonder-berries, full of antioxidants it has a healing and rejuvenating effect on the skin and is also a natural cleanser and exfoliator. It also contains vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, and C that hydrate and regenerate skin. Whereas the zea mays starch reduces oil and has anti-inflammatory properties. To apply, measure 1-2 teaspoons of the powder and add lukewarm water by drop until a smooth paste is created. Then, massage onto your face, neck, and shoulders and wait 5-10 minutes before rinsing away with lukewarm water. They recommend using it 1-3 times per week and avoiding contact with the eyes. Each package contains 35g, which is enough for about 10 full facial applications. The strength of the mask can be adjusted by adding different measures of water, making this a versatile mask for every skin type. We love the brand’s eco-credentials as it’s contained in a simple recyclable paper packet, and of course, being in powder form it cuts the weight of the product in half. What is fantastic about this powder mask is its purity, how refreshing it is to have no additives or chemicals - you really feel like you are at one with nature. If you want to feel the healing benefits of this mask, you can find it here for €17.90.