Aisling on Beauty: Six clay masks that will revive your skin

You still can’t beat a good, old-fashioned mud mask to calm, soothe and soften skin. Beauty fads come and go, but some tricks have been around for thousands of years. The formulas may improve, but the basic principle remains the same.

The clay mask is a beauty staple. It is still one of the best ways to exfoliate, suck out excess oil from your skin and leave it feeling smooth and soft.

I cut my teenage beauty teeth on The Body Shop Blue Cornflower Mask, and it’s still one of their best-sellers.

Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask €59

This is new from Tilbury, which can’t put a flamboyant foot wrong at the moment. This is a mixture of pore-tightening Spanish clay together with almond and rosehip oils to nourish and soothe. It smooths skin rather than bringing nasties instantly to the surface, and as such creates a perfect canvas for make-up.

Simple Kind to Skin Deep Cleansing Face Mask €5.19

It takes just three minutes for this mask to drag out dirt that is hiding in pores. The combination of kaolin clay and softening ingredients means it is good for even the most sensitive skins.

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask €30

Activated charcoal is the business for oily skin; it laughs in the face of sebum, swiftly removes dead, pore-clogging skin cells and works to loosen blackheads. This mask gives instant relief to dull, greasy-looking skin.

Ogra Peat Face and Body Mask €59.99

It seems that those leathery old bog bodies were on to something. Not only did peat preserve them for thousands of years, it can also work wonders on the skin of those of us who are still going about our business today. Turf is rich in many nutrients, such as essential oils, fatty acids and naturally occurring glycolic acid. This mask will give you a glow and clearer skin.

Darphin Skin Mat Purifying Aromatic Clay Mask €35

This mask, which has green clay and soothing essential oils such as lavender and lemon oil, will draw out impurities and make you feel pampered. It is really nice to use before bed.

Payot Masque D'Tox €27

Perfect for the morning after a sherry too many. It contains kaolin to clear dead skin, and other ingredients to improve everything. You can lie in the bath while it works and then plaster on lots of moisturiser. Instant skin hangover cure.

• amcdermott@irishtimes.com 
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