Unmask your winter glow

It's January, and we're thinking about how to beat those winter blues.

A pricey afternoon at a spa is out of the question, so it's time to indulge ourselves at home — and there's no better way than with a face mask. You can even make it a home-spa experience, complete with a bath with bubbles or aromatherapy oils, scented candles and a glass of white wine. Apply your mask, sink into the tub and let nature take its course.

Nude Miracle Mask

What does it promise? To pep up skin with exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids.
Nice to use? Easy. Light gel that you smooth on and leave for five minutes.
Any good results? Great — my skin looked fresher and brighter.
Cost: £37.19/40ml, nudeskincare.com
AHD

Maximasque

What does it promise? To make skin softer and smoother.
Nice to use? Fine, as long as you're not claustrophobic. It's a heat-up pad which you apply over a sponge face mask, which sits over a layer of cream.
Any good results? Surprisingly good — skin feels plumper and hydrated.
Cost: £49.50, 0844 567 9374,
anhealth.co.uk
AHD

Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask

What does it promise? To repair dehydrated skin, restore its moisture balance and stimulate circulation.
Nice to use? Easy — apply the cream for 10 minutes and smooth away afterwards.
Any good results? Initially my skin was smooth but after only about an hour it became tight — and by morning it was flaking.
Cost: £28, 75ml, 0800 036 3558.
Victoria Stewart

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

What does it promise? To eliminate impurities and balance oily skin.
Nice to use? This is like a mud pie face mask. It tightens on the skin, then is a devil to get off.
Any good results? It didn't "cure" my greasy forehead but may suit younger skins prone to eruptions.
Cost: £12.25/75ml, uk.lizearle.com
Felicity Lloyd

Soap & Glory Super Self-Heating Deep Pore Detox Mask

What does it promise? To eliminate clogged pores.
Nice to use? Fine. Smooth cream on, gently scrub, wipe off or leave on for four minutes for a squeakier clean.
Any good results? Left skin tighter but was tingling for hours afterwards.
Cost: £10/100ml, soapandglory.com
Nicola Pearson

Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask

What does it promise? To feed skin with fatty acids, to rejuvenate and protect against outdoor damage.
Nice to use? It's the daddy of organic repair masks. You wear it for at least two hours (preferably overnight).
Any good results? The next day my skin was brighter, firmer, more even.
Cost: £42/50ml, www.aromatherapyassociates.com
Liz Hoggard

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energising Face Mask

What does it promise? The oxygen molecules are meant to de-toxify and re-energise the skin.
Nice to use? Just slather it on, wait until it turns foamy and rinse.
Any good results? I can't say I noticed a visible difference.
Cost: £39/100ml, blisslondon.co.uk
Jasmine Gardner

Korres Pomegranate Oily-to-combination Skin Cleansing Mask

What does it promise? Claims to remove impurities, reduce pore size and rejuvenate skin.
Nice to use? Looks like the usual white clay mask, though it doesn't dry solid.
Any good? Feels as though your face has shrunk slightly but it did brighten. To be avoided by anyone with dry skin.
Cost: £16/40ml, korres.com
Jackie Annesley