Back in August I did a review for Kyoku for Men Lava Mask and I loved it. I don’t believe in products for men or women – I think anything in beauty should be available to everyone. I have oiler skin so men’s products work pretty well for my skintype.
This scrub has the same gorgeous smell as the mask which I described as freshly washed laundry. The consistency of this scrub is milky smooth and doesn’t produce a lather so you can use face wash afterwards if you want to. I usually use this in the shower when my face is already wet and apply it in circular motions as recommended. If you leave it on for a few minutes it produces the the same lovely cooling effect as the mask. I haven’t yet figured out what makes this cooling effect happen but it is very unique. The website says and I quote ‘Volcanic ash magnetically pulls oils and toxins from deep within dermal layers’. Mr. Kyoku are you trying to seduce me? 
James doesn’t like this scrub – he’s says it’s not rough enough but I disagree. I think the little grains of volcanic ash, rice bran, walnut shells, and adzuki bean powder (you can see them in the picture above) do a splendid job of exfoliating my dull skin and even though it doesn’t foam up it still rinses really well. This gentle lovely creamy paste also contains soothing goat’s milk so would be ideal for those with sensitive skin or anyone who likes mild exfoliation as the grains aren’t scratchy or abrasive. After I use it my skin feels very clean and fresh and quite soft.
This scrub and the mask go really well together – both are are effective without being harsh. I really love this range and I’m looking forward to trying more goodies.
This retails for £19 at Mankind!
This is available at Mankind!
A few weeks ago when James was placing an order for some men’s bits at Mankind he stupidly asked me if I wanted/needed anything. He probably thought I would say no as it’s a men’s site. Yeah right like I wouldn’t find something to buy?! I’ve always loved scrubs and masks that contain dirt, grit, mud, sand, rocks etc. and men’s products seem to have these in abundance. I immediately spotted this lava mask under ‘Editor’s Choice’ so I knew I had to get it. When I opened the packaging it contained a little card that I would consider to be a ‘love note’ telling me it contains volcanic mud and sand.
The scent of this mask is really hard to place. It reminds me of the fresh air of the Colorado Rockies but it also reminds me of freshly washed laundry. I was expecting the mask to be black but it’s a very pale ash colour. There was a pool of liquid at the top when I opened it but you just need to stir it. The liquid helps to keep the mask from drying out. You can also add additional water if you need too. This was a bit tricky to apply. You need to make sure your face is damp otherwise the mask just keeps coming off and then you end up putting more on. Once the mask is on it starts to have an immediate cooling affect that lasts the entire time you leave it on. I don’t know if this is a side effect but it feels really nice. This says it will draw out excess oils and toxins from the skin so I left two angry spots unattended (it was very difficult to do) just to see if this mask would draw them to the surface and sure enough it did!
Just as it was difficult to put on, it was also a bit of faff to get off. It didn’t quite peel off it kind of came off in chunks. I made a bit of mess in the bathroom. James asked me why it looked like someone dropped cement on the floor! For all the difficulties get it on and off the results are totally worth it. Plus the cooling feature of this mask is really unique, almost like you having an ice pack on your face. My skin felt so smooth afterwards that James was eager to have a go. He also got fantastic results, smooth skin that looked refreshed and clear. I would definitely buy this again. If you have oily or problem skin (when mother nature brings your monthly bill) then this is a real treat!
