Ren glycolic lactic radiance renewal mask

REN is one of those brands I had heard about but never really investigated. I tend to buy from brands I have come across in shops. I'd read a few reviews so thought i'd give the brand a go. I'm always on the lookout for facial masks especially those aimed at skin with blemishes, they tend to be clay based which I find to just be too messy and too much of an effort, this is much more hassle free so for a lazy cow like me is perfection. This mask contains AHAs which stands for alpha hydroxy acids which have an exfoliating effect.

This is what REN says about this mask:

"A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin to A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone.

Results:

Removes dead skin cells to renew the complexion

Skin looks brighter, healthier, more radiant

Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Combats congestion, blackheads and blemishes"

Lets start at the beginning. The packaging is is quite spa looking, not at all flimsy. It has a pump which dispenses a very small amount of the product which is great as this is not cheap!!! The product itself has thwarting smell of a sanatogen multivitamin I used to take, if you're not familiar with that is a sort of sweet orangey smell. It doesn't bother me but it is quite strong so might be off putting. The texture is VERY thick, this is like a balm. When I initially applied it I didn't feel anything, not even a tingle as the packaging suggested may happen however, on a couple occasions where I had a spot and had my eyebrows threaded this definitely stung!!! I wouldn't recommend this for people with sensitive skin as it is pretty strong.

The instructions say "Apply a generous amount onto clean skin over the face and neck. Leave for 10 minutes  and gently wipe off mask". I do just this but remove with a warm washcloth as I find this removes the mask much more efficiently with no residue. After using this my skin feels very soft. I am prone to dryness but this doesn't seem to bring that out at all. Overall my skin is a lot clearer, I believe this is due to my routine and this mask is a happy edition.

I use this once a week as part of a.mini facial. I would definetly purchase this as I love the feel of it and really think its helped to improve my complexion. Also this is free from those nasties such as parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance and colours, TER, DER, glycols, silicones, PEGS etc. Have to admit I didnt know what three of those were but its nice to be able to cross a lot of those ingrediants off the list as they can be responsible for breakouts!

The only "con" is the price as this is quite pricey at £30.00 for 50ml!!! Skincare is something I don't like to skimp on as I think its vital although I know not everyone can afford to have higher end products. I mix and match drug store  & luxury brands as long as they work and think of the expensive products as an investment as in I'm saving myself thousands of pounds in surgical procedure fees and knowing my luck reversals/corrections.

I purchased mine on ebay for £20, I can't find this seller anymore but have seen this on various occasions under £30. This is also avaliable  from ASOS, REN skincare, look fantastic, Amazon  and Space NK

What do you think of REN? Have you used this mask?