Review: Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask
Fresh's best kept secret can be traced all the way to the other side of the world – in the sleepy town of Nocera Umbra, Italy, to be exact. The secret in question is the Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask. For 17 years, this skincare favourite has retained its cult status for its multi-tasking, clarifying properties which the contain magic ingredient: Umbrian white clay.
The lowdown
Fresh founders Lev and Alina first discovered this 'miracle' clay, whose origins can be traced to a hilltop in central Italy – the sole source in the entire world. So what is it about Umbrian white clay that makes it so special? The secret lies within its high mineral content containing calcite, quartz, and alkaline salt that works to purify, balance, and clarify the skin. The mask also consists of other ingredients such as sandalwood oil to minimise the appearance of pores, chamomile flower and lavender water to soothe the skin, and olive leaf extract to provide protection against free radicals.
Our take
Masks that come in the form of pots is a personal pet peeve of mine (it's messy and unsanitary). Despite that, the Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask has quickly become my go-to skincare product, especially when the pores on my face start to resemble the moon's craters. Upon application, I immediately felt the comforting effects of the chamomile flower and lavender on my skin, alleviating and calming the subtle irritation I usually have after cleansing and toning. While the mask was drying up, I could feel it work its magic in tightening pores while penetrating deeply into my skin. As promised, the mask left my skin supple and smooth with a good balance of mattified but not entirely stripped of moisture.
Bonus points from me: the Fresh Umbrian Purifying Clay Mask also works in different three ways: as a daily deep pore cleanser, purifying mask, and spot-treatment – in other words, the perfect hero mask for those days when your skin needs saving from itself.
Personal tip: Avoid contaminating the product by using a clean brush instead of your fingers to apply the mask onto your face.
Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask ($95) is now available in its limited edition packaging (designed in collaboration with Umbria-based Rometti Ceramics) at Fresh boutiques (ION Orchard and Raffles City), all Sephora stores, and Sephora.sg.
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