What is it about a negative review that makes me want to try a product for myself? When Katrina at Shimmer Kisser posted her review of Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, reporting on its toothpaste-like consistency, its ability to burn straight through your flesh, and its essential uselessness, I should have taken her word for it. Instead I coughed up $2.50 to try it for myself.
I love the smell of peppermint, so the strong mint scent didn’t bother me, and I actually kind of like it. It is hard to get the mask out of the tube, because it is rather like caulk (possible use for what’s left in the tube?) I also didn’t mind the tingling as the mask dried on my face. It wasn’t uncomfortable for me, which surprised me because my face is usually extremely sensitive. The mask dries like most clay masks, to a stiff, cracking mess that looks horrifying, so I would never use this mask around small children, the easily frightened, or anyone with a weak heart.
It was hard to rinse off. No matter how much water I splashed on my face, there were stubborn green streaks on my nose and forehead that refused to wash off until I scrubbed at the spots with my fingers. My face felt clean and smooth when I dried it, but I didn’t notice any difference in oiliness or any reduction in breakouts, even after using the mask for 2 weeks.
I don’t regret buying this mask though. Something about it feels so old school, so funny, so high school, and I enjoyed kicking back for 15 minutes as the mask dried, flipping through trashy magazines and hoping no one knocked on the door until I rinsed my face.
Even though Katrina and I didn’t exactly give this product two thumbs up, there is a massive cult following for Queen Helene! Eighty percent of reviewers on MakeupAlley.com would purchase this mask again, and reviewers gave it an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 on epinions.com. One reviewer at acne.org said it takes about 2 weeks to see results, so I will keep caulking my face with this stuff and let you know if I change my opinion!
~ Lipstick Graffiti ~ 