(Alliteration ftw!1) After reviewing both a Korean and a K-Beauty adjacent overnight mask recently, I’m determined to show you a Western product that’s comparable and good. I also want to show you as many overnight masks as possible, because one, sheet masks aren’t the only way to keep your skin hydrated and happy, and second, sheet masks are single use products that fill up landfills and pollute our planet. Here’s my Paula’s Choice Radiance Renewal Mask review.
Why and how to use an overnight mask
An overnight mask might not only be more sustainable, but will also mostly sneak some extras in that your basic hydrating sheet mask won’t: some add anti-aging, brightening, or soothing ingredients, some even add actives like acids. I always do my complete evening skincare routine sans moisturiser, and add any overnight mask on top.
PC’s Radiance Renewal Overnight Mask does promote rather similar things to my old sheet masks:
“(it) promote(s) a more radiant skin tone, softer surface texture, and a hydrated plumpness for an overall youthful glow. The lotion texture includes ultra-soothing ingredients to improve skin tone and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
So we should suspect some hydration, brightening and soothing action after using this overnight, and bingo, it does.
Texture and application
The texture is a slightly thinner lotion-y gel than cosrx’s rice mask. It feels lighter, and subsequently, sinks in quicker and doesn’t feel as sticky. It is still an overnight mask, though, and those operate with occlusive (silicones, in this case), to lock in moisture.
Consequently, overnight masks will always feel a bit sticky and lay on top of the skin. That’s either something you can tolerate, or overnight masks might not be for you. (Yes, your pillow will suffer as well. Change your sheets more often, anyways – crisp new sheets are nice and good for your skin.)
Ingredients and formula
In typical Paula fashion, the Radiance Renewal mask doesn’t just rely on one ingredient. Oh no! We have three hero ingredients that are named on their site, and then the supporting cast of hydrators, antioxidants and moisturisers. The main ingredients, though, are Niacinamide, Arbutin and Bearberry Leaf Extract. All three should smooth and brighten your skin.
Arbutin (per PC), like Vitamin C, can address hyperpigmentation and even out skintone. It can be made synthetically or derived from Bearberry leaves. It breaks down into Hydroquinone, and is supposed to be gentler than that. For addressing some serious brightening (NOT whitening) action, the combo of Arbutin, Bearberry Leaf Extract and Niacinamide should be a winning combo (note that the Radiance Renewal Mask’s formula also includes a Vitamin C derivative for even more brightening).
In for the long haul
There’s only one catch: all those ingredients, but Niacinamide most of all, need time and regular application to make a difference (more on Niacinamide at the Skincareedit). In the case of Niacinamide, it takes about two to three months until you’ll see a change in your skin, and you need to use it continuously.
That doesn’t sound very promising for a mask that you’ll use now and again, right? Arbutin, though, will work more quickly, and your skin will benefit from hydrators such as Hyaluronic Acid pretty fast. In that case, the overnight effect will rather stem from those, than from Niacinamide and Arbutin. I’d recommend Paula’s Niacinamide Booster (one of my fave PC products!) if you want to benefit from Niacinamides many, many advantages: I mean, who doesn’t want some anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, sebum reducing, soothing and lightening action for their skin? I know I do!
Effects on my skin
The most exciting part in any review: does this actually do something for my skin? Yes and no. This is a good overnight mask in the sense that I wake up with a soothed and calm and hydrated face the next morning. My skin analyser says that my skin is sufficiently hydrated and nourished, but numbers aren’t going through the roof. It’s rather comparable to cosrx’s rice mask.
I initially got this for some discolorations in my face that are super slow to fade. Does the mask do anything for them? No, it doesn’t. For that, I use the Resist Brightening Essence, which at least helps newer discolorations to fade more quickly. The mask may add to that, but you won’t see a serious brightening and evening out session from the mask alone. Neverthless, I like it: as a nice add-on to my existing skincare routine.
Would you get a similar effect by adding PC’s Niacinamide Booster to a good moisturiser? I think so!
Are there more hydrating overnight masks? Yes, definitely! (For example, while Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Mask did nothing special for me and has a lot of disadventages for me, boy, does it hydrate!)
Would I buy a full-size Radiance Renewal Mask? Very likely not.
Where and how much?
If you buy at PC, get on the newsletter and wait for a good deal. Usually, a 1,7oz./50ml will set you back $36 or 39€. In Germany, Flaconi has the best deals on PC.
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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