There are some things you can’t help but be glad your grandfather isn’t around to see. The spectacle of the application of a mud mask has to be pretty near the top of the list.
By Robert Carry
The grooming equivalent of a public castration was hoisted upon me in the name of journalistic rigour and would most probably have been something that I’d be able to avoid were this duty not laid at my door.
However, times are a-changing. Fail to keep up with developments in the world of grooming and what happens? You turn into a hairy-backed bloke whose eyebrows meet in the middle. A single hairy-backed bloke whose eyebrows meet in the middle.
One small mercy though, was that we opted for a DIY mud facial. At least the emasculation would happen behind doors.
The product we used is a new one to our shores, namely Aussie brand Moosehead’s Moose Mud Face Mask. It comes in a 20ml pouch which is more than enough for one treatment. It’s described as a ‘fuss free facial mask’ that ‘rids your skin of impurities, absorbs excess oils and deeply cleanses your pores to purify the skin’. Good stuff.
The idea is to use a decent facewash to clean your face before drying thoroughly. Next, you apply a thin layer to your entire face baring the area around your eyes and your lips.
After pulling the curtains and double-bolting the doors, I did all of the above. With the grey/green liquid drying on my face I looked I should coil a towel onto the top of my head.
Cooling
It was quite easy to apply, however, and had an immediately cooling effect. It also smells really, really pleasant. It’s like a cross between Chanel Platinum aftershave and the sun cream you plastered yourself with as a kid on sunny days.
Once applied, the pack instructs you to leave it in place for 10 minutes while algae, ginseng root extract, incamata flower, chamomile and seaweed ingredients worked their magic. With everything in place, there was nothing to do bar sit quietly. Questioning my sexuality.
The mud mask tightens across your face as it dries, giving an alien but not altogether unpleasant sensation. It leaves you with the distinct impression that while you might not be entirely sure about what the mud is doing, it’s most definitely doing something.
A disturbing thought crossed my mind midway through the ten minute marathon – there were literally no circumstances under which I could leave the house. Even if the direst of catastrophes struck I simply couldn’t go running outside in view of the neighbours while wearing a mud mask facial. If the place burst into flames, I would have to sit there and burn to death.
Anyway, once the ten minute mark was reached I rinsed the mask off with warm water and in all honestly, my face felt great – squeaky clean and baby arse smooth. Slap on a bit of moisturiser and you’re good to go.
It’s wrong, I know, but I can’t help it – mud facials are a winner. It’s time to man up, be brave and give one a crack.
Moosehead’s Moose Mud Face Mask is available in McCabes, McCauleys and independent pharmacies priced €1.99. For more information visit: www.moosehead.com.au.
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