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I’ll be honest, I stopped using face scrubs back when I discovered they did more harm than good. Having grown up with extremely dry and sensitive skin, I’d often end up scrubbing the patches on my face with the “best scrub in the market” in order to achieve that smooth, clear texture — only to have my face break out a day later.

It was either that or allergic reactions to the sulfate or fragrance infused scrubs I was purchasing — I was young, dumb, and didn’t know what was good for me so quit your judging. But having had that terrible experience with mud packs of chunks, upon receiving the Aura Crafts package at work, I wasn’t very thrilled at the sight of a face scrub-cum-mask.

Made with pure rose oil, liquorice, oatmeal, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, and honey, the two-in-one scrub + mask promises to hydrate and firm your skin, fight pigmentation, improve elasticity and tighten dark spots. But would it deliver? There was only one way to find out.

Although I’m careful not to put anything on my face without doing a patch test first, I was intrigued enough to lather this product rather imperviously. Thankfully, there wasn’t any ill reaction, although I recommend you test the waters first. The oatmeal textured scrub offers a strong, rosy scent that may have you confuse it for an artificial fragrance but the Aura website assures that the product is synthetic fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, artificial colour-free, carcinogen-free and cruelty-free.

It also crumbles in your hands so it’s best to purchase the Lift Me Up Correcting Scrub + Mask that comes with a spatula and mixing bowl so as to not waste the product — at least that’s what we received. The spatula can also be used as an applicator and helped evenly layer the paste on my skin.

The product is supposed to be mixed with rose water, water or milk to create a thick paste that can be used as both a scrub and mask. I chose to go for milk because of its added benefits and moisturising properties — considering I also have very dry skin. I used the product as both a scrub and mask as directed on the packaging, one after another. You can decide which one your skin needs at the moment and go for that. However, I really wanted to see how bad things can get and to my surprise, I wasn’t disappointed.

While most would choose to apply it first as a mask and then scrub it off while washing, I decided to scrub my skin first and then layer my face with the paste that I washed off gently with lukewarm water so as to close all my pores without leaving traces of bumps on my skin. Considering Lift Me Up Correcting Scrub + Mask is a physical scrub rather than a chemical one (the latter is generally milder), it’s best to use it gently. Thanks to the oatmeal chunks, though, it’s not harsh on your skin at all.

After applying it as a mask, I felt this cooling sensation on my face that was refreshing. However, if you’re averse to scents (synthetic or organic), it’s best to skip this product because it’s too aromatised — which is why I could only leave it on for seven to 10 minutes instead of completing the 15-minute mark.

Nevertheless, after washing it off, my skin felt instantly smooth and plump. There was also a hint of whiteness that thankfully faded in about five minutes. Having used it only once before writing this review, I cannot guarantee its long-term benefits or vice versa. But two days after its use and my skin hasn’t broken out and THAT is a huge plus!

In case you’re wondering whether this product is the best fit for you, there’s only one way to find out. Everyone’s skin is different and there’s no one-size fits all. But I’d recommend you give it a try — especially since it might not be the “best thing in the market” but it will restore your faith in face scrubs, just like it did mine.

The 70g Lift Me Up Correcting Face Scrub + Mask retails for Rs1,650 without the bowl and spatula, while the whole package is worth Rs2,340 — which is quite cheap considering the product should be used once a week and will potentially last you months.

I’ve rated it 3.5 rounded down to three for the sake of a whole figure.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

This article is part of an ongoing series on supporting local products. All the products are independently evaluated and reviewed by a member of the Images team and reflect their personal opinions. If you’re a local business and would like to be featured, reach out to us at imagesdawndotcom@gmail.com.