No more skin horrors with these unsung heroes of at-home pampering

Keep scary skin at bay this Halloween with a beauty mask. Lisa Haynes reveals their bewitching benefits ...

Forget the fright night mask this Halloween. Face masks of the beautifying variety are the costumes to covet this autumn.

Thicker and more intensive than your average moisturiser, they are the unsung heroes of at-home pampering that deliver an instant face fix.

Givenchy has even managed to pretty up the image of caked mud faces with Le Soin Noir Lace Mask, a Calais lace mask infused with black algae sap that's too beautiful to wear indoors.

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But before you scream at the £220 price tag (www.harrods.com), there are less decadent options available for an autumnal glow.

So slather on a transforming face mask and unveil beautiful skin.

Mask Magic

With all the hocus pocus surrounding October 31, here is a fact you might find rather bewitching – masks can deliver instant skin magic.

"Masks are often designed for instant effect as opposed to a normal skincare routine, which can take time for you to see cumulative results," says Sarah Chapman, founder of Skinesis.

"Clay masks can decongest by drawing out impurities, gel hydration masks can add a thick layer of moisture that the skin can absorb, and masks with 'tighteners' literally create a film which gives instant lift – not long-lasting but good for a quick fix."

Cover up

While wrapping up in this season's woolly cardis and big coats, don't forget an extra layer for your face. Winter is an especially good time to get into a weekly mask habit and repair distressed skin.

"You should use masks as part of a regular at-home facial once a week," says Chapman. "Or, try using them if you want to give your skin a pick-me up when it's looking a little dull."

Celebrities often indulge in a mask before red carpet appearances, so try one out before a big event or party – either a few days before to clear and calm stressed-out skin, or on the day itself if you want a firmer complexion.

Bespoke beauty

Finding your perfect mask might be a case of trial and error. A product your pal thinks is a dream might be a bit of a horror story on your face.

"Use a mask that suits your skin type," says Caroline Frazer, Simple skincare expert. "Even on our own face, there can be different types of skin (combination) so if you feel you only need to apply to a certain area such as the oilier T-Zone section, don't be frightened of just using it on that problem area."

Buy it now

Adorned with stars, bats and cats, SteamCream's limited edition Midnight Party tin will set the scene for a Halloween treat. The perfect base before applying ghostly make-up, £12.95 (www.steam cream.co.uk)