If you're stressed out, and looking at pictures of underwater dogs doesn't make you feel better (seriously, how could it not?), you might want to try a nice, affordable facial mask. Let's see how the new (previously only available in single-serving packets) Freeman Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask worked for me, shall well?

 Freeman Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask

(retail: $3.99, 6 oz)

With a 4.8 out of 5 star average rating on Ulta.com, a 4.4 out of 5 average rating on Makeup Alley and an award from TotalBeauty.com under its belt, this mask has made quite the name for itself since its release. I received this product for review a while back, and I've used it about every two weeks for the past few months.

I've said in the past that products that contain clay (bentonite and kaolin) work extremely well for my oily skin, because clay really absorbs oils and has a way of , for lack of a better word, sucking the oil out from deep down in my pores. So I was happy to see that bentonite and kaolin are the 2nd and 3rd ingredients in this product. (There are also two forms of parabens in this formula, which I wanted to note in case you're trying to avoid those.)

The product itself is a beautiful teal color (hey, I'm a girl...color matters!). The texture is thick, but not difficult to spread across the skin. In fact, it's much easier to spread than other masks of this nature that I've used over the years.

No visitors for the next 20 minutes, please!

I like to keep this mask on for about 20 minutes. As with most masks, you should keep this on your skin until the mask is completely dry (depending on the temperature, this should take about 10 minutes) but I like it keep it on a little longer, until I can't move my mouth or wrinkle my nose, because I just want those clays to "suck" as much oil from my skin as possible. 

Removal is extremely easy. I hate masks that leave me at my bathroom sink for 20 minutes, trying to get the gunk out of my hairline. I don't get that from this mask one bit--it rinses easily and effortlessly, which I very much appreciate.

The fragrance is also quite pleasant and not overpowering. It has a clean, sweet, slightly aquatic scent to it.

After removal, my skin feels fresh, clean and smooth. It doesn't feel dry or tight, and I've never once thought, "Oh no, my skin is parched now" after using this product (note: I have extremely oily skin, which is even worse in the summer). Only once did I encounter a breakout after using this mask, and it was a small one. For those who don't use masks, this is not uncommon. Masks tend to "purge" the skin, bringing impurities to the surface. I've broken out many times after using other masks and I basically expect it after a "deep cleaning". So I was happy that I only broke out once after using this product, and again, it was minor (two small flare-ups on one of my cheeks).

Who might like this mask: 

Those with oily-to-very oily skin. This mask is a miracle-worker if your skin is like mine (very oily), especially now, in the dog days of summer. I don't know about you, but when it gets hot, I feel like I've got a constant layer of grime on my face. Residue from sunscreens, etc. can build up to the point where I just wish I could scrub my face raw sometimes. Thankfully, I don't have to, because this mask soaks up all that ickiness and basically "resets" my skin back to zero every time I use it.

Who might not like this mask:

If you have dry skin, or ever normal-bordering-on-dry, this mask might be too much for you, especially in the cooler months. Basically, if your skin doesn't have much oil to be absorbed in the first place, and you treasure the oil your skin does produce, I would skip this product and go for a mask that adds moisture instead. Also, those who are extremely sensitive to fragrance might want to skip this one, although I don't find the fragrance strong or overpowering (I know that some of you have to avoid fragrance altogether in your skincare, so that's why I'm adding this to the "might not like" list).

FINAL VERDICT: I see now why this product is so universally loved. For those with oily-to-very-oily skin, I think you'll be extremely pleased with how effective this product is at absorbing oils and giving your pores a good cleaning. The high clay content in this mask makes it ideal for my oily skin, and I love that, unlike other clay-based masks, it removes easily with water (no struggling at the sink). For $3.99, I think it's a great product to use in the summertime when you're feeling stressed and want to get that icky summertime "film" off your face. 

Freeman Feeling Beautiful products are available at most major drugstores.