REN Rose O12 Moisture Defence Serum

I'm still fairly new to REN Skincare, but so far, all of the products I have tried and tested have delivered favourable results. Especially for a relatively new (commercially anyway), mid-range skincare brand, REN isn't just niche and trendy. With it's brand philosophy of Performance, Purity and Pleasure- REN provides groundbreaking technology with an affordable pricetag, and free from harmful synthetic* products. I love the feel of the products on my skin and I must say, I have yet to come across a dud! So *high five!* REN folk! 

This serum is the latest product I have acquired and it spoke to me in a very timely manner. In the last month or so, you may have read from my recent posts that my skin has started to go through its seasonal transition. There are days when my skin is so dry, it will literally absorb ANYTHING I put on it- yet still managing a teeny, tiny shine on my nose. It is during this period that I really rely on serums to not only replenish and rebalance my skin's moisture levels, but also to boost the efficacy of my moisturisers. For the last four weeks I have been using REN's Rose O12 Moisture Defence Serum under my day and night cream, and I think that's fair enough time to give a short term verdict. So, here we go!

For starters, the serum itself is an oil. This bright, tangerine liquid is a dry oil, so it doesn't have too much slip and it gets absorbed fairly quickly. However I do think it is rather misleading to label it a serum because it has more in common with Clarins' Blue Orchid than Advanced Night Repair. However, that's picking on technicalities. It does have a slight fragrance of rose oil but it's not altogether unpleasant. It actually smells a little like rose creme truffles. Application-wise, as you would with an oil, a few drops (in this case one pump) is all you need. Warm it up between your palms and press it on the skin. This particular one is recommended for dry and dehydrated skin types, but if your skin it more on the combination side but still dehydrated- maybe use it as a twice a week night treatment to help rebalance moisture levels.

The serum is packed with potent bio extracts that help lock in moisture on the skin and maintain elasticity, and in the deep winter chill, you may very well need that shield to prevent your skin from drying such as:

• Ceramides from Carthame Oil, Phospholipids from Soybean and Essential Fatty Acids from Seabuckthorn Berry Oil and Rosehip Seed Oil help to repair skin

• Octacosenoic Acid from Ximenia Oil locks moisture into the skin to restore softness, elasticity and optimum comfort

• Tocotrienols from Cranberry Seed Oil protect the skin against oxidative damage and premature ageing

Have you read the weather predictions recently? It appears we may be needing to grab hold of our potions earlier this year. Seriously though- record breaking snow in November? I'll believe it when I see it, but better be prepared! Anyway, I recommend using this product if you want to help relieve the stress from your skin this winter. May I also say, this oil actually makes for a lovely base for foundation! It is imperative that you use only one pump in the AM under your day cream (less is definitely more), it stays put and is dry enough that it doesn't give too much slip. It will give you a fabulous gleam, as if your face is being lit from within- especially if you favour longwearing foundations that ultimately dry out the skin throughout the day. 

The Rose O12 Moisture Defence Serum retails at £42 for 30ml, and its bound to last you a while. 

Have you tried this serum yet? If you have, let me know how you get on and sound off below!

NOTE: * REN is free from synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, petrolatum, sulfate detergents, synthetic colours, animal ingredients and parabens. In addition, REN products do not contain potential irritants including: glycols and diglycols (such as propylene glycol), PEG's, PPGs, urea, D.E.A, T.E.A, PABA and other synthetic sunscreens, aliphatic alcohols/hydrocarbons, phthalates, fumarates, amines, alkanolamines, synthetic AHAs/BHAs, polyacrylamide, metacrylate, elastomer, poloxamer, styrene, vinyl, polyquaternium, synthetic chelating agents, nylon, nitriles, nitrates, nitrosamine releasers, bromates, fluor, aluminum and alumina et al.

For more info, check out their website HERE.