Review: MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator - one of the most hyped MAC products

This is a review for the MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. This was released as part of the Style Black collection in the summer of 2009. I have reviewed it here in case it is rereleased in the future. 

What it does: (from Nordstrom.com)
A highly effective, dual-purpose foaming, cleansing and exfoliating scrub blending natural volcanic ash with fine sugar crystals. Refines and unclogs the skin, adds instant moisture, leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably clean. Mineral-rich. May be used effectively on any part of face or body. Rinses off with warm water. 
Pink Sith has a very detailed breakdown of the ingredients and what they do.

Price: $19.50/3.4 oz. This product was originally released in 2008, but the 2009 version has a different formula and the container/size/cost is different.

Scent: smells like charcoal. I really appreciate that MAC didn't give this product a "fake" scent.

Pros:

• Exfoliates well using sugar and silica
• Absorbs facial oils without making my skin feel stripped

Cons:

• This product is MESSY
• This is one of the most hyped products that MAC releases, and can be difficult to find even if it is rereleased. Is it really worth the craze?
• This feels exactly the same as a product with charcoal in it, such as the Lush Coal Face Cleanser or the Lush Dark Angels

Would I repurchase?  Maybe. If I found it at a CCO, I would definitely pick it up, but I wouldn't want to face the craze to get it. There are other products that use volcanic ash or charcoal.

Note: Remember that you can Back to MAC this and many other skin care containers!

Hope you enjoyed this review!

xoxo, K