BILLY

Because I am living gently, my original brainstorm for this week's post was something along the lines of "Merry Christmas". Then, I tried something so delightfully satisfying and effective on my hustle-and-bustle distressed face I figured I had an obligation to report my findings.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is considered a "Cult Favorite" in the beauty world. Despite a keen awareness that cults are to be avoided at all costs especially since I am without murderous intentions, if you tell me that a beauty product is a "cult favorite" suddenly I'm looking for a charismatic leader, putting on comfortable, white clothing and wondering how I join. I've never denied my susceptibility to marketing, but it's even a surprise to me that marketing a product as a "cult favorite" is the fastest way to get me to try it.

The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is $9.99 at Whole Foods and $7.50 on Amazon. Whuuut? It is also 100% Calcium Bentonite Clay, which means it is without chemicals and parabens and all the stuff our Facebook feeds are telling us are no good.

The price and chemical make-up are not even the funnest part. The past week, my skin endured an unprecedented five nights in a row of party makeup, less than 8 hours of sleep, and significant sugar infusion. The universe sensed that my skin needed help and put the Aztec Healing Clay in my path at Whole Foods. It's a powder that you mix with equal parts apple cider or water into a paste. You put the thick paste on your face for 5-20 minutes depending on the sensitivity of your skin. Wash it it off with warm water. They say your face may be red, but it goes away. Mine wasn't. Maybe because I used water instead of apple cider vinegar.

My skin looks looks like I just got a facial. My pores look smaller (because they are cleaner, the experts say your pores don't actually shrink), and my skin looks clearer. I love a beauty ritual and use masks weekly if not more. My skin has never looked this fresh, even after the $40 mask I thought I liked! The only downside is a possible plumbing issue down the road. The clay is thick. I read that you can use a big bowl of water to take it off and put the clay-ey water in the yard. I may. I may not.

So, head to Whole Foods and grab this stuff. Stick in on your face while you wrap presents and make cookies or clean your house for company!

I hope you are all enjoying this magical time of year, especially since chances are YOU are the one creating all the magic! Take a breath, you're doing great!

Keely