Worth the splurge: May Lindstrom’s The Problem Solver

May Lindstrom's Problem Solver correcting masque. Photo by Aarti Jhurani

As someone battling oily skin and acne for as long as I can remember, I am constantly looking for products that can help calm my skin down. Decades after struggling with various potions, treatments and masks, it seems that the search has finally come to an end with May Lindstrom's The Problem Solver correcting masque.
How it works: This powder mask is made entirely of natural ingredients like cacao, bamboo charcoal, lavender flower, cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne pepper. These components can be "activated" with water — I personally prefer rose water — to achieve a mousse-like texture, which makes it very easy to apply. A little goes a long way, and a teaspoon is usually enough to cover the entire face.
The mask will warm up, which will cause the skin to tingle in the first few minutes after application. I usually leave it on for the recommended 45 minutes, after which the texture turns grainy, and it doubles up as a scrub, which can be sloughed off gently.
Why it is worth the price: It is not exactly a budget buy at Dh270 for a 250ml jar, but the results make it totally worth the splurge. Not only does it leave the skin feeling super clean, tighter and calm, it also reduces inflammation and works as a treatment on acne. Plus, a jar lasts a long time, even if used once or twice a week. The ingredients in the mask don't lose their potency either, as they work only when mixed with water.
Where to buy: Though it's not available in stores in the UAE, it can be purchased online at www.cultbeauty.co.uk
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