Oskia is a brand that was quite hot about a year ago, and has since slipped a little, in terms of popularity, if Instagram is any judge. For me however, it’s a brand that I’m a little smitten with!
Many people raved about the Oskia Renaissance Gel Cleanser (count me as a fan). But there’s another product, less talked about, that I think everyone should try – the Oskia Renaissance Mask.
Briefly, Oskia is a niche skincare brand that hails from the UK. It is quite new, but has made waves in the skincare world since its launch. Their products are designed with cellular nutrients and high-tech bio-actives, containing vitamins, omegas and minerals. It is all very fascinating to me, primarily because whatever products I’ve used thus far, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed! 🙂
Like the Renaissance Cleansing Gel, the Renaissance Mask is a pale peach-pink colour in tub. I tried a sample before this, and I loved it so much, I sprung for the full sized tub. If you know what’s good for you, you’d read on 😛
The Oskia Renaissance Mask comes in a large jar with a spatula. The texture is very much like a balm, and is thicker than the Gel Cleanser. It however, has the same, fresh scent of roses so it smells like you’ve smeared Turkish Delight all over your face. As a fan of Turkish Delight, I’m not really complaining! 😀
What is the Oskia Renaissance Mask for?
Oskia says that the Renaissance Mask is a Nutri-Active Brightening & Resurfacing Mask. They say so, because this isn’t just a mask that hydrates or plumps you your skin. It does so much more.
The Renaissance Mask is categorized as a “peel mask”. The ingredients in it (including MSM, Passion Fruit, Grape, Lemon & Grapefruit AHA’s, Papaya Enzymes, Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes, Prebiotics, Ribose & Butterbur) act almost like a very gentle peel, to lift away dull skin cells, boost cell turnover, and increase skin radiance.
Yet, all this is done very gently, so you do not experience any redness or irritation at all.
How do you use the Oskia Renaissance Mask?
Ah, unlike most masks, there is a special technique to using the Oskia Renaissance Mask. And this time, it pays to read the instructions BEFORE using (instead of the other way around, as I often do 😛 )
In the tub, the mask is a light pink-peach shade that is very pleasing to the eye. Scooped out, it is the same, and it is true even when applied on skin.
But here’s the important part.
After applying a fairly generous amount all over your face, you MUST massage it into your skin. As you massage (and when you do it right – get some pressure in there) the mask will turn to a creamy white colour.
See what I mean? On left, I have scooped it straight out from the tub. It’s a thick, balmy texture (I love the texture! It’s so lush!)
On right, I have massaged it in, and you will see it slowly turn a pale pink-peach before turning white. This is when you know that you are done, the Renaissance Mask is activated, and you can now leave it on your face for between 20-30 minutes. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended that you start at 10 minutes.
I have left it on anywhere from 30-60 minutes without issues – but only do this if you are a little forgetful and daring like me 😛 Otherwise, stay within the recommended time.
When you’re done, splash a little water on your face, and massage a little further. It then begins to emulsify, just like a cleansing oil (and like the Gel Cleanser). It feels lighter on skin, and then you rinse it off.
What I appreciate is that it rinses off very easily with no residue. No need for face clothes or sponges or anything. Just your hands and water will do.
Why do I like it?
You know why I like it?
Because it just works so well!
After rinsing off, you will notice that your skin is noticeably (and I mean NOTICEABLY) brighter. It is almost as if a veil of grey has been lifted off your skin, revealing a brightness to your visage.
In photography speak, it is as if the exposure has been increased, so you look like one of those clear, bright, white, edited photos so popular on Instagram, instead of the dull “before” photo LOL!
I kid you not!
Aside from the brightness, there is also a noticeable radiance, freshness and smoothness to the skin. Skin feels hydrated, plumped and clear. It’s quite stunning really.
I believe it’s due to the AHA, Lactic Acid and plant enzymes that go to work, loosening your skin cells and then lifting them away when you wash it off. When I’m hardworking and use this mask more often, I celebrate having brighter, clearer, more radiant skin. When I don’t, or when I run out, I retreat back to my dull self LOL!
If you already use AHAs, acids and actives in your regular skincare routine, then you should consider adding this mask as a weekly treat for your skin. It’s fairly gentle and far more gentle than some of your straight acids, I’m sure!
I have said before that you should treat a mask as part of your skincare routine, not just for a special occasion. But in this case, it might be worth keeping it just as a weekly treat, and then using something different the other time, because I think twice a week is a bit too much.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Oskia Rensaissance Mask is a very effective mask that does so much at a go. It not only hydrates and plumps skin, it also almost immediately, brightens and makes skin look clearer and more radiant. Skin also feels softer and smoother. There is a specific technique to using this mask that you must adhere to. Be sure to massage it into skin first, turning it a milky white colour, before leaving it on to do its job for between 20-30 minutes. Then, rinse it off as you will a cleansing oil or balm, by emulsifying it first. It rinses off very easily and leaves skin feeling nice and comfortable. Not drying at all.
PROS:
Immediate and lasting clarity, brightness and radiance to skin
Easy to rinse off
Skin feels softer, smoother and looks brighter
Smells lovely and relaxing
Gentle on skin and does not irritate (different skin may react differently)
CONS:
Pricey
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants an effective, gentle resurfacing mask for skin brightening and clarity
PRICE: RM365 | £51 | US$83 for 50ml
WHERE TO BUY: Cult Beauty, SpaceNK, Look Fantastic, Net-a-Porter, Caliata
For those interested, here is the ingredient list for the Oskia Renaissance Mask
Glycerin, Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Olivate, Methyl Sulphonyl Methane, Sorbitan Olivate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Alcohol Denat., Xanthan Gum, Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract, Inulin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Ribose, Petasites Japonicus (Butterbur) Root Extract, Lecithin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, CI 77491 (Iron Oxide)
If you read till here, GOOD ON YOU! Here’s a little reward 😉
Thank you Gift from me to you
Because I enjoy using this mask so much, I picked up a little gift for one lucky reader. This is an Oskia Christmas bauble that holds a 10ml 8g tub (sorry) of the Oskia Renaissance Mask. It’s the one I started with, good for quite a few uses, and can easily last you a couple of months.
As a little note, I will have little random giveaways pop up everywhere through the year – I ran one on my Instagram recently if you blinked and missed it – by way of a thank you, so just keep your eyes peeled on the blog and various socmed platforms, and you could get lucky with some beauty goodies 🙂
Have you tried this Oskia Renaissance Mask? Is there a similar mask you’ve tried or is there anything else from Oskia I should try?
I do really like the Oskia Restoration Oil too – it’s so thick and lush and so pungent my Dad makes a funny face every time I use it! LOL! But I’ll tell you about it another day 😉
Paris B
Wow, I am the first reader leave the comment. 🙂 If not mistaken, I get to know this mask during your last CNY post. When you post on FB on the promotion of the combo of cleansing gel and the mask in cult beauty, I bought it straight away. So far, I like the cleansing gel and mask quite a lot. But I cannot leave the mask for too long (more than 10 min) else my face will become sensitive and in reddish. I have tried 2 products of Oskia and like it so far. Hope to try the restoration oil and renaissance 360, do you have any comment of this 2 products.
what i mean is i am interested to try out restoration oil and super 16 anti ageing serum. Have you tried them out?
Apparently, other people eventually twigged LOL! Congratulations on being eagle-eyed and spotting this mask in last year’s CNY post! Yes indeed it was something I recommended people to save ang pow money for, and I still do. This is one really good mas, and I’m happy both that you got an excellent deal, and that you enjoy using it too! I have not yet tried Renaissance 360, but I LOVE the Restoration Oil! I tried a sample, and bought a bottle almost right away! It is however, very very thick, and I’m now wondering if it’s actually suitable in this weather. I’ll update!
Looking at the ingredients listed (containing a lot of fruit extracts as well as papaya enzyme), I would like to recommend whoever who wants to try this product or similar products to do a patch test at a small area on your wrist or sides of your face prior diving straight into full mask on ? Risk of allergy or sensitivity will always be there regardless of which brands the products come from.
Thus, doing patch test is a “safety measure” especially for those who have had previous experience of allergies/hypersensitivity.
Which brings us to another issue; when we want to splurge on high-end brands – it’s better to invest in trial kits or samples first ? so that if we are not suited to it, our pocket won’t cry?
You are right Sykin about patch-testing. The only problem being that often, with niche products, its hard to get samples. But as to your question, I’d say it depends. If there are trial kits or samples available, then definitely try a sample first, to see if you react to it. All you can expect from a sample is to know its texture, scent and any initial reactions. But unless it’s a big sample, you won’t be able to tell if you react in the long term. Still, it’s better than buying full size and then regretting it!
This mask is my weekly treat. I still have a third of the tub to go, but I’ve already bought the second tub. I usually buy the cleansing gel and mask set from Cult beauty. It’s value for money. I love the scent and the lush feeling when I put it on. I’m not entering the contest. Please give it to somebody who hasn’t tried it yet. I just felt I had to comment, as it’s a mask I really love.
I haven’t seen the Cleansing Gel and Mask duo set for a while! I must keep an eye out for it (although I really should just finish up what I own first, or at least make some headway LOL!) I’m so happy that you love using this mask too Cecilia!
I was going to suggest misting the skin with a facial spray prior to applying the mask would be a great idea. Given the texture of the product where you may have to work it in, you don’t necessarily want to tug the skin too much while working it in. Then i realised given how much you’ve talked about misting the skin prior to skincare, I’m sure your readers are well aware of it 😛 I’d be curious to see how different mists behave under different masks!
LOL! That’s a good point about misting, Geek. I don’t think I talk about mists enough, because people still ask me what purpose a mist serves! HELLO! LOL!
Scooping 10 beauty awards in the past six years, Oskia’s anti-aging ‘Renaissance’ mask is enriched with MSM-Regen Complex™ – it’s the purest form of Sulphur, an essential mineral crucial to the life and regeneration of cells. This spa-worthy formula contains exfoliating fruit and Lactic Acids, as well as stimulating Ribose to increase your skin’s respiration and reduce the appearance of fine lines. We love the luxurious texture and sweet yet fresh scent of Rose, Passion Fruit and Chamomile.
Paris, I copied this. Thought I may be of interest to you.
Thank you Jan! Yes, this is one of Oskia’s award-winning, bestselling product and honestly, I can understand why!
This would be a perfect ‘facial in a jar’, for weekly treatment and follow up with hydrating mask/overnight mask/ or oil.
Friday night usually my best time to do this routine, and I notice huge different in my skin (less congested, brighter, and less bump).
I guest, need to finished up all my exfoliating mask 1st (claudalie & glam glow), before buy this one.
This already in my forever bucket list that I want to try, (because non clay for exfoliation will be a game changer for me).
To be honest Christina, you don’t need to follow this up with any other mask – I feel it will detract from the good qualities of this mask. So I’d just use this one, then follow up with your regular night routine after cleansing, to enjoy its benefits! 🙂 Glad you are enjoying a regular mask routine – it is very beneficial to skin, provided you’re hardworking! Oh and I love the Caudalie glycolic mask, if you haven’t tried it! Gentle yet effective!
I’m not entering the contest (I already have a full size tub), I just want to express my love for this mask. I’m usually not a fan of masks, they rarely do anything noticeable for me, but I also tried a sample of this one first and couldn’t believe how fresh, plump and even-toned my skin looked afterwards. Just the way I look when I’ve had a particularly good 8 hour sleep, which is a rare occurence. Truly, the only con is the price, but it lasts for quite a while, so it makes it a bit more bearable for me.
Thank you for sharing your love for this mask Ivana! 🙂 I was so blown away by the sample, I just KNEW I had to get the full sized tub! But you are right about the price. It is a big outlay at first, but it will last a nice long while, and give you many many months of amazing skin 😀
Ahem….I’ve never heard of this brand. Pretty impressed reading how it works so well for you. I’m one of those lazy people who skipped mask for years until I discovered sleep- in mask last year and have been using it diligently almost every night. Beauty brands must have interviewed hundreds of lazy folks like me!
Tried several enzyme masks from Jan Marini and Phytomer, they are worthwhile as I can feel and see the difference. Would love to give this a go ?
Tada! You learn something new everyday Nvie! 😉 Check out also the Renaissance Cleansing Gel – very good! Ah yes the overnight and sleeping masks! I do think they have changed the way people do masks, but I also think they have made people lazier haha! Sleeping/overnight masks are good for hydration, but not so for brightening because you can’t leave those on too long so it still pays to be a wee bit hardworking 😉
Ooh…I was curious about brightening mask so I went to Mr Google and found Freeman Brightening Overnight Mask, available at Watson’s for under RM50. Read up more reviews and many are super happy with it. Have you tried that?
Oh that’s interesting. I haven’t tried it, primarily because I did not even know Freemans is still around LOL! 😀 I remember using their one pack masks back in the day when I was on a tighter budget 😀
I love Oskia, both their cleansers and the brightening serum. How do you compare this with PTR Pumpkin Emzyme mask? Probably more gentle? I would love to compare them. 🙂
Have a great day!
I’m afraid I haven’t tried the PTR Pumpkin mask Maja 🙁 I was very interested once, but I tried the PTR Rose and Cucumber gel masks, and they were such a let down, I didn’t try any of the others. I have tried a few other PTR products, but I find them quite strong and harsh in general – what do you think?
The Pumpkin mask can be very harsh because it contains physical scrub particles. It’s important not too rub hard. And I agree, many PTR products are rather strong.
Oh thanks for the warning Maja! I’ll avoid the PTR Pumpkin mask then – I’ve stopped using physical scrubs because my skin feels so raw after!
Thank you for recommending! Will definitely add this into my wishlist. I’ve never thought of buying samples/miniatures until I read your post about it and I can’t wait for the arrival of my small tub of elemis!!?
It gets more difficult to obtain samples from genuine customers these days.
One counter that I have visited, requires me to purchase something from them before they can give out samples . Well if I’m buying their products, I wouldn’t be needing the sample would I? ?
So? I went ahead and bought the largest size (value for money) .Asian blood ?
Oh Shia, be careful buying samples/travel sized skincare! I’d buy it only if it’s offered in a special trial set by the brand, or if it is a festive offering like the one here. I have come across many sites that claim to sell “authentic” samples, but I’d be wary because you don’t know how old they are nor if they’re authentic. I don’t like counters who are stingy with samples. Samples are meant to be for us to try the products first, before we know if we like it. The problem is that some people abuse this, which might be why some counters are so careful (and I’ve also heard of the staff hoarding samples for themselves!) But if that happens to me, I just walk out of the store. It’s a silly policy and they should understand that 😀
Pick me! Pick me! Haha!
I’ve been having congested pores problem since I moved to live in Bangkok. Maybe because of the polluted air or maybe because of the makeup I put when I go to work, most likely both. Read so much about how AHA can do wonders to our skin, but I have never got around to try. I am now eyeing the Pixi Glow Tonic, will get it soon.
Oh Bangkok is very polluted yes! So in your case, if you can handle it, using an acid toner more regularly will help with cleaning your skin a little better in the evenings. When I go to Bangkok I make sure I always double cleanse, and then acid tone so I don’t come home with a new spot! Pixi Glow Tonic is a good place to start – you can get the little 100ml bottle which isn’t too pricey!
I’m still battling adult acne at this prime old age ( I’m 40!). I don’t have much lines or wrinkles on the skin ( thanks to the oily combi skin?!) but damn, I still get very frequent pus like pimples on almost bi-weekly basis. I would say the skin have settled better now , and calm down by quite a bit after using the pixi glow tonic as toner on a daily basis, and using the glamglow clarifying mask ( twice a week) and Kate Somerville cleanser. These products really work wonders to combat acne.
Thanks Paris!
Ahem, Anne, I’m PAST 40 and therefore past my prime! LOL! 😀 I’m sorry to hear you’re still battling pimples and thank you for sharing what you use to combat it! Have you considered if it might be dietary? If you have a lot of sugar and/or dairy in your diet, it can cause pimples too – lots of reading material on that. I keep my diet low in sugar, and I’m as dairy-free as I can possibly be (primarily because of the lactose) and I do believe that it helps! I also don’t eat too much beef because it makes me breakout – it’s strange I know, but because I’m aware of it, I am more careful, and it’s helped!
I don’t take much sugar.. and I only drink milk occasionally. Talking about beef, I get hives whenever I consume steak! (I’m ok with burger patty, but it’s those prime steak that breaks me out with hives on my body! It’s funny isn’t it? Haha) anyway I’ve seen many docs, and they alway said it’s homonal issue and lack of rest and stress etc….the only consolation is that, I have no lines, yet. And I can still share acne products with my nephews! Haha
Haha your body doesn’t like expensive meats! LOL! But if you’ve seen doctors and there’s nothing else then it could just be that your body thinks it’s still a teen – I guess that’s a good thing? 😉 haha
never would have known about this brand or this highly recommended mask if i wasn’t reading your site so religiously… so many new things to learn about skincare all the time (and so little time)!
Amen Daphne about so many things and so little time (and face space) to try it all! LOL! But hey, you learnt something new!
I’ve recently purchased a trial size of the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, but have yet to decide how I feel about it. Mainly because it’s too expensive to use as a first cleanse, but leaves residue when I wash it off. Thinking I should use a cleansing cloth for this, but then I would need to wash 2 cloths for a day (I use a balm & cloth to remove makeup). Such first world problem (& spoilt :P).
I’m currently the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask by Peter Thomas Roth in terms of AHA mask, and IT STINGS SO BADLY! The tub still looks new because nobody at home can tolerate it. This is where the Oskia Renaissance Mask would come in. 😉 😀
Cult brands are always the most interesting to explore. 🙂
Haha I know what you mean Vivian. I’m comfortable with the residue, but I understand that people may not be. It does make a pretty decent first cleanse though, and if you use a second cleanse after, the residue should wash off. Oh and thank you for sharing your thoughts on the PTR Pumpkin mask – It sounds painful! 😛 I haven’t yet tried it, and I confess I have been curious to, but previous experience with the PTR brand has left me less than impressed, so I guess I’ve forgotten over time 😛
Hi Vivan, have you considered using it as a morning cleanser? I use different cleansers for AM and PM. This is one cleanser I find v gentle and suitable for morning use to get rid of any excess oil from the use of products the night before. Not much product is required in this case. You can use a wash cloth to gently wipe off any residue, no 2nd cleanse is required.
I’m so glad you’ve written a review on this. I actually got this sample in the advent calendar from lookfantastic last year and have used it once. Without even checking instructions and wondered what the hype was about ????? So time to dig it back out and have another trial!
Haha yes, I don’t think the samples come with proper instructions which is a pity! But now you know, and now you know that you have to activate it first! Enjoy masking!
My peak period at work has just ended, hurray! Unfortunately my skin has suffered from the late nights and high stress. I’m getting strange little bumps that are look like new about-to-be pimples and yet they resist my go-to pimple gel, and they all appear on the left side of my face, and at my under eye area too.
Hearing about how this masks brightens dull skin seems like such a great idea. The price though… What if I actually love it? The horror… LOL. But I can’t exactly resist the allure of a free gift 😉
I’m actually eyeing the Pixi Glow Tonic, but I’m hesitant to try since some people experience breakouts after using it. Maybe just a small bottle to try, that wouldn’t hurt my wallet much if it doesn’t work out.
OK, this is the end of my monologue 😛
It sounds like your skin was just as stressed as you were during your peak period Anthea! 🙂 Time for some TLC! Yes I have come across some people who experience breakouts from using the Glow Tonic, although they are in the minority. That said, they do sell small bottles that aren’t as bank breaking, so you can have a go. I personally find it quite gentle, although people say otherwise! 😛 You can also try the Hada Labo AHA/BHA lotion – it serves a similar function with different ingredients 🙂
*does that Kpop ‘Pick Me’ dance*
You’re not wrong about it being pricey – I winced at the price tag a little. One jar does look like it’d go a long way though…and climbing into my 30s means its time to work a little harder on skincare. I might poke around and try to find a small-size tub of this, just to see if the effects are epic as you describe (esp re: real-life Meitu brightener, LOL!)
Actually yes, a jar will last a while because it’s a mask, and you only use it once or twice a week 🙂 If you don’t happen to get it here 😉 then wait around. Occasionally, a deal with a similar size will pop up somewhere, and I will try to remember to link to it when the time comes 🙂
Wow, i have been looking for an honest review of this mask and here it is! Almost bought it a few times but managed to talk myself out of it due to the price point and uncertainty if it really works effectively. Am glad to know that it doesn’t sting as I face this issue with many masks nowadays, even for normal hydrating ones (Maybe too much chemicals)! This Oskia mask if definitely on my to-try list now, thank you for your review Paris 🙂
To be fair, Jay, very few products sting my skin, unless it is in high concentrations so if you have more sensitive skin, just be a little careful 🙂 Happy to push you over the edge 😉
Thank you for sharing this and organizing a giveaway!
To be honest I am always wary of trying new products given my somewhat sensitive skin, especially so if its a “insta-popular” item cause sometimes what looks good doesn’t work out to be quite as good, or I’m just jaded like that.
I was drawn in to read further just from your first paragraph and think you have successfully piqued my interest so much that I am probably going to splurge on this but thought I would just try my luck at winning this!
You are wise to be careful and wary, especially if you have sensitive skin! If you don’t happen to get this, look on Bath and Unwind – I believe there’s one there going on offer 😉
have always wanted to try this but the price is way too high. would love to try this especially since i am breaking out crazily.
To be very honest Sylvia, I’m not sure this would be the best mask for combating breakouts. You may want to consider a clay-type mask to help dry out the spots and later, when your skin is settled, then go with something more exfoliating like this or similar 🙂