THE MASK LOW DOWN

Until about 4 months ago, I didn't do masks. I've no idea why, they just didn't seem necessary and I didn't really know what I was looking for. But I sat myself down and did my research and after a while testing and trying products, I've narrowed it down to these three being the only masks you'll need.  (*Note, I said need.. but let's be honest, we all need just one more pair of shoes, or one more nail varnish, so go crazy!)

There's three things I need to happen to my skin and that's a deep cleanse, a good exfoliation and a good dose of hydration. We've all heard everyone and their mother talk about the Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask by Origins, and for me, it really lives up to it's status. The charcoal works like a magnet to scoop up all that dirt and grime that gets trapped in our skin and gives it a really deep clean. I have quite sensitive skin, but I don't find this irritates me too much at all, but if you're a bit weary, definitely do your research to find a more gentle mask. A cheaper alternative that I've heard many good things about is the Una Brennan Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask (mouthful or what..).

For me, getting a good glow and healthy look going is essential and for this step, I've been turning to the Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. Unlike 'manual' exfoliators that can leave your face looking a bit red and sore by being too abrasive, this uses natural fruit acids to chomp away at any dryness that may be lurking. It's also fantastic for scarring and fine lines, but I've never had to battle with these (touch wood!). I honestly do not think I'd be able to live without this, and once my samples are gone, which last for aaaages, I will without a doubt be purchasing. Not recommended for super sensitive skin, but I get along just fine.

If you find the above masks dry your skin a little, you could use an oil to give it a bit of moisture, but I want a full on hose pipe of hydration. I like to slather on a good layer on the cult Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask just before bed. I give it a chance to sink in so I don't end up with it all over my pillow and in the morning I'm still left with residue but my skin is looking plump and supple. And don't worry if you don't have dry skin! Mine is normal/combination but rather dehydrated and this still gives my skin that boost it needs. If you think this could be a little rich for you, turn your eyes to their Drink Up 10 Minute Mask - a quick fix version of this that still does a fantastic job.

Now I must stress, these products work for me. It does NOT mean it will work for you. Do a little research into other similar products and give them a whirl!

What are your favourite masks? Bit of a mask junkie or a mask-o-phobe?

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my ultimate relaxation night routine

So these past few days have certainly been emotional for me - I've been all over the place and I really just needed to relax! The best way I can take my mind off of things is with a good facial.

I used Angels on Bare Skin from Lush whilst I was in the shower. I put it on like a mask whilst I let my conditioner soak in and left it on for a while to soak up all the goodness! The lavender was a God send and definitely was the best start to getting me relaxed. Find my review here.

After my shower, I used a bit of Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner on a cotton wool pad and sweeped it over my face and neck. This helped clear my pores leaving me feeling fresh and clean with the mint scent clearing my sinuses, being a breath of fresh air. Find my review here..

My favourite part of this routine - a mask! Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask is so nice to wear. With it being overnight, it let me lay down with a book and my favourite candle without worrying about having to take it off. I applied it a bit before going to bed so I didn't end up with it all over my pillow. This is great because you feel it's effects the next morning, waking up feeling soft and much, much happier and rested. I also have a review of this product here.


This much needed pamper left me feeling positive, fresh and ready for the day ahead!
Do you have a relaxation routine? Let me know what you think below!

Origins Drink Up Intensive

This over night mask from Origins gets to work straight away, hydrating your skin the minute you apply it.
I tend to use this after I've used another mask, just to add back any essential oils that may have been lost or if my skin is in need of an extra boost after feeling dull and dehydrated.

The first thing that hits me about the product is the smell. It's very fruity as it has Avocado Oil and Mango Butters, but this can get really overpowering, like, really bad haha. At first it smells lovely, but then when you've had it on for about half hour, I start to get a bit headachey and the smells turns very artificial - not nice at all. But it does feel very luxurious on, so I do manage to overcome the smell!
It looks a lot like a moisturiser, which I find makes it difficult to judge how much to put on, but this hardly matters, I just use enough to make the dry parts make my skin feel like they have enough product on.

The main problem with this is that sleeping with this on is not practical at all. My face not touching my pillow at night is impossible, so I do find that in the morning, one side of my face has no product left at all. This could be a good thing though. The side that does have product on can feel really quite greasy and not nice at all, not refreshed, just greasy. I find myself running to the sink to remove the residue immediately.

It's not all negatives though! I have combination skin, but I still apply this to the oily sections. I initially thought it'd do a lot more harm than good, but I was pleasantly surprised! It didn't increase any oilyness, just made it feel very hydrated and lovely.

After washing, it does create a really smooth base for make up which is incredibly soft to touch. I reckon with a touch of my other Origins products, such as toner and light moisturiser, this could create the perfect, flawless base.

Have you tried this? What about the 10 minute mask? Let me know your thoughts below!

origins modern friction and clear improvement charcoal mask

I wanted to spend my day relaxing, sorting out my Christmas presents and taking care of my skin, so I thought it would be a brilliant opportunity to try out two of my samples from Origins: Modern Friction and Clear Improvement.

I'd heard so much about the Charcoal Mask, but I never bought it. I always get a little scared when it comes to masks, I don't know how my skin may react or if it will even work, so I jumped at the chance to get a sample of it. When I was looking at it though, the woman running the stand explained to me how much better this may work if I used Modern Friction too. She said it's an exfoliater/scrub that you use before a mask, it helps remove dead skin and let your mask access areas it otherwise would have been able too. I was impressed, so she got me a sample of that too.


As told to do, I applied Modern Friction onto a dry face and gave it a little scrub then added a little water and worked it up into a lather. It felt ridiculously nice. Since it has rice in it, it was very exfoliating, but still very gentle. It didn't smell gorgeous, but it wasn't offensive either but that hardly matters too much. The result was impressive! I didn't expect too much, but my skin looked much clearer and my skin look quite radiant, I would have been happy using just that. I was so excited to use my mask though. I wasn't too sure how much to use to be honest, so I initially applied a single layer and decided to build up where I felt my skin was most problematic. It was very pliable, I thought it might be a bit difficult to spread but it was nice. As soon as it touched my skin, it felt cool, tingly, but not uncomfortable. It really felt like it was doing me good! I was recommended to wash it off once it was dried, so after 10-15 minutes, it was time. The mask had slightly tightened on my skin and felt very smooth and quite nice to touch, I wasn't too sure how to wash it off, I just didn't think it would come off! But as soon as I added warm water it instantly turned thin and quite lotion-y, very moisturising, I was so surprised, it just felt lovely.
My skin definitely looks clearer, clean and fresh. I've followed it with Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (Review soon!) to ensure it doesn't dry up at all.

Here's me looking absolute fetch in my hair band, charcoal mask and onsie! Ignore my brows please, I couldn't be more ashamed :(