MASK IT : DRY & DEHYDRATED SKIN

Following on from last month's roundup of blemish-battling masks, an edit which is all about moisture.

Rewind a few years and the thought of using moisturiser [let alone a moisture mask] would have been enough to make me breakout in itself. As a teen I made the classic mistake of assuming that blemish-prone skin = oily skin, and I was quite convinced that adding anything not catered solely to fighting spots into the mix would have been catastrophic. These days however, comfortable in the knowledge that my skin is not oily and never was [far from it] and that blemish-prone skin can also be dehydrated skin, I layer the moisturiser on thick and fast. I can always tell when my skin is dehydrated as it looks a little wan, and like most, I find that certain times of year/certain products can result in patches of severely dry skin. For this reason, a significant section of my mask collection is devoted to rehydration.

THE SKIN DRINK : EVE LOM Moisture Mask*

If your skin is oily, then this is the mask for you - because oily skin can also be dehydrated [dehydrated skin = lack of water, dry skin = lack of oil]. It's also ideal if your skin is easily aggravated and breaks out when you use anything too heavy, as it has an incredibly light, gel-like texture which won't clog the pores. Like most Eve Lom products, this aims to brighten the complexion and give a natural glow, and [like most Eve Lom products] it does exactly that. What I love most about this mask is that its effects are long-term, and don't just last the day - my skin literally drinks this up and looks all the more better for it. It's ideal for reviving your skin after a period of skincare neglect or a particularly draining illness; I usually sleep with it on but often leave it on all day as it's pure skincare goodness.

ONE-STOP WONDER : ORIGINS Drinkup Intensive Overnight Mask

Everyone's favourite moisture mask, this one tackles both dry and dehydrated skin with a blend of tried and tested moisture boosting ingredients [inc. avocado oil, apricot oil, mango butter, hyaluronic acid, and seaweed [which prevents future moisture loss]]. A thick and indulgent cream which boasts a predictably fruity aroma, it is an indulgent mask, and its buttery texture works wonders on flakey skin. I initially expected it to be undeserving of the hype so held off purchase for ages, but the first time I used it I woke up the following morning literally glowing. It also has a rather remarkable smoothing effect; makeup always applies like a dream the morning after I've used this.

ONE-STOP WONDER [THE DRUGSTORE DUPE] : SOAP & GLORY Beauty Sleep Accelerator*

As far as dupes go, this is to all intents and purposes exactly the same as the above - virtually indistinguishable, even down to the scent. The only noticeable difference is the texture, this is a lot lighter and has an almost fluffy feel to it - less luxurious but by no means less effective. However, whilst the Origins mask literally works overnight, this one requires a few consecutive evenings of use before you'll notice the glow. But rest assured, you will notice the glow, so if you fancy saving £10 and holding out a little longer, it's well worth picking up. If you do find that your skin reacts badly to thicker creams or suffered breakouts after using the Origins mask [as many do - it has a Marmite reputation] then you might even prefer this option.

NOT JUST A MOISTURE MASK : DEAD SEA SPA MAGIK Delicate Boosting Mask

A mask which tackles blemishes and scarring whilst delivering skin with a powerful moisture boost is not to be missed. This creamy mask is ideal for sensitive and very dry skin as it gently cleanses and removes impurities, whilst simultaneously providing all the benefits of a dedicated moisture mask. Basically this mask does everything you could possibly want it to do [aside from the dishes] - namely it calms down, plumps up, and tackle blemishes.

GET THE GLOW : SUQQU Musculate Mask & Massage Cream*

I primarily use this mask to perform the SUQQU Gankin massage and often leave it on for up to an hour afterwards if my skin is feeling particularly tight or looking a little lacklustre. It's incredibly rich, rendering the massage an indulgent experience and the aftereffects profound. Famously used backstage at fashion weeks by Lisa Eldridge, it's the ideal product for prepping the skin for makeup; leaving a smooth, soft base which prevents makeup from caking or clinging to dry patches.

OPERATION REHYDRATION : SKINESIS 3D Moisture Infusion Sheet Mask

This mask provides game-changing rehydration for those who are super serious about their skincare; a product which renders science and beauty bedfellows, and all in the name of moisture [this stuff will more than make up for your insufficient water intake]. The sheet-mask market may be in its heyday right now but Skinesis were early to the game and this mask is well-loved. Enriched with four of the brand's signature moisture complexes, including a potent form of hyaluronic acid which vastly improves moisture retention, this mask also works to reduce inflammation and plump thinning skin. Like a comfort blanket to the skin, nothing else makes my skin feel so soft, or look quite so luminous.

What are your favourite moisture-boosting masks?