Face masks seem to have disappeared from the beauty shelves a bit in recent years, but I'm still a big fan. Not only do they make you feel really pampered, they freshen, exfoliate and tighten your skin. Plus, put one of these on and jump out on your partner and you'll give them the fright of their lives.

Mudd mask is cheap and cheerful, coming in a nondescript white and brown tube, in a pretty unappealing cardboard box. This is definitely a product that relies on its price and efficacy to sell, because looks-wise, it's just horrible! The mask itself is a thick, dark brown (yes, it really is pure clay!), and holds its shape when you squeeze it out.

Personally, I think this product is best used after cleansing and exfoliation, and at a time when your skin is going to be clear of makeup for a good few hours. As Elle Woods would say, any Cosmo girl knows that you shouldn't don the slap straight after a facial.

You simply apply the mask to your skin evenly, avoiding the eye area. Don't skimp too much here, put a reasonably thick coating on for best results. Then sit yourself down with a cup of green tea and a great novel and leave it to dry. The packet recommends doing this for 10 minutes, but I quite like leaving it a little longer to harden, so that it really seals to my skin and rips out any embedded dirt. However, if you do this, be aware that it WILL flake everywhere! You then remove it with a clean flannel and some warm water (which you'll need to put straight in the wash, as it'll be filthy), after which I like to use another clean, cold flannel to cool my skin and close my pores.

It's not the most luxurious facial known to man, but it does provide a cheap day-to-day solution. Used once a week, it'll leave your skin tight, glowing and blemish free. A tube with 80-ml in it costs around £1.50, so it's a real bargain too.