Showing posts with label Origins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Origins. Show all posts

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Splurge Pore Cleansing Face Masks - Origins vs. GlamGlow



Lately I've noticed that my pores need a little extra attention, probably due to wearing fuller coverage foundations more often. I decided to try out some face masks that specialize in removing the crud from pores and helping cleanse the skin without sucking out all moisture. If you follow me on Instagram (here), you may have seen that I got a sample of the Origins Clear Improvement active charcoal mask to try, and [spoiler] I liked it well enough to buy a full size.

I'd heard rave reviews about the GlamGlow Supermud mask, and had been eyeing it at Sephora for quite some time. So, when I had a 20% off coupon, I picked one up to try out. Although the effects were also good, I have to admit that the Origins mask wowed me more.

Read below for my thoughts on each and recommendations on where to spend your money! Note: I have dry skin that can be sensitive in that it's easily reddened, but I am generally not acne-prone. Keep that in mind when reading my thoughts as your mileage may vary.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Origins VitaZing Moisturizer

I'm a complete YouTube junkie.  Seriously.  I am completely addicted.  My poor fiance walks in the room and I'm permanently glued to my laptop, intensely watching tutorials, reviews, hauls, and more.  I've got my favorites (all YouTube beauty junkies do), and occasionally several of them start professing the wonders of some wonder-product.  A "holy grail" item, if you will.  Sometimes I roll my eyes when I see the pricetag, and sometimes I take note and give it a shot.  This time, paying attention actually paid off.

I have rosacea, which means my face is constantly red and flushed.  I have trouble with dryness and, when it flares up, "eruptions" that resemble acne.  I won't go into all the details about how I've calmed down my rosacea and kept it calm (that's the topic for another blog entry), but I will preach the importance of moisturizing and sun protecting.

After hearing MakeupbyTiffanyD gush about this product (and a couple others, like xsparkage, etc.), I decided to give it a shot.  An old friend loves Origins products, and I've always had pleasant experiences.  This retails for $36, and can be purchased at any free-standing store or counter at department stores like Macy's.  Although it's a little pricey when compared to your general drugstore brands like Aveeno and Cetaphil, you only use a tiny amount with each use and, in my opinion, the benefits justify the price.

The product comes out of the tube white, with tiny flecks of tan (which may not be seen in the above picture).  The amount I have put on my hand above is actually a little more than you normally need to cover your face.  Blended into my hand, I get:

As you blend, the white color fades to clear, but with a slight tint.  It is not orange or shimmery, and it does not smell like fake tanner.  I find that it sort of livens up my skintone in a very subtle way while moisturizing and refreshing my skin.  Even my rosacea has calmed down a little further, and I haven't had the teeniest bit of flaky dry skin since I started using it.

My only advice on the VitaZing moisturizer is this: Wash your hands after you apply it, especially if you used a little too much and there's more left on your fingers.  It does not resemble fake tanner and will not turn your hands orange, but if you wipe your hands on a towel, they can leave marks.  (I hesitate calling them "stains", as I have had luck washing them out in the washing machine.)

Hope this helps anyone who was considering VitaZing but hesitant about the price, or if you are looking for a new moisturizer and aren't sure where to turn.