The old cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise regime is all well and good, but there’s nothing quite as relaxing as popping on a mask and poring over a glossy mag while it does its beautifying best. Pampering aside, masks are hard working skincare warriors, brightening, tightening, refining and hydrating like nobody’s business. The results are often immediate too, so what are you waiting for? There’s a mask out there with your name on it.

If you want to tackle pigmentation...

Try a Brightening Mask, like Nuxe White Brightening Perfecting Masque. This sheet mask is mid-range in price, but packs a high end punch. The combination of mostly natural ingredients brightens the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and discolouration, while also hydrating and tightening the pores for a more refined, smooth and healthy looking complexion. A 10-minute treat for dull skin.

If your skin is parched…

Opt for a hydrating mask like Sukin’s Hydrating Facial Masque. This luxurious but affordable mask from one of our favourite Aussie-owned-and-made skincare brands is packed full of natural goodness, and free from parabens and other nasties. Let your skin drink in the nourishment of rich mango butter and avocado oil, and be revived by complexion perfecting papaya and pineapple enzymes.  

If the budget stretches and you’re dryer than the Gobi, Gatineau’s Aquamemory Moisture Replenish Mask is another winner. The richly soothing formulation helps to increase water reserves under the skin and restores much-needed moisture to dehydrated complexions.

If you’re kinda lazy…

Stick to sheet masks which are super easy to apply and don’t need to be rinsed off. There are sheet masks for pretty much every skin type and concern, so you’ll easily find one that fits you just right.

SK-II’s moisturising Facial Treatment Mask is one of the first and best, formulated with their famous radiance-boosting Pitera essence. Worth every penny.

If your skin’s congested or spot prone

You need a deep cleansing clay mask. Popular Aussie organics brand Grown Alchemist have a lovely, botanical based option in their Deep Cleansing Facial Masque with wheatgerm, gingko and cranberry. In addition to tackling congestion and dullness, it works to improve skin firmness and smoothness.

If your skin is sensitive…

Calm it with a soothing mask formulated specially for delicate, reactive skins. If you love Bioderma’s cult micellar water, you’ll love their Sensibio Mask just as much. Soothing and hydrating, it’s a treat for stressed skins, and contains Toleridine® complex to help strengthen the skin and reduce sensitivity.

If you’re showing signs of ageing…

Try a retinol-based mask like Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalising Face Mask. When it comes to fighting fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin texture, there’s nothing like a dose of retinol (vitamin A). It can be drying and irritating though, so this luxe sheet mask is balanced with high-powered hydrating ingredients too. You’ll see smoother, brighter skin in an instant.

If you need a detox…

You’ll find what you’re looking for in derma e’s Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask. It’s packed with all kinds of toxin-and-impurity-fighting goodness, with natural clay absorbing oil and relieving congestion, and activated charcoal penetrating deep into the skin to draw out deeply rooted toxins. It’s especially good for oily skins and those prone to impactions.

If your eyes are looking worse for wear…

Pamper your peepers with an eye mask. Estée Lauder’s Stress Relief Eye Mask, enriched with cooling cucumber and calming aloe vera, will soothe, hydrate and reinvigorate frazzled under eye skin in just 10 minutes. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

If you want to firm...

You need a plumping mask. Nip + Fab’s Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask is a refreshing gel formula that contains bee venom, which not only controls the facial muscles, but increases circulation, while also smoothing, firming and plumping the skin. Shut up and take my money!