If I had a dime for every time somebody asked me, "What's that green sh*t you always have on your face?," then I would probably have enough dimes for a lifetime supply of said green sh*t, the Yon-Ka Masque 105 [1] ($48).
I was first introduced to Yon-Ka Masque 105 by my facialist five years ago with zits on my chin and the skin around my nose peeling off, and not a day has gone by that I haven't used it since. I have combination skin, meaning while my skin is generally very oily — like pizza, a boy once told me in high school — that does not stop it from peeling like a banana in the cold weather. Masque 105 is a clarifying mask for dry and sensitive skin that addresses this wintry mix of skin issues.
Scroll ahead for the full review of Yon-Ka Masque 105, plus my thoughts on some of the brand's other products that might work for you, too.
Yon-Ka Masque 105
Yon-Ka Masque 105 [2] ($48) is made of three types of purifying clay [3] — bentonite, montmorillonite, and kaolin — that detoxify the skin, the anti-inflammatory ingredient bornéol [4], and a proprietary blend of lemon, lavender, and rosemary essential oils [5].
Masque 105 decongests clogged pores and tightens and smooths tired skin. Covering my face in this green mask might make me look like Shrek, but it has also visibly reduced the size of my pores, prevented blackheads (and probably much bigger breakouts), and treated my problem areas.
Lotion Yon-Ka PS
The brand suggests you use Masque 105 one to three times a week, but I use it every day. When I need a full-face refresh, after cleansing, I apply a thick layer of the earthy green mask to my face and leave it on for 15 minutes, keeping it damp with a few spritzes of Lotion Yon-Ka PS [6] ($42), a toner mist for dry skin. Then I remove with warm water.
The rest of the time, I'll apply Masque 105 as a spot treatment. I use it shamelessly anytime I feel a cystic pimple forming deep under my skin, even while talking on FaceTime or Snapchat, hanging out with friends, and going to bed with my boyfriend.
Yon-Ka Masque 103
Yon-Ka Masque 103 [7] ($48) is Masque 105's sister for combination or oily skin. Masque 103 is made from the same key ingredients as 105 — three clays, bornéol, and the blend of oils — with the addition of serpolet, a natural astringent made from the essential oils of sage, orange, lemon, and lime for toning. During the warmer months, when my skin is on the more oily side, I use Masque 103.
Lotion Yon-Ka PNG
Likewise, in the warmer months, I will often swap Lotion Yon-Ka PS with Lotion Yon-Ka PNG [8] ($42) for normal to oily skin.
My skin has never looked better thanks to the addition of Yon-Ka Masque and Lotion Yon-Ka to my skincare routine.