How to mask from head to toe if you’re truly committed to self-care

If our bodies are *NYSNC, our faces are Justin Timberlake – AKA the one that gets all the attention.

The thing is, we call it skin care, and realistically, our bodies account for a lot more of our overall skin surface area than our faces. And yet, whilst we’re all too willing to shell out on splashy serums to slather on our faces, we wince when chucking a tenner towards a bargain bin body lotion.

And so we ask you: why should our faces have all the fun? Every time we unwrap a sheet mask, our bodies are having major FOMO, and it’s time to get them involved in the relaxation equation.

Enter body masks, the underrated category of the at-home spa realm that offers everything from foot and hand treatments to a sheet mask that actually works to tone your tush whilst it remains firmly planted on the lounge. So, while we’ve got the time, settle in and commit to self-care, top-to-toe style – we’ve found a mask for just about everything.

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For your face:

Let’s start with the OG – the face sheet mask. This A’kin Tea Tree Oil Detoxifying Face Sheet Mask is made with biodegradable eucalyptus fibre, plus it’s infused with a detoxifying and refreshing blend of tea tree oil and green tea, the ultimate blemish-fighting dream team. Pop it on, and settle in for a sitcom – the episode of Friends where Joey, Ross and Chandler are detoxifying their t-zones seems like a fitting choice.

For your neck:

Often ignored despite being very visible, your neck should be as bigger priority in your skin care routine as your face. Luckily, the Skin Republic Neck + Decolletage Repair is a 20 minute treatment mask completely committed to calming the area  to make up for any previous neck-ligence. It contains collagen, rice brand and vitamins C and E, so plumping, hydrating, brightening and soothing are all on its to-do list.

For your chest:

Your chest deserves the best, so if uneven texture is getting you down, add this Wrinkles Schminkles Chest Smoothing Kit ($42, adorebeauty.com.au) to your self-care routine. It harnesses the healing properties of 100% Medical Grade Silicone to boost hydration and bring blood flow to the surface of the skin (a serious collagen stimulator). It’s also reusable for up to 30 uses – talk about bang for your boobs.

For your hands:

Our hands cop a lot, so if any body part deserves some extra pampering, it’s them. Infused with argan oil and vitamin E, these Kiss Hand & Nail Mask Gloves hydrate the hands, soften cuticles and strengthen the nails. It’s a whole lot of goodness in one easy-to-wear pair of gloves (smartphone addicts needn’t stress either; they’re even touchscreen compatible so you can still text whilst treating).

For your belly:

Technically designed as a targeted treatment for pregnant bellies, this Hatch Belly Mask ($12, hatchcollection.com) is a stomach-specific mask that minimises the appearance of scarring and stretch marks. With hydrating aloe vera and antioxidant-packed propolis, it’ll moisturise like a dream whilst also relieving any itchiness. Don’t be put off if you’re not pregnant, though – it’s sized to fit bellies at any stage of pregnancy, postpartum or just life in general – simply fold the edges in or out when applying  to secure the right size. And just like a regular sheet mask has holes for your eyes, nose and mouth, this one has a window for your belly button; there’s no need to rinse either, so naps whilst wearing it are absolutely encouraged.

For your butt:

Skip the squats for a day and throw this on instead, because butt masks are all gain, no pain. We’re loving the Bawdy Bite It Hydrating & Toning Butt Mask ($14, mecca.com.au) – it’s a plant-based collagen mask that hydrates, nourishes and tones your tush – prepare for your butt to look as plump as the peach emoji.

For your legs:

Lathering them in lotion the day before summer starts isn’t enough anymore, it’s time to prep those pins early. The good news is, if you can’t muster the strength to exfoliate, shave and moisturise (an eternal struggle), this Nair Leg Mask is a three-in-one treatment made to save time. It works to remove hair and boost hydration in one streamline step, nixing stubble whilst also gently exfoliating, leaving legs silky smooth. Just apply a thick layer onto dry legs, and leave on for 5-10 minutes whilst the magic happens – keep an eye on your timer though – 10 mins is the max, so don’t get so relaxed you forget to rinse.

For your feet:

Our poor feet carry us around every damn day – they deserve this. And with sandal season creeping closer, there’s no time like the present. If you’re happy to go hard, try this Skin Republic Foot Peel – the treatment booties are packed with AHAs to slough off dead or cracked skin and leave your feet super soft. And if you’re into the peel-off mask phenomenon, let’s just say the peeling process will hit new levels of either satisfying or gross, depending on your squirm factor. Alternatively, if you’ve been keeping up your foot exfoliation routine but could still use a hit of hydration, opt for this Ulta3 Treat My Feet Intensive Foot Mask – with moisture-rich ingredients such as kiwi and goldthread extracts, it’ll soften skin and soothe irritation. The end result? Happy, hydrated feet.

Main image credit: Getty Images

Have you tried body masks? What were your thoughts?