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REN - Mens
Who are REN and what do they do?
REN's philosophy is to produce modern hi-tech skincare products that are effective and pleasurable without the chemical nasties. Their "clean bio-active skincare" uses cutting-edge ingredients instead of skin-unfriendly synthetics.
REN's founders Robert Calcraft and Anthony Buck worked together in advertising and brand consulting before turning their hand to natural skincare. After Anthony's wife reacted to skincare products during her pregnancy, he decided to look at a new approach to cosmetic science. REN is now an established range sold internationally and used in spa treatments across the UK.
They say:
"We are convinced that REN's approach is the blueprint for skincare of the future. With REN you can have the best of both worlds -- brilliant products that really work and the comfort of knowing that you're avoiding the chemical 'nasties'. Amen."
We say:
"The Good Spa Spies tested a selection of REN products back when they were a new skincare line. This time it was the turn of the male Good Spa Spies to test the REN products for men. The boys weren't quite as keen as the girls..."
REN - Men's products - What have we tried? 50ml, RRP £15
REN Tamanu High Glide Shaving Oil
Surly Spy:
I have binned my usual shaving cream! I am a man of habit and generally don't like change, but for this oil I will have to make an exception!
I liked the simple packaging and easy-to-use applicator, although I am not sure you really need a box. The oil is clear, allowing you to see where you are shaving, so no left-out tufts of missed stubble! It has a nice smell (as do all REN products) but not too strong or girly.
You need to wet your stubble thoroughly first or, for the best results, use after a shower. Simply pour a few drops into your palms and rub onto the face. The longer you leave the oil to soften the stubble, the easier the shave. The razor glides easily and doesn't tear at your face. After shaving, you simply wash off with warm water and pat dry. There is none of the usual dryness or patches of irritation.
The only possible problem is that the oil does tend to clog up the blades, so you do need to rinse off the razor regularly. Alternatively, you could just use less oil.
Verdict: Men of habit can change... A nice comfortable shave!
REN Multi-tasking After-Shave Balm 50ml, RRP £19.50
Sceptical Spy:
REN Multi-tasking After-Shave Balm comes in a semi-translucent pump dispenser. This subtly-scented white cream, with hint of peppermint, absorbed into my post-shave skin easily, leaving a matt sheen.
In theory, I like the fact that the balm doesn't have chemical nasties such as sulphates and synthetic colour, but the product didn't feel quite as manly to me as it might have done, having grown up with the stronger scented more in-your-face shaving products. I was not keen on the smell as I found it rather musty/organic.
Verdict: Not quite convinced. One for environmentally-friendly fellows.
REN High Glide Cooling Shave Cream 150ml, RRP £16
Sceptical Spy:
I was intrigued to test this cream to see if it would convert me from foam/foaming gels. The packaging was clean and the pump easy to use and the non-aerosol can felt more eco/worthy.
The cream felt good on my skin although, like the after shave balm, I wasn't convinced by the musty smell.
The cream didn't work very well for me as a shaving product as I found the sticky cream clung to my face and razor a little too much, making it hard to wash off in places. The post-shave feeling was good but it's not a product I would buy again really, despite its good eco credentials -- particularly as it's much more expensive than my usual shaving gel.
This product claims to contain biosaccharides that "not only act to help reduce redness and inflammation but also stimulate beta-endorphin release adding a new dimension to a pleasurable shave". These endorphins didn't seem to kick in for me, but would come in handy if having to shell out £16 on a shaving product!
Verdict: Good results but pricy and razor-clogging -- won't be rushing to buy again.
Where can I try REN products?
Where can I buy REN products?
See also:
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