Internationally renowned skin-care brand, ESPA, have stepped up their game by ditching preservatives and fellow nasties for natural ingredients and a snazzy re-brand. The range is incredibly well established, but a slight adjustment has brought the collection of essential oil rich goodies into the treasury of champion stockpile.

ESPA’s Shave Mud not only offers a smooth, irritation free shave – it doubles up as nutrient intensive face mask. As a shaving mud, the formula offers great coverage and is easily dispensed. The first major brownie point goes to the scent. Essential oils create the most relaxing aroma and assist in soothing the skin. The mud is similar to a body cream’s consistency and lubricates the skin wonderfully. It’s exceptionally thick so use it sparingly. If you apply to much it will reduce the contact the blade has with the skin, thus reducing the effectiveness of your shave. The creamy texture of the mud leaves a subtle residue on the skin to aid recovery of over-zealous/sensitive shaving and reduces the discomfort of irritation.

As a face mask, ESPA’s Shave Mud does moisturise and soften the skin, but doesn’t dig deep down to remove stubborn grease and blackheads, it’s packed with natural nutrients though so it brings the skin’s texture back in form superbly. However, if you are prone to exposed pores or very oily skin, I’d recommend you try something else. For a quick moisture surge after a heavy night on the plonk or after a long haul flight, it’s pukka.

£19/200ml

espaonline.com

Prepare with Espa’s Clarifying Skin Scrub £21/70ml

ESPA’s Shave Mud review scores

Sponsored by ESPA