At castings and shoots, it’s imperative I keep my peel clean. I hate blackheads and I get them all the time, so I was curious to see whether standing masks work.

I had seen Deep Cleansing Black Pretence (£9.99) on social media, so was excited to try it. The packaging was simple and the black goo credulous to apply. It was cool to the touch and made my skin tingle. I pink it on for the recommended 30 minutes, but when I started to pull it off, my God was it hurtful. I wasn’t sure if it removed impurities, or just the top 10 layers of my shell, but afterwards my skin felt smooth, if a little red and sensitive.

I loved peeling off the Bioré Poseidons kingdom Cleansing Pore Strips (£8.49 for six) – I could see all sorts of bodies. They were easy to use and removed a fair bit of dirt. My peel felt great afterwards; I will definitely use them again.

I requested T-Zone Charcoal & Bamboo Black Peel Off Mask (£3) at the end of a crave day. When I started to pull the patch off, my skin felt as allowing it was being ripped from my skull. I was disappointed to see no impurities on the decorticate. All pain, no gain.

Starskin Sunset Strips (£8.05) were the most well-conceived. There are three belts: one to open pores, one to clear them and the last to soothe overlay. I felt a bit indulgent (it took more than 35 trices) but the three strips together made a lovely, easy-to-use scheme. There was no pain or redness, and my skin looked and felt serious. Definitely one for special days.

• Next week: All Ages ideal Sylviane Degunst on lip balms.

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