little white truths

You may remember that I received this decent travel-sized version of Peter Thomas Roth's 24k Gold Mask in a PTR mask kit that I picked up from Beautybay a while back.

I wanted the kit because it contained the fabled Pumpkin Enzyme mask (which I couldn't find for sale individually) but this mask was also on my radar because I'd heard good things about it and I do need more hydrating masks and less of the mud variety (somehow I've wound up with far too many mud ones).

Fortunately I'm absolutely loving this product, and it's one I'd definitely consider buying when mine runs out. Fingers crossed that I have the same good luck with some of the other masks from the kit!

I've been using this mask for months now and I really like it. While the directions call for using it two or three times a week, I've only been using it once a week because I've also got my Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask on the go and both masks achieve similar things, so I'm rationing them by using each only once weekly and that's more than enough to keep my skin happy.

This mask is a thick, rich gel in consistency and it has no scent so it shouldn't bother those who don't like fragranced products. The bright gold colour makes it feel special and luxe, and it also feels luxe when applied because the texture is so thick and lavish, and I enjoy using it for that reason alone.

Apparently you can use this as a traditional mask or an overnight treatment, which I didn't know before researching this review so I've only used it in the traditional way so far - but I imagine that it would make a good overnight treatment too so I may well try that in future.

What I love about the product is that, in a short ten minutes, it really hydrates and softens my dry, dehydrated skin. I use it on days when my skin is crying out for moisture (often when I've exfoliated the evening before) and this mask brings the balance back to my skin quick smart.

I also find that it plumps and brightens my skin, so I look less lined after I've used this and my makeup always looks its best and goes on more smoothly after use.

While the directions say to use a 'very generous, non transparent layer', I don't use quite that much and find the results are just as good - so keep that in mind and play around with how much you apply because there's no point using more of an expensive product like this per application if you don't need to.

On the product claims: I do think this has a temporary 'anti-ageing' effect' because it does lift and firm the skin and make it more glowy; and I do think it gives you more hydrated, plumped skin. I also find that my fine lines look less pronounced on the day when I've used it, and it does have a re-energising effect too because my skin always looks brighter after use.

All in all, I think this is a fantastic product and I'm close to giving it an HG tag, but I haven't because I think that the Ren mask mentioned above just beats it. Just! But they do deliver similar results and I find them to be interchangeable - so if you like the Ren one but prefer the pricetag on a per-gram basis of this one, then it's worth testing this one to see if you like it just as much.

Fantastic. Definitely one I recommend.