A few months ago, I decided to make a conscious effort to save money on beauty products by investigating what gems might lie on the bottom shelf of the drugstore. Thanks to my thrifty decision, I no longer spend hundreds of dollars on moisturizer, shampoo and deep conditioning treatments. Any my newest find has me trading in my Bliss Steep Clean for something a lot more wallet friendly.
Queen Helene products have been around forever, and it’s rumored that during the golden years of Hollywood all the starlets, including Marilyn Monroe, were fans of the brand. A longtime fan of their Oatmeal and Honey scrub, I decided to give the Mint Julep Mask ($4) a try and I was floored by the results.
I fight my acne with a whip and a chair, and while this product may not be a miracle cure, it certainly helps. More than that, it left my skin feeling so soft that I reduced my Clarisonic use from every day to every third day. And most importantly, it helped shrink the pores around my nose which are a constant source of frustration.
Compared to the other masques that I have used to shrink pores, exfoliate skin and reduce acne, this is by far the best. However, I would caution you to use the product sparingly (once per week at most) and to limit the use of other products that might dry the skin. Simply remove the masque, spot treat your acne and slather on the moisturizer.
Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Masque is yet another low budget wonder discovered below eye level.
Love this stuff! Been using it for years. I also picked up the Pssst! at CVS the other day and it works really well! Love these drugstore beauty tips.
Love this stuff! Been using it for years. I also picked up the Pssst! at CVS the other day and it works really well! Love these drugstore beauty tips.
Oh I used to use this ALL the time! This stuff is so fantastic. It makes your face so so soft. I can’t believe I ever forgot about it. I know what I’ll be getting on tonight’s CVS run. Thank you for reminding me about this!
I have been using this for about 4 years now, and it is absolutely fantastic. You’re right, it is not a cure all for acne, but it definitely helps calm things down during a flare up. However, I have been recently finding that a number of drugstores (CVS, Rite Aid) have not been keeping it in stock, unlike other Queen Helene products. It could be just the drugstores that I happen to pop into, but I have had to resort to stocking up online.
I’ve been using this for about two years, every couple of weeks or so, and it’s awesome (and cheap!). Clears your skin, and makes you feel relaxed and refreshed – love it!
Belle, Thank you for this tip. I also forgot about this product. Separately, wondering if you have a moisturizer recommendation for those of us with acne (and acne-prone skin) — something oil-free?
By the way, my very favorite drugstore product is Neutrogena facial bar soap. The one for acne-prone skin is great for me — other varieties might be better for those with less oily skin. I love how it cleans so well and leaves no residue.
Jill-
I have been using Cerave during the winter, and I like it but it’s a bit heavy for my acne prone skin. I am in the process of searching for a new oil free moisturizer. Whether it will be drugstore or otherwise, I don’t know.
I am all too familiar with Sephora splurges so I hear ya. But this is a great tip.. I def want to check it out, esp since it’s so cheap!
Love this stuff! Been using it for years. I also picked up the Pssst! at CVS the other day and it works really well! Love these drugstore beauty tips.
This stuff is a near acne cure if used daily. I use it everyday in the shower in place of a cleanser followed by a slathering of gentle moisturizer (generic oil of olay). Not only are pimples a stress induced rarity but the texture of my skin has never been so smooth. It did more for me than Accutane but your mileage may vary.
Belle, I’m so glad you liked this product! I am a fan of Bliss too, but as rich as I am as a Congressional Intern, I can’t afford it right now.
What stores carry the mask? I’ve never seen it anywhere
KH-
The reason you have never seen it is that it is usually on the high-high shelf or the low-low one. Look with the generic products at CVS or bed bath and beyond in Chinatown.
That Bed Bath and Beyond has a great toiletries section. And takes the coupons that start to flood the mail once you start shopping at BB&B.
In my neck of the woods you can also find it at Sally Beauty.