Sssssmokin’! (Images: supplied by Eddie and Carla, and via The Mask movie).

There’s something magical about a mask. It’s the ultimate indulgent ritual. That fruit -scented goop that I’m slathering onto my face goes more than skin -deep; it’s also about taking those few minutes to rest quietly, and know that I’m doing something to care for myself.

For these reasons, masks are hot property right now. It seems that every skincare brand has a new mask to launch, but which one should you try? That’s where we come in to help you. We’ve offered up our faces to test masks for every skin type, and every budget.

Related: What really happens to your skin when you don’t wash your makeup off?

SK-II

I was truly happy to be trying this SK-II sheet mask, I promise! And... I was trying to look pretty! HELP! (Image: supplied)

We’re kicking off with the best of the best. The SK-II Facial Treatment mask is the much-hyped, much-loved darling of beauty editors and celebrities, and it’s also the most expensive mask that we reviewed. Unbelievably, we found that it was worth every single cent.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, $28 for 1 sheet mask Reviewer: Carla Skin type: Dry and sensitive

The SK-II mask comes in a little foil packet. The mask inside is made from cotton, and soaked with goop. Technically speaking, this goop is Pitera, “a clear liquid rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids…[which] work to dramatically improve the skin’s natural surface rejuvenation process”, according to SK-II. The mask felt cool and heavy on my face, and smelled slightly floral.

Related: Skin primer is a no-brainer. But lip, eye and lash primer? Here’s what you need to know.

Once the 15 minutes was up, I removed the mask, and wiped off the residual goo, as instructed. My face looked strange in the mirror. Something was missing. I looked closely, and realised what it was: my pores. My pores had disappeared. How?! My skin was moisturised, smooth, calmed and even in colour and texture.

I would highly recommend using the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask before special occasions, such as weddings, or even when you want to treat yourself. (Post continues after gallery.)

Celebrities wearing masks

Miranda Kerr.

Chris Pratt.

Demi Moore.

Kelly Osbourne.

Lisa Rinna.

Madonna.

Ricki-Lee.

Rita Ora.

Shanina Shaik.

Sephora

http://cdn.theglow.com.au/app/uploads/2015/05/kahla-brittany-sephora-masks.jpg Were they separated at birth?! Kahla (left) and Brittany (right) try Sephora sheet masks. (Images: supplied)

Sephora is famous for its cheap, fun sheet masks, and now that the beauty retailer is finally on our shores, we tried them out for ourselves.

Sephora Lotus Face Mask, $4 for 1 sheet mask Reviewer: Kahla Skin type: Normal and oily

Despite its camp pink packaging, this cloth mask was minimalist: white, pleasant-smelling, and covered in transparent goop. Although it felt super refreshing on my skin, it made me look like the only slightly less terrifying cousin of the "Scream" mask. Seriously, it's like wearing someone else's face. My skin felt very hydrated when I removed it - none of that awful tightness.

According to the package, the Lotus mask "refreshes tired skin" and reduces signs of stress and fatigue. Admittedly I looked just as tired afterwards, but the whole process was pretty relaxing, so I guess that's good for my stress levels?

Related: Skin primer is a no-brainer. But lip, eye and lash primer? Here’s what you need to know.

Sephora Pomegranate Energizing Mask, $4 for 1 sheet mask Reviewer: Brittany Skin type: Combination and dehydrated

The packaging is really nice, although the mask looks and feels a bit like a soppy wet tissue when you open it. It goes on easily and instantly feels hydrating which is soothing. I like that it sticks on well so you don't have to lie down and can do other things while waiting for the 15 minutes to go by.

Only problem? You wouldn't want to run into anyone you don't know very well, as it kind of makes me look like a serial killer clown. I certainly look a lot less glam than the celebs who take selfies with them on! My skin feels smooth and nourished when I take it off, and definitely makes me look less tired and more energised (although a little red!).

The Body Shop

http://cdn.theglow.com.au/app/uploads/2015/05/eddie-brittany-carla-body-shop-masks.jpg Eddie (left), Brittany (centre) and Carla (right) sampling masks by The Body Shop. (Images: supplied)

Ah, our old, reliable favourite. Thanks to The Body Shop, we spent our teen years slathered in quality, fruity-scented balms and butters. Those were happy days.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask, $18 for 100ml Reviewer: Edwina Skin type: Oily

My skin hasn’t been its best lately (hello hormonal acne), so I welcomed the Tea Tree Face Mask with open pores. After slathering the mask onto my face and laughing about the fact that I was now a dead ringer for Jim Carrey in The Mask, I could feel the magic working. With a mix of community trade tea tree oil (which has antibacterial qualities - take that, whiteheads), lemon tea tree, and tamanu oil, my skin felt all tingly and the green formula felt cool and soothing.

Related: “A counterfeit lipstick put me in hospital.”

15 minutes later I washed it off - using a washcloth would’ve made my life a lot easier - and moisturised my skin. I’ve actually used it a few times since because, at the very least, it’s a really nice relaxing thing to do on a week night.

The Body Shop Aloe Protective Restoring Mask, $24 for 100ml Reviewer: Brittany Skin type: Combination and dehydrated

There are no instructions on the tub which makes a mask newbie like me a little nervous. Although it feels like a cream I apply it like a mask, smoothing it over my skin but not rubbing in too much. There's a pleasant smell and it feels nice and gentle on the skin so it's great for sensitive skin. I'm not sure whether to wash it of or not, so after 10 minutes I rinse with a warm flannel. Skin feels lovely and smooth and toned but not that tight feeling.

Related: The trick to finding out whether short hair will really suit you.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, $44.95 for 90ml Reviewer: Carla Skin type: Dry and sensitive

At thirty-something years of age, I am the oldest Glow member, which means that I have taken it upon myself to trial all the anti-aging products. Enter: The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask. This is the mask for mask enthusiasts, as it takes dedication to use it. The product lives up to its name, in that it is literally bouncy – in the jar, the mask has the consistency of a panna cotta.

You need to use the tiny, supplied spatula to scoop up the mask, as it’s solid, yet strangely slippery. Once applied to my face, the mask resembled a clear, ultra-shiny gel. Then, according to the instructions, I slept in the mask. When I awoke the next day, the mask was still intact, and only a little less sticky than when first applied. My skin was no doubt hydrated, and had a smooth feel.

Montagne Jeunesse

http://cdn.theglow.com.au/app/uploads/2015/05/kahla-lizzie-montagne-masks.jpg Kahla (left) and Lizzie (right) try Montagne Jeunesse masks.  Photographic evidence that these girls are awesome. (Images: supplied)

Think you haven’t heard of this brand before? Think again. These masks are the little packets you see at Priceline, emblazoned with smiling models whose faces are covered in wonderful fruits and flowers. You should definitely take a punt on one of these next time you see them out in the wild, because there’s big bang for a tiny little buck.

Montagne Jeunesse Pulped Pomegranate Passion Peel Off Mask, $3.99 for 10g Reviewer: Kahla Skin type: Normal and oily

This “mask” is bright pink, smells like candy and has the consistency of bubble bath, so smearing it all over my face