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25 July 2016

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask Review

Dia daoibh!
Over the past few years, I've really started to take my skincare routine more seriously.  One step I used to skip was the "treat" step ie. face masks.  I thought cleansing and moisturising the skin was good enough, but I have recently started focusing on treating my skin to a weekly face mask and my skin is loving it.

The latest addition to my skincare family is the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, which I have been using for about a month now.  This mask is a cult-favourite, peeling mask (peels dead skin cells, not a mask that peels from the skin FYI!)with a potent active complex that renews and refines skin.  REN claims that this mask will remove dead skin cells to renew the complexion, leaving skin looking brighter, healthier, more radiant.  It also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, minimises the appearance of pores and wrinkles and combats congestion, blackheads and blemishes.

That's all well and good on paper, so here's my two cents on the product.  The consistency of the mask itself reminds me of honey, both in texture and in colour.  I was actually surprised at how thick and gunky it felt, so be sure to have your hair tied back, as it is gooey!  One single pump (thank you REN for adding a pump!) covers my entire face, so there's no guess work involved in how much to use.  It smells; citrusy, like marmalade, almost looks like it on your face too!  You leave it on for 10 minutes (I leave it a little longer as I do with all masks)!  To remove, dampen the enclosed muslin cloth and gently wipe off with warm water. 

What makes this mask stand out from others, in my opinion, is that it contains acids.  On the packaging it mentions that "slight tingling may be experienced during application" but I did not experience this in the slightest.  I can only assume they mention this as this mask includes a complex of Glycolic (6.5% ), Lactic, Tartaric and Citric Acids from Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Lemon and Grape.  Together, these skin safe acids exfoliate, decongest and remove dead skin cells to leave the skin renewed and resurfaced.  Ingredients also include Omega 3 and Omega 7 from Arctic, Blackcurrant Seed Oil to repair, nourish & soothe  and also Papain from Mexican Papaya which gently exfoliates dead cells.

 After I patted my skin dry I looked in the mirror (not expecting to see much of a difference to be honest!) but on inspection my skin appeared...... would you believe it... brightened!  I don't know how else to describe it bar saying it looked squeaky clean and bright.  I also noticed that pores around my nose and cheeks definitely appeared reduced, which I was surprised at!  My skin felt soft and smooth and I remember thinking "my makeup is going to glide on tomorrow", which it did!

This is probably the most expensive face mask I have tried, coming in at €35, but to be honest I don't think it compares to anything else I've tried.  It felt luxurious to use and I really do think my skin drank up the wonderful ingredients.  I would definitely recommend the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask to those of you with dull, dry, tired or congested skin.  

REN skincare products are available from leading department stores and pharmacists nationwide including Arnotts, Meaghers Pharmacy, Foodys Pharmacy and  Sam McCauleys or online from Cloud 10 Beauty >HERE< or Feel Unique >HERE<

Slán!