Product Reviews

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator Review

May 28, 2008

Containing natural Volcanic Ash with fine sugar crystals exclusively from the oh-so-exotic islands of Vanuatu, I bought MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator ($19) mostly because of its novelty factor.

mac-volcanic-ash-exfoliator

The scrub itself is black and looks almost like tar. The beads are slightly bigger than the ones in my favorite MAC Microfine Refinisher and the texture has a bit more slip to it. I also love the smell but it took me quite a few uses to like the product.

The first time I used it, I absolutely hated it. I applied too much and massaged too hard. It did not foam as claimed and felt really harsh, giving me a mild tingling sensation. My skin felt clean but also irritated.

The second time, I used a lot less and massaged the product onto my face REALLY gently. This time I did see foam and it rinsed off easily with warm water. My face felt super clean, not at all irritated and just glowed – totally the result I was looking for! I tried it on my body and it worked great too.

My only complaint is the packaging. Since this comes in a big tub, you do have to dig your fingers in every time, which can get pretty messy and unsanitary. But overall, I do like MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator and will repurchase.

* Update: The MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator has been relaunched in a tube packaging with the Style Black Collection as pictured above.

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6 Comments

  • Reply Victoria June 11, 2008 at 5:21 am

    So which one do you like better, the volcanic ash or the microfine refinisher?

  • Reply xppinkx June 11, 2008 at 7:53 am

    hey i love your blog!!!

    Thanks for the review on the MAC volcanic ash i have been looking for a good exfoliator…and now that MAC is having a 15% off sale…im pretty much game

    btw the way i think your gorgeous!

  • Reply anonymous June 11, 2008 at 9:18 am

    mac is having a 15% off sale where? :O

    btw what do you do to deal with irritation and redness from exfoliating?

    • Reply Phyllis June 11, 2008 at 1:01 pm

      I did some research and turns out MAC is doing an F&F. To download the flyer, check out my most recent post.

  • Reply cybele June 12, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    wow, volcanic ash? I’ll have to check that one out. thanks for the info.

    hope you are doing well!

  • Reply anonymous June 26, 2008 at 6:55 am

    hey
    what are the ingredients of the volcanic ash?
    does it contain parabens?

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