Sunday Reset Routine for Busy Mums: The Best Face Masks for Self-Care
Last Updated on February 3, 2025 by Amy
Motherhood is beautiful chaos, and in the midst of it, finding time for yourself can feel impossible. But what if a simple Sunday reset routine could help you recharge and set yourself up for a smoother week ahead? For me, self-care on Sundays isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. And one of the easiest ways to unwind and refresh is with a good face mask.
Whether you have five minutes or a full hour, incorporating a face mask into your Sunday reset routine can help you relax, nourish your skin, and carve out a moment of calm before the busy week begins. Today, I’m sharing how you can use face masks to create the perfect self-care ritual and my top product recommendations for busy mums who deserve a little pampering.

The Nostalgia of Elaborate Beauty Routines
In the era before kids, elaborate beauty routines were a weekend ritual. If you’re a mum who still manages such dedication, I’d love to hear your secrets! I have always used makeup and skincare as self-care but it is more challenging to find the time these days. Recently, at my granny’s funeral, a mention of her always having her ‘lotions and potions’ during hospital admissions struck a chord. She always had a bit of lipstick on and her hair done no matter what she was going through in her life. It reminded me of the importance of maintaining these rituals amid life’s challenges.
Why a Sunday Reset Routine Matters
A Sunday reset is all about preparing your mind, body, and home for the week ahead. It’s a chance to slow down, take care of yourself, and set positive intentions for the days to come. For busy mums juggling family, work, and endless to-do lists, dedicating even a small amount of time to self-care can make a big difference.
My ideal Sunday reset includes a bit of tidying, planning meals for the week, and most importantly—taking time for myself. And what better way to do that than with a skincare ritual that helps me feel refreshed and glowing?
How to Use Face Masks in Your Sunday Reset Routine
Finding time for self-care as a mum often means grabbing the quickest products available. My post on Beauty Products for New Mums contains some of my favourite products for this. But sometimes, we need to hit pause and truly unwind. Face masks are perfect for this. I always feel like I’m cocooning myself in them, hoping to emerge as a beautiful butterfly! Here’s how to incorporate them into your Sunday reset routine:
Step 1: Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
Before applying your face mask, set the mood. Light a candle, play calming music, or brew a cup of tea. This helps shift your mindset from the hustle of everyday life to a moment of self-care.
Step 2: Cleanse Your Skin
A good face mask works best on clean skin. Start with a gentle cleanser (you can find some of my favourites in this post) to remove dirt, makeup, and any buildup from the week. Double cleansing (starting with a balm or oil cleanser followed by a cream or gel cleanser) ensures a deep clean and preps your skin for the next step.
Step 3: Choose the Right Face Mask for Your Skin’s Needs
This will depend on your skin type and main concerns. I tend to rotate between clay masks, exfoliating masks and hydrating masks depending on how my skin is feeling on the day.
Step 4: Apply Your Mask and Unwind
This is your moment to fully relax. Apply your chosen mask and take 10-15 minutes to yourself. Use this time to:
- Read a book or magazine
- Have a bubble bath
- Listen to music
- Journal or reflect on the week ahead
- Meditate or practice deep breathing
- Simply close your eyes and do nothing!
Step 5: Rinse Off and Hydrate
Once your mask has worked its magic, rinse it off with warm water and a soft cloth. Follow up with a hydrating mist, serum, and your favourite moisturiser to lock in all the benefits.
Top Face Masks for Your Sunday Reset
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Here are my go-to face masks for different skin needs:
Hydrating Face Masks
Pai Resurrection Girl Hydrating Mask


- Price: £44 (75ml)
- Why I Love It: This cooling gel mask is a hydration hero. Packed with hyaluronic acid, Resurrection Plant extract, and blue tansy oil, it’s perfect for parched, dull skin. It leaves my skin soft, plump, and glowing for days. Unlike some masks whose effects fade quickly, this one keeps my skin hydrated for at least a week. I use it weekly and look forward to seeing how it performs in the summer when my skin tends to be oilier. However, I have a feeling it will be perfect for sun-damaged skin as well.
- How to Use: Apply generously to dry, cleansed skin. Leave on for at least 10 minutes (though I may have indulged in a 40-minute nap during my last use – no harm done!), massage with wet fingertips, and rinse off.
- Where to Buy: You can buy this mask from a wide range of stockists. At the time of writing it’s available here on Amazon for £29.99!
Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask

- Price: £140 (60ml)
- Why I Love It: A truly luxurious treatment, this mask works wonders for mature or tired-looking skin. It delivers intense hydration, improves skin elasticity, and leaves the complexion radiant and youthful. The rich, velvety texture makes it a joy to apply, and it doubles as an overnight treatment when your skin needs extra nourishment.
- How to Use: Apply a thin layer to clean skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Wipe off the excess or let it absorb overnight for an intensive treatment. For my combination skin, using it once a week is more than enough (which is great considering the price!). However, if you have dry skin, you might find that using it 2-3 times per week provides the deep hydration your skin craves.
- Where to Buy: It’s available here at Space NK.
Clay Masks
Marks and Spencer Apothecary Revive Clarifying Mask

- Price: £9.50 (75ml)
- Why I Love It: This budget-friendly clay mask helps clear pores and prevent breakouts. With kaolin clay, parsley seed oil, and chamomile, it purifies the skin without making it feel tight. It is the mask I reach for when I have any spots or if my skin feels very textured and makeup hasn’t been sitting well. Its lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass scent helps me unwind, though it might be overpowering for anyone sensitive to fragrance.
- How to Use: Smooth onto dry, cleansed skin. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with a muslin cloth.
- Where to Buy: It’s available here at M&S (this one may only be available in the UK & Ireland!)
SKIN1004 Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask

- Price: £20 (30g)
- Why I Love It: A convenient, easy-to-apply clay mask that detoxifies and smooths skin without the mess. The pink clay absorbs excess oil and unclogs pores, while Centella Asiatica soothes inflammation. It works wonders on my blackheads without drying out my skin! It only takes 5 minutes to work it’s magic so is a must-have for busy mums who need a quick but effective skin refresh.
- How to Use: Twist up the stick and glide it over dry, cleansed skin, focusing on congested areas. Leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Use 2-3 times a week for best results.
- Where to Buy: It’s available from Superdrug in the UK and most of the usual K-Beauty retailers. If purchasing from Yes Style you can use my rewards code HURRYUP123 by clicking this link to get this mask at a discounted price!
Exfoliating Masks
Beauty Pie Fruitizyme Mask

- Price: £19.50 (75ml, members-only price)
- Why I Love It: This powerful yet gentle exfoliating mask is a game-changer for dull, tired skin. Its blend of natural fruit enzymes and acids helps dissolve dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and brighter complexion. Unlike harsher exfoliants, it doesn’t leave skin feeling tight or irritated, making it perfect for sensitive skin types. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and I love using before fake tan!
- How to Use: Apply a thin layer to clean skin, leave for 5-10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly to reveal refreshed, radiant skin. Use once a week to maintain a healthy glow without over-exfoliating.
- Where to Buy: It’s available here at Beauty Pie. It’s had a bit of a makeover so now looks a little different from my photo above!
Sleeping Masks
Sisley Velvet Sleeping Mask

- Price: £112 (60ml)
- Why I Love It: This overnight mask is perfect for dry, tired skin in need of deep nourishment. It helps restore moisture levels and soothes irritation, leaving your skin looking healthier by morning. It’s especially great for winter months or when your skin is feeling particularly parched. I was worried this mask might cause my combination skin to breakout but thankfully I’ve had no issues.
- How to Use: Apply a generous layer to cleansed skin before bed and leave it on overnight. Wake up with soft, supple, and deeply hydrated skin.
- Where to Buy: It’s available here at Space NK.
Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask

- Price: £32 (60ml)
- Why I Love It: This lightweight yet ultra-hydrating sleeping mask works overnight to firm and plump the skin, giving it a youthful bounce. The combination of peptides and collagen supports skin renewal, making it a great addition to your weekly self-care routine. You can read my full review here!
- How to Use: Apply an even layer to your face as the last step in your nighttime routine. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning to reveal smooth, hydrated skin.
- Where to Buy: It’s available at Space NK here.
Creating a Sunday reset routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even if you only have 10 minutes, taking that time for yourself can make a huge difference in how you feel going into the new week.
What’s your favourite way to unwind on a Sunday? Let me know in the comments!