Five Fab Face Masks That Will Provide A Pick-Me-Up In Ten Minutes

I always associate face masks with a moment of indulgence, a relaxing session in a warm bubble bath or simply a chilled out evening in front of the sofa. However, many of the formulas are designed to provide an instant and visible result that makes them more suited to a morning routine or pre-night-out-pamper. We often forget the benefits of using a face mask before you start piling on the makeup and creating a flawless base on a Saturday night, or how they can help perk up tired skin when you've gotten to Friday morning and start counting down the hours until your weekend lie-in. I've really started to adopt face masks as a magic weapon, not only during my regular bath nights, but in the morning when I know I want to look my best. Here are five of the best that will have your skin looking much fresher, more radiant and plump in only ten minutes - perfect to wack on while you sip your morning coffee.

1. Pai: Rapid Radiance Mask (£30.00)
Enriched with highly concentrated antioxidants, this radiance enhancing mask helps to cleanse and nourish the skin to reveal a smoother tone and texture. The caring formula works to soothe irritated and inflamed skin whilst locking in essential moisture for long-lasting suppleness; it doesn't dry, so skin isn't left feeling tight or zapped of moisture, leaving your complexion feeling somewhat boosted and fresher. This smells amazing and is bursting with natural ingredients, making it a fab purchase if you're concerned with what you're putting on your skin. It's great to use in the morning so you know your skin is set up to look and feel fabulous all day long.

2. Zkin: Brightening & Hydrating Masque (£29.90)
First things first, this is formulated with caocao powder so it looks and smells like chocolate. If you're a chocoholic or just like your products with a sprinkle of metaphorical sugar, then you're going to love this innovative formula. Including soothing aloe vera, detoxing white clay, revitalising brown seaweed and natural exfolating fruit extracts, this dries to leave you feeling like you’ve had a serious facial treatment. It's a bit tricky to get off (I recommend a warm flannel in the shower, or you'll be stood by the sink for ten minutes trying to scrub off every last speck of brown goop,) but my skin was left feeling incredibly smooth and a little bit plumper. Maybe not one to use before work (chocolate overload,) but it definitely works well with a glass of Friday champagne.

3. Nip Fab: Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Mask (£14.99)
Now this doesn't herald from the far corners of King's Landing (GOT reference there, get me,) as Dragon's Blood is actually a tree extract. This transparent formula does help to protect against environmental damage that causes our skin to deteriorate in condition, as well as battling those fine lines and wrinkles. However, in reality it's a great little pick-me-up when you don't have much time and are scared the postman is going to ring the doorbell when you've just applied something green and scary. It's easy to wack on an leave for ten minutes, washing off in the shower to reveal smoother and more plumper skin - it helps makeup apply well and ensures you leave the house feeling good. Simple and effective.

4. Caudalie: Glycolic Peel (£22.00)
I'm a big fan of Caudalie's effective skincare products, and this Glycolic Peel is no exception. It helps to clear the complexion, tighten pores and gives you an immediate burst of radiance; it also naturally exfoliates the skin using fruit extracts to leave it feeling fresh and glowing. The 'peel' element is what goes on under the surface FYI; this doesn't dry to leave one of those peel-off gels! The formula is rich and creamy, washes off easily and requires only a small amount to make a difference; you may experience a tingling sensation as the extracts get to work, but this is totally normal. A great one to use if your skin is looking a little tired and dull.

5. Charlotte Tilbury: Goddess Skin Clay Mask (£45.00)
Much has been said of this eye-wateringly expensive face mask. It's not the secret to baby skin, nor does it provide anything revolutionary. However, it does help to tighten pores, brighten skin and soften your complexion to ensure it's 'I want to keep stroking it' soft. The lightweight clay mask is formualted with nourishing Almond Oil and Bio Nymph Peptide Complex, which apparently "improves skin elasticity, induces DNA repair and boosts synthesis of collagen whilst protecting it from degradation." Rosehip Oil regenerates and restores skin softness and elasticity as the Frangipani Flower Extract is soothing and purifying. It's a great mask, but the price point definitely puts this in the 'wait until Santa is coming' category.

Have you tried any of these face masks? Are you a fan of treating your skin a little in the mornings or evenings, or are face masks too much of a faff?

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