Before applying any face mask, you should thoroughly cleanse your face of all make-up and rinse well with water. Gently pat skin dry, then smooth on the mask, avoiding the eye area, nostrils, ears and lips because the skin here is sensitive and can become irritated.

Make sure you relax and enjoy the treatment. If you have applied the product to your neck, place a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing and keep you warm. Lie down comfortably and place some cotton wool pads that have been soaked in chilled water over your eyes. Chilled cucumber or potato slices, milk or rosewater are very soothing and excellent for puffy eyes. Try to relax for 15 minutes, even if the mask has finished drying before then, as you'll feel more refreshed afterwards.

Always remove masks gently, using cold water for a final rinse. This helps bring the blood back to the skin surface even faster. Pat your face dry afterwards, then lightly moisturize the skin all over, paying particular attention to the under-eye area and the neck.

Remember that although face masks are gentle, they really do cleanse the skin thoroughly and can leave the skin looking very pink. You should never apply one immediately before a special occasion.