This past weekend, I completely neglected my skin by not giving it a proper cleanse and living purely off of micellar water. Well, now it’s Monday and I’m suffering the consequences in the form of a few little ‘skin demons’. I figured it was about time for a deep cleanse, so I pulled out my GlamGlow Powermud sample (which I picked up in a recent Birchbox).
Powermud is yet another ‘deep cleansing’, detoxifying mask from GlamGlow, though supposedly it’s less drying than their SuperMud mask due to its unique mud-to-oil formula. (I’ve included a comparison of the two further down below).
What is GlamGlow Powermud?
GlamGlow Powermud is a gentle yet deep cleansing treatment for your face. It features a unique formula that starts out as mud (like most of GlamGlow’s masks), only this one transforms into an oil once water is added. The mud portion combines a blend of four different clays, including Brazilian white clay, which initially work to detoxify. Afterwards, a mix of prickly pear, pine, frankincense, and myrrh oils help remove dirt, oil, and makeup while also softening the skin.
GlamGlow Powermud is recommended for dry, normal, combination, and oily skin types and helps target dullness and uneven texture, oiliness, and dryness.
Key Ingredients:
- OILIXER™: A custom blended complex of four non-greasy and fast-absorbing cleansing oils, including prickly pear oil, pine oil, frankincense oil, and myrrh oil.
- CLAYTOX™: A four-clay blend featuring rare Brazilian white clay; provides an ultragentle skin detoxification action for a maximum yet delicate cleanse.
- PUREIFIER™: A complex mix of cleansers, astringents, and exfoliators, working in synergy to dramatically purify and condition the skin.
- Teaoxi Velvet Leaf: Nourishes while providing maximum cleansing benefits.
How to Use GlamGlow Powermud
Apply a thin layer of GlamGlow Powermud to clean, dry skin (you don’t need to pile this one on – a slightly transparent look is expected). Leave the mask on for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to dry. To remove, apply water and use circular motions to transform Powermud into a cleansing oil treatment. Use once or twice a week.
GlamGlow Powermud Review
I’m a big fan of oil-sucking detox masks, but sometimes they can work counter-actively by drying out skin and hence leading to more oil production. At first glance, the GlamGlow Powermud appears to be formulated with this in mind. First off, the mask contains glycerin to help it balance out the drying effects. It also finishes in an oil form which is going to help re-hydrate the skin after all the clays have been washed away. Let’s see if that makes a difference.
When I first applied GlamGlow Powermud I immediately noticed the intense, almost chemical-like scent. It is a bit citrus-y, and almost paint-like. For me, it wasn’t the most pleasant. On top of that, it turns out the added fragrances have the potential to cause irritation, making it not the best option for sensitive skin.
Another effect that those with sensitive skin might want to consider is the strong tingly, almost burning, sensation the mask creates when it first touches your skin. For me, this feeling subsided within about one minute, then came back for a few seconds again when I went to rinse the mask off.
GlamGlow Powermud, first applied
GlamGlow Powermud after ~10 minutes
Despite those two drawbacks, once the GlamGlow Powermud mask was completely rinsed off, I noticed some immediate difference in my skin. I have to say, the mask lives up to its claims! It absorbs excess oil without drying the skin, thanks to the glycerin and moisturizing oils. My skin actually felt pretty hydrated afterwards, with the oils still comforting and moisturizing on my skin. GlamGlow Powermud’s formula also contains some gentle granules that provide some minimal exfoliation – nothing too intense, but definitely adding to the mask’s benefits.
Summary
Pros:
- Absorbs excess oil
- Leaves skin matte and smooth for several hours following treatment
- Doesn’t dry out skin
- Smooths the skin with gentle exfoliation
Cons:
- Contains fragrances that could cause irritation
- Slightly tingly, burning sensations during the application/rinsing off
GlamGlow Powermud vs Supermud
GlamGlow’s Supermud mask had been my go-to for a while there when I needed a quick fix for my oily skin and congested pores. While GlamGlow Powermud offers similar benefits, there are definitely some pros and cons that I noticed when comparing the two.
What I like in particular about Supermud (catch my full review here) is that you can actually see the oilies as they absorb into the mask, whereas with Powermud, this isn’t so obvious. Does that mean you’re getting less absorption with Powermud? It’s possible, considering the mask is pretty saturated with oils from the start.
The biggest difference, however, is that GlamGlow’s Supermud is free of strong astringents (witch hazel), making it a bit more manageable for sensitive skin types. On top of that, I actually didn’t find it to be drying for my combination skin. For these reasons, I’m sticking with Supermud!
For dry skin however, GlamGlow Powermud is probably the best option. The added oils in Powermud help prevent dryness by locking in moisture both during and after the treatment.
Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Dillards, & Amazon
Looking for a less expensive option? Check out The Body Shop’s Charcoal mask for a deep detox and extra exfoliation, or the Perfectly Posh Whole Lava Love for extra skin polishing and oil hydration without the use of clay.
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Have you tried GlamGlow’s mud masks? Have a favorite?
