Mask times are precious relax times and “Me” times, and I make sure that I indulge myself in it every day for at least 20 minutes. A “mask-time” a day, keeps stress at bay! Be it stress on the mind or on the skin, you can really take away the stresses with just 20 minutes of zoning out while you treat your skin. While masking is essential, it is even more important to choose the mask that best works for your skin.
I’m on for hydrating sheet masks almost every night, except nights where I feel that I need some skin detox. For nights like these, I reach out for the Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask, which I call, a miracle mask for my skin.
About Umbrian Clay
You might be thinking at this point, what’s “Umbrian Clay”? Well, I thought so too when I first received the mask c/o Fresh Beauty. I know that there’s fuller’s earth clay, jeju volcanic clay and kaolin clay etc. that are commonly used in our skincare products but I’ve never come across Umbrian Clay. I did a quick research and found quite interesting information about this clay that is actually found in Nocera Umbra, about 180km from Rome – hence the name, Umbrian. The clay is naturally-occurring in many quarries and springs of the central Italian town. Apparently, the ancient Etruscans used the mineral-rich clay and water from Nocera Umbra for bites, burns and even in drinks. It says a lot about the healing properties, doesn’t it?
And so, the clever founders of Fresh took the ingredient back home to their laboratory and started tinkering with it to bring all of us the Fresh Umbrian Clay product line. Also, the founders of Fresh also commissioned the famed Umbria-based Rometti ceramics house and gave them free reign to create a design that reflected the heart and soul of the mask, thus, the birth of this beautiful Limited Edition packaging.
The Mask
This purifying mask is essentially a multi-tasking treatment featuring Umbrian Clay of course, which is ideal for all skin types. What it does is that it deeply cleanses, purifies, and significantly reduces the appearance of pores. Open, large pores have been my major skin concern for a while now but I like to use the clay mask to help with it. It doesn’t work overnight for sure, but it does help gradually minimise appearance of large pores through thorough cleansing.
The Ingredients
Also, with Sandalwood Oil, known for its astringent and calming properties, Chamomile Flower and Lavender Water notable for their soothing properties, the mask also helps to significantly calm irritated and blemished skin. I always get zits during the time of the month and this mask has really helped chase all these blemishes away without drying my skin.
When you first open the lid, you’ll be greeted with a calming lavender scent which I quite enjoy especially on a weekday night. You come home feeling tired but when the lavender scent greets you, you’ll feel all calmed and relaxed – that’s the kind of feeling I appreciate after a long day at work.
The Texture
The texture is unlike most clay masks. It appears to be much more watery than I expected, and spreads easily onto the skin. A thin layer for about 3-5 minutes is all you need to do the job. On days when I feel that my skin is in dire need of help, I’ll put a thicker layer, longer. I usually don’t exceed 10 minutes. After washing off, you’ll feel that your skin is soft, smooth and very clean. Despite being a clay mask, the essential oils help to nourish and ensure that the skin is not stripped of water.
Overall Thoughts
My final verdict? Get it if you have blemished skin like me. I have been using this for about 3 months now and the results are quite amazing! Expensive as it may be for a clay mask, the important thing is that it works. Hence, try it in stores if you can before you decide to pledge your skin to this little miracle product.
The Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask retails for SGD95 at all Fresh Beauty stores, Sephora stores and Sephora Online.
Create yourself and be gorgeous! XOXO, Roanna.
Disclaimer: Product was provided by Fresh Beauty for consideration. The above review is based on my true and honest opinion and experience, without influence from others or the brand. It contains information from the brand. I am NOT affiliated nor compensated by the brand.
