10 ways to kill time while your face mask works its magic

It's our weekly ritual: the moment we pamper ourselves with a face mask. Cleanse, detox, smoothe, add a glow - but waiting for it to work can be REALLY boring! Here are some ideas...

Give yourself a manicure: If you have 10 minutes to kill, there's time enough to file your nails and apply a fortifying base; if your mask needs 20 minutes, you'll also be able to apply a varnish and top coat. Dark orange is this season's colour!   

Pamper your body: hop in the shower while waiting for your mask to work. Use this time to give yourself a top-to-toe body scrub. Baby-soft skin guaranteed!   Book an evening out at a restaurant or order in some sushi. Nothing better than sashimi for two!   

Make yourself a detoxifying tea or fresh smoothie: pump your body full of goodness in no time at all.   Organise a weekend getaway: holiday time or not, we all deserve a break in the sun! Little trip to the coast, perhaps?   

Give your body a workout: never have time to go running? Dig out your sports mat and do 30 abs, 30 squats and 2 minutes planking. Go on, you can do it.   Get a golden glow if you've no holiday lined up. Ten minutes is time enough to apply a fake tan. But make sure you apply it evenly!   

Keep up with what's hot or not: grab the latest Marie Claire and check out the latest fashions!   Catch up on your favourite series: or dive into the world of Girls - at only 20 minutes per episode, the timing couldn't be better!   

Do nothing: because sometimes we need to switch off... Pop a pillow under your head, breathe deeply and simply drift off for a while.