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LATE nights, poor sleep, too much cheese and booze, plus the cold weather over the last few weeks, have taken their toll on my skin;
So I’ve been trying out calming face masks to bring it back to its best . . .
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This week, I’ve tested three of the most popular brands.
Budget
Native State Soothe & Calm Face Mask, (£6 for 75ml, hollandandbarrett.com):
I was surprised by the clay-like texture of this mask, as I normally associate clay skincare with oil-regulating, which means they can be quite drying for skin that does not produce too much oil.
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That being said, thanks to the addition of calming oat milk, exfoliating salicylic acid and soothing vitamin E, it’s not drying at all, even after keeping it on for the recommended 20 minutes.
The packaging, which is made up of 30 per cent recycled plastic, is much easier to use than a tub, and helps prevent bacteria contamination too.
My face felt nice and clean, but I didn’t see any immediate calming results.
I imagine it would work really well for anyone trying to bring breakouts under control, and the price makes it perfect for teens.
Mid-range
Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask, (£24 for 30ml, cultbeauty.co.uk:
Most read in Fabulous
I love an overnight face mask, so I had high hopes for this, and it did not disappoint.
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The clever cocktail of hydrating glycerin and squalane, alongside brightening vitamin C and soothing plant extracts, combats dullness, dryness and uneven texture as well as redness, making it a good option for just about any skin issue, especially if you have overdone it with chemical exfoliants or your skin is feeling the effects of the cold weather.
The balm-like texture feels luxurious but not too heavy, and didn’t leave a greasy residue on my pillow.
As far as the results are concerned, my skin felt (and looked) like I had just spent five nights at a spa in the Swiss Alps, so it is a big thumbs up from me.
Luxury
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque (£60 for 60ml, lookfantastic.com)
Don’t be put off by the radioactive hue of this mask.
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Behind the luminescent green gunge is a powerhouse of calming ingredients, including cucumber, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and dipeptide.
It’s instantly cooling on application – in fact, it’s clinically proven to reduce skin temperature on average by 2.8°C, in turn reducing signs of irritation and discomfort by 47 per cent.
I noticed the redness on my cheeks went down almost immediately.
The gel is lightweight and oil-free, so suitable for all skin types, and can be used daily if you suffer with regular redness.
That being said, it is heavily fragranced and tingles on contact with the skin, so despite the calming effect, if you know you are sensitive to perfume, it is one to skip.
Pick of the week
IF you are in search of a new highlighter to perk up dull winter skin, have I got news for you.
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Goddess of glow, Charlotte Tilbury, is back with another blockbuster launch from her eponymous beauty brand that promises lit-from-within radiance.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Glow Glide Architect Highlighter, £38, is available in seven shades.
It highlights and sculpts the skin without emphasising texture, for a red-carpet- ready glow.
Shop at charlottetilbury.com.