Origins Ginzing energy-boosting moisturizer - Best oil-free summer moisturizer

The weather is getting warmer now and I start adjusting my skincare routine. Basically, my skin is combination oily and it needs a lightweight moisturizer in the summer. Today I'm gonna share with you my favorite summer gel-based moisturizer:

 Origins Ginzing Energy-boosting moisturizer

It comes in a small plastic orange jar, which is very simple but fresh. Its texture is gel-based, so it absorbs easily into my skin, leaving it moisturized without leaving any greasy feeling. It is not enough for extremely dry winter but it is perfect for someone looking for an oil-free moisturizer in the hot and humid weather. It smells amazing with citrus scent, waking you up in the morning. It seems like it is the best in the morning when the name says "energy-boosting"; however, believe me, it can be use at any time of the day. My skin has become smoother and radiant, though I still suffer from the effects of aggressive winter such as some dry patches or redness on my cheeks.

It is claimed to contain Panax Ginseng and caffeine extracted from Coffee bean which was known to refresh and revitalize your skin. It does make your skin glow and feel renewed. The best part is that it is very light and spreads on your skin like water, so that you can apply more than one layer if necessary, and reapply during the day without worrying it will clog your pores.

Moreover, if you know Origins brand and have tried some of their products, you will like the price of this moisturizer. It is cheaper compared to other moisturizers and it works really well. A 50ml jar is around $32 in Canada, and $26 in US. However, be aware that you may finish it really fast when you love it :)

Have you ever tried Origins Ginzing energy-boosting moisturizer? Feel free to share with me your experiences. For those who never tried it, give it a try this summer, and I hope it will become your favorite too :)

Origins Ginger Essence Sensuous skin scent review

Hi girls,

This week's post is not about skincare as usual, but it will definitely give you a secret for a natural body scent. I got a lot of compliments when I'm wearing this fragrance, or you can call it body essence. It gives you a natural scent which other people don't realize that you are wearing perfume. Honestly, I prefer the scent which is very light, fresh and never irritates the noses of people around me, just as I like the " makeup no makeup" style. If you have the same preference, this fragrance is for you. It is the Ginger Essence from Origins. 

Origins have developed not only facial skincare but also body care products in which Ginger is the most famous collection. It is costly if you compare to The Body Shop, Bath n Body Works, but it is worth your money. I usually buy a set including shower gel, body lotion and this essence during Christmas time or whenever it is on promotion because I save a lot this way. I like every product in this Ginger collection, but I'm in love with the Ginger essence the most, so I want to talk about it today. And obviously, when you use everything in the line, your body will smell even nicer.

The first compliment I got was when my friend asked me "Hey, why does your body smell so nice?". When I replied her that I used perfume, she didn't believe me and she said " Oh, I thought it was your body smell. You smell like very clean, pure, and fresh". I laughed because it is impossible and I told her what I used. And I usually get compliments from my boyfriend. Whenever we go to try any other perfume, he always say it is not as good as Ginger. It doesn't mean other perfumes are not good, he just meant that Ginger gives me a unique and delicate scent which he loves.

It is not too strong, it is like you just treat yourself with a relaxing bath with some essential oils and herbs like orange, lime, lemongrass. And I know my words are limited, but it is true when Origins said

 "Ancient Chinese tradition holds that where there's yin, there must be yang. And so the fragrant fire of spicy ginger is balanced by the refreshing zeal of bergamot, lemon and lime to create a sensuous synergy between warm and cool, energy and calm, tempest and tranquility. Skin is surrounded in an enticing aroma that's impossible to resist."

It is a fragrance that you can even wear when you go to bed because it doesn't overwhelm. It is unique that you can't find in other fragrance bottles. It makes other people curious about what perfume you are wearing. It makes your boyfriend and husband always unable to resist coming close to you. It is something I always come back no matter how many perfumes I try. It is not strong enough if you go to a party and want everyone to notice that you are wearing perfume, but it is a daily must-have. 

Origins Ginger essence has roll-on version that you can carry everywhere, but even the bottle version is not heavy. This is one of the best fragrances. Try it and you will fall in love with it just as I did

Origins Clear Improvement™ Active charcoal mask Review

Hi girls, 

What can be a little treat for your weekend? A relaxing bubble bath, a good dinner, or a movie?
 Every girl can treat herself with all of those plus a good facial mask. What do you expect from your skin, after a whole week exposing to the sun, wind, and dirt? If it look dull, it is normal. Even we wash our faces everyday, a detoxifying mask that effectively cleans your pores and prevents you from potential acne is necessary every week or every two week at most.

Activated charcoal is known to have the power to draw out dirt, oil, toxins and impurities from the skin. Origins has a top seller product containing this magic black:

Clear Improvement™ Active charcoal mask

This mask is so gentle that you may want to use it no matter it is summer or winter, though it sounds more attractive in the summer when you feel the oil on your skin more often. Anyway, let me tell you how it is, and it is up to you when to apply.

This mask, with the main ingredient charcoal, as expected, will be black. It is actually more like dark grey. It looks thick but it goes smoothly on your skin. If you apply a very thin layer, it will dry so quickly. If you apply a thicker layer, it may take around 5 minutes to dry. For me, a nice even coating is good enough. Your skin will feel a little tight, but not uncomfortable. You will even like it, a bit warm and tight feeling gives you a signal that the mask is working. 

The mask is designed for 10 minutes leave in. I highly recommend that you wash your face with your regular cleanser, put a warm cloth on your face to open pores, put the mask on, let it work, rinse with warm water and with cold water as the last step to tighten the pores. You will feel the difference on your skin. It will be brighter, smoother and some people say it will be firm. Your skin is no more dull and this mask, once a week, is going to prevent you from developing blackheads and enlarged pores.

One more thing I like about Origins masks, that is you can just apply the mask and will be free to do anything you want. Because it will be either dry on your skin or your skin will absorb it like a moisturizer ( this is true for Origins Drink up mask, which will be reviewed later). You don't have to worry that your mask will leave mark on your clothes or you have to stay still to keep the mask stick on your face.

 It is even better now when Origins introduce the travel size version - Mask to go. It is limited edition, so don't miss it if you are planning for a vacation :)

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Origins Toner review

If you care about your skin, you must know there is one kind of treatment called Toner. It can have different names such as treatment lotion, purifying lotion, tonic, or just toner. The names are based on both its usage and on the way the companies want to advertise their products. But don’t be confused, just consider it as the second step in your skincare routine after your face wash, and you will be good to go for your moisturizer. 

In fact, some people consider it as an extra step to make their skin totally clean. Some people wonder whether they need toner or not. The answer is "It depends", but it depends on what?

First of all, you must read the label to see what its usage is, or what it will do for your skin. Some toners are for oily or acne-prone skin and they usually deep clean your skin, or purify your skin to help prevent oil and pimples. Some others for dry skin type may help hydrate your skin and prepare you for the next step which is applying serum or moisturizer. 

Secondly, it is up to you to use toner or not, and at which time during the day. If you have normal skin type and don’t usually put on make –up, then a good cleanser is enough for you. You don’t need extra step for cleaning your skin every day (though you still need face scrub sometimes), and your skin doesn’t need more moisturizing from a treatment lotion, unless it comes in a set which provides a specific effect such as lifting or brightening your skin. Also, I don’t usually use toner in the morning since I don’t find it necessary when my skin is not too oily or dirty (or maybe laziness is another reason)

Here are 2 of my favorite toners:

Zero oil Pore Purifying toner

This toner leaves you with a super clean skin. You may not like it in the winter if you have extremely dry skin when the season comes, but it is great in the summer. Any remaining grime, dirt, or oil that your cleanser may have missed will be removed with this toner. Honestly, it smells a bit like alcohol and creates a cooling effect on your skin when it dries; but some people said when they get used to it, they feel like the smell really cools them down in the hot summer. It does tighten your pores, and make your skin look clearer and brighter. The Salicylic acid in the toner also helps remove dead skin cell, prevent you from break out, and if you do have some occasional pimples, they may go away faster.

United State Balancing tonic

It is not easy to compare these two, because they are both great. Though this one may give you a little more moisture than the other, it still controls oil and makes your skin feel squeaky clean but not dry. That is the reason I prefer this one in the winter. The only difference I feel between them is that I feel like the Zero oils is better in preventing acnes, and United state is better in balancing the skin just like its name says. It is gentle, refreshing and has nicer smell. The pore will be less noticeable is another great point. Finally, the skin is balanced and smooth without being oily. 

I can’t really tell a big difference between my two favorite toners, and I use them up to my mood. I may buy this one time and the other another time. A perfect world and Make a difference treatment lotion are generally good but are not the types of toner I can use every day. They will be reviewed soon in another entry, together with other products in the same skincare line.