It’s the kind of problem we tend to ignore.

But if your face is feeling dry and tight, now is a good time to invest in a good-quality mask to get you through the icy months ahead.

Landing on Clarins counters across Cork at the end of January, the brand’s new Hydra-Essentiel [HA2] Cream-Mask is the blast of lasting hydration we’re all looking for.

Not only is it guaranteed to make you feel better, but it will also create a better base for your make-up so you can use a little less or opt for lighter coverage.

After the success of the Hydra-Essentiel [HA2] range launched in 2023, Clarins has reformulated its Cream-Mask and Intensive Bi-Phase Serum, two iconic products in the range.

Here’s the science bit: The formula is enriched with ceramides, lipids naturally present in the skin barrier that comfort and nourish the skin by reinforcing and restructuring the skin barrier to help limit dehydration.

“Thanks to this essential, super high-tech duo, skin remains intensely hydrated in all circumstances, despite daily exposure to events such as sudden changes in temperature,” they told us.

These changes are harmful to the skin’s natural water-retention systems. In a nutshell, the skin has a lower self-hydration capacity, water is retained less effectively and it becomes dehydrated, appearing duller and feeling dry and uncomfortable.

Start by exfoliating once or twice a week at night, then apply the Cream-Mask and relax for ten minutes while it gets to work on drenching your skin with hyaluronic acids with organic leaf of life extract.

You can find Clarins Restoring Cream-Mask (€40) on counter in Boots and Brown Thomas as well as online here.