The Best Facial Mask I've Ever Used

So recently, I have been plagued with acne. It started off really mild, but it was pretty persistent in marring my otherwise pretty decent complexion, so I went to the dermatologist to see if there was anything that I could do about it. (Ok, not gonna lie - my mother made the appointment and basically forced me to go, as I am currently not working and didn't want to drive 30 minutes to see a doctor over a few zits.) Said dermatologist looked at my face, and gave me a prescription for antibiotics. I took said medication and BOOM my face looks like I've been shot. Seriously, it's ridiculous. I do not blame the dermatologist - I've seen him for years regarding various skin concerns over the years.

I am currently suffering a self-imposed exile from public (in-ile? I'm not going anywhere, just staying inside... and I'm not counting the volunteer job that I go to 3 times a week where I see maximum 4 people), therefore I have decided to take matters into my own hands. Hence, the reason for this particular entry.

I have tried other acne products in the past. Some things work, some things work for a bit and then quit working, and somethings just outright blow.

However, the best thing I have ever used was a facial mask called Miracol (by Merle Norman).

History

Merle Norman (who was a real woman, btw) started her skincare line by creating a burn cream in her kitchen, inspired by a grease burn that hit her face. She added color to it to blend it into her skin, and found that HELLO, THIS SHIT IS AWESOME. She put powder on it, and boom, first foundation: Powder Base. She started selling this to her friends, and they became addicts, like every woman is when good cosmetic/skin care products come out. They begged for more, and she created a cold cream: All Purpose Cleansing Cream and this face mask: Mira-col. When did all this come out? 1931. That's right - she did all this in the middle of the Great Depression. And it was amazing. Why? Because even when money is tight, women will not go around looking like hags.

All Purpose Cleansing Cream, Mira-col, and Powder Base are the original 3 products to the Merle Norman company, and they are still an integral part of the product line. AND THE FORMULAS HAVE NOT CHANGED FROM THE ORIGINAL 1931 RECIPE. What other company can say that? Each of these products have remained the same for over 85 years. These 3 products are the original 3 Steps to Beauty.

However, this post is about the second of the 3: Mira-col (or Miracol, as it is known today).

Miracol comes in 2 formulas now: Miracol Revitalizing Lotion and Miracol Revitalizing Cream. The Lotion formula is the original line, but the cream works the same. I prefer the cream as you can use your hands to apply, and it's a bit thicker, so it's less messy. However, they both produce the same results.

Miracol Revitalizing Cream is hot pink. Seriously. I use an older foundation brush that is reserved specifically for this product to apply as I hate to use my hands for anything other than moisturizers, but fingers are perfectly ok to use to apply the cream. (The Lotion formula comes with an application brush.)

Apply this mask to the forehead, nose and from the cheek bones down. Do not put on your upper lip. It will tighten, and you feel it. Leave it on for 8-20 minutes. (I usually put it on at the start of a 30 minute show, and then take it off when the show is over.) It is easiest removed with tepid (lukewarm, room temperature, etc) water - you will essentially remoisten the mask and wipe it away GENTLY. (I have also been known to do this in the shower, as I can stick my face under the water, but that is definitely not required).

*I do not have pictures of this, as when this product dries it looks like I am a burn victim (due to the color against my skin).*

Miracol can be applied either in the morning or at night.

Miracol has 5 benefits: it firms and tightens the skin, it helps to diminish the appearance of pores, controls oil, and it is a deep cleansing mask (as in, it sucks out all the nasty). You will seen and feel an immediate difference.

Although it is a deep cleansing mask, it should always be applied to clean skin - as in, skin with no makeup.

Miracol tingles on me. Some people do not notice a tingle. Any tingling sensation will stop once the mask is dry. 

Miracol (to me) smells like Pine-Sol. There is no Pine-Sol in the mask. Promise. Some people like the smell. Some people don't notice any smell at all.

Miracol can be used by ANY SKIN TYPE; ANY SKIN COLOR; ANY SKIN SENSITIVITY (although, check with your doc or do a test patch first!); ANY AGE. I have recommended (as a professional) Miracol to people from ages 13 - 85.

Miracol can be applied further down the neck onto the chest (or shoulders/back if necessary). Same rules apply for the amount of time you leave it on, but I would suggest removing it in the shower.

There really isn't anything on the market that compares with this product. I have used other products that have promised the same results, and they either stopped working (Proactiv) or they dried my face out so bad that it started to peel (looking at you, Clinique).

Miracol, hands down, is the BEST FACIAL MASK I'VE EVER USED.

Also, after doing this mask tonight, my face has cleared up slightly. It's not as red. While I still have several bumps, I can see the difference. The bumps that are remaining have gone down in size. I can hid what remains with makeup until the Miracol zaps the rest of it away.

To find Miracol visit your local Merle Norman. Don't have one in your area? Vist merlenorman.com to find a studio near you. International locations currently in Guatemala, Bahrain, UAE, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. (Internationally, they are still pretty limited, so if you need a recommendation as to which store to use, I know several owners/managers of studios and would be happy to provide their contact information if needed.)