It’s not often that I use superlatives to describe skincare products but ever so often one comes along that makes me siiiiiiing. Was using the word ‘miracle’ in the title a bit of a stretch? Maybe…

But after using a ton of blah products, when I find one that actually works (well!), it makes me very very excited. And the fact that it’s (mostly) natural & very affordable is even better!


Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Pack Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Pack

Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Pack ₹70 for 50gms, ₹130 for 100gms

I have sensitive skin that becomes very oily in warmer weather (which, considering where I live is about 10 months out of the year). It’s also quite acne prone & reacts easily to pollution.

As you can guess, even I’ve been through a huge number of mud & anti acne packs ever since my teens. All pretty much work the same way – dry out & tighten your skin, temporarily draining it of excess oil but also make it feel overtly dry. And then you pretty much have to repeat it within two or three days.

So when I got my hands on this one I wasn’t particularly expectant or enthused in any way- until I tried it, that is. Pimples & acne isn’t the only thing that plagues my skin, sometimes it just feels congested with clogged pores. I know we’re venturing into pretty gross territory, but at least some of you will know what I’m talking about – it’s when your pores just don’t feel clean & no scrub or mask can usually help much in the matter. In fact, the only thing that has really helped me before is the Kaya Aqua Radiance facial, but I’m not really one for regular in-salon treatments.

Enter the Himalaya Herbals Neem face mask. It has fuller’s earth (multani mitti!) but also neem & turmeric, two ingredients known for their serious antibacterial properties. It’s natural but not completely organic as it does contain parabens. I love that it comes in a squeezy tube, it’s both hygienic & prevents the contents from drying out early.

After I apply this I can both feel & see my pores getting cleaned, I have seriously not found any mask that does this before, not drugstore or high end. Plus, the deep green color when it’s freshly applied makes for fun selfies on snapchat (seriously, add me on snapchat: magalivaz. I promise I post interesting stuff too!) It’s semi dry in the picture above.

And best of all it doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry or stretched out, although I always moisturise after. I was planning on buying the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, but I don’t need to anymore. My skin has never been happier. I started using it on April & am already on tube #2 with a third one stocked, that is how much I love this stuff. I took it with me to Goa too & I don’t think I will be away from home for more than two days without it.It’s not that I use it too often but it’s the perfect treatment if my skin’s acting up.

I could go on & one about this mask but I’ll zip it now. All I’ll say is that if your skin is anything like mine, give this a try & you won’t regret it! It’s cheap, should be available easily in local stores or you could always buy it online. You can thank me later! x