Estée Lauder Clear Difference Purifying Exfoliating Mask

This is a soft, clay-based deep cleansing mask that also doubles as a gentle exfoliator. It comes in a fairly large light blue plastic jar and there is a plastic spatula included in the box in order to help you get the product out. I would have preferred if this product came in a tube, as the jar takes up quite a lot space in my bathroom and is also not very travel friendly either! The product itself has a fresh scent, that's not overpowering and has a grainy paste like texture. I was after a good deep cleansing mask, and decided to purchase this one by Estee Lauder as it was a new product from their 'Clear Difference" range for oily, blemish-prone skin types. I tend to get congestion in my T-zone as I have large pores, and breakouts on my chin quite frequently. Therefore I was excited to try this exfoliating mask for my skin, as it contains salicylic acid to help exfoliate and treat breakouts. I was also impressed that it's a 2-in-1 skincare product and I rarely ever treat myself to a good mask so I decided to give this product a go! After cleansing and before toning, I apply a decent amount to my face, especially around the chin and nose areas. It has a slight tingling and cooling sensation when applied to the skin, so it's important to avoid the eye area. It specifies to leave it on for 5 minutes, however I like to apply it before I hop into the shower so the steam also helps draw out impurities from my pores. The mask doesn't set or dry completely like traditional clay masks, and turns into a thin paste when you add water to your face, so you can start to exfoliate your skin at this point. The fine exfoliating grains are gentle and help remove dry, flaky skin without being too abrasive. Once I remove this mask and rinse my face, my skin is instantly left feeling so soft, clean and smooth. My pores look smaller and I always notice after using this mask/exfoliator that skin immediately looks brighter. The thing I like most about this product is that it doesn't leave your skin feeling tight, dry and uncomfortable like many of the clay masks I've tried. I use this product 1 to 2 times a week, especially if I have been wearing heavy sunscreen or makeup and feel that my skin really needs a good detox. I haven't noticed any significant difference to my existing blemishes, I just find this mask leaves my skin feeling really clean and smooth thanks to the fine exfoliating beads.  I would recommend this product to anyone with oily, blemish-prone skin who wants a quick and effective deep cleansing mask and gentle exfoliator in one. I definitely don't think it would suit anyone with very dry or sensitive skin, as it does cause the skin to tingle a little once you apply it. One key disadvantage is the expensive price, as I think there are great deep cleansing masks available in pharmacies etc that do just as much of a good job as this mask. Also this product didn't really do anything to treat or minimise my blemishes and the jar packaging is a bit troublesome. However it is definitely worth a try if you're after a more lux deep cleansing mask or if you're after a 2-in-1 mask and exfoliator product.