Clay Masks: Ren Detox & Glamglow

Face masks is a relatively new idea to me because I discovered how beneficiary and fun they are only a few months ago.

I have normal to dry (in the colder months) dehydrated skin and I wanted a weekly step towards really cleaning my skin because I do live in a city, commuting every, so I was looking for something more.

So, today 's post is about clay or "mud" masks. But, first of all, what does a clay mask do?

• Deep clean the skin, pulling away all dirt, grime etc that's been building up, especially if you're living in places with high pollution etc.
• Getting rid of dead cells
• Stimulate blood flow
• So you end up with fresh "baby" skin

They're primarly marketed towards combination/oily/acne prone skins but it doesn't mean they can't be used by other skin types, it just takes a little extra care:

I don't let it fully dry before washing it off because if I let it totally dry my skin feels parched afterwards. 

How I use them: 

Once a week, I apply a moderate amount all over my face, neck and on the upper part of my hands, leave it on for 6-7 minutes and then rinse off. I always follow up with a hydrating mask. 

Ren Invisible Pores Detox Mask:

I got this one out of pure curiosity, with a hefty discount on some online store, I think about 17€ final price.

It claims to:

• Reduce the appearance of pore size and blackheads
• Draw out impurities
• Leave the skin purified, smooth and toned

Does it deliver?

I don't have blackheads so I can't tell you about that but it does all the rest. 

What I love about it:

• Brilliantly designed package with an little stopper attached to the pump so that it stays shut, keeping the product sanitary and the pump from clogging at the same time.
• Creamy, smooth consistency that spreads very easily
• Doesn't irritate my skin, doesn't feel weird on.
• Easy to wash off.
• Leaves my skin baby soft and fresh
• Parabens, sulfates, mineral oil etc free

What I don't love about it: 

At first I used to remove it by rubbing it off while dry and then I washed it off. This way my skin was extra smooth but the sink etc was covered by a fine powder (the dry product I rubbed off my face), very messy to clean!

Glamglow Youthmud Treatment

This is a hyped product and I got it on a whim, when I saw it 35% off at my local Sephora (I think 30+€)

It claims to:

• Leave the skin radiant and glowing
• Activate moisturising collagen synthesis
• Exfoliate
• Tighten skin texture and pores
• Leave skin smoother brighter, softer and more youthful looking
• Absorb impurities without removing natural oils
• Help to protect against free radical damage

Does it deliver?

Well, as it happens some times when a product is so much praised, it didn't wow me.

My bait was the "radiant and glowing" aspect of this miracle in a jar.

I know that this is a gimmicky way to lure consumers and I should know better but deep down I did hope it will give my dull, tired complexion a little boost, like a mini exotic holidays in a bottle (no, I'm not 5 years old, just a gemini that when reason doesn't prevail I get a liiiitle tiny bit carried away with expectations!)

Leaving the glow mishap aside, it is a very good clay mask, doing more or less the same thing my Ren Detox mask does. It is also paraben free.

What (other) I don't love about it:

• The consistency! I have never seen anything like it. It is a thick paste (you have to shake it up before use, I don't just shake it up, I put it in the washing machine, lol).
• It is difficult to spread it out evenly. 
• It has some leaves in it that hang off and make my face look like a salad bowl after lunch. 
• It doesn't want to come off and I don't want to use extra pressure because it isn't smooth and I don't want to scratch my face by accident. 
• I don't like jars (in general) I find them unsanitary and more chances for the product to go bad faster.

I don't count as a negative the strong tingling sensation because I don't mind nor do I have sensitive skin. 

Bottom line: I will definitely use it up but I will not repurchase. Out of the two I definitely prefer the Ren one.

Glamglow on the left, Ren Detox on the right

Word of notice: when you use a product for the first tine, skincare more so, always test it on your arm before use. You never now if there is something in it that will irritate your skin.

What's your favorite mask?

That's it for now, I hope you are all well and thriving! 

Fall coming, let's talk about serums!

Serums and skincare in general is my least favorite theme because the results most of the time are so subjective and not apparent.

Nevertheless, since fall is coming and it's the ideal time of the year to talk about products that help our skin recover after sun, sea etc, I'm going to share with you my thoughts on the Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum and the REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate.

My skin (i think) is quite normal (neither dry patches nor oily) but it doesn't feel plump and lively, it is quite dull most of the time and makeup always slides off after a few hours.

So I diagnosed (lol!) that probably it is dehydrated and I wanted a serum that fights dehydration.

 

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum

After reading all the hype and raves about it and finding at €19 at a Greek online pharmacy I decided to give it a try.

It is supposed to offer deep hydration with hyaluronic acid and polyphenols and many more beneficiary ingredients, it goes without saying that it contains no parabens etc.

The consistency is of a watery, milky lotion that gets absorbed in a second so it is perfect for wearing even under makeup. 

It's not a moisturizer though, so you have to wear a separate moisturizer on top.

My thoughts: well, no miracle worker here for me. I didn't see any difference in skin texture or hydration. I 've used up the whole bottle but I can't tell that it actually did something.

I do think though that it would be perfect for combination/oily dehydrated skin because it is so lightweight.

If you have used it  please share your thoughts!

REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate

This one was a random choice, I wanted to try an anti ageing serum and HQhair.com happened to have an offer (30% off I think) on REN products so, given that I do like REN products, I decided to give this a try.

It is supposed to combat signs of age like wrinkles, discolorations, etc and to leave the skin smoother, younger looking, brighter and more even toned.

It contains vitamins A and E, Omega 6 and 7 and many other goodies, no parabens etc as well.

It is a facial oil and it does take a while to sink in. It also has a fishy smell, TG it dissipates after application.

My thoughts: no miracle worker here as well BUT I 've been using it for 3 weeks now and definitely see a subtle amelioration: sun spots have slightly faded, skin tone does appear more uniform and bright, my skin does feel supple in the mornings and well nourished in general. 

Out of the two, although they serve different aims, I do prefer the REN one because I do see a slight difference. 

Here are some more photos

Do you have a favorite serum? 

That's it for now, I hope you're all well and thriving!