Review: Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask

Origins Drink Up Intensive Face Mask // £20 // 100ml

Since the weather has become colder and more harsh my skin has been all over the place. It's become a lot more dehydrated and problematic so I called in the big boys. One of these products is the intensive hydration mask from Origins. I'd previously tried the original formula which I really enjoyed but thought the intensive would be more effective for this time of year.

A couple of months ago, the thought of putting something deeply moisturising on my face when I already have oily/combo skin would have made me run for the hills, but I've learnt that by hydrating my skin its helping with oil production. As always, the packaging of this Origins face mask reflects the product inside - simple and practical. I normally use this mask during a triple threat facial as the final step (mine consists of a deep cleanse, a blemish treating mask and then a hydrating one) or sometimes before bed when my skin needs an extra drink.

This is definitely the best smelling mask in my opinion from Origins as it smells of apricot and peaches. Considering how hydrating this mask is it feels very light weight and a little goes a long way. As the name suggests this is an over night mask so I normally put this on half an hour before bed to make sure the excess has sunk in and by the time I wake up in the morning it has all been sucked up! With a combination of Hyaluronic Acid, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil and mango butters this cocktail of ingredients hydrates your skin deep down. I have definitely noticed a different in my skin since using this - it is more plump,super soft and my make up sits a lot better. The effects from this mask also last for more than a day and so I normally only have to use this around once a week.

This is a definite must in my winter skincare arsenal. Although it might be more pricey for a student budget, this will last me ages and the benefits for me are worth the price tag. It is available to buy on the Origins website or at John Lewis counters. 

Have you tried anything from Origins before? What is your favourite face mask? xxx

Delights for Dehydrated Skin

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair // Origins Drink Up Intensive // Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish // Boots Vitamin E eye cream // Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief // Neal's Yard Frankincense Hydrating Cream

A few weeks back, I noticed that no matter how I applied my make up I always ended up looking cakey. Even the most moisturising of my bases were no longer dewy and just weren't sitting right on my skin. I realised that together with being ill, the colder weather and central heating, my skin had become dehydrated. As I have a relatively oily t-zone I would usually shy away from hydrating products, but I have learnt that there is a difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Combating the problem of dehydration can also help to balance out oilyness which is a plus point for me! I had a few products already in my arsenal but picked up a couple more to get me through the colder seasons.

For cleansing, Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish is a great natural choice for all skin types to take off make up and cleanse skin with a creamy formula including cocoa butter to nourish skin. The two part system keeps skin soft and radiant - this is my second bottle and will definitely always have a spare in my stocks. Advanced Night Repair is my serum of choice as it delivers hydration yet sinks in quickly and easily. It has quickly become a holy grail product for me and I alternate it every other night.

Over the top of my serum is a new purchase. My first product from Neals Yard (after hearing Hannah rave about them!) is the Frankincense Hydrating Cream, which I use as my night cream. It is rich and takes a little while to sink but a little goes a long way and I've been impressed so far. For a lighter alternative or as a day cream, I've been using a little pot of Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief which I was previously using over the Summer. As it is a gel like consistency it is light yet hydrating and leaves skin smooth and primed for make up.

For an intense boost once a week or so I bought Origins Drink Up Intensive mask - I tried the original formula before and enjoyed it but thought this one would really suit me for winter. It smells amazing and again a little goes a long way. Finally, for my eyes is another new purchase, however this one is more purse friendly! Boots Vitamin E eye cream is my first eye cream in ages and I have been using this morning and night to help my concealer sit better under my eyes. Not the most amazing of creams but definitely not the worst.

That's my round up of what I've been using to treat my skin recently, what products would you suggest for this time of year? xxx