How indulgent can you get? Chocolate and gold in one product.

OK so the idea of mud isn’t quite so sexy but actually Rhassoul clay is known for its amazing skin loving properties (read about my efforts to use nothing but clay for washing). It makes a remarkably effective cleanser and skin conditioner, plus it is credited for soothing all manner of skin ailments.

But, according to Live Native who make this mask, the added chocolate and gold are not just a gimmick – they’re great for the skin too. They say the gold: ‘…acts as a reinforcing structure and helps to stabilise and restore the skin.’ which ‘…allows the active therapeutic ingredients to penetrate the inner skin layers to tone, firm and to plump lines and wrinkles by rebuilding collagen thereby creating a more youthful fresh look and feel.’

The raw cold pressed chocolate or ‘cacao’ is a superfood, ‘well renowned for its outstanding antioxidant properties’.

It’s also packed with all sorts of other beneficial ingredients including acai, spirulina (algae) and another antoxidant, acerola cherry. It is vegan, kosher, organic and totally handmade. And because it comes in powdered form there’s not much in the way of packaging either.

So how was it? I had to mix it with water to apply it to my face and keep it wet by spritzing, waiting 15 minutes for the mask to do its work. This isn’t as quick and easy as some others but I enjoyed the pampering ritual nonetheless. Several days later, my skin feels toned and definitely clearer. Great for a once-a-week treat.

I must admit to feeling a little over-indulged as I watched the flecks of gold leaf spiralling down the plughole. I think next time I’ll rinse it off into a bowl and offer my kids the chance to partake in a little ‘wild west’ gold prospecting with a sieve.

Live Native Botanic Earth Mud Mask is available online www.livenative.co.uk or by calling 01599 530 367, rrp £15.50 for 15g (5 treatments) or £29.99 for 60g (20 treatments).