Results tagged “Origins” from Style Flavors

 I love Japan, Japanese food (I can have Japanese food everyday) and Japanese products such as green tea and matcha. When this range was first released, my curiosity was piqued. There are a lot of products on the market today with claims of tea extracts and benefits and all the usual marketing ploy but really, how much of it is actually true?

I've been using this for a week now and unlike said other products - this body lotion from Origins doesn't promise anything it can't fulfill. The first thing that hits you is its strong tea scent, part matcha and part essential oils (almond, kukui nut, jojoba etc). The scent might be a tad too strong for some but give it a few minutes and a lighter undertone will reveal itself.

The next thing you realize is how rich and luxurious it is. My body was instantly moist and it stayed that way until my next shower. You can feel the film of moisture on your skin and I was engrossed with rubbing my hands together when I applied this for the first time.

With extracts of rice butter and murumuru butter that envelope skin in moisture, ginseng, kukui but, jojoba seed and sweet almond oil to invigorate your senses and calm you down after a long day. Its blend of essential oils is supposed to soothe the spirit and promote focus; I won't go so far as to say that it had any significant effect on my inner senses but I did feel lighter and more relaxed after application.

It's great for those easy, lazy nights after a long week or for a home spa session. Either way, your skin and senses will be in for a treat.

Get this for US$40 (6.7oz/200ml) at Nordstrom.

I am not someone who has to shave everyday and I am not hairy except for my legs so I can get away with not touching my razor for a few days but the thing is, when my facial hair grows out, they tend to grow out as if I were still an awkward teenager so just because I can get away with not shaving doesn't mean I should.

Shaving:

Nicks and burns are all part and parcel of shaving. We all wish for a way to somehow avoid them but we know they are inevitable. Like bones on fish. It all happens to the best of us. A proper post-shaving cream helps to soothe and calm the inflamed, damaged skin and promote the growth of new ones while reducing discomfort and irritation.

I like Lab Series Triple Benefit Post-Shave Remedy (1.7oz/50ml) (US$25). This nifty gel works to keep ingrown hair in check, soothe and calm irritated skin and soften and refine facial hair. I did notice that I didn't have to shave that much often and whenever I had a cut, this would soothe it and relieve the discomfort.

I like Anthony Logistics for Men Ingrown Hair Treatment (2.5oz/70g) (US$26.50). Ingrown hairs can be a source of frustration and annoyance. This wonderful gel treatment contains a useful blend of Glycolic, Salicylic and Phytic acids to remove dead skin cells, kill bacteria and free ingrown hair. I like how it gently exfoliates while keeping my skin clear and comfortable after each shave.

Moisturizers work essentially to replenish lost moisture from the cleansing and exfoliation process while repairing the damage done in the past by sun exposure, external aggressions, free radicals and stress while you work and sleep.

In the day, they should offer UV protection and essential antioxidant and vitamins to reverse the signs of aging, acne and lack of sleep. At night, they should hydrate optimally while fostering the growth of new skin cells and aiding in the recovery process happening while you sleep. 


Day Moisturizer:

SPF protection is crucial everyday, no matter the weather. The rays of the sun can be reflected through the windows in your office and your car so protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is important even if you're indoors. With daily use of a sunscreen, you can prevent wrinkles, age spots and premature skin aging. 

Some would say that using a separate sun block on top of your daily moisturizer provides the widest spectrum of protection. I don't disagree with that. However, I find slapping another layer of sunblock just makes my oily skin greasier. So I like using a day moisturizer with SPF - that just means one less product to deal with.

 

Speaking of oily skin from slapping on too many products, I like Dermalogica Solar Defense Oil Free Matte Block SPF20 50ml/1.7oz US$56.50 from Strawberrynet.com. This mattifying moisturizer keeps oil at bay with its Microsponge technology - my skin looked matte for a few hours longer than it normally would while Green Tea extracts helps to soothe skin cause by acne breakouts.

I like Lancome's Bienfait Multi-Vital Glow SPF15 (1.7oz/50ml) (US$46). This oil-free moisturizer is packed with multi-vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to hydrate and protect your skin while 2.5% DHA leaves skin with a hint of color. I use this on days where I feel I could use some glow on my complexion and getting a few compliments on my complexion now and then doesn't hurt either.

I like Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 25 ( Combination Oily to Oily ) 50ml/1.7oz for US$53.50 at Strawberrynet.com. and this Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 25 ( Dry Combination ) 50ml/1.7oz for US$39.50 at Strawberrynet.com. and this Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 25 ( Very Dry To Dry ) 50ml/1.7oz for US$53.50 at Strawberrynet.com.  This award-winning moisturizer works to deal with with the signs of both environmental and emotional effects on skin. With antioxidants and protective sun screen formula, this moisturizers helps combat the signs of aging - fine lines, wrinkles, dullness while building up skin's natural moisture barrier. I use this on days when my skin gets dried up by the sun and acne products and it helps replenish moisture while undoing the signs of stress.

I also like Patricia Wexler's Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (1.7oz/50ml) (US$39.50). This moisturizer not only brighten my skin but also treats signs of aging while protecting against future damage in the day. I like the texture and the feel on my skin and also how goes to make my complexion look more refined.
 

Night Moisturizers:

Sleep is the period where your body and cells undergo repair. This applies to your skin too. Hence quality sleep results in better skin. But we all know that having a good night's sleep every night of your life is just not possible. Thus, the importance of night moisturizers. They pack a potent dose of antioxidants, moisture retaining ingredients and they all work to help reverse the signs of aging and promote the growth of healthier skin cells.

Point to remember: Always go to bed with a clean face.

I like Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Lotion (1.7oz/50ml) (US$61). This soothing moisturizer is chock-full of botanical goodness harvested from mushrooms. The scent is an acquired taste but the benefits far exceed the possibility of having to get used to the natural, woody scent. After regular use, my skin looks fuller, smoother, healthier and younger. Dried out skin became moist and supple again - my sun-raped skin was rescued by this moisturizer on two different occasions and I will always have this in my bathroom.   

I like Patricia Wexler's Intensive Night Reversal & Repair Cream (1.7oz/50ml) (US$42.50). This orange cream goes on to instantly hydrate and with regular use, my skin because brighter, healthier and smoother. Vitamin C works to combact free-radical damage and even skin tone while patented peptides repair past damage and encourage the growth of new cells while you sleep.

I like Shiseido Bio Performance Super Restoring Cream 50ml/1.7oz US$100 from Strawberrynet.com. This super-rich cream works to intensively hydrate and fight against the scars of aging - wrinkles, fine lines, dullness. My skin looked younger, firmer and completely compensated after 2 weeks of usage. This is a great pick-me up for when your skin needs an intensive boost.

I also like Clinique Total Turnaround Cream - Very Dry to Dry Combination 50ml/1.7oz US$53.50 from Strawberrynet.com. This grainy cream works to encourage micro-circulation and exfoliation which leads to the growth of new, fresh skin cells. All while soothing fine lines, softening skin and promoting an even complexion. I take this on beach vacations and it helps prolong the glow from being out in the sun while giving me a radiant complexion that garners compliments.

Keep checking back for the next installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide where I'll be zooming in on targeted skin treatments. 

My skin occasionally gets on a pendulum where it goes back and forth between extremely oily and combination. Daily stress, lack of sleep, dehydration from all the travel and time spent under the sun gets my skin confused and I end up with oily and dry, flaky areas. 

I had to find a remedy for it and I came across this cleanser from Origins. It's got a creamy texture that forms easily to rid your skin of the daily grime and oil while balancing and protecting the drier areas. 

With extracts of Broad Leaf Kelp Extract to tone down oil production and Tourmaline to enhance the bond between water to ensure greater removal of sticky grime and dirt; this facial wash cleanses effectively and yet seals in moisture for the comfort of your skin. 

My skin felt clean and fresh and gone was the tightness and the uncomfortable feeling of dryness. This makes for a good in-between when your skin is in its in-between phase. 

Get this for US$17.50 (5oz/150ml) at Target.   

I enjoy the sun and the beach; maybe a little too much. But I always slap on at least SPF 15 and reapply whenever necessary. That said, it still doesn't change the fact that my skin gets a bashing after my week of sun and alcohol.

I bought this night cream a few weeks ago and I have been using this religiously. It glides on easily and smoothly while instantly replenishing dry skin. This is most suitable for dry and combination skin but I always need extra hydration after sun worshiping so this works.

Its vitamin rich formula of B-complex, C, E and A, minerals and exfoliating agents work hard when you sleep to repair and renew your skin. With regular use, my skin tone became more even and I woke up with brighter, smoother skin.

My skin felt less dehydrated and it didn't look like I got bullied by the sun's ray. The light fresh, soothing scent is a bonus and a nice treat before bed.

Get this for US$33 (1.7oz/50ml) at Strawberry.net.

Weekly exfoliation is critical for healthy, glowing skin. I, exfoliate twice a week and it's usually with products that contain tiny apricot husks, microbeads, skin-buffing crystals etc. Imagine my surprise and curiosity when I discovered this buffing paste from Origins.

Yes, I said buffing paste because this is not a scrub. This unique buffer contains rice starch cushioned in cream which works gently but effectively in removing complexion dulling dead skin cells, uneven skin patches, discoloration and skin damage. So unlike the traditional buffers, it is recommended that you use this on a clean, dry face to fully maximize the wonderful benefits.

The texture is milky with tiny specks of rich starch bits; it smells light and it feels almost like a cream cleanser during the application. It did cross my mind the first few times I used this if this was actually working and doing what it's supposed to. I guess I have gotten very used to feeling my micro-dermabrasion scrubs against my skin. I know, how passé of me!

With extracts of Aloe to help calm and soothe and lemon oil to brighten skin; you can be sure that there will be no redness or uncomfortable flaking.

With regular use (2-3 times a week), my pores looked smaller and my skin tone more refined. This is perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin as this delivers the benefits of dermabrasion without the irritation or the harshness.  

Massage this 2-3 times weekly on dry, clean skin, then add a dash of water and work into a lather. Continue massaging for about 1 minute and rinse off well. It took a little mental reminder to get out of the usual routine of slapping on my facial scrub after my cleanser in the shower but it was worth it!

Get this for US$36 (4oz/125ml) at Origins.

   

 

 I am a fan of the beach and the sun; a huge subscriber to the mantra of lying the sun all day and doing absolutely nothing. During my days of working on the perfect tan, I found I got more than I bargained for. I hit my daily quota of Vitamin D and I was rewarded with premature fine lines around my eyes, mouth and cheeks. I panicked, headed to the store and grabbed a set of these from Origins. They turned out to be a real skin saver.

With extracts of Hypsizygus Ulmarius and Chaga mushrooms that help send signals to the skin to optimize its defenses against environmental damage resulting in youthful, healthier, stronger skin. This patented formula is further enchanced by Menyanthus and Heather extracts to firm skin, Fucoidan from Okinawan seaweed to seal in moisture and Vitamin E and C to eradicate harmful free radicals.

The lines were gone in a week and I had brighter, clearer skin. The first thing that hits you is the smell, as the name suggests, it smells a bit like mushroom. It's by no mean punganat; more light and stew-y. At least I knew it was authentic, imagine if you bought this mushroom serum/cream and went home and discovered it smelled like lavender or cirtus. How cheated will you feel?   

Use the lightweight serum after your daily toner and then the face cream as part of your skin regime. Get the Mega-mushroom face cream for US$60 (1.7oz/50ml) at Bloomingdale's and the serum is US$65 (1.7oz/50ml) and US$110 (3.4oz/100ml) also at Bloomingdale's. You can also head to the nearest Origins counter in your state or country.