Introduction
Lush really needs no introduction, but in case it has somehow slipped under your radar, this British-born brand has built a devoted following by turning bath time into theatre and skincare into a sensorial event. From fizzing bombs to fresh face masks, Lush has long championed ethical sourcing and minimal waste while still delivering formulas that feel downright indulgent.
Enter Mask of Magnaminty, a tongue twister of a name that sounds like a spell out of a children’s book. According to Lush, this honey and peppermint mask promises a ten minute deep cleanse that tackles congestion, calms angry breakouts and leaves skin glowing thanks to a mix of kaolin, bentonite, aduki beans and evening primrose seeds. They highlight its decades long fan base and the bee-friendly honey that gives the formula its soothing edge.
I spent a solid two weeks slathering it across my face, shoulders and back, timing the tingle and rinsing off the green paste to see if the claimed instant invigoration and gradual clarity would actually show up. The goal: decide if Mask of Magnaminty is worthy of a spot in your routine and your budget.
What is Mask of Magnaminty?
Mask of Magnaminty sits in the wash off mask category, meaning you spread it over skin, wait the recommended time then rinse it away completely. Unlike leave on treatments or sheet masks, a wash off mask offers a short, intensive session that can lift surface debris, soak up excess oil and soften rough patches without staying on the skin all day.
This particular mask relies on a duo of clays, kaolin and bentone gel, to absorb oil while honey aims to soothe spots that already look irritated. Peppermint oil delivers the familiar tingle that signals the mask is on the job, and once water hits, ground aduki beans and evening primrose seeds provide a mild physical exfoliation. Lush positions it as a face and body multitasker, so they suggest using it on the back or chest if those areas also show congestion. The brand also calls out its long time popularity and the ethically sourced honey, though the core promise remains clear: ten minutes to a cleaner, calmer canvas.
Did it work?
In the name of very serious beauty science I benched my regular wash off mask for a few days before starting Magnaminty, figuring that a clean slate and 14 full days would give the formula a fair shot to impress me. I used it every other evening, smoothing on a generous layer after cleansing, setting a timer for ten minutes then massaging it off in the shower so the aduki bits could do their scrubby thing without making a mess of my sink.
Day one delivered that trademark peppermint chill almost immediately. The clay dried down without cracking and rinsed off easily, leaving skin that felt cool, velvety and a bit pink around the nose and chin for about five minutes. By day four I noticed those midday oil slicks on my forehead were slightly tamer and a couple of angry whiteheads on my jaw looked less inflamed, though they certainly did not disappear overnight.
Midway through the trial a hormonal breakout crept up on my cheeks, giving the mask a real test. Two uses later the bumpiness calmed faster than usual and the spots flattened rather than coming to a full head, but some post breakout redness lingered. On my shoulders I saw modest improvement: fewer clogged bumps yet no dramatic purge of old congestion.
By day fourteen the overall texture of my face felt smoother and my T zone stayed matte for longer stretches, which I credit to the clay and post rinse exfoliation. What I did not see was the advertised luminous glow; any radiance I got seemed fleeting, likely because the clay still left me reaching for a hydrating serum afterward.
So did it live up to its claims? Mostly. It did a respectable job de gunking pores and soothing fresh spots, though the results were short term and not transformative enough for me to retire my usual acid based mask. Would I add it to my permanent lineup? Probably not, but I would happily keep a small pot around for those “my skin feels grimy” evenings when a minty reset sounds like exactly the right kind of drama.
Main ingredients explained
First up is kaolin, the gentle white clay that soaks up surface oil without dragging moisture out of deeper layers. Partnering it is bentone gel (a processed smectite clay) that helps the paste stay spreadable while boosting oil absorption. Together they are the reason midday shine takes a holiday after each use.
Honey is the mask’s soothing heart. It is naturally humectant, meaning it draws water to the skin, and its low-level antimicrobial properties can calm angry spots. Because honey is an animal by-product the formula is vegetarian friendly but not vegan.
Ground organic aduki beans and evening primrose seeds kick in when you rinse, giving a mild physical scrub that buffs away dead cells. Neither particle is jagged so the polish feels more like micro-massage than sandpaper. Evening primrose also leaves behind a trace of its omega-6 rich oil which can help temper inflammation, though those prone to clogged pores should know that evening primrose oil scores a moderate 3 on the comedogenic scale. A comedogenic ingredient has a higher chance of plugging pores, so patch testing is wise if you are very acne-prone.
Peppermint oil delivers the signature tingle. It boosts circulation for that brief pink flush and offers a mild antibacterial nudge, yet its menthol can irritate sensitive skin. Tagetes (marigold) oil and vanilla absolute round out the scent while chlorophyllin gives the mask its witchy green hue. Limonene appears only as a natural fragrance constituent but can trigger sensitivities for those with fragrance allergies.
Talc is here in a small amount as a slip agent to stop the clays from feeling too chalky while glycerine pulls in water to keep the mixture from drying rock hard. Methylparaben preserves everything so the pot stays fresh for the full four months; despite the internet rumours, parabens remain one of the most studied and skin-friendly preservatives we have.
Because the formula contains essential oils and fragrance allergens, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a healthcare provider before use. The blend is free of alcohol and silicones, relies on mineral and plant exfoliants rather than harsh acids and keeps the ingredient list relatively short, which may appeal to purists looking for a straightforward clay mask with a peppermint kick.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of regular use here is the quick rundown.
What works well:
- The clay and honey blend noticeably tempers oil and calms fresh breakouts after a single session
- Ground aduki beans and evening primrose seeds give a gentle polish that leaves skin smoother without feeling scratchy
- The minty tingle offers an instant refreshed feel that makes the ten minute wait fly by
- Ethically sourced honey and a short, mostly recognizable ingredient list will appeal to ingredient conscious shoppers
What to consider:
- The menthol kick and added perfume may not suit very sensitive or reactive skin
- Smoother texture and reduced shine last about a day so consistent use is needed for continued payoff
- Physical exfoliation particles can be a bit much for active cystic spots or skin on stronger prescription treatments
My final thoughts
A solid wash off mask can be a handy midway point between daily cleanser and heavy duty treatment, so I went into this trial genuinely hoping Mask of Magnaminty would earn long term real estate in my cabinet. After two weeks I respect what it does: quick oil control, subtle calming and a fresh-out-of-the-freezer zing that makes a Monday night feel less mundane. Still, the glow is fleeting, the menthol won’t thrill sensitive skin and the physical scrub means you need a light hand around active blemishes. I landed at a respectable 7/10. I would recommend it to friends with combination or oily skin who like a sensorial experience and aren’t already married to stronger acid masks. For dry, rosacea-prone or fragrance-averse skin types I’d steer them elsewhere.
If “elsewhere” sounds tempting, a few masks I have rotated through recently deserve a mention. Deascal’s Pink Clay Glow Mask is an excellent allrounder that exfoliates, clears pores and brightens without over-tightening and its friendly price tag makes repeat buys painless. When I need extra sebum control Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask does the job without leaving me parched. For days when I want something more high tech, NIOD’s Flavanone Mud offers a clever blend of acids and clays that unclog while nudging skin renewal. And when travel or city grime leaves my complexion looking dull Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask resets it in ten minutes flat. I have used each of these multiple times and they consistently impress.
Before you dive into any of the above, a quick word of caution from your resident over-protective parent (sorry). Always patch test new formulas, particularly those with essential oils or fragrance, and remember that results last only as long as you keep using the product. Consistency beats novelty every time.