Face Time - Origins Clear Improvements Face Mask

My friend had a charity bake sale today to raise money for the NSPCC. So I visited her stand and (all for charity of course) pigged out on her delicious red velvet cupcakes (mmmmm). So, since I've been a bit naughty, I thought I would do something good for my body and use my Origins Clear Improvements face mask and review it for you guys!

I really wanted this mask for ages just because it has charcoal in it and the packaging claims that this draws 'out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers' and I get loads of blackheads on my nose and chin. Black heads are like my primary skin concern as, apart from a bit of dryness and the occasional angry spot if I'm being really lazy with my make-up removal (I know, but what can I say I'm not perfect!). I've tried all sorts to try and get rid of them including those pore strips which felt very satisfying but largely just seemed to make my skin in those areas angrier, so a mask with claims like this one really appeals.

So actually using it. First things first (I'm the realest) I really like the fact that its a dark grey colour. I know that's a weird thing to say but because it's so dark it shows in places where you haven't applied as much so it helps you to get an even coverage so all your skin gets the benefits. Plus I like that you have to wait for it to dry rather than wash it off in 3 mins like some others I've used, because it feels like your skin actually has time to get the benefits.

I have noticed a difference in my skin after using this. The next day is generally a good skin day for me and my sensitive skin doesn't react to it which is great. That being said I have noticed if I leave it on too long after it's dried it can feel a bit tight and my skin is a little bit red when I wash it off but this goes away really quickly. Also if you have dry skin like me you'll probably want to moisturise afterwards as it can be a little drying.

Overall a great face mask that I really enjoy using and would highly recommend. Also if you have sensitive skin like me Origins is a great place to look for skincare as they use only organic, natural ingredients.

Gloomaway On A Gloomy Day - Gloomaway Body Soufflé

In my last post I said how excited I was for summer now the weather is turning and I think I may have jinxed it as the temperature is gradually dropping back down and the clouds are rolling in. As I type the rain is beating a sad rhythm against my window washing away my dreams of sun.

Outside my window

It is on days like today that I want to use summery feeling products like my Origins Gloomaway™ Grapefruit Body Soufflé. I received this as a Christmas present from my parents and at first I was taken aback by the unseasonal scent. When it says it smells of grapefruit it really SMELLS of grapefruit (so if you don't like that scent then it won't be for you) however I really like it so that was all well and good, I just thought it a strange scented present to receive in winter. 

However the product seemed too nice to leave in the back of my drawer until summer so I started using it right away and that was when the name 'Gloomaway™' really came into its own. On the back of the tub it claims to create a feeling of 'optimism and content' and I swear it really does! The fragrance is so summery and warm, and it just fills up the room you are in so that it feels like a waft of warm air bringing a taste of summer to you. The scent even lingers on the skin so that it is almost like carrying that feeling around with you all day. Mmmm...

Even the lid is sunny!

Just had to pause to put some on there! Other than the scent (which I know I've raved about but is really only half the story) it also works amazingly as a moisturiser. I've only ever used one other product which referred to itself as a body soufflé and that had a very solid texture so I was quite surprised to find that this has a nice, lightweight, whipped texture to it which just melts into the skin as soon as you start massaging it in.

I also have quite dull dry skin so I am extremely impressed with this product! I mainly apply it to my arms and legs and my arms have become the smoothest I've ever seen them and my legs...! It gives that freshly shaved feeling to my legs (even when they haven't been) where I want to walk everywhere in a stupid criss cross fashion so they can rub together as much as possible because they are that silky soft! I just love it! Plus (since I've been using this pretty much non stop since Christmas in very liberal amounts) it lasts for a long time as I haven't even used a third of it yet.

Whipped to perfection...

In case all of the above hasn't convinced you of how great this product is it is also paraben free, paraffin free and Origins don't test their products on animals so it is good for you and you can feel good about it too!