ORIGINS

Sum it up to say I'm dissapointed by it's lack of strength to last. I don't like cloying or overly fake smells and it has to be great not just ok for me to bother. With all the choices out there why settle for less? I have the mini version from a promotion or mask order, I can't recall, and really loved the bright bergamot and deep ginger scent so I ordered the large bottle here. I should have waited because for as lovely as it is if i put it on to early in my morning I cant tell if I'm wearing it after the morning is over. Maybe reapply every 2-3 hrs? Seems preposterous but maybe I'm just not familiar enough with perfumes?

Received this as a GWP when stocking up on my all time fave hand cream: 'Make a difference rejuvenating hand treatment'. I used it this morning after a particularly toxic night out as I wanted to really put it to the test and see what it would do for my tired (3.5 hours sleep) complexion. Had already used half the sachet last weekend.

Well, just like the previous time I did get that luminosity but again my cheeks felt slightly dry and tight although not majorly so. What I did like about it, and not seen in many other masks before, is the tone of the mask...it's got a gold/bronze hue in it and actually looks pretty stunning. Definitely not the plain black charcoal I was expecting! Smells like honey meets citrus coke, unusual but I like it. However as a mask it doesn't do anything amazing for me, for texture or for pores. It's good yes but probably not something I would go out and purchase unless in a sale.

Edit: have added a picture and ingredients to listing


Selena x


~ My HG list ~

(As I've sampled many 100s of skin, hair and m/u products over the last decade and a half, I thought it might be useful to share my top 10 must-have products, subject to change if and when I come across something more effective. I love constantly trying out new stuff - usually sample sizes via e-bay, also plenty courtesy of a friend who works at Sephora)


1. Hair Loss Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Hair Oil
2. Lip Balm: 'Nuxe' - Reve De Miel Lip Balm
3. Pigmentation + Anti-Ageing Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Facial Treatment Serum
4. Cleanser: 'Paula's Choice' - Skin Balancing Cleanser
5. Concealer: ‘Mac’ - Studio Finish Concealer
6. Lash Growth Serum: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Divinelash
7. Foundation/SPF: ‘Juice Beauty’ - Stem Cellular Repair (warm glow)
8. Face Scrub: ‘Sisley' - Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream
9. Moisturizer: ‘Antipodes' - Rejoice Light Day Cream
10. Hand Cream: 'Origins' - Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment

I have used this product for over 8 years. It does not cause any breakouts. My face does feel clean after using it. It does not give me the feeling of that there is still soap on my face or anything like that.

I have combination skin and at the end of the day, all my T-zone and cheeks covered by oils. This cleaner does get rid of my oils on the top my skin but not for deeper layer of the skin which is good as we do not want to over clean and cause any unbalance.

For the price tag, I think it is reasonable and also it always have discounts on beauty websites and I can get them cheaper than buying them from the airport duty free shops.

For one tube, I usually can use around 3-4 months and I use it both morning and night to wash my face.

However, if you expect this product can totally change the skin condition (i.e. purifying the pores, changing from oily skin to combination or dry skin etc ), I won't put too much hope on it apart from cleaning my face without causing breakouts/acnes.

I would recommend this product.

I have used the Origins charcoal mask previously and was very pleased with how it deeply cleansed my skin ( although it was very messy to use ). I bought this mask in the small pod form, a good way to try it before shelling out on the full sized product. Sadly it disappointed me, although it smelled wonderful. It just didn’t seem to do anything for my skin and the exfoliating bits were very annoying. The instructions to massage them into the skin confused me, was this a mask or an exfoliant. A very confusing product!

I used to love this moisturiser and have been using the product for nearly 10 years. However the recent 'improved formula' is nowhere near as good as the old formula. It used to feel very refreshing whereas the new formula feels watery and does not leave skin feeling supple. It is still an ok moisturiser but unfortunately I think I may seek another product going forward.