FACE MASK - SLEEP IN
We have gotten into the habit of using ‘overnight masks’ a couple of times a week ourselves. They’re akin to night creams, but designed for more infrequent use: the whole category of ‘sleep-in’ masks has been influenced by the multi-step, multi-product regimes of women in Korea (which make us feel knackered just to read about them, frankly!). The following all tend to be recommended a couple of times weekly as a booster.
You COULD experiment with using regular night creams as ‘sleeping masks’ by slathering on a thicker layer – which certainly benefits dry complexions. But what all these winning creams/masks also offer is a jolt of specifically face-waking ingredients – in line with what a regular mask delivers, but working their magic as we slumber. (What we would say with sleeping masks is: if you have dry skin, more is more is more.)
Can’t argue with a product that does its hard work while we’re asleep, though, can we?
GOLD (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL Verdilab Extremely Nourishing Rose Radiance Cream Mask
Wow. This is definitely one for our more affluent readers – possibly the priciest face mask, per millilitre, that ever scooped a Beauty Bible Award…but testers did really love it. Verdilab is interesting: high-tech formulas, yet founder Dr. Victoria Neymann ‘wanted to create skincare products that would be 100% natural, without any synthetic ingredients/fragrances/preservative. Several winners from this Nourishing Rose range feature in 2023’s Beauty Bible Awards, including this creamy, luxurious mask which uses ingredients from rose petals, together with 22 ‘potent botanical and marine actives.’
£160 for 50ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘One of the best masks I’ve tried; it’s a fab all-rounder and very luxurious. i am not a great lover of rose scented products, but this is an exception; the scent is luxurious’ • ‘I love the fact it can be used as a mask and also as an overnight mask; skin was brighter and smoother after use and I highly recommend this product’ • ‘A delight in a pot, that lasts for ages and makes you feel good. Can be left on overnight for an intense boost and using it this way is just lovely; it has mostly sunk in to my dry skin by morning, leaving very soft skin. This is pure luxury and feels like it is knocking years off!!! I just wish I could afford another pot of this...’ • ‘Skin hydrated 100%, more even-toned and plump, and much calmer and more tolerant of the cold and wintry weather’ • ‘My husband said that my skin looked better when I asked if he noticed any difference after an overnight treatment’ • Wow, what a product! Leaving this on overnight was a real treat for my skin. My skin has never felt or looked so good in the last 20 or so years. I just wish it was more affordable. That said, the pot will last for ages as not much is required per application’ • ‘My skin looked fantastic, really renewed and dare I say more youthful?’ • ‘The results are amazing; I really liked this. My usual product sometimes leaves my skin a bit parched, but this feels very luxurious, and my complexion appeared smoother’ • ‘My friend said my skin looked bright and well rested, fresh-faced even!’ • ‘Will I buy again? It’s crazy expensive, and I know I shouldn’t – but…’
£160 for 50ml - click to buy
GOLD (JOINT) AWARD L’OCCITANE Immortelle Precious Overnight Mask
Last year Silver, this year, the Gold Award slot. From L’Occitane’s age-defying Immortelle range, this luscious, almost lavender-toned cream mask harnesses the rich-in-vitamin-E power of the immortelle (everlasting) flower, harvested in Corsica. Here, it’s in the form of immortelle essential oil and something called a ‘super aqueous extract’, enriched with antioxidant polyphenols. Combined with hyaluronic acid, the mask offers a delicious ‘pillow-like’ texture. L’Occitane recommend regular use by normal, dry or combination skintypes; a thinner layer can also work as a night cream, all with the aim of boost luminosity and hydration, while tackling dullness. An enduring favourite of Beauty Bible’s Jo, who turns to it at least twice a week.
£55 for 50ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘I made an effort to use this before big events; I went to two wedding receptions in the testing period, and used this mask the night before on both occasions. It has become part of my skincare routine for special occasions, as well as a regular addition to my skincare’ • ‘Fragrance is GORGEOUS – has a deeply relaxing yet fresh smell. Just yummy! I saw a reduction in some of the fine lines I have; my eye area in particular looked smoother’ • ‘My sister complimented me on my skin, saying it looked generally brighter and smoother. I love the balance of the richness and lightness of the cream, and the hydrating feel when applied’ • ‘My favourite product I have tried in AGES! This mask is the best….ever. It’s like magic!! My dry, dull thirsty skin looks fantastic after using this’ • ‘You have to buy this!!!! The most divine mask to hydrate, brighten, smooth and perfect your skin; one application and you will be hooked’ • ‘This product did make a real difference to the softness and hydration to my skin when applied and will become a regular step in my skincare night-time routine. Didn’t feel like any other masks that I have used previously as there was no feeling of heaviness – a light feeling when applied’ • ‘My daughter said my skin looked really glowy and asked what I had been using; skin looked brighter and I felt like I could wear less foundation after a week or so of using it. Now I have found it I will use it forever!’
£55 for 50ml - click to buy
SILVER AWARD Lumene Oxygen Recovery 72h Hydra Gel Mask
This can be used for a quick fix – well, 15 minutes – or left on overnight, with a thin layer becoming the final step in your skincare regime. (In place of moisturiser or oil.) Lumene are a leading naturally-focused beauty brand, with Nordic roots, with many of their ingredients harnessed from organically-certified forests (though formulas generally also contain some synthetics). They have several winners in 2023’s Awards, in this case a blue, clear gel mask powered by organic Nordic birch sap, Arctic spring water, bilberry water and ‘oxygen-recovery minerals’, as well as our old, skin-plumping friend hyaluronic acid. It has a cooling feel, and is suitable for all skintypes.
£23 for 150ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘A smooth, cooling gel that isn't sticky and just glides onto the skin. Best of all, I saw real results the first time I used it; my skin was so much more hydrated in the morning – really noticeable’ • ‘Fine wrinkles above my lip look so much better’ • ‘I noticed the more I used this, the calmer and more hydrated my skin became’ • ‘Ideal for someone with sensitive skin, perfect for a summer skin care ritual to calm and soothe hot, tired, touchy skin’ • ‘Like a little at-home spa treatment. I really enjoyed using this product and will continue to do so. My skin felt hydrated throughout the week, and I didn't feel dry even with the cold weather creeping in’ • ‘Subtle, fresh scent – reminded me of spas. Very easy to apply; I thought the gel texture was really satisfying, I just applied using my fingers and it felt very ’ • ‘I enjoyed using this mask. Just a thin layer required. My skin was nourished when I removed in the morning’ • ‘I enjoyed using this mask and it did help my skin look nourished and plump. My friend actually noticed that my skin was looking brighter and fresh. Just a fantastic RADIANCE. ’ • ‘Can you put this in the Face Savers category too?? Please? After a month of using it in different ways my skin looked overall firmer, more lifted and made me look more alive. It's hard to put into words but you know when you see someone that just looks radiant and healthy and glowing, tighter and firmer. I was NOT expecting that at all.’
£23 for 150ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD skinSense Overnight Leave on Mask
From the no-nonsense yet effective range created by British skincare and suncare dynamo Abi Cleeve, a real skin-plumper of a mask, packed with slow-release hyaluronic acid – that famed skincare ingredient which can bind 1,000 times its weight in moisture, working to restore skin’s lost ‘bounce’. There are also copper peptides to enhance skin elasticity and firming (and also to target pigmentation), along with brightening lactic acid, with the creamy formula designed to be applied once or twice a week. Understandably, a skinSense bestseller.
£34 for 100ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘Because it’s not a gloopy mask that makes a mess, I was a bit dubious about any results. How wrong was I? This product is super. No mess on application, no mess on the pillow and then you wake up to refreshed plump and brighter skin. I feel 10 years younger every time I use it’ • ‘I have already recommended this product. I really think it has great benefits and very easy to use and apply’ • ‘I use this product at least twice a week and definitely think my skin looks improved the next morning – certainly one to use before an event’ • ‘Skin felt hydrated and smoother and looked brighter and had a glow to it; no dry flaky patches, just looked healthier’ • ‘Love how this feels on my skin! The instant cooling effect is amazing and I imagine I will enjoy it even more in the hot summer months. I have used this also as a quick mask also; the effect isn't as good but the hydration it provides in just 10 minutes leaves your skin slightly glowy’ • ‘Easy to use night facial mask that plumps, hydrates and brightens – I just loved this product. The smoother, hydrated skin makes you to want to use every day, rather than twice a week’ • ‘One of the product that everyone should have in their regime’ • ‘My colleagues noticed my skin was radiant and were asking me about the product was using. I said: an overnight mask which looks like it gets rid of your wrinkles when you wake up! You put it on before bed and wash off first thing in the morning and it leaves a noticeable improvement to your skin texture! A must have, now, for me.’
£34 for 100ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD PIXI Botanical Collagen Mask
We tend to think of ‘volume-boosting’ as something we want for our hair – but when you think about it, that’s what we desire for our complexions, too: a look of cushion-y plumpness to the surface. This instantly boosts moisture with a mix of botanical collagen and amino acids, designed to improve the look of lines and promote glowing skin, while deeply quenching cells. A thin layer is recommended, to be left on for as long as you like – ideally, overnight. Lots of plant skin-boosters in the mix, including sage, chamomile and camellia extracts, along with jasmine, spearmint, lavender and rosemary contributing to the scent that so many of the testers enjoyed. PIXI of course began as a make-up brand, more than 20 years ago (we remember visiting them at their debut Carnaby Street store), but it’s great to see their skincare do so well across this year’s Awards.
£18 for 45ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘A good moisturiser to replace your night cream once in a while for an intense moisture boost. I would say that my skin looks more hydrated and glowing since giving it this extra care at night; it plumped, too’ • ‘Smells lovely, rather like sweets and a bit like sherbet....if that makes any sense! ’ • ‘Surprised me by smoothing one lip line a little; the fact that this did visibly plump and also smoothed a line on my lip impressed me, and I would continue using it. Additionally, it didn't make my skin greasy or cause enlarged pores or increase whiteheads, another surprise’ • ‘Overall, this is a great moisture-booster for me and I will continue to buy it’ • ‘A pleasantly scented leave on face mask that smells divine and goes on nicely; a good overnight treatment to moisturise’ • ‘The fragrance is really lovely, and it felt pampering to use this. I noticed that the side I used the mask on felt softer, and smoother, than the untreated side’ • ‘I was impressed by how light the texture of this mask was on the skin. It melts into the skin, leaving it feeling comfortable’ • ‘I really liked the fresh scent and how easy is to get the right quantity of the mask out of the tube. I will recommend it to my friends and will purchase a new tube.’
£18 for 45ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD Manuka Doctor Overnight Mask
Not quite a ‘Beauty Steal’, but the least expensive of our winners (and when we looked around, quite often available on special offer). Lightly scented with lavender, this gel mask is designed to help reduce dark circles and perk up tired and dull complexions. That lavender offers a bonus, meanwhile: the idea is that it also promotes a restful night’s sleep. As ever with the Manuka Doctor, a key ingredient is New Zealand manuka honey, here included with hyaluronic acid, moisture-attracting glycerine, coconut oil, Persian Silk Tree extract and soothing allantoin. Some readers may be familiar with this product in its earlier incarnation: it used to be known as ApiNourish Overnight Lavender Mask.
£25 for 50ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘After using this, I have been complimented on how fresh and glowing my skin looks. I had never heard of an overnight mask before, and now I have discovered this I will use it regularly as it really does make a difference to my skin’ • ‘Being a honey mask, I could smell the sweetness of the honey straight away; I actually quite like the fragrance, and it feels quite luxurious putting this on’ • ‘Didn't make a mess of the pillow, which I was very surprised at! But I certainly noticed my skin feeling more hydrated and moisturised, and I enjoyed having this mask on. I noticed if I applied it on overnight where my skin has looked or felt a bit dry that day, then the next day, looked and felt more hydrated and moisturised’ • ‘I would definitely buy this product after seeing the improvement of my skin being less dry; after just the first use, my skin looked hydrated, plump and felt smooth and soft to the touch, bouncy and plump’ • ‘Redness around my chin area was calmed; this product would have a place around the chin area can flare up as it was soothing and calming and left the skin soft and nurtured’ • ‘Product was very economical and two pumps was enough for the whole face and neck – it’s pretty good value for money and I liked it more than I thought. It felt like a luxury product and treat to use, and I would buy it again and use on a regular basis – a good addition to my skincare routine.’
£25 for 50ml - click to buy