Clay is a solid, fat and moist earth that can be found in all different varieties: red, green, brown, grey, pink, yellow or white. Each type has its own properties, which are determined by where it comes from and how deeply it is mined. Green Clay contains plant matter and important trace minerals such as silica, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, and selenium. Its rich minerals and active enzymes help remove dead skin cells, absorb dirt and surface fats, stimulate blood circulation, and draw toxins from the skin. Green clay mask not only helps to improve the condition of the skin but it also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties making it effective in combating pain associated with arthritis.

Due to the fact that Green Clay has such absorptive strength *flex*, it is the perfect product for oily problem skin because of its purifying, deep cleansing and drying action. Used in a facial mask the clay penetrates the pores, removing toxins, impurities and excess oils and serums out of the cells. Clay is also used for dirty and flaccid skin, acne, for poor blood circulation and to soothe eczema and sunburn. While clay can fly all these health benefits to your skin solo, we decided to go even more bold with adding rosemary to the mix. Rosemary is toning, stimulating, rejuvenating, and relaxes the skin. The scent has been found to improve speed and accuracy when performing certain mental tasks. Who doesn't need a little clay-rosemary combo to perk up the senses every once in a while? This easy to make facial mask is one to not do away with when it comes to nourishing your skin.

Tips n' tricks: When preparing Green Clay for external use always use distilled or filtered water, a small wooden spoon/spatula and a glass or ceramic bowl. Metal anything will disrupt the ionic exchange within the clay, rendering it less effective. This mask is best to use once every two weeks as its so deep cleansing. When applying, be careful to miss the eyes, lips, any scars or open wounds.

Ingredients: 

1 cup Green Clay
1 tbsp ground Rosemary (or 1 tsp of extract)
5 tbsp water

Feel free to mix and match with Aloe Vera for sensitive skin, ACV for acne-prone skin, Jojoba Oil for oily skin or Honey for dry skin.

Method:

1. Grind rosemary into a coarse powder.

2. Mix clay and rosemary in a mortar and pestle. 

3. Pour water slowly on top of the ingredients until it just covers it.

4. Wait a few minutes for the water to absorb the clay. Add more water if needed.

5. Mix together until you have a clear mixture – keep stirring if you see any lumps. If you feel that the mixture is too runny and won’t stick to your skin, add more clay and mix again.

6. When you are happy with the consistency of the mask, add anything else you'd like in your facial mask. Mix again. 

7. Do not leave the mask to the point where it is completely dry, flaky and cracked on your skin (you don't want it to completely suck the life out of your pores). As you step into the dry phase of your facial mask you can feel the clay contracting and toning the skin while strengthening the connective tissue. Workin' wonders am I right? Once the edges start to dry add water or oil. Try to leave the mask on for 10-25 minutes depending on how thick your application is. Maybe the length of time it takes you to drink one full glass of wine? The thinner the mask the less amount of time. However, take blooms words of advice with you: go big or go home. We just think you get better results that way.

8. Use warm water to clear your face.

9. When you skin is cleaned, apply a moisturizing cream as the clay will absorb moisture from the skin along with any impurities.