5 of the best … face masks
We love the enforced relaxation that comes with using a face mask - you have no choice but to lie back and take things easy for a while. Plus you emerge with skin peachier than a baby's bottom. Result!
You can’t beat face masks – they’re brilliant for scaring small children/ the postman and you always emerge with skin so glowy J.Lo would be jealous. Whether you prefer a modern sheet mask (they’re a big hit on Instagram as you get to wow your followers with your Hannibal Lecter vibes) or an old school wash-off one (they’re kinder to the environment – less waste), we’ve got something for everyone.
The high street hit: Garnier SkinActive Nutri Bomb Coconut + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Tissue Mask
I know the idea of a milky tissue is a bit ewww but this sheet mask sounds very promising – and it doesn’t launch until March so consider yourself ahead of the beauty curve. Ideal for skin that’s been blitzed by central heating and freezing temperatures all winter, it’s a mega-hit of hydration and antioxidants, plus the coconut fragrance pleasingly conjures up a tropical beach (£2.99)
The cult one: Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
Ignore the silly name, this US brand is highly rated by every beauty editor I know thanks to its nasties-free products and colourful Insta-friendly packaging. This overnight mask is excellent for hungover skin, thanks to its cocktail of hydrating electrolytes. Don’t drink it though. (£44)
The hyped one: Beauty Pie Oxygen Instant Facial Refuelling Mask
This wash-off wonder has just arrived on the beauty subscription site and early word is that it’s a goodie. It contains salicylic acid for clearing skin and miracle ingredient retinol, and promises skin that looks like you’ve just had one of those whizzy oxygen facials. (£12.13 for members)
The personal favourite: Oskia Renaissance Mask
I’ve been using this indie Welsh brand’s pretty pink organic mask every Sunday evening for a while now and can confirm it’s a belter. Its fruit acids exfoliate but it always makes my skin feel hydrated too. Plus the rose, passion fruit and camomile fragrance is delicious. (£55)
The bargain: Nip + Fab Mattifying Pore Minimising Primer Sheet Mask
Smooth this one on for 10 minutes when you take a bath ahead of a night out. It’ll knock your skin into shape, fully plumped and primed ready for make-up application. And it’s such a snip you’ll have loads of money left over for cocktails. (£6)