Review: ORIGINS Clear Improvement Mask

I haven't bought a good mask in years! With winter upon us and as my dry, wind blustered skin calls out for some TLC I decided to splash out on a trio of masks from Origins. Each mask on it's own costs £22 for 100ml. However, at the moment, you can buy 3 different masks (all 75ml size), packaged prettily and branded as the Origins Mask Marvel Set. For just £25 which makes this set over double the amount of product for just £3 extra! The set contains Drink Up Overnight Mask, Drink Up 10 Minute Mask & Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. Not only is this a bargain no-brainer, this set would also make a lovely Christmas gift for a beauty loving friend. 

So far I have only tried the Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask but I plan to write a review of the others when I get a chance to try them. The 3 key ingredients in this mask are Active Charcoal, White China Clay & Lecithin which Origins claim to "draw out pore-cloggers", "absorb environmental toxins" & "dissolve impurities". All 3 naturally occurring substances are well known for their beneficial cosmetic properties. Clinical studies of Lecithin have shown it to benefit acne. White Clay has been used for centuries and is particularly good for sensitive skin because it is so mild. 

I have used this mask twice now and can already say I have seen some improvement to the congestion of my skin. My skin feels smooth and pores superficially clear. Obviously problematic areas and stubborn spots still remain but I would hope after consistent use these might be reduced quite substantially. As I find with all Origins products they last a long time, so once a week use should not be a problem.

Directions say to first open pores with a warm, moist towel, however, I just had a long soak in a hot bath which is hopefully good enough. I have found I need a couple of layers of product in order to cover the whole face as it spreads quite thinly. It has the texture of something like acrylic paint rather than a thick clay which surprised me but isn't unpleasant.  It has a fresh, clean, light and distinctly "Origins" smell with a slight clay-like after note. Very pleasant.

It takes about 5-10 minutes to dry and I wash it off as soon as it has dried with help from a muslin cloth. It dries with quite a soft & smooth texture, not like the usual flakey and cracking texture of a charcoal or clay mask. I have quite dry skin, especially in winter months, so I feel tightness immediately after I have washed it off and have to run straight to my room to moisturise. I notice my skin looks quite red after using the mask which I think is to do with the properties of the White China Clay that stimulate circulation. The redness goes down pretty quickly and the biggest difference I notice in my skin is even tone and a smoother complexion. 

Despite the pretty hefty price tag I would really recommend this product and in fact all Origins products are really worth the bucks for their natural & pure ingredients. 

Hope you enjoyed this review. Let me know your thoughts about this product if you have tried it in the comments below.

Izzy x

Winter Skin Cleansing

I've been really enjoying Autumn this year. Getting up most days to crisp sunny weather, wrapping up in big tartan scarves & sipping hot chocolate on long dog walks. Unfortunately a downside to the dropping temperature is often that our skin gets quite abused & products that were fine for summer are no longer keeping up.

 

I have definitely noticed this in the last couple of weeks with my skin getting pretty dry on my forehead & cheeks. Taking this as my cue I have begun updating my skincare routine, making the transition into the winter months with richer more hydrating products.

First up; cleansers! I find using a rich cleansing cream or balm to be the most effective step in maintaining good winter skin. It preps your skin with a good amount of moisture & removes any dead skin or flakes that can make applying makeup later-on a nightmare!

So far I've picked up two new cleansers the illustrious Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm & the Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser from Superdrug. So far I've been using the purse-friendly Superdrug option, anticipating the more potent Emma Hardie will be better served for when the temperature truly plummets.

So far I've been so impressed with the £5.99 Superdrug find. I've used (& loved) Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish in the past & think that this holds its own against the multi-award winner. 

A thick, rich textured cream with a natural botanical scent it leaves skin feeling baby soft, clean & nourished. I don't ask much more from a cleanser!

It's also worth noting that I have pretty sensitive, combination skin, prone to redness & irritation. This doesn't aggravate my skin in anyway & actually feels calming & soothing. A big thumbs up from me, I'm very happy to find such an affordable & effective product!

I'll let you know how I get on with this in the coming months & also the results of the EH cleansing balm. 

What are your winter skincare must-haves?

Harriet x

Skin Care for Cyclists

       

This is a post about how to look after your skin if you are a cyclist. So, before you carry on reading, this isn't a post about anti chaffing creams or saddle sore. I just have some practical advice on how to take care of your skin when braving the elements on your bike.

I commute to work in London everyday on my bike (I ride a Dawes Ultra if anyone's wondering). That's not to say I'm a lycra wearing speed monster. It is the quickest and easiest way for me to get to work, I have been cycling for years and quite frankly, I enjoy it. My journey is about half an hour long, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint hearted. Blistering cold winds, biting rain, mud, pollution and even on occasion being sprayed with window screen wash mean that my poor skin takes a beating every morning and evening, 5 days a week. So here are some rules that I live by:

ALWAYS use Lip Balm
If you do nothing else, just follow this one rule. The skin on your lips is so thin and fragile. Before I cycle I use something like Kiehl's Mango Lip Balm (10) which actually claims to help protect your lips from wind and cold weather. And to soothe dry lips after a cycle I would normally use a medicated relief cream such as this one from Blistex (6).
Exfoliate Less
I personally feel for my dry skin, exfoliating once a week is too much. I find I want to be as gentle and as kind to my skin as possible. If you want a deep clean though I would recommend using a facial brush along with your normal cleanser like the Botanics Facial Brush (2) and for when I do exfoliate once or twice a month I like to use Origins Modern Friction (9) which is very gentle.
Wear an SPF
Instead of wearing sun block I normally try to buy foundations or BB creams that have SPF in them (it's a real time saver!) I always put makeup on before I get on my bike because I don't really work up that much of a sweat and I can never be bothered to carry my makeup to work with me. Also I feel like it provides a barrier between my skin and the weather, so that can't be a bad thing! At the moment I use Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation (5) and Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB cream (8). Lots of face creams now have SPF in them too so there is really no excuse...
Use Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Even though I am only 23 I am aware that my skin will line and age prematurely from being exposed to changing adverse weather conditions. It's always best to prevent rather than cure. Having said that, if you're young like me you don't need to spend a fortune on anti-wrinkle creams (yet) so something like Garnier Ultra Lift Cream (3) will do. Make sure to shop around as it is only £6.25 at Tesco compared to £9.79 at Boots!
Use a Cleansing Oil
This one is more about personal preference and again is about being kind and gentle to your skin. I feel by using a cleansing oil instead of a foaming face wash I am still keeping moisture in my skin whilst also being able to clean it. It took some getting used to but I really noticed a difference in my skin when I switched from a foaming face wash to Origins Clean Energy (7).
Repair and Restore
There is only so much you can do to protect and prevent damage to your skin. Apart from using a good moisturiser I like to bring my skin back to life with an occasional face mask like Lush Oatifix (1). I also really want to try Heal Gel Intensive (4) which is supposed to do wonders for "troublesome" skin. Personally I think face masks are far too expensive so you could try making your own at home!

I hope you enjoyed this post, please let me know if you are a cyclist and have any of your own tips and tricks!

Isobel x

Mini Boots Haul

Garnier BB Miracle Skin Perfector Light - £7.49 

I'm really enjoying the BB cream movement and have only heard good things about this particular one.  So far I've only just tested it on my hand but it seemed to blend into my skin really smoothly, leaves it feeling soft & has a nice fresh scent.

Boots Salon Smooth Nail Files - £1.25

This is probably my most purchased item from Boots. I always have a couple of these on my bedside table or in the bottom of my bag. I can't fault them, they do the job and are so cheap. I had a lovely Shellac manicure at Christmas which was amazing while it lasted but has left my nails a bit worse for wear so I definitely need to give them a little TLC at the moment.

No7 Blusher Brush - £11.50

This brush has tapered edges and is nice and small - perfect for contouring cheek bones. 

La Roche-Posey Effaclar Duo 40ml - £13

This product is really big on the blogging scene at the moment. I've heard so many good things about it so I thought I'd give it a go. It claims to correct imperfections and unclog pores. My skin's not too bad actually when it comes to blemishes but I always have one or two little imperfections at any given time that I would love to get rid of!

Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what you thought of them. Hope you enjoyed!

Isobel x