Wanted: Skincare Recommendations

Aloha!

Today, I'm looking for your skin care recommendations. My skin has basically been completely neglected, unloved and forgotten about for the majority of the last 12 months, barr the odd week or two where I've been a bit more sensible (like the gorgeous month when I was using up an Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm sample or the 6 or so occasions that I managed to use the sample of REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask).

Basically, I feel completely out of the loop with all things skin care and that makes me both excited and terrified. My skin is dehydrated but on the hole, pretty normal. It's a bit dry and rough across my cheeks and my t-zone is a little oily but nothing to write home about. I get the very occasional blemish, but this is probably mainly down to the face that my skincare routine is a pile of rubbish. I have a wee bit of money that I've squirrel away just for skincare, because it's important and makes me feel lovely.

I'm looking for:

Cleanser - I'm a big fan of balm/cream cleansers - I love being able to give myself a nice massage and then scrub everything away with a lovely soft cloth. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish no longer agrees with me. Emma Hardie was good on the whole (although my sample did separate and then dissolve it's own lid....). I'm intrigued by the Antipodes Grapeseed Butter.

Toner I'm thinking Pixi Glow Tonic at the moment. Any other recommendations?

Moisturiser I literally don't even know. Answers on a postcard please.

Mask I love The REN Glycolactic but I'm thinking about the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey one too. Any other ideas?

Other bits and bobs: recommend me your favourite lip balms, serums, treatments (the REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate looks great) - whatever skincare has reached holy grail status for you that I haven't already mentioned.

Love xxx

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask Review

I think REN might be stealing my heart a little bit. I got a sample of their Glycolactic Radiance Renewal mask in one of the "exclusive" Glossyboxes a while back, and oh how I love it.

This marmelade-esq mask from REN is packed with Papin (papaya extract) and natural fruit acids to exfoliate the outer layer of skin and create a beautifully glowing complexion, and it really does what it says on the tin (well, bottle). I don't think I can remember a face mask that has such a wonderful affect - although this isn't an explicitly moisturising mask, it always leaves my skin feeling softer and more hydrated. 

The "peel" effect isn't super strong - there's a very gentle tingle but it's never painful or uncomfortable. That doesn't seem to have a negative effect on the results though. One thing it is pointing out is that this is a facial peel, not a peel off mask. I've seen a few reviews expressing confusion at the lack of ability to peel this off (like the cheapo superdrug masks I remember from my teen years) - this mask stays a sticky gel like substance throughout. The peel refers to its gently acidic exfoliating effect which comes from the glycolic acid which helps to stimulate new skin cells and give you a radient glow (hence the name Radiance Renewal!)

My sample has finally run out, and this REN mask high on my list of goodies to replenish soon. I'm eyeing up the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey mask with hungry eyes too.

REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask £30 from renskincare.com

What are your favourite face masks right now?