Winter Pamper Routine | Hair, Skin and Nails

Today I thought it was about time I shared an updated pamper routine with you guys. It's been a while since I last shared what I use to pamper myself and I like to change up my products quite regularly in order to try new ones out, however some remain the same which you will see throughout this post. If you'd like to see my last pamper routine, you can find it here. Also, this post is a collab with the lovely Megan from Floral Chummys so be sure to go check her post out too! Enough with the rambling, lets get into it!

First up i'll start with a hair mask, i'd usually go for an Argan Oil one which you can pick up in bargain shops. However, I recently discovered the Philip Kingsley Elastizer in my beauty advent calendar so I tried it out as soon as I could. The directions tell you to pop it on before shampooing, leave it on for about 20 mins then rinse with shampoo and condition as normal. It's supposed to leave you with healthier hair that shines- so far I couldn't say but bloggers rave about this so i'm hoping it'll serve my hair well!

Next i'll jump in the shower and rinse my hair with shampoo as instructed by the hair mask. I don't have any particular shampoo and conditioner that I use during a pamper night so i'll just use my everyday products which happen to be the Tresemme Salon Silk Shampoo and Conditioner. I love Tresemme hair products so i'll always run back to them, time and time again.

Once my hair is washed and conditioned, it's time to move on to my body. First of all, I'll go in with the Soap and Glory Scrub Of Your Life which I have sadly ran out of at the moment. It's my favourite body scrub, I love the classic Soap and Glory scent and this really gets to work an leaves me with super soft skin paired with the Clean On Me Shower Gel and the body butter which i'll talk about shortly.

Now i'm all clean and my pores have opened from the steam of the shower, i'll pop on a face mask. This is currently my go-to face mask, it's the Lush Mask of Magnaminty- I actually did a review on it here. It also doubles up as a scrub when applying and removing as there are little grains in it- the perfect two-in-one! This leaves my face feeling super clean, soft and tackles any blemishes I may have on their way/on my face. I'll leave this on whilst i'm moisturising my body.

The body butter I most often opt for is the Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter. Again, it has the classic Soap and Glory scent and is super thick but sinks in quickly to leave the skin feeling soft and smelling lovely. I've almost run out of this too so i'm hoping Santa will pop it under the tree along side with the scrub.

Another Soap and Glory product I like to use(#NotAnAd, lol) is The Heel Genius Foot Cream. Feet isn't usually something I focus on here on my blog but I put quite a lot of this on, put socks on and leave it to do it's work overnight and by the morning I have super moisturised and soft feet.

Once these are done, i'm pretty sure it's time to remove my face mask so once that's done i'll apply whatever moisturiser i'm using at the time. At the moment i'm using the Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Cream morning and night, it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and plump and I also really like the botanical scent- it's so relaxing when applied just before bed. Now it's time to light some candles and pop on some YouTube vidoes whilst I paint my nails.

As i'm not supposed to wear nail polish during the week because of my job, I tend not to bother on the weekends. However, I'll definitely be whipping out my festive polishes once I finish work for Christmas. I recently picked up these from Avon which are perfect for the Christmas season. The left is one of the Magic Effects Molten Metals in the shade Copper and the other is one of the Gel Finish Polishes in Roses Are Red.

Whilst my nails are drying, i'll try to convince my Dad to make me a Lemon Green Tea because ya'know my nails aren't dry! Usually, it doesn't work so i'll have to strategically make a cup of tea without getting smudging my nails. Then again, i'll watch a bunch of YouTube videos whilst sipping my cup of tea, waiting for my nails to dry, loving life!

Last but not least, once it's time to call it a day i'll pop on some hand cream- usually one by The Body Shop or Soap and Glory, blow the candles out and hit the hay. Zzz!

There you have it, my winter pamper routine. I hope you enjoyed this post, make sure you go check out Megan's post, here to see what products she loves using during a pamper routine. I hope you've had a lovely week, only twelve sleeps til Christmas!

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU USE WHILST HAVING A PAMPER?

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Christmas Wish List 2015 | Bags, Beauty and Fragrance

Seeing as it's the first week of December, I thought what better way to start the month than with my Christmas Wish List. I know a lot of you will be starting to look what to ask for this year or maybe even looking for gift ideas so perhaps this could help you either way. Please note this is a 'wish list' so of course I don't expect to receive everyone of these items, if any! This is just a select few items that I would love to receive. Let's get into it!

1. Zara Soft City Bag

I love this bag! I'm definitely in need of a new one as I've had my last Zara bag for nearly two years, it's looking a bit worse for wear so I think it's time I got myself a new one. I saw this bag in a haul on YouTube and I knew it had to be mine, especially as it's only £20. Unfortunately it's now unavailable on the website but I have a sneaking suspicion that Santa may have heard my pleads. Let's hope I find this under the tree!

2. Purse

Seeing as this is a 'Wish List' then i'd really love the Ted Baker Colour Block Matinee Purse in Nude. I could've sworn they did this in the summer but they must have stopped making it as I can't find it anywhere. So I wish that said purse still existed an I wish that I had £75 to spend on a purse but this one from ASOS is lovely too. I like large purses so something simple like this is perfect for everyday and will sit nicely in the bag I mentioned previously.

3. Origins Night-A-Mins Moisturiser

In last years Boxing Day sales I picked up an Origins Sample Set. This was included within the set and I loved it, however I don't love the price. It's £35 which has put me off repurchasing it but i'm thinking I could pop it on my Christmas Wish List and maybe a kind someone will put it under the tree for me. If not, I think i'll definitely have to purchase it myself. It's 50ml so should last me ages, right!?

4. Soap and Glory Body Gift Set

I can't believe how long I've loved Soap and Glory, it's been 6 years since I received my first ever Soap and Glory products. Can anyone remember The Big Thrill Hat Box set that went from £50 down to £20? My Dad rushed out to get it for me! So it's become a tradition that every year I receive a Soap and Glory gift set and i'm definitely not complaining! As much as i'd love the Whole She-Bang set, it's a little pricey so i'd be more than happy with Soaper Star set as it contains a few of my all time favourite Soap and Glory products. 

5. Soap and Glory Well I'll Be Glammed Makeup Gift Set

Another Soap and Glory set, but this time it's makeup! I've not actually tried much of their makeup range. Only a primer, the Brow Archery and a Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss. This set is such a great deal, I'd really love to find this under my tree and would be a great way to test out more of their makeup range!

6. Benefit Pump Up The Party! Gift Set

You may have seen me mention before but I've not actually tried many high-end makeup brands. However, everything I've tried from Benefit I've loved! Again, I think this set is a great deal and would be perfect to try out more of their products! The Rockateur Blush looks right up my street and is included in this set. Also, I think this would be a great gift for someone wanting to experiment more with makeup and dip into the high-end side.

7. Perfume 

I'm not entirely sure what perfume i'd like, which isn't good as i'm so fussy when it comes to perfume. However, I think i'd like a more affordable perfume for daily wear. As much as I love my Giorgio Armani Si, it's quite expensive for everyday wear and is more of an evening scent. I did notice they now do an Eau De Toilette version so maybe that's lighter and more appropriate for daily wear? I don't know but the bottles really pretty, haha!

8. Yankee Candle Pink Sands Jar

And last but certainly not least, I'd love this candle. I've tried a load of the wax melts and samplers and this has been my favourite by far so i'd love to have the large jar to burn. Also it's pale pink so will look super cute in my room, what more could I want!?

I hope this has helped you if you're stuck on what to ask for or what to buy for your loved ones. I've actually finished my Christmas shopping which is good but also not as I keep seeing other things and spend even more money. I should be saving to learn to drive so I suppose that's another thing i'd like- driving lessons, something practical! I'd love to know how much shopping you've done. Let me know in the comments!

WHAT'S ON YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST?

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Products I've Used Up- Skincare | November 2015

Today, we'll be having a rummage through my empties to see what I've used up lately and give mini reviews on each of them. I was going to do a collective empties post, however I found I had a lot of skincare products and I didn't want to make this post too long so i'm going to do separte ones- the other will be coming soon but lets get on with it and show you what I've used up and what I thought of them.

Garnier Moisture Matte Moisturiser

This is my favourite drugstore moisturiser. I've repurchased this many of times and I will continue to, I have no doubt you've probably seen this on my blog before. It's super hydrating, sinks into the skin quickly and stays matte so my face doesn't look like an oil slick.

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Cream 

I saw that L'Occitane were doing skincare trials where you could get a 7 day free sample tailored to your skins needs. This claimed to help with colour correcting and hydration. As this was only a 7 day sample, I can't say I noticed any colour correction, however my skin felt well hydrated and smooth. This seems like a good moisturiser but for the price tag of £32, I'll stick to my Garnier Moisture Matte mentioned previously.

Origins Ginzing Moisturiser

This is another product that was raved about so I thought I'd give it a go. I have a deluxe sample which I got from a gift set. I actually did a full review on the set, here. 

I did like this moisturiser, it was light, sank into the skin quickly but it's supposed to 'wake up your skin' but I still found mine looked pretty dull after using this. Considering it's price tag, I won't be repurchasing this.

Origins Night-A-Mins Moisturiser

This one also came as part of the set. I'd never properly used a night cream before so I was looking forward to try this. This was really hydrating, sank in quickly and left my skin feeling super soft and plump in the morning. I've noticed a big difference in my skin since I finished this, my skin has been a little dry in places and I've been breaking out. It might not be, but I'm pretty sure it's down to this. It's a little pricey which is why I haven't repurchased it yet but I definitely will after Christmas.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Day Moisturiser

I love the Vitamin E range, I think it'd be perfect for those with normal/combination skin. This moisturiser is light and hydrating. It also smells really nice too. I'd definitely think about buying this again!

The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser

Another from the Vitamin E range. This is a light, gentle cleanser that I used as a second cleanse after taking my makeup off. This left my skin feeling refreshed, soft and hydrated. I loved taking this off with a hot muslin cloth. Another I would consider purchasing!

Soap and Glory Hot Pore Cleanser

Apparently this is similar to the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, one I've been wanting to try for a while. This again is good for a second cleanse as it's deep cleaning and really gets into the pores. This would be great for a pamper night, it has such a relaxing scent and feels like a luxury product. I'm unsure whether I'll be picking this up before I try the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish but I'll let you know I'm sure.

Simple Soothing Facial Toner

This was the first toner I had used in a long while and I must admit I did enjoy using it. As it's Simple the ingredients are very natural therefore it should be kind to the skin and would be great for anyone with super sensitive skin. In comparison to the current toner I'm using, I much prefer this one so I would buy this again. I've seen Simple have a pore minimising toner too so I must give that a go!

Garnier and Boots Botanics Micellar Cleansing Water

I've gone through a good few bottles of the Garnier Micellar Water as I love it. I got a bit bored so thought I'd try another. Although the Botanics one is good, I found I needed a lot more to break down my makeup. I also found the Botanics one left my eyes a little bit sore afterwards where as the Garnier one is so gentle and kind on the eyes. I'll definitely be repurchasing the Garnier one!

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Has anyone else spotted those little baskets in Boots in the skincare section with samples of products to try? I always pick them up. This was one of them! This was a highly raved about product so I knew I had to try it. It's supposed to help with blemishes to reduce the size/appearance of them and to help reduce the appearance of spot scars. I did use this all up but it didn't make much of a difference, I'm so disappointed! I definitely won't be buying this. Have you tried it?

Soap and Glory Hand Food and Heel Genius Foot Cream

Hand Food is definitely a well loved product in the blogging world. I don't  love it nor hate it. This again has the typical Soap and Glory scent, it's hydrating and softening but I find it leaves a greasy residue on my hands which I don't enjoy. This isn't a bad product and if I was gifted it again, I would use it- probably before I go to sleep though.

I'd not heard much about the Heel Genius Foot Cream but I was willing to give it a go. This has more of a minty scent which is nice and refreshing. I pop this on after I've showered and put socks straight on to lock it in and let it sink in. I will repurchase this once I've finished the bottle I'm currently using- it makes my feet so soft! If you've got any beach holidays coming up, I'd definitely recommend this to soften the skin so they look good in sandals!

Well, that was a strange one to end on- i'm sorry! Haha! These are the products I've used up recently, there are a few repurchases and a few misses. Let me know if you've tried any of these products below in the comments and what you thought of them! I'll be back on Wednesday with a little update!

WHAT PRODUCTS HAVE YOU FINISHED LATELY?

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30 Beauty Questions | TAG

This week I've been quite busy so unfortunately I haven't had much time to think about or prepare a post for today. However, I didn't want to miss an upload day so I thought i'd take a look some beauty tags and I've chosen this one to share with you today. I'll try to make sure i'm on top form next week, so bare with me guys!

1. DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST MAKEUP ITEM?

I had to have a good think about this. I believe it was one of those makeup compacts with pink and blue eye shadows from Argos. I think I may still have it somewhere!

2. DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT MASCARA. HAVE YOU FOUND ONE THAT FITS YOUR SPECIFICATIONS? 

I really like long fluttery lashes, though the mascara must not be too wet nor too dry. I love the Benefit Roller Lash for this!

3. WHAT KIND OF COVERAGE DO YOU PREFER FROM FOUNDATION?

Medium. Something that can be worn as a natural everyday base but also can be built up to a high coverage when needed.

4. FAVOURITE HIGH END BRAND?

I haven't tried that many high end brands so it'd have to be Benefit.

5. WHAT COSMETICS BRANDS HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY BUT STILL HAVEN'T?

MAC, Urban Decay and Laura Mercier!

6. FAVOURITE DRUGSTORE BRAND?

This was a tough one! It was between Rimmel and L'Oreal. I'd have to say Rimmel as I've tried and loved a lot more products from them!

7. DO YOU WEAR FAKE EYELASHES?

I've only worn individuals once or twice and I loved them! I think I should try them out again, go all fancy for the festive season coming up! Any recommendations?

8. IS THERE ANY KIND OF MAKEUP YOU CANT LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT?

Mascara, I feel that I look more awake and slightly more done up with a quick flick of mascara!

9. WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHERISHED BEAUTY PRODUCT?

I imagine this would usually be a high end product that you love but I don't have any full-sized high end products! I'd have to say L'Oreal True Match Foundation, it has been a solid favourite for over a year now!

10. HOW OFTEN DO YOU SHOP FOR MAKEUP? DO YOU PICK IT UP HERE AND THERE OR GET LOTS OF GOODIES AT ONCE?

I've never actually gone into Boots and done a huge shop. Though, I think I should after Christmas and get a whole load of products for a new year. I pick it up here and there!

11. DO YOU HAVE A BEAUTY BUDGET OR DO YOU SPEND FREELY?

I don't necessarily have a budget, but I do try not to spend too much on beauty products- hence why the majority of them are drugstore!

12. DO YOU UTILISE COUPONS, REWARDS CARDS AND SALES WHEN YOU SHOP FOR COSMETICS?

I pop coupons in my purse and forget about them! I always use my Boots and Superdrug points card and always browse in the sale!

13. WHAT TYPE OF PRODUCT DO YOU BUY THE MOST OF?

Lipsticks, definitely. I've told my mum that I won't buy anymore until after Christmas. Let's see how long this lasts!

14. IS THERE A BRAND YOU ABSOLUTELY CANT STAND?

I had a good think about this and I don't think there is! Miss Sporty reminds me of the time when I used to use cheap makeup from magazines, it didn't look too great but that was probably my fault. But I don't hate Miss Sporty as I've heard they actually have some really affordable and great products.

15. DO YOU AVOID CERTAIN INGREDIENTS IN COSMETICS LIKE PARABENS OR SULFATES?

Of course it's always a bonus if products don't have these but it's rare that I look up the ingredients of products which is really bad. I'm sure i'm not though only one though!

16. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP FOR MAKEUP?

Boots and Superdrug. I used to love buying makeup from Frangrance Direct online though as they have super affordable makeup. I may just go have a browse now!

17. DO YOU LIKE TRYING NEW SKINCARE PRODUCTS OR DO YOU KEEP A CERTAIN ROUTINE?

I buy new skincare products quite often actually. I love trying new cleansers as i'm yet to find the perfect one for my skin. However, once I start using a product that I like- I do use it for a good while or until it's completely empty so I sort of stick to a routine.

18. FAVOURITE BATH AND BODY BRAND?

Soap and Glory. I've just been lusting over their amazing Christmas gift sets!

19. IF YOU COULD ONLY BUY FROM ONE BRAND, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

This may seem a little odd as I've never actually tried anything from them but MAC. MAC just about do everything beauty wise and so many people rave about it!

20. WHAT BRAND DO YOU THINK HAS THE BEST PACKAGING?

Benefits packaging is really pretty!

21. WHICH CELEBRITY ALWAYS HAS GREAT MAKEUP?

I actually have no idea for this one. I only keep upto date with a handful of celebs and I rarely look at their makeup which is odd seeing as I love makeup a lot!

22. DO YOU BELONG TO ANY ONLINE BEAUTY COMMUNITIES?

The Beauty Blogger community, I guess!

23. 5 FAVOURITE BEAUTY GURUS

*Trawls through YouTube Subscriptions*
Amelia Liana
Fleur De Force
Laura Black
Miss Budget Beauty
Vivianna Does Makeup
one more, maybe?
Lily Pebbles

24. DO YOU LIKE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS LIKE LIP AND CHEEK STAINS?

They're handy, yes! I don't really use lip and cheek stains. I do use an eye shadow on my eyes and as a highlight though!

25. ARE YOU CLUMSY WHEN PUTTING MAKEUP ON?

I'm not the best, I do try though! I have had countless eye makeup disasters which I've had to frantically wipe away and do my standard everyday neutral look!

26. DO YOU USE A MAKEUP BASE/PRIMER FOR THE EYES?

I usually use the remains on my fingers of my face primer and just pat it into my lids. Some people use their concealer too, don't they?

27. HOW MANY HAIR PRODUCTS DO YOU USE ON A TYPICAL DAY?

If i'm washing my hair, 4(shampoo, conditioner, serum and heat protector). If not then 2(heat protector and dry shampoo).

28. WHAT DO YOU APPLY FIRST? CONCEALER OR FOUNDATION?

I used to apply concealer first but I was technically rubbing it off when applying foundation so now, it's always foundation first!

29. DO YOU EVER CONSIDER TAKING MAKEUP CLASSES?

Always! I'd love to learn how to professionally apply makeup. However, there are only a couple near me which either don't have very good reviews or are super expensive!

30. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAKEUP?
I love how much makeup can change the way you look by enhancing your best features. Makeup also changes the way you feel about yourself, you can feel so much more confident and put together with makeup. I love to experiment with makeup, is it sad to say that makeup brings me joy?

I really enjoy reading tags so I hope this one hasn't been too boring!
I'm not going to tag anyone in particular as I know it can be difficult to keep on top of tags you've been tagged to complete. Feel free to do this tag if you please, let me know if you do it and i'll definitely go and check it out!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO THIS WEEK?

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Mask of Magnaminty | Lush Skincare Review

I heard lots about this mask and after having a breakout, my skin was in desperate need of a good treatment. I decided to purchase this mask whilst I was shopping in Exeter, we do have Lush in my hometown I just rarely pop in as it's a little out the way. I don't tend to purchase much from Lush anyway as I don't enjoy baths which is a shame, also the products are fresh so they don't tend to last as long, therefore I found a lot would go  to waste in my case. I believe the Mask of Magnaminty is the only self-preserving mask that Lush do, I picked this up in August and it should stay fresh til late November which is great and it shouldn't go to waste. 

This mask is aimed at more oily and blemish prone skin as it aims to clean, calm and clear. However I feel that this is quite gentle and nourishing so it could work for those with dry or sensitive skin too! 

On first application I noticed the lovely fresh minty scent, as the name would suggest. I found that this mask doesn't tend to go hard like most of the other masks I've used in the past, so I tend to leave it on for a little longer and my skin has no problems with that! Although, I did hear that the fresh Mask of Magnaminty has a considerably thicker consistency, so if you like thicker, heavier masks- that might be a better option for you. I think I much prefer this as it will last a lot longer, therefore it's better value for money. 

The mask is quite gritty as it contains evening primrose seeds and aduki beans which help to exfoliate the skin when applying and removing. Although the grains are quite large, they're gentle on the skin which would also be great for dry skin sufferers to remove any flaking skin. 

To remove the mask I usually soak a face towel in warm water and wipe it from the skin. Once removed I could definitely notice how clean, soft and smooth my face felt. I couldn't help but feel my face afterwards as it felt amazing! In terms of how it made my skin look, I haven't noticed drastic changes but any spots I did have were less angry and I believe my skin has been a lot calmer since I started using this.

For that matter, I would definitely repurchase this as it's so affordable and convenient as it's self-preserving because like most people, I only use a mask once a week. Also, it tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream. Yes, I know you're not supposed to eat it but I couldn't resist licking the tiny bit that happened to get onto my lips when applying. I noticed on the pot it also says, if you bring back five pots or tubes to recycle, you get a free fresh face mask- I'm definitely up for that!

The Mask of Magnaminty comes in at £5.50 for 125g which is quite a considerable amount, however you can also pick up the larger size of 315g for £9.75 which you might want if you're planning to use it as a body scrub also!

Have you tried this? If not, what is your favourite face mask?

♥   ♥   ♥

I Can't Be The Only One? | Bad Beauty Habits

Hello! For those of you who aren't already aware I've changed my blog name, I was 'A Touch of Pastels' but now everything has been changed over. Yay!

However, today I thought I'd do something a bit different- talk through some bad beauty habits. The first is a given with the image below, makeup filled brushes!

- I don't clean my brushes as often as I should. Once a week I say, more like evey fortnight- probably a bit gross!

- My skin seems to eat my makeup, why? I forget to prime and set with powder or a setting spray. This is probably why I look a bit worse for wear when returning from college or shopping.

- I touch my face, by that I mean I check for spots that could've appeared through out the day and probably encourage more. Not to mention the urge to pop them, disgusting I know! Does this sound familiar?

- I'm too lazy to dry my hair after washing so I let it dry naturally, that's not the problem. When my hair is wild in the morning and I need to look semi presentable I straighten/put some curls in my hair but I don't use heat protection because it doesn't feel right on dry hair, and I wonder why my hair is so damaged!?

- Who has time to moisturise their body after every shower? Definitely not me! I don't want to wait around in the cold for my body to absorb the body butter so I don't get stuck to my clothes. I should really pick up the Vaseline spray on body moisturiser!

- Old makeup? Throw it out! I'm guilty of assuming a 2 possibly 3 year old cream eye shadow would be OK, it wasn't! Talk about extremely irritated and dry eye lids! Having said that, give or take a few months and it can't cause that much harm, if anything. What do you think about it?

- Steer away from the tweezers, or in my case scissors. When I was about 15, I thought my eyebrow hairs were too long and thought it'd be perfectly fine to trim them with scissors. I thought it was OK until I wiped the pencil off I used to fill them in, I was half an eyebrow down! Thank goodness it grew back but in some cases, it doesn't. So don't over pluck either!

- I'm sure most people have bitten their nails at some point in their life, whether that be down to habit or habit when you're nervous. Think of all the germs and bacteria on your hands and even worse hidden under your nail, this stopped me along with painting them with my favourite nail varnish!

- That little bit of skin at the side of your nail, do not pick it! Apart from the fact it hurts like a (excuse my language) b*tch, it can also get infected really easily- ouch!

- Who else picks at split ends? I found myself rummaging through my hair while watching TV to find split ends, while I thought I was removing them I was actually told I was causing further damage up the hair. Again, I wonder why my hair is so damaged!

Please let me know I'm not the only one? What are your bad beauty habits? I'd love to hear in the comments!

Also let me know what you'd like to see here on The Traces of my Thoughts.

Much Love,

♥   ♥   ♥ 

Super Sample Set Review | ORIGINS Skincare

Origins is a brand I've heard a lot of great things about so its no surprise that a few products were on my list to try. Though Origins isn't the most affordable brand for myself and many others so it wouldn't be the best idea to go straight out to buy the full-size products straight away. When browsing the Boxing Day sales I came across this sample set reduced from £35 to around £22, it contained a few products I've wanted to try so I snapped this up straight away. 

I've been using this set for about 3 weeks now so I thought I'd give my thoughts on the products. Rather than attempting to explain what each of the products are I'm going to include the description from the Origins website and say whether I agree with its claims and whether I'd repurchase.

Checks and Balances Frothy face wash

"When it comes to faces with dry and oily places, it takes a clever cleanser to balance the two. This Origins gentle, frothy face wash carefully does both jobs without cancelling each other out. It helps to seek out oil, soaks it up then keeps it well in-check, while it balances and protects dry prone zones. And Broadleaf Kelp breaks down dirt, disperses excess oil and sends dullness down the drain. Skin feels comfortably refreshed after cleansing, never tight, pulled or parched."

The verdict: This definitely breaks down any left over makeup on my face and leaves my skin feeling smooth. Though this facial wash does smell quite strongly of soap which I'm not keen on and I feel it leaves my skin feeling quite tight. Apart from that I think it's great although I wouldn't repurchase at £18.50.

High Potency Night-A-Mins Minerals Mineral-enriched renewal cream

"Put dullness to rest. Wake up radiant & refreshed. Now nature's famed night cream is newly fortified with a system of time-released resurfacers plus Vitamins C, E & H, minerals & moisture-rich replenishers. While relaxing aromas lull you to sleep, skin sloughs away dry, dead layers. Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins™ helps the appearance of dullness."

The verdict: I love this, my skin feels amazingly hydrated after using it and my skin definitely looks better when I've woken in the morning. I also really like the scent of this and it does relax me ready for sleep. I've noticed the difference when not using this so I'll of course be putting this on my to-buy list, although it is £34.50 I think its reasonable for a hefty 50ml.

GinZing Energy-boosting moisturiser

"Origins GinZing™ instantly hydrates and revs up radiance.
This lightweight, oil-free, skin energy drink, fortified with legendary skin-boosters like Panax Ginseng and Coffee Bean, jumpstarts hydration levels. Lacklustre-looking skin is rapidly refreshed and revitalised to create a healthy, vibrant glow."

The verdict: This is the product I've heard most about, I have been enjoying using this in the morning to wake me up and give my skin more life. My skin feels smooth and prepped for makeup, though I'm not completely blown away by this yet. I'll give this a little longer to decide whether I'd actually repurchase this product so watch this space.

GinZing Refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff

"Nature's clinically-proven morning-after GinZing™ eye cream helps to reduce the look of dark circles. Unsightly bags and puffiness seem less visible. And Origins proprietary complex of Caffeine from Coffee bean, Panax Ginseng, Magnolia Extract and natural optic brighteners rapidly wakes up, refreshes and restores radiance to tired eyes."

The verdict: I'm not sure this reduces the look of dark circles but maybe that's just because mine are so bad. However I would agree that  this wakes up the eyes, making you appear more radiant and alert. I've been enjoying using this though at it's price for the full-sized product, it wouldn't be within in my budget to repurchase.

Clear Improvement Active charcoal mask to clear pores

"When environmental pollutants, dirt and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew in Origins Clear Improvement® gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best."

The verdict: This is such a quick face mask as it dries hard within just a few minutes of putting it on. Once washing away my skin feels so refreshed and although this mask is fast drying my skin didn't feel tight afterwards. I've definitely noticed a difference in the appearance of blemishes and the size of my pores are reduced. If i'm in need of a deep cleansing face mask, i'll definitely look at repurchasing this at £23 for 100ml. 

Modern Friction Nature's gentle dermabrasion

"Skin-refining Rice Starch cushioned in cream, rapidly removes sluggish cells, uneven patches and signs of skin damage and discolourations. Lemon Oil kick starts the process of illumination. Vitamin C mops up skin-menacing free radicals.There's no ouch, extra steps or other complications. No redness or flaking follows. With Origins Modern Friction™, skin looks perfectly polished, smooth and luminous."

The verdict: I've got combination skin so I do have patches of dryness. The grains in this scrub are so slight that they really get to work on dry patches by removing the flaking skin. I love how bright and replenished my face looks after using this and the Lemon Oil is very present, expect tingling nostrils after using this- haha! I would repurchase this as its £12.50 for 50ml. 

Make A Difference Rejuvenating hand treatment

"The resurrection plant Rose of Jericho, plus skin-reviving Trehalose and Sea Harictos work hand-in-hand to help hardworking skin rebound and recover from dramatic dehydration in Origins Make A Difference™ rejuvenating hand treatment."

The verdict: I've not got much to say about this product as I dont really dabble in hand care- oops! This product again is scented with Lemon which I'm a big fan of! The cream is very light and sinks quickly into the hands without leaving a greasy layer which is a bonus, as nobody likes oil slicked hands when attempting to open something sealed tightly. I won't be re-buying this as i'm not all that into hand creams so i'd rather use a more affordable brand but this is very popular as it's currently out of stock on the Origins website. 

I'm intrigued by the high quality products that Origins has to offer, though not all of these products were for me, I have no doubt that another few products will crop up on my 'to-try' list. Watch this space to see if and what I repurchase in due course *prepares to be skint*.

Have you tried anything from Origins? What did you think of it?

Let me know below!