In a way, I wish that I had never discovered Sisley. You may remember how I was introduced to the brand (that fateful day in the Maldives) you may not  – here’s the little tale: How I Met Sisley. Life was a little easier when I lived in blissful ignorance, when I thought that ‘Sisley’ referred to that clothes shop that sometimes sells nice stuff and often sells tops that are a little slutty. Life was easier then. Now that I associate Sisley with amazing beauty products, life is not nearly so simple.

Take the Black Rose Cream Mask, for example. It’s incredible. It’s also £88. Do I slather it on every week for my instant youth effect? Smoothing, plumping, brightening? Or do I save it for very very special occasions? I had the same dilemma with the Express Flower Gel – to resign myself to regular use, knowing how great the results will be, or to save for rainy days? I’ll tell you this for free: if you have some cash floating about and you’re looking for great skincare, then make friends with Sisley. I have had rave reviews from every single person I have recommended it to – it’s an absolute blessing for dry, dull complexions and its hangover-fixing powers are unparalleled. If you don’t have loads of cash to spare, then on the rare occasion that you decide to have a splurge, make Sisley your first stop.

Lecture over! The Black Rose Cream Mask is the newest treatment from Sisley – they only release new products every once in a blue moon, so I was excited to give this a try. It’s kind of the opposite of the Express Flower Gel; whereas that one is refreshing, lifting, tightening, the Black Rose is plumping, moisturising, radiance-giving. It has the same method of application (a thin layer left on for about ten minutes, excess tissued off)  and the same kind of results (amazingly fresh-looking skin) but the experience is quite different. This one feels more soothing and pampering – more of a traditional skin treat. It smells divine and the texture is, as the name would suggest, creamy. I can’t think of anything that I don’t like about this mask, but I’d say that it’s best used an hour or so before makeup rather than in a rush immediately before! It’s good to give it some time to sink in – of course, if you’re pushed for time then you can tissue off any residue and continue with your routine, but as it costs £88 I think it’s nice to give it some breathing space!

Definitely one to add to the Hangover War Chest!

Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask is £88 from Harrods.com