WHERE — Barcelona
PHOTOGRAPHY — Sam Flaherty

On my top shelf: the face masks I reach for when my skin is in need of serious SOS.

I’ve always been a sucker for a good face mask. Back in high school I used to make my own concoctions from my mothers kitchen (because there was definitely no Sephora in NZ back in 2005) with Manuka honey, oats and cinnamon.

And while I no longer whip up homemade face masks (I still swear by my recipe though), l have a selection of go-to masks which I rely on religiously when my face is feeling a little tired/dry/lacklustre.

Sephora Eye Masks

Who would have thought the affordable, brightly-coloured masks by the register at Sephora would turn out to be some of the best eye masks around (especially considering cost per use)? As someone who has chronic insomnia, I swear by these. Keep them in your fridge, then apply while you’re getting ready for a seriously soothing mask.

Strivectin 5 Minute Weekly Glycolic Peel

The world of peels and heavy duty face masks is new to me – so I’m starting off slow with this super mind peel (which you can leave on for less than 5 minutes if you want to be super cautious). I’m digging the instantly bright, fresh appearance it has on my skin, however you do need to be careful not to use it if you plan to have sun exposure. So it’s best to use at night, and mainly in the winter months.

Dr Jart Wrinkless Solution Sheet Mask

Because who doesn’t love a sheet mask? All of the Dr Jart sheet masks are the real deal – I’m not going to lie, I’m not exactly sure there’s any difference between all of the options – buuut, I love the fact that using these masks is like an extra hour of beauty sleep.

Dr RoeBuck’s Polish

This is basically just a fancy (and gentle) exfoliator which you apply to wet skin, allow to dry, then wash off (with a gentle circular motion) in the shower. I have to make an effort not to use this more than I should – because I love how clean and soft it leaves my face.

Skin Inc Pure Deep Sea Hydrating Mask

I picked this up on a semi-expensive whim, and the risk paid off. Hands down my favourite hydrating mask I’ve used in the past year. Apply a thin layer and leave on for half an hour, or even overnight for an extreme dose of hydration. It’s a generous size, and each application only requires a thin layer, meaning you’ll get more bang for your buck than any sheet mask will ever offer.

Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme Mask

In my opinion, Natura Bisse is one of the ultimate brands for results-driven skin care. There’s nothing better than a Nature Bisse facial; but this Diamond Extreme Mask comes a close second (as is also a lot more cost efficient since you get countless masks from these two little bottles. I like to app the mask, followed by the serum and leave it in overnight for maximum omph.

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