Recently in Origins Category

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.

 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.

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.