Gents,
First let me say, when this product first arrived, I was somewhat disappointed.... not just that it came in a plain plastic bag - but ::Gasp:: it was a powder! Well... what the heck do I do with this stuff? Ahhh what a mess, what a pain, and what a mistake having bought this stuff. I began reading the 2 page leaflet that came with the clay, and still, was wildly unimpressed - especially when I found out I had to mix the stuff on my own (what a pain in the neck) AND that it was recommended to use QED DaVinci water. Well - I had tried the DaVinci water, and really enjoyed it - and thought to myself - no friggin' way am I going to waste this lovely stuff on some meterosexual clay! Oh the humanity!
Well - I mixed the powder up with some bottled water - as per the instructions recommend - and albeit a touch messy and inconvenient, it really wasn't too bad at all. Well - I slathered the stuff on.... and well - I was shocked. Other "muds" and clays - you apply, and they dry, leave a "film" then you wash them off.... not QED French Clay - this stuff is like having paper Mache dry on your face, I mean it REALLY feels thick and rich as if you have a thick layer of leather on your face. The first time I used this product - I found it to be very awkward, and I wasn't comfortable. After the 30 minutes or so passed, I washed the stuff off my face thinking "uhhh ok." THEN it set it.... wow.... my face feels weird. I didn't think too much of it, went to bed, then woke up the next morning... WOW did my face look incredible, and my skin felt superb! Hot damn - maybe this isn't such junk after all?
Well I had used the Zirh many times in the past - and I sure thought it was halfway decent stuff - but it was complete trash compared to the QED French Clay - suffice to say - it got my attention. I began farting around with Olive oil - applying a thin layer to both of my forearms, letting it sink it, then applying both "masks" to my forearms - and the QED simply embarrassed the Zirh every time. I had taken pics (some will show a bottle of olive oil in them) however the pics of my tests didn't show anything so I will leave them out.
After having used and enjoyed this clay mask - I decided to sacrifice some of my sacred QED DaVinci water - and try the mask out with the clay powder - DaVinci water mix tonight.
Clay Powder and DaVinci H20
Measuring out 1/2 tablespoon of powder for the mask
Putting it in a tea cup...
Adding 3/4 tablespoon of DaVinci Water (Oh the humanity!)
The mix begins....
Mmmmm... chunky
Almost there....
Finished QED French Clay on the fore-finger, black betonite/mix Zirh clay on middle finger
(color/consistency difference)
Mad professors lab....
Well once I tried this clay with DaVinci water - I became a total convert... while the clay cleanses, detoxifies and exfoliates, the DaVinci water moisturizes, tones, and conditions. Truly an incredible combo - and good lord does it smell amazing! What a truly royal experience to kick back - relax and enjoy the incredible fragrance of DaVinci water, coupled with the relaxing "mask" effect of the clay. This has quickly become my favorite product of the QED man line, and at only $9 for ONE FULL POUND - even with the use of DaVinci water, it is an incredible value. A world class product at a rock bottom price, but then again, this is expected from Charles at QED.
I WILL be enjoying this fine product at LEAST once per week - and I highly suggest you join me! You skin, and your blood pressure will thank me... as few things are more relaxing than this wonderful product from QED! Give it a try, and let us know what you think!