There are (very rare) times, when I break out a new product and have a moment of epiphany. That moment when a product touches my skin and the skies immediately open with the songs of angels singing “Hallelujah!”. That moment when I get a virtual slap upside of my head for not discovering this product earlier.
When all that happens, I shelve everything and scramble hastily to my blog to tell you of my newest and latest skincare love.
Ladies and gents, I’d like you to meet the REN Keep Young and Beautiful Instant Firming Beauty Shot, which I’ll call the REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot for short. This product has been available since last year, but it was only not very long ago, that I slipped it into my skincare routine.
You see, I have a sceptical mindset, and when a product says “Instant” anything, the first thing I do is discount it. “Meh!” I think to myself “There’s no such thing as instant, unless it’s a polaroid, and even then, it doesn’t develop instantly!”
But trust me my friends, this one is a winner in my books, and has quickly found its place in my skincare hall of fame, worming its way to perch upon a pedestal, as I obsequiously grovel at its base. In fact, if budget permits, I’d go so far as to say that this is a must-have. And you know I don’t say things like that often! 😉
What the REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot is, is really a serum with hyaluronic acid as its key ingredient. The product is a clear gel-serum that comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. Let me quickly get a grouse about the dropper out of the way – it doesn’t pick up the product very well. In fact, it reminds me of the dropper in the Bobbi Brown Serum Foundation – good products, let down by their droppers that for some reason, don’t seem to pick up the product effectively. So, sometimes, you may find yourself not getting enough product in the glass pipette. But don’t let that bother you too much, because it’s what in there that really matters.
And this serum is the bee’s knees!
According to REN, this serum should instantly deliver a boost of hydration to the skin through the use of hyaluronic acid that instantly smooths and plumps up the skin. Over time, it will firm up the skin and lift it. The scary thing is, it REALLY does all that! 😀
You only use about 2 drops each time, and I find that the gel texture can feel a little sticky. But what you should do is apply it over your skin, then, lightly press or pat it until it is all absorbed. It’s almost magical, as if you have fine lines, you will notice it plump up and smoothen almost instantly. In my case, what I noticed after just 1 week, was that my skin appeared transformed.
Dry and flaky spots had calmed and evened out, and it was just so much smoother in general. I haven’t kept a hydrating serum in my routine in a while, since I mess around so much, but this made such a difference that I swore never to be without again. Truly, you never miss something till you have it, and then you wonder how you ever got on without!
If you have combination or oily skin, you can use this too. You might then find that 1 drop of product serves you well enough, just to give skin that boost of hydration. That one beauty shot, as it were.
Here’s how I use it:-
Cleanser -> Acid toner -> REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot -> other serums or face oils -> Moisturiser
I use this both day and night, in addition to any other serum I’m currently using and I swear it gives everything a little boost. I attribute it to its skin hydrating properties. I swear by keeping skin well hydrated to solve most of your skin problems, and I’ve been proven right time and time again. I actually found that products like the Clinique Even Better Optimizer serum worked better after I added this underneath. I’m not sure why it works, but it works. I think it’s to do with how well hydrated skin absorbs products better – like a sponge. A dry sponge is of no use. You have to wet it before it actually absorbs anything – don’t believe me? Try it and see! 😉
Has it given me any lifting? That’s debatable. What I noticed most of all is the improvement in my skin texture, and perhaps some firming? I’m not sure. I don’t have very saggy skin to start with, and I do use a lot of anti-aging creams and serums and lotions and potions. But if you what you’re looking for is something that can give your skin an instant boost, then this might be it!
IN A NUTSHELL
The REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot is a clear gel-serum with a faint rose scent, that is designed to hydrate, firm and lift skin from the get-go. I personally found that this delivers a wonderful boost of hydration to my skin, and almost instantly smoothens it and improves its texture. You only need a maximum of 2 drops or it might feel too sticky. If it does, just lightly pat or press on your skin till it all absorbs before following on with your other skincare. I love this, and sometimes, in the day, I even pat a drop over my makeup (it doesn’t disturb anything!) on my cheeks if they’re feeling dry. I love it!
PROS: Absorbs very quickly and almost instantly into the skin, Almost instantly boosts skin hydration, Skin feels and looks smoother and more hydrated, Helps to boost the efficacy of serums and moisturisers
CONS: Pricey, Dropper does not pick up product very effectively
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants an effective hydrating serum
PRICE: RM229 | £36 | US$54 for 30ml
AVAILABILITY: Kens Apothecary stores, Sephora, Cult Beauty, Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter
For anyone interested, here is the ingredient list for the REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot.
Have you tried this Instant Firming Beauty Shot? Does it interest you?
If you can swing it, I think this is good stuff to have. I won’t deny though, that it’s also pretty pricey. That said, because you’d use maybe 2 drops each time, it might last you quite a while. My suggestion is to see which store or site has discounts or deals and then buy from there. That’s what I’ll be doing anyway, once this bottle runs out! 😀 Any saving is a good saving!
Paris B
Hi there,great hydrating serum you have here,very tempting to have this,but ren is hard to get especially here in wm…
Still,do you still using ren glycolic toner? Do I have the name right?..
Hi Wan, REN isn’t easily available in stores I’d agree but they are available on kensapothecary.com.my although I’m not sure if they have this particular serum. I don’t use the glycolic toner, but the Clarimatte Clarifying Toner. Yes, am still going through my bottle of it! 🙂
Just finishing my current skincare and was looking at alternatives. You have tempted me with this post. Ordered this along with the moisturiser you raved about. And the toner as well. Hope my skin loves it. Bad for he wallet though.
Ooh the V-cense day moisturiser? I love that one! REN products are a bit pricey, I do agree, and there are the hits and misses, naturally, but you picked the good ones – I hope you like them! 🙂
Hi Paris! Oh my, shame on me – I had this bottle quietly (and nicely) stashed in my skincare inventory…I promise to bring it and try this beauty shot 🙂 I find REN products work well and I have to thank you for it. I stumbled upon REN in MWS and from then on, all their products work well and I am happy with the products. Any hydration is good for my skin. On a side note, I tried the Vita Mineral™ Omega 3 Optimum Skin Oil during my recent trip to Japan and it worked so well to keep my skin hydrated and moist in the cold winter and dry air condition.
Ooh Jennifer, take it out and use it, quick! 😀 I do hope you’ll like it coz I’m over the moon about this serum! REN is a pretty decent brand overall to me as well. They have their misses as well of course (that Flash Facial thingy was a dud!) but the gems are really something. Oh and that Omega oil! Happy to know your skin liked it (and you were in Japan! Jealous!!) 😀
Wow, if this product has made it into your skincare hall of fame it must be that good? LOL. How does this compare with Antipodes Worship Serum? I just bought that because I was looking for a hydrating serum to use in the mornings plus I got it at a 25% discount using my friend’s birthday discount so I got a good deal. Does this REN serum works best in the mornings or at night? Are you currently using any Retinol serums? I am looking for a decent one which I can find in KL as I am not too keen to buy it from overseas since the currency difference will hurt my pocket if I do. Thanks 🙂
Oh yes it most certainly is good Victoria! 😀 This is quite different from Worship in that I find that this one’s primarily for hydration. It plumps up skin and all that, but it’s because of the hyaluronic acid and that means that you must use something else over it, for it to attract the moisture back into the skin. Worship on the other hand, seems to be more of a well-rounded product with not as immediate results, but more antioxidant based. I find that hydrating as well, but I think it offers more to the skin so you can stick with Worship, not a problem. I still like it too 🙂 As for retinol serums, I’m not currently using any. I’m planning to start on Sunday Riley’s Luna soon, and friends have suggested that I try the Dr. Brandt retinol serum which they say is very good. It’s pricey though, but good. I’m also told that the one by Cosmetics Skincare Solutions (available online) is good and that’s fairly affordable even considering the exchange rate, so I might give that a go. Can’t decide yet – so much to try, so little face space 😛
Thanks for your reply. So the REN one works like Hydraluron, Dr. Lewins & Vichy Aqua Thermal because they all contain hyaluronic acid and you need to use something else over it? Do you use Worship during the day or night? I have read about all of those Retinol’s serums from Tine’s blog. So many choices and don’t know which one to start so the best person to ask is you since you are and will always be my beauty guru! Hahahaha. Of course there is Caroline Hirons but her recommendations are too expensive and unavailable in Malaysia. LOL.
Yes you’re absolutely right, except I think it’s even better than Hydraluron (it better be since it’s also more expensive) and Dr. Lewinns but the latter is pretty much a write off as it’s so hard to come by. I started out using Worship day and night, but then later switched to just day. I like the idea of it working as an antioxidant protection in the day when I’m out and about. But you can use it both day and night (finishes more quickly though!) Aww you’re too kind, but Tine and another friend from Australia are also my to-go retinol people haha! I haven’t yet really gone there because good retinol isn’t cheap and I’m a little more afraid as I come from old school Vitamin A/Retinol days when it would cause skin to peel and flake and go red. These days, the formula are more skin friendly. I will be sure to share once I make that leap into using retinol. It’s just that there’s so much out there, it’s so hard to keep track of everything! LOL
Oh…I was looking for a hydrating serum, I may try this one.
How does it compare to Antipodes Worship Serum or Hydraluron by Indeed Labs?
Thanks!
This one is very good, so if you try it, I hope you’ll like it! I’ve briefly compared it to Worship to my reply to Victoria above, if you’d like to have a look. It’s quite different, as Worship is more of an all-rounded serum with primary focus on antioxidants with a side benefit of hydration, while this is primarily for hydration so if you want a hydration product, this is it. It’s similar to Hydraluron, except I felt this to be much better, albeit more pricey too. Depends on what your budget allows for 🙂
Hi Paris, do you know that once your page opens up, there’s a HUGE pop up ad that blocks everything? You might not be aware of it, so thought I’d let you know.
I don’t seem to have much luck with REN products though. I tried the very affordable Hada Labo hyaluronic acid essence, and quite like that for hydration. But the EL ANR and the Worship serum have also been boosting my skin’s hydration, so I’m glad I’m not missing out on much. Heh!
Hey Lily, thanks so much for letting me know about the ad! For some reason, I never saw it, but someone else mentioned it to me today as well so I got it blocked. Hopefully you won’t see it again! REN makes good products so it’s a pity you haven’t found one that you like but it’s ok-la, lots of choices out there 🙂 Hada Labo is ok, I’d agree. I should be getting around to that serum, now that you mention it. It might be an affordable option (not saying it is, but it MIGHT be!) This one’s different from EL and Antipodes, but really, the difference was palpable 😀
I NEED IT! Thanks for a review.
You’re welcome Marina, I hope you like it. It’s very good stuff!
Paris,
wow .. u really good in writting and u made me wanted to run & get this serum immediately! well, currently i’m using ANR & Immortelle L’occitane divine extract.. how should i use this REN serum?
tqvm
Aww thanks Liza, but I’m seriously impressed with this one. Like, Seriously! Even now, a couple of weeks later, I’m still impressed with it, so yes, it’s a keeper! If you plan to include this, I’d use them after cleansing and toning and before your serums. I haven’t used the L’occitane one, but I’d put it before ANR. Think of it as prepping your skin to receive the rest of the serums and moisturiser 🙂
Hi,
I find this much cheaper in the Sephora online store in Singapore that used to be Luxola before it got bought over. It’s SGD54 which works out to be RM160 for 30ml. Just a heads up!
Oh sorry about that! My scatterbrain didn’t realise it was not on Sephora Singapore, instead it’s SGD84. Forgive my oversight! Was too good to be true…
It’s OK, thanks for thinking to share anyway 😀
Would it be redundant to get this when I already have hydraluron? I was thinking to use both and then followed by moisturizer during the day.
I’d say yes. To me, both Hydraluron and this REN serum perform a similar, hydrating function. So it might be best to use one or the other 🙂
This was my other purchase today – you’re a very good enabler Paris! Have tried this a couple of times in store and loved it!
LOL! Ok, this one I’m all for it, because it’s truly amazing. I had a bad bout of skin bumpiness recently and some TLC coupled with this helped tons!
Hi Paris
After reading your review i am so tempting to buy. Do you think its suitable for sensitive skin? I dont know how to interpret ingredient. Thanks
Hi I’m no expert either but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that it should be suitable. But if in doubt, be sure that you buy it from somewhere that you can return it to in case of problems!
I just bought it after reading your review since my current serum is almost finishing. thanks for review, will share my experience with the serum soon!
Hi
I would like to ask if I am also using SK2 facial treatment essence, which one should I use first? Ren or SK2?
This will be based on which texture is heaviest. From memory the SK2 FTE is very light so it should go first followed by this REN serum.
Hi paris! I think i m late for the party? but now its already 2018 . Do u still like this serum? I plnning to shop at kens for perfume but i think i ve to buy a serum as well as mine now is finished hehe.
Hi Rei! Actually yes I do like it. If you want hydration, it really gives you that lovely shot in the skin. So I do think it is good stuff. Just a little pricey 🙂