Nine steps to a DIY facial

Set the scene

Ecoya Sweet Fruits & Champagne Mini Mason Jar, $24.95.

Get started by turning your bathroom into a luxe spa by lighting a sweet-smelling candle and dimming the lights. Next, put on a soft headband to keep your hair off your face.

Double cleanse

Left: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Milk, $54. Right: Lipidol Facial Cleansing Oil, $9.95.

Lather up with a nourishing cleanser but do it twice like the pros. Try a cleansing oil for your first cleanse, then a cleansing milk for your second. Gently massage onto the skin to stimulate good blood flow.

Gently exfoliate

Left: Remington Revitalise Facial Cleansing Brush, $159.99. Right: Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant, $41.90.

Massage away those dead skin cells with a non-abrasive exfoliant; look for one with soft beads such as jojoba wax. If you have sensitive skin, add a few drops of facial oil. For something extra fancy, try an electronic exfoliator – your skin will feel ultra-smooth and cleansed.

Soften up

Left: Antipodes Ananda Antioxidant-Rich Gentle Toner, $39.80. Right: Natio Refreshing Face Mist, $18.50.

Rebalance your skin by sweeping on a toning lotion or spritz on a refreshing mist.

Soothe tired eyes

Left: Shiseido Benefiance Express Smoothing Eye Mask, $93 (for 12). Right: Dr Hauschka Eye Revive, $57 (for 10 ampoules).

Use a hydrating mask to brighten the eye area or a cooling one to target puffy or tired eyes. Chill it in the fridge so it’s extra soothing when applied.

Put a mask on

Left: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mask (pack of five), $24.99. Right: Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask (pack of four), $39.99.

Fun to use and highly effective, a sheet mask will take your facial to the next level. Choose one loaded with hyaluronic acid to really plump up your skin, stretch it over your face, lie back and relax. After 15 minutes or so, peel it off and massage the residue over your face, neck and décolléte.

Nourish your eye area

Left: Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream, $27.99. Right: Shiseido Bio-Performance Glow Revival Eye Treatment, $95.

Use an eye cream with powerful moisturising ingredients to help hydrate this delicate area. Squeeze a small amount onto your ring finger, then lightly dab it along the bottom of your eye socket to the top of your brow bone, taking care not to rub or drag at the skin.

Be slick with oils

Left: Natural Instinct Rejuvenating Rosehip Oil, $23.99. Right: Nude by Nature Nude Oil, $24.95.

Soothe, moisturise and nourish your skin even more by massaging an oil over your entire face and neck area. Use gentle circular motions and light sweeping strokes.

Lock in moisture

Left: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler [HA] Anti-Ageing Revolumising Moisturiser, $44.99. Right: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser SPF30, $19.99.

Select a moisturiser to lock in all of those skin-loving ingredients. A night cream for the evening, or one with an SPF if it’s daytime.