Borghese Fango Active Mud Mask Review

After hearing only positive reviews of the Borghese Fango Active Mud Mask, I had wanted to try it out for a good while. Last Summer, on a trip to New York, I managed to get my mitts on it. Half a year later, I finally squeezed the last drop out of the tube and then the sensible side of my brain decided to use up some of the other clay masks I had hoarded away, before forking out for this one again. Having only just recently repurchased, I thought a review was well overdue. So, here's my two cents to throw into the mix.

Mud masks are known for their clarifying and exfoliating properties, to unclog pores and give skin an all round, deep clean. Borghese's version is no different. Impurities are drawn out and absorbed by the mud itself, whilst Avocado and Sweet Almond oils keep the skin hydrated and help to release trapped, dead, skin cells. The over-complicated 'Acqua De Vita' complex works to revitalise the skin, refining pores and minimising the early signs of ageing too, apparently. But enough of all that fancy-pants nonsense and onto the important question - how does it perform?

Thick and having a green tinge to it, the mud isn't too pretty and it's definitely a mask to wear alone or scare your partner/family/friends with. After initially feeling cooling, I find that it does tingle a bit, but it soon settles down and to be honest, if it's meant to be cleaning out your pores effectively, I'd be surprised if it didn't create some sort of sensation. As if by magic, the Fango miracle mud seems to hoover up all the $%&! out of the skin, in the blink of an eye. Once a week, I dab the lightest layer of it on, wait a maximum of ten minutes, wash it off using a muslin cloth and ta-dah! My skin has never looked cleaner. Free from those not so pretty, frustratingly difficult to get rid of blackheads and clogged pores, my complexion is noticeably clearer and any active breakouts are calmed down. This product is suitable to use from tip to toe, but I haven't tried using the mud on my body. I'm guessing that the product would work just as well, though and seeing as the skin on the body is tougher than that of the face, I imagine you could be a little less wary of the formulas potency.

Being so thick and smooth, you don't need an excessive amount of it to cover your face. As this stuff is so effective, I would only recommend using it in specific areas, if you have sensitive skin. I normally play it safe with mud/clay masks, so that all of the moisture isn't sucked out of my already dehydrated skin, but I did get a little cocky with this mask and once applied it to my whole face. Not a good shout. I had no congested skin on my cheeks or forehead but made the silly decision to slather it on there anyway. Although immediately after washing it off, my face didn't feel stripped, red or angry, my skin eventually got its revenge. Days later, the skin on my forehead and cheeks became so dry and flakey. Some TLC, gentle exfoliation and time sorted it all out, but I can assure you I won't ever be making that mistake again. This treatment is now strictly reserved for my nose, chin and between my brows. Only use it in areas that really need it, unless you are sure your skin can take it.

 I've always opted for the 200ml tube that costs £27, but there's also a 500g jar available for hardcore, Borghese addicts. Considering I use so little per application, this tube literally lasted me for over six months and I didn't notice a deterioration in the effectiveness of the formula. Borghese offer different versions of their Fango mud, but the Active mask is the only one I've tried so far, although I definitely have my eye on the Ristorativo formula.


What is your favourite cleansing mask?

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