Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

RRP: £12 for 75ml tube + 2 sponges (also available in a 15ml tube)

--What does the promo say?--
"A highly concentrated clay and botanical mask that draws out impurities and excess oil, leaving your skin looking clean and clear. Specially formulated for combination, oily or problem skin. Not suitable for sensitive skin."

--Packaging--
A calm pale yellow tube with the trademark Liz Earle logo decorating it in dark brown. Plastic screw-top lid. However, you have to remember to shake this up a bit before using it, as a clear liquid tends to collect towards the neck of the tube.

--Usage instructions--
"Apply after cleansing skin. Smooth a generous layer of the mask over face and neck, avoiding eyes, lips and hairline. Leave on for 5 - 10 minutes. Wipe away residue with thoroughly rinsed sponges. Splash face with cool water. Use as often as needed: either as an all over face treatment, or to target specific blemishes or problem areas. For best results follow with Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser."

--Appearance--
A dark grey-brown colour, which comfortingly really does look like runny mud rather than looking artificial. On the face, it looks patchy as it is difficult to apply evenly (mainly, I think, because it's absorbed so quickly by the skin). After use, skin looks softer and refreshed, pores and blackheads appear finer, and small patches of dry skin are made to disappear.

--Texture/consistency--
Creamy yet light, and runny but not ridiculously so.

--Scent--
Not really much discernible here.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Like all the nasties have been lifted right out. I'm still left with some blackheads, but I'm seeing an improvement day on day and am confident that things will continue to improve over time. There's also no irritation - only softness (even with everyday use).

--Value for money--
Pretty good - the product is effective and very little needs to be used each time (even though it might not seem that way initially as the product sinks into the skin so quickly). It's also easy to wash off. However, you'll get an even better deal if you buy this as part of the Try-Me Treatment Kit, which contains everything you'll ever need for a variety of skincare emergencies (Spot-On Blemish Treatment Gel, Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask, Gentle Exfoliator, Brightening Treatment Mask, and Superskin Concentrate, as well as the Deep Cleansing Mask itself and some sponges and muslin cloths) for a mere £17.50. Or, if you're after an even sweeter deal, at Cowes Week this year, at which Liz Earle has been the official skincare sponsor for the past two years, they were giving these away for free.