You might look a bit of plonker when you’re wearing one but a good face mask provides an unbeatable, deep-down cleansing treatment, helping keep skin in tip-top condition.
Why?
No longer the preserve of women, face masks are great weapons to have in your grooming armoury, enabling you to get a spa-style treatment without the expense (or the embarrassment of having to wear paper pants!). There are two main types: cleansing masks (which use clay to absorb excess oil, impurities and unblock pores) and hydrating masks which help add critical moisture to the skin, improving its texture and preventing it from drying out.
When? Use once a week after prepping skin with a face scrub. This will increase the mask’s efficiency by removing any dead skin cells that would otherwise act as sponges for the mask. Then apply the mask over your face - avoiding the delicate eye area - and leave on for the stated time (usually 10 minutes) before washing off. Make sure you pick your moment before applying though – a clay mask’s drawing power can leave skin temporarily flushed. Not a good look just before a big date/interview/morning of your wedding!
To view
Face masks click
here
Costing a bit more than moisturisers, these specially formulated creams or gels contain powerful active ingredients to help reduce the appearance of fine lines (and not-so-fine lines), eye bags and the kind of dark circles only Uncle Fester would be proud of.
Why?
Their special formulations and light texture make them ideal for the delicate skin around the eyes which, at less than 0.12mm thick, is some of the thinnest on the body. If you were to use an ordinary moisturiser on the eye area it could easily overload the skin, leading to spots and irritation, which is why a separate eye cream is essential.
When? As part of your daily grooming routine. Apply a small blob (no bigger than a grain of rice) around each eye socket using your index finger and gently pat around the eye to help stimulate the removal of toxins from the area. Choose eye creams if you want to tackle wrinkles and a gel if eye-bags are your problem. Both work best if kept cool so try storing them on a windowsill, out of direct sunlight, or chill in the fridge before use.
To view
Eye creams click
here
These are specially formulated products using cutting-edge technology to target the natural ageing process and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Some support the production of the skin’s own building blocks – collagen and elastin – while others contain powerful antioxidants to limit cellular damage.
They all have the same objective though – to make sure you don’t end up with a face like a Shar-Pei’s.
Why?
As we get older our skin begins to lose its elasticity and firmness. Add years of sun damage, late nights and exposure to harmful free-radicals and it’s little wonder it ends up looking a little worse for wear.
When? For maximum results use as part of your daily skincare routine. If you haven’t time in the morning, opt for an anti-ageing night cream instead and apply just before you hit the sack.
To view
Anti-ageing serums click
here These creams and sprays help limit the damage caused to the skin by the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
When? Apply 20 minutes before skin is exposed to the sun and make sure the cream is properly applied. Go for a high SPF (sun protection factor) if you’re fair skinned, don’t skimp and massage the cream in until it completely disappears. If you’ve a lot of body hair try using a spray, which will give better coverage, and if you’re a bit thin on top don’t forget to protect your scalp with a product like HeadBlade’s HeadShade Sunscreen SPF15.
To view
sunscreens click
here 
