REN Skincare Clarimatte Range

Hello there! One bad blogger reporting for duty. I haven't posted at all for a couple of weeks and I feel a bit bad about it, but sometimes you just need a little time to recharge your batteries and then the posts (hopefully) get even better! I shall try to post regularly, but do excuse me if I don't make an appearance for a day or two.

Today I'm here to talk about the REN Skincare Clarimatte range. I have 3 out of 4 products in the range, including a cleanser, a mask and a moisturizer. The item I don't have is a Clarifying Toner, which I'm also quite interested in. Let's get started with the reviews.

The first product is the Clarimatte T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel. Like most REN cleansers, this also comes in a huge 150 ml packaging, which lasts ages. This product was recommended to me as it is meant to be used on combination skin with a problematic T-Zone. I have to say I'm quite pleased with it. It feels very refreshing on my skin and it really seems to remove all the build up I accumulate over the day or through the night. I use it morning and night, in the evening after I remove my makeup with a micellar solution. It almost has an astringent quality without being stingy at all. It dries my oily areas really nicely - I have extremely oily skin in some areas, especially my forehead, and this helps to combat it. Overall, a great cleanser that I wouldn't personally use as a makeup remover (though I have to mention it doesn't sting my eyes at all) as it is meant more as a cleanser after removing makeup. Price is around 20€ for 150 ml.

Next we have the Clarimatte T-Zone Balancing Gel Cream. This product has been reformulated, so you might know it as the T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid. I wouldn't call this a gel cream, because it is actually quite thick and you need the smallest amount, whereas a gel implies you'll need a bit more product. It's surprisingly rich for a mattifying cream, but sinks in well - just don't use too much as a little goes a really long way. The product really reduces shine and keeps oiliness at bay for several hours, whether you apply makeup over it or not. I like using it in the morning, before applying my makeup. I've also noticed it seems to dry my problematic area a lot, which in turn helps to reduce size of blemishes. All in all I really enjoy it, though I wouldn't say it's as light as the name might imply. It does surprisingly provide some moisture despite being mattifying. Costs around 25€ for 50 ml.

Finally, I'd like to talk about the Clarimatte Invisible Pores Detox Mask. Some of you might remember I used to have this mask ages ago, and was not too impressed by it. I have it for the second time around now and I feel a bit ashamed that I didn't speak too highly of it, as it is actually a great product. I think I was expecting miracles ... I wanted it to erase my pores completely. Enlarged pores are hereditary (thanks, Dad), but the build up in them is not. The Pore Detox mask does a great job of unclogging pores and diminishing impurities. It is a clay mask, so it feels lovely on the skin, then it hardens, and you scrub it off like using an eraser (it's good fun). I did notice my pores felt cleaner - they are prone to clogging so using this mask once to twice per week really makes a difference. Don't expect your pores to disappear like I did - it's not a miracle worker, but over time it can reduce pore size as well. Price is around 22€ per 50 ml.

My overall thoughts about the range - I love REN as a brand, and this range does not disappoint. The cleansing gel does a great job of removing all impurities and the cream really does what it says - mattifies my skin for several hours, even after applying makeup (makes a good base as well). The mask clears pores nicely, but don't expect them to disappear completely. Overall, a great range for combination skin with a problematic T-Zone, which will mattify, dry out and cleanse impurities.

P.S. I based the prices off of the UK website, so do excuse me if they are not 100% correct!