Skincare Rant & Origins Review

Lately Asian skincare, Deciem, and The Ordinary have been more tempting than ever before to me because they have focused active ingredients at lower prices. Even a brand like Lush with all natural ingredients and wheat/minerals/fruit etc. in them aren’t doing all that much for the skin. Chemicals aren’t all bad- they’re targeted and effective in the right amounts.  Putting tea tree oil on a zit or mixing up yogurt and eye whites for a DIY mask isn’t always the most effective way to treat skin problems.  It’s difficult to know what will actually work for skincare. For example, the other day I saw a powder meant to mix into smoothies claiming to boost collagen. Collagen can’t be absorbed effectively in that method, so it is pointless. 

Consumers of skincare are starting to get smart and don’t just want fruity glycerin cream that does noting worthwhile. At least I don’t.  Personally I want something that truly improves my skin in the long run and doesn’t break my budget. I could care less if it smells nice.  I actually prefer that it doesn’t because those perfumes aren’t helping out my large pores and oil production.

 

Origins is one of those brands that plays up the natural marketing technique.  The extent of my experience with the brand is that I was first introduced to Origins when shopping with my mom when I was pretty young and I have personally purchased the Origins Ginzing moisturizer based on Youtube recommendations.  I was lucky to receive a couple of sample sized products from Influenster and Origins, so I wanted to share my thoughts  I have been using them for a little over a week, and while I don’t think that is long enough to see a difference, I do have an opinion on some of them. I will try to keep this short and sweet.

Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturizer / Lightweight and feels hydrating but has no SPF.  I think my Jergens Natural Glow face lotion and Target Olay knock off daily moisturizer do the job the same if not better at a lower price.  They also have sunscreen. This had a very strong citrus scent and  felt nice under makeup.

 

Ginzing Under Eye Cream / This stung my eyes a little bit when I put it on before bed, so beware of getting too close.  It has a peach tone and I like how it brightens under the eyes for a no makeup day.  This is more of a cosmetic than skincare for me. If I develop darker under eye bags, I would totally buy this to use everyday at work!  This is my favorite product of the bunch that I tried. Compared to my Kiehl’s Avocado cream, it is less thick.  This would be great as a base for concealer.

 

High Potency Night-A- Mins / The scent was lovely and I could smell it on my face and pillow for quite awhile after I applied. It was a nice thick lotion and not too sticky.

 

Clear Improvement Purifying Charcoal Mask / Great basic and non offensive product. It didn’t clear my breakouts, but it’s around the time of the month when I get some spots and have problematic skin overall. This mask left my skin feeling very refreshed and I look forward to using the rest of the sample bottle, but I prefer cheaper charcoal masks that I have tried.  Derma-E is my current favorite charcoal mask- it’s  thicker and gritty like real charcoal.

Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash / This is a nice face wash. It has a rich foamy quality and makes my skin feel refreshed and clean without stripping or making it feel too tight.

Overall, my favorite aspect of the Origins products is the weight and texture of the lotions. The Ginzing moisturizers are light yet hydrating and sink in well.  On the flip side, I believe that they are too perfumed and overpriced. You can find better options with real skin benefits at lower prices many other places.  

Don’t fall for the hype of a skincare product just because it smells like oranges or peppermint. Do your research and make sure it has active ingredients that will actually benefit you.

-Kim