As I write this, I’m touching wood. Aside from my usual gripe (persistent pigmentation on my upper lip), my skin is actually behaving itself right now. I have blemish-prone, sensitive skin, yet there’s a definite glow around my T-zone, and the breakouts that once flared up without warning seem to have finally settled. I’m crediting this unexpected skin serenity to the one new addition in my skincare routine: the Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask, £34 which arrived on the beauty desk a couple of weeks ago. The best part? I’m already a complete convert. For the past fortnight, I’ve been waking up to skin that looks noticeably brighter, smoother, and springier. Underlying redness? Gone! It’s no exaggeration to say that my confidence in my make-up free complexion has improved tenfold.
What does The Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask do?
In short, it’s beauty sleep in a jar. Formulated with a potent blend of active ingredients, this overnight mask is designed to deliver a visibly firmer, more lifted appearance while taking down signs of fatigue. A potent mix of kombucha, black tea, lychee seed, and blackberry leaf extract works to fortify the skin bolster the skin against external aggressors, while hydrating hyaluronic acid imparts a glowing dewy layer of moisture. It also features belle de nuit extract - a soothing botanical known for its cooling, calming prowess.
Shop: The Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask
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What Fresh says: 'A cult-classic overnight mask that lends sumptuous hydration to the visage.'
What we know: This overnight sleep mask is made with a clever blend of active ingredients to plump and perfect tired skin. There's kombucha, black tea, lychee seed, and blackberry leaf extract to protect against environmental damage, as well as moisture magnet hyaluronic acid
Rachael Martin beauty editor says: 'Given how sensitive my skin is, I’d already know if it was going to react badly- but thankfully, there was nothing to worry about here. My biggest gripe is my red undertone - especially around the cheeks but infusion of belle de nuit extract has definitely taken that down. It's fair to say the Fresh Overnight Mask has quickly become a new staple in my routine- and I’ll be keeping it there.'
Pros
- Generous pot
- Ideal for redness prone skin
Cons
- Expensive
How to Use The Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask
'I’ve been using the Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask every second night as the final step in my evening routine. After my serum and moisturiser, I smooth a small amount across my skin (and if I remember, down my neck) and let it sink in. It’s not greasy, and this typically takes a couple of minutes.’
How We Tested It
I’m a beauty editor. I know the rules. But occasionally a product comes along that causes me to break them. Experts recommend testing skincare for at least three months when deciding its efficacy. And yet, I find myself waxing lyrical about this one prematurely. Despite having just surpassed the two week mark, I have been consistent with my bi-nightly application - and I've already seen results.
Our verdict
Rachael Martin, beauty editor:
'After applying it religiously every other evening over the past few weeks, I can confidently say I’ve seen a marked improvement in my skin tone and texture. In fact, I noticed a definite ‘glow’ the morning after the very first application. With consistent use, my skin’s radiance and overall evenness have visibly improved. While I don’t intentionally apply it under my delicate eye area, I do feel it’s contributed to a brighter, more refreshed look there as well. Fine lines and wrinkles- particularly those creeping in around my temples- appear softer and less pronounced. Of course, there’s no getting around the fact that this is quite a pricey product. But the kind of glow I wake up with is reminiscent of the results I see after a professional facial, so I do feel it’s worth the splurge. Given how sensitive my skin is, I’d already know if it was going to react badly- but thankfully, there was nothing to worry about here. My biggest gripe is my red undertone - especially around my cheeks. I'm crediting the infusion of belle de nuit extract as being responsible for my more even complexion. It's fair to say the Fresh Overnight Mask has quickly become a new staple in my routine- and I’ll be keeping it there.'
Overall rating
Redness prone girl in need of a pepped up complexion? This one's for you. 5/5.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism. After interning at Stylist and Harper’s Bazaar she dipped her toes into the world of beauty writing and never looked back. Rachael became Style Writer for heat! magazine before going onto work as Digital Writer for Boots Health and Beauty. Her special interests include fragrance (rose based scents have her at hello), new skincare innovations, and copious cups of tea. Now, at Grazia, you'll find her writing about beauty, health and wellbeing. Follow her on Instagram @rachael.alice.martin