Facemasks

“Luxury is a necessity that begins where necessity ends.” Coco Chanel

Under eyes looking a bit dark? Some monthly blemishes on your chin? There are times your skin definitely needs a pick me up and a face mask is the perfect solution. I honestly believe it’s your right as a female to indulge in a facemask and relax in a bubble bath once in a while.
But before you dash down to salon to revive your winter skin, try one of these DIY facemasks.

Chocolate indulgence for a pound

High street brand Montagne Jeunnesse have a range of facemasks tailored for different skin types. I use the chocolate mud mask because it smells yummy and suits my T-zone skin but the self warming Sauna mask lovely too.
The deep cleansing chocolate mask is designed to unblock clogged pores which can cause spots and blemishes. It also has moisturising properties so would be good for dry skin too. 

Pro’s:
The mask is easy to apply and has a nice thick consistency.
 Suitable for sensitive skin. I sometimes find deep cleansing masks too harsh for my sensitive skin, but this one doesn’t sting or tingle at all.
Your skin feels really soft and clean afterwards.
Each sachet should be enough for at least two applications. (After opening I advise you fold down the top and seal with a hair slide until you need it next but use within the week so it doesn’t dry out.)

Con’s:
 It is fairly difficult to remove once the mask has dried on. Use lots of warm water and a flannel.

Peel off cucumber

A friend of mine recently brought me a peel off mask from the Mudd range as a little treat and although I rarely use peel off masks I was pleasantly surprised.
Peel-off masks should be applied as a thin layer and when completely dry, slowly peeled off. It is supposed to work as a gentle exfoliate as it removes the top layer of dead skin cells and any impurities which could lead to spots.

Pro’s:
I used the mask the morning after a night out when my skin was looking a bit dull and it really brightened my skin.
Its a really gentle way to exfoliate your skin so would be perfect for sensitive skin.

Con’s:
For the mask to work effectively you need to apply a thin and even layer which is quite difficult. Areas where the mask is too thick won’t dry properly and will be difficult to remove.
It’s fairly time consuming. It took about twenty minutes for my whole mask to dry and be ready to peel off.

Homemade masks

If you want a completely organic facial treatment why not try a homemade mask?
I hear raw eggs are fantastic for the complexion but have never really fancied applying one to my face, so here’s my recipe for a simple oatmeal face mask:

Add a small amount of natural yogurt to a bowl of oatmeal/porridge oats, to form a paste. Rub onto face in circular motions. Wash off after ten minutes for smooth and soft skin.
Alternatively you could use a small amount of warm water instead of the yoghurt.
To give your skin an extra treat could add:
A tablespoon of Almond Oil.
Benefits: Moisturises, Improves complexion, delays aging and lightens dark circles.
Or
A tablespoon of honey.
Benefits: A natural antioxidant, supports the skin's ability to rejuvenate, absorbs impurities from the pores on the skin.

Top tips for facemask use:

Use regularly: Your skin will really benefit from a facemask being used regularly and you will start to notice a difference in your skin with continued use.

Choose the right one for you: High street brands provide a range of facemasks so for maximum benefit take time to choose one which suits your skin type. Beware of any which describe themselves as ‘deep cleansing’ if you have sensitive skin.

Careful application: Always avoid applying the facemask to your eye area, lips, eye brow and hair line.