A facial is easily one of the best ways to switch off and relax. But who regularly indulges in spa time? Thankfully, it’s possible to mimic some of the benefits of a professional-level treatment with a DIY facial.

The good news doesn’t end there. Master the technique and you can treat yourself a few times a week in the comfort of your own home to turbo-charge the results.

All you need is a little know-how…

DIY Facial  - A Step By Step

Step 1: Cleanse
Apply a gel cleanser to moistened hands,’ says facialist Lisa Franklin.  ‘Work the product into a creamy foam and gently massage it into the skin using circular motions. Make sure to cover the entire face and neck, paying close attention to the folds of the nostrils and behind the ears. Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water. Blot the skin with a tissue to remove excess moisture. Place the tissue lengthways on one side of the face, from the forehead to the chin. Gently compress, then repeat on the other side.

Try: bareMinerals Pureness Gel Cleanser

Step 2: Exfoliate

Apply an exfoliator, massaging the skin before rinsing off with water. This will gobble up any dead surface skin cells, allowing the glowy skin beneath to shine through. Blot the face dry with a tissue as above.

Try: Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator

Step 3: Mask

Use a clean foundation brush to apply a facemask. Leave on the skin for up to 10 minutes. Whichever face mask you choose is up to you — try a hydrating mask for a hit of moisture and to plump thirsty skin, or a clay mask if you want to draw out impurities and zap any zits.

Try: L:a Bruket Hydrating Face Mask

Step 4: Micellar water

Remove the mask using a cotton pad, moistened with micellar water. ‘Apply using sweeping strokes across the face; press and hold around the eyelids and lips for a few seconds, before softly wiping away,’ says Franklin. Then again blot the face with a tissue.

Try: Balance Me Flash Cleanse Micellar Water

Step 5: Apply serum

‘Apply an appropriate serum to target specific areas of concern and gently massage into the skin,’ says Franklin. Not sure which serum is right for you? ‘If you don’t have any particular concerns, opt for a vitamin C serum for an all round anti-ageing, anti-pollution solution.’

Try: Zelens Power C High Potency Vitamin C Treatment Drops

Step 6: Moisturise

Moisturiser works to lock in all the goodness from your serum. Apply your favourite moisturiser to the face and neck. ‘Starting with your forehead, use light, upward strokes towards the hairline,’ says Franklin. ‘Do the same across the bridge of the nose, around the cheeks and jawline. Finally sweep upwards from the décolleté to the neck.’

Try: Origins A Perfect World Spf 40 Age-Defense Moisturiser With White Tea

Step 7: Apply eye cream
Gently pat it in with your ring finger. Avoid tugging the delicate skin here.

Try: Clinique All About Eyes Cream, £27.50

 Step 8: Massage
‘Finish the at-home facial by aiding lymphatic drainage with a facial massage,’ advises Franklin. ‘Use your third finger to apply light pressure around the eye socket and from the cheekbone up towards the temples.’ Use long sweeping movements - this will help de-puff and sculpt your face. Who needs contouring!