ELF Beauty Shield Recharging Magnetic Mask Review

ELF has really been stepping up their skincare game lately, coming out with full lines that are also vegan. It can be hard to pick where to start sometimes, so I usually go for the type of products that I don’t already have in my collection. In this case, it was their Beauty Shield Recharging Magnetic Mask.

I have a few face masks, but none quite like this.

Some Background

ELF describes their Recharging Magnetic Mask as purifying, brightening, and pore minimizing. Including ingredients such as antioxidants, carrot seed oil, sunflower seed oil, vitamins C and E, and argan oil, this mask is all about replenishing and purifying your skin. The color is due to the iron powder, which is what makes this mask magnetic (duh).

I have a number of masks that are all about acne fighting and clarifying, but I haven’t been focusing so much on giving back to my skin through nourishing masks. So, I set out to test this mask on how well it maintained the health of my skin, and maybe if it would help heal the breakouts that I am so prone to.

Testing

For two weeks, I used this mask once every 2-3 days, leaving it on for 10 minutes. ELF recommends using the scoop side of the wand to apply the product, leaving it on for 5-10 minutes, and then using the magnetic head of the wand to remove it by lightly ‘gliding’ the head over the mask. No muss, no fuss, they even include covers to put over the wand so you can simply pull off the cover and leave the magnet head clean. They don’t recommend washing your skin off after use.

Full disclosure, taking this mask off is probably the most satisfying thing I’ve done, skincare-wise. Still doesn’t beat peeling the plastic off electronics though, but it is close.

Results

Overall, I’m fairly happy with the results. I did notice that my complexion was brighter, and more hydrated. Using it was easy, cleanup was an absolute breeze, and it felt incredibly comfortable while I had it on. This is probably one of the least messy and most fun masks I’ve used. As far as performance goes, I’m pretty satisfied.

I originally got the kit which came with a jar and the wand, but on ELF’s site you can get just the mask refill, which also comes with 20 replacement covers for the wand head.

Final Thoughts

I have a couple pieces of input though.

First, this mask has dimethicone in it, which can be pore clogging, particularly for those with sensitive skin. It’s the ingredient in so many pore filling primers. I would describe the Recharging Magnetic Mask more as pore blurring for that reason, rather than pore minimizing. Niacinamide is one of the few ingredients that has actually been credited with ‘minimizing’ pores, but this mask does not contain that. Since they do not recommend washing your face off afterwards, this acts more like a pore filling primer, in my opinion.

Second, this product ran out quickly. I was out within two weeks. This may have been due to me overusing product, so I may try this again and use it more sparingly. At $24 for the kit, I had hoped it would last a bit longer, and that the jar would have been full- mine was not. The ‘refill’ is only $14 in comparison, which gives me the feeling you’re paying $10 extra for the wand.

Finally, the covers. They’re single use plastic covers, and likely cannot be recycled, especially once they’ve been used. Frankly, I consider them unnecessary, and are included more for convenience than out of need. I think that it would be better that these be optional, rather than included in every refill. I would rather just wash off the wand, which is what I did. If you really want to use something to cover the wand, just use a tissue or something like that.

The Magnetic Recharging Mask was definitely fun to use, and I did see some benefit to using it. If you have an extra $24 and a sense of whimsy, this is a great leisure buy. However, considering how quickly it ran out, the covers, and the ingredients, I think there are better alternatives that you could explore first.

Have you tried this one? What did you think of it?