Another should-I-or-shouldn’t-I-post-about-it-because-it’s-pricey beauty situation: Bamford’s really quite delicious Exfoliating Mask. It’s somehow smoothing and soothing all at the same time, which is quite some feat. A little bit of exfoliating tingle, but a remarkably fresh feel and the kind of juicy gel texture you might find in an intensively hydrating aftersun mask. I loved it on first use – my skin looked very even and radiant afterwards, with none of the redness you might find with some powerhouse exfoliating masks.

And my skin felt – I suppose the word would be – toned. Not tight and squeaky, as though it had just lost most of its outer layers, but revitalised, as though it had undergone a bit of a buff followed by some kind of toning essence or lotion. Don’t get me wrong; the exfoliating action  (lactic acid, fruit enzymes) seems to be very proficient, and there’s a touch of clay for some deep cleansing action thrown in, so I’m not saying that this is some namby-pamby mask. It’s just that it feels so beautifully plumpy and nice. Indulgent.

Indulgent price, too – sixty quid. You do get a little wooden heart to scoop out the mask, but if you’re good at whittling then that won’t be too much of a draw. Ha! I jest, of course: who whittles in this day and age? I don’t know a single whittler. Mr AMR can sharpen sticks when required to (if we’re out trapping the odd woolly mammoth or staking out a new reed screen for the mouth of our cave) but I doubt he could whittle me a heart.

Anyway, the heart is obviously a nice touch, I’m being facetious. So is the beautiful printed box and the simple, modern packaging, but it’s still a proper luxury. Up there with your Omorovicza and Tata Harper and Aurelia and Dr Sebagh. I’m trying to think of an affordable alternative for this with the same fresh juiciness and good exfoliating prowess, but I shall have to come back to you. For those hunting down a lovely mask that’ll slot easily into their weekly facial routine (Sunday facials seem to be all the rage at the moment!) this is well worth a look. Especially if you find that you don’t get on with glycolic-based exfoliants, or fancy something a little lighter and fresher in texture.

If you want to browse previous mask reviews then they are all here. Also, do let me know if you whittle. I’m genuinely curious.

Bamford’s Exfoliating Mask is £60 at Net-a-Porter here.