'This beauty treatment is the first thing I purchase after every pay day.'

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There are two types of people in this world: the financially responsible, who get paid and methodically allocate their funds to bills, savings, and sensible investments for their future…

And people like me.

The second my pay hits my account, I experience a brief, glorious 15-minute window in which I feel like a billionaire.

In this moment, I am capable of anything. I could buy a mansion. I could buy a boat. I could buy Jeff Bezo's rocket ship.

But then, reality (and my banking app) sets in.

Watch: The You Beauty team on the wildest skin treatment they've had. Post continues below.

After squirrelling away money for my mortgage and bills and pretending to put some into a savings account I won't touch in three days, there's one transaction I make immediately, without hesitation.

It's not a new dress, it's not a fancy dinner, it's not even an ill-advised online shopping haul at 2am.

It's an appointment for a facial. Specifically, the Foundation Facial at skin clinic, FENN.

Yes, it's an indulgence. Yes, at $265, it costs more than my weekly grocery shop. But honestly, it's the best money I spend all month.

It's my therapy, my reset button, and one hour a month I can lie in a dark room and have someone make my face look like I get 12 hours of sleep and drink three litres of water a day.

I walk in feeling like a stressed, dehydrated sad excuse of a human and I leave looking like a glistening, dewy angel who has never had a single worry in her life.

The transformation is, frankly, heaps good.

Immediately after my facial (left) VS a few hours after (right)

It all starts with a double cleanse to wash away the grime and questionable decisions of the past month. The great thing about this facial is that it's catered to the clients needs so on days where I've been a bit complacent in washing away my makeup, this part takes a while compared to days where I've been on top of my game, then maybe the extractions take longer.

Then comes the microdermabrasion and a resurfacing enzyme. This part is basically fancy sandblasting for your face that buffs away all the dead, dull skin cells. It's deeply satisfying.

If you're not used to extractions, the first few times can feel uncomfortable, slightly sting-y but you know you're getting the good stuff by getting the bad stuff out of your skin.

Then, you're hit with some LED light therapy. You lie under this big warm, red light that at first feels like you're looking directly into the sun itself, but you soon relax into it.

This is the point where I usually transcend my physical form and float away to a place where deadlines and unread emails don't exist (if you're my boss reading this, I'm joking, I love, love, love, love emails so, so much).

Once a month, this is from where your email finds me. Image: Supplied.

Next, a peptide mask that feels like a delicious (and much needed) drink of water for your skin is placed on your face.

But they don't just leave it there. They use sonophoresis — which is a very science-y word for a magic wand that uses sound waves to push all that hydrating goodness deeper into your skin. The ASMR during this is extremely addictive and soothing. My face literally drinks it up.

The treatment finishes with a tailored antioxidant serum, a nourishing oil, and upon request, a thick layer of SPF, which you can. I emerge, slippery as a newborn seal, glowing like a Krispy Kreme doughnut, and feeling like I can take on the world.

My at-home skincare routine.

Of course, a facial this good is an investment, and you have to protect your assets.

My therapist has become my skin guru, and over time, she's recommended a whole roster of products to keep the glow going until my next appointment.

Because what's the point of a bougie facial if you're just going to go home and wash your face with a bar of soap?

After some trialling some different products to see what works best with my skin, here's what's in my current at-home rotation to keep my skin looking juicy and feeling happy between sessions.

Benefit The Porefessional Get Unblocked Pore Clearing Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, $62.

Image: Sephora.

This is the first step in my nightly double cleanse. It melts away makeup, SPF, and the general filth of the day without stripping my skin. It's oily in the best way possible and leaves my face feeling soft, not tight.

My skin therapist Lauren also taught me this neat hack for oil cleansing that has completely transformed my skin.

CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Cleanser, $20.99.

Image: Chemist Warehouse.

The second step is a trusty CeraVe cleanser. It's gentle, effective, and doesn't have a million confusing ingredients.

It just... cleans your face. And for that, I am grateful.

Mecca Essentials Reusable Cleansing Face and Body Washers, $24 (for two).

Image: Mecca.

I was a sceptic, but these have changed the cleansing game for me.

I use one of these damp cloths to remove my cleanser (along with the dirt and makeup that has been lifted off my skin) and it gets everything off so much more effectively than just splashing water on my face, which absolutely no one likes the feeling of (and you can't convince me otherwise).

Medik8 Press & Clear, $69.

Image: Medik8

I used to be terrified of actives because I've heard one too many stories of broken and damaged skin barriers due to accidental overuse. HOWEVER little did I know I was damaging my skin barrier by NOT using them (the shame).

I use this gentle BHA toner a few times a week to keep my pores in check. It helps prevent breakouts without turning my face into a red, flaky mess and it's my secret weapon for even skin.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $15.90.

Image: Priceline.

An oldie but a goodie.

On days when my skin feels particularly thirsty, I pat this on before my moisturiser for an extra layer of hydration. It's cheap, easy, and just does the job.

CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion, $15.19.

Image: Priceline.

Look, you don't need a ridiculously expensive moisturiser.

This one is light, non-greasy, another one that simply does the job beautifully. My bank account thanks me (thank goodness).

Currentbody skin LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2, $679.99.

Jump scare.

Before you yell at me, yes this is a big splurge which is why I'm going to tell you to not buy it unless you are consistent.

LED has helped my skin so much— it's the main reason I go for my monthly facials. The at-home LED masks are no where near as powerful as the in-clinic devices which is why you will only see results if you use it all the time. I use mine every single day.

It reduces redness, helps with healing, and gives me that signature glow. Similar to my monthly facial purchase, my wallet cried, but my face has never looked better.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, $36.99.

Image: Chemist Warehouse.

This is my emergency balm. If my skin is feeling irritated, red, or I've been a bit too enthusiastic with my active ingredients (forever my pittfall and biggest fear), I slather this thick goodness on before bed, and by morning, all is calm.

It's magic in a tube and it's one of those products that literally everyone I know recommends.

Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask, $114 (for a pack of 6).

Image: Supplied.

When I need a serious hit of hydration or my skin is feeling a bit stressed, I pop one of these sheet masks on.

They're drenched in a serum made up of zinc, hyaluronic acid and rockweed algae extract (no idea, but it works). After 10 minutes, my face feels instantly soothe and plump.

So, is my monthly facial and the accompanying skincare hoard an extravagant expense?Absolutely. Could that money be going towards something more 'adult' like superannuation? I guess.

But until my retirement fund can make me look dewy and feel like I have my life together, I'll be sticking with it.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast below or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about, too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Supplied.

If you want more from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem.