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Fresh is one of my favorite skincare brands and I've long enjoyed their
Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask. However, I've only recently discovered the
Umbrian Clay Purifying Facial Toner ($43 CAD for 200 ml), a balancing and mattifying toner designed to "combat skin congestion and absorb excess oil". So is this the perfect toner for oily-skinned people like me? Read my review to find out......
A balancing toner designed for oily and blemish-prone skin, the Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Facial Toner is housed in a simple plastic bottle equipped with a small spout opening. Suspended with fuller's earth, the toner needs to be shaken vigorously before each use to ensure that the clay particles are even suspended. With a thin, water-like consistency, the toner has a grayish appearance with just the faintest herbal fragrance. Also formulated with calming sandalwood oil, anti-inflammatory cinnamon bark and salicylic acid, and balancing lavender water, the toner feels instantly soothing and mildly cooling on the skin with no tingling or irritation.
With very little drying alcohol, the toner is sufficiently hydrating for my oily, combination skin. The formulation leaves behind a palpable matte finish as the individual clay particles remain sitting on top of the skin. This is very much appreciated as I tend to get very shiny within just half an hour after cleansing and moisturizing. However, a notable drawback of the toner is that depending on what you layer on top of it (ex. silicone-heavy serums or creams), the fuller's earth residues tend to pill and form icky gray bits that will fall off your face if you have the tendency to rub and touch your skin a lot. Additionally, unless you plan on using the toner all on its own, the mattifying effect will be immediately counteracted with whatever you put on top. Nevertheless, I still quite enjoy this toner. The formulation is soothing and pleasant but I will only use it for days when I know I will be home all day as it doesn't pair well with all skincare and makeup products. Overall, if you have oily, acne-prone skin and only use a toner and moisturizer, then this is a great option to look into.
Availability:
Fresh is one of my favorite skincare brands and I've long enjoyed their Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask. However, I've only recently discovered the Umbrian Clay Purifying Facial Toner ($43 CAD for 200 ml), a balancing and mattifying toner designed to "combat skin congestion and absorb excess oil". So is this the perfect toner for oily-skinned people like me? Read my review to find out......
