Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Good Enough to Drink

So, it finally happened. I think I'm (actually, properly, seriously) getting into skin care. I blame it on Cherie's recent purchase of Hydraluron and her linking me to the gospel of skin care God Caroline Hirons. I've had a cursory browse though Caroline's blog a few times in the past, but never really immersed myself in it. But now that my willingness to venture into skin care has increased considerably, sometime last week I found myself reading it well into the early hours of the morning. The more I read, the more concerned I became about the multitude of skin care sins I was supposedly committing. For one, the mineral oil in Nivea Soft (something of a hero product to me), only splashing my face with water in the mornings, putting my face under the hot shower at night, never using a washcloth, my reliance on foaming cleansers, not having an exfoliating toner in my routine (or any kind of toner for that matter), the list goes on.



In an effort to overhaul my skin care routine, in a short period of time I've purchased a lot of new stuff. It's still a work in progress and I confess I don't really know what I'm doing, but hopefully my skin will thank me for it later. The first and most exciting purchase was the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. Not specifically recommended by Caroline (in fact, she's previously mentioned the high essential oils content may be an irritant for some), but I've seen it pop up on countless blogs and wanted a piece of the action.

It's winter in Australia and I noticed that my skin was becoming quite dry and flaky. Foundation wasn't sitting as nicely, especially around the edges of my nose. I needed a serious moisture boost and the Drink Up Intensive seemed to promise exactly that. It certainly wasn't cheap (I bought mine for $34 from Kit), but at least the tube was a relatively generous 100ml and due to the falling dollar, the price was basically the same as the UK (where this retails for £20).

The instructions suggest to use the mask "twice a week or as desired", massaging onto clean skin at bedtime and removing the excess with a tissue. I use it more as I would a rich moisturiser — it has a thick consistency but it sinks into the skin well enough that I don't need to remove any excess (or maybe I'm just not applying a thick enough layer?). It does leave the skin slightly sticky to touch, but nothing unbearable. I absolutely adore the fruity apricot/orange/rosewater scent, which I find both soothing and energising. It's probably my favourite aspect of using the mask. It really adheres to the skin overnight, so when I wake up in the morning and splash my face with water, I can still feel remnants of the product being washed off my face. I can't say that I wake up with visibly plumped, glowing skin, but I do think that it helps replenish and retain the skin's moisture overnight and gives you more hydrated skin the next morning.


The mask is said to contain a host of ingredients with the aim of quenching thirsty skin (Plant Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Apricot Kernel Oil), building up a moisture "reservoir" (Avocado Oil, Mango Butters) and preventing moisture loss (Japanese Seaweed).

Ingredients (I couldn't find a list anywhere online): water\aqua\eau; rosa damascena (rose) flower water, myrtus communis (myrtle) leaf water, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) flower water, anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower water • glycerin • cetyl alcohol • glyceryl polymethacrylate • dimethicone • peg-75 • peg-8 • glycereth-26 • sorbitan stearate • citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) flower oil*, prunus amygdalus amara (bitter almond) kernel oil*, rosa damascena (rose) flower oil*, cinnamomum camphora (shiu/camphor leaf) oil*, citrus aurantium dulcis (sweet orange) oil*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, osmanthus fragrans (osmanthus absolute) flower extract, ribes nigrum (blackcurrant) seed extract, linalool, limonene • aloe barbadensis leaf extract • cladosiphon okamuranus extract • oryza sativa (rice) extract • avena sativa (oat) kernel extract • olea europaea (olive) fruit extract • triticum vulgare (wheat bran) extract • peg-100 stearate • sucrose** • citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax • panthenol • pantethine • cetyl ethylhexanoate • mangifera indica (mango) seed butter • prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil • persea gratissima (avocado) oil • butylene glycol • cetearyl alcohol • cocos nucifera (coconut) oil • punica granatum (pomegranate) sterols • tocopheryl acetate • oryzanol • bisabolol • caprylyl glycol • caffeine • hexylene glycol • sodium hyaluronate • dextrin • potassium carbomer • disodium edta • sodium dehydroacetate • phenoxyethanol
*essential oil
**organic sucrose (brown sugar)

Yes, I typed up that list from scratch, squinting to read the size 3 font at the back of the tube and doing my darndest to not misspell the gibberish scientific contents.


Overall, I'm really pleased with the addition of the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask to my skin care cabinet. I've started to use some other products which also have helped to restore my skin's moisture levels, so at the moment I would use this mask at most twice a week. I can see this becoming a staple for winter, and for whenever my skin needs a good hydration hit (especially perfect the night before a long haul flight, as Chloé mentioned in her pre-flight skin care routine). The scent makes it an absolute pleasure to use.

58 comments:

  1. I have a sample of this which I've been rationing! It's so lovely to use and I adore the apricot scent as well - delicious! I'm eager to pick up the full size but I'll have to save up first!

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  2. I love this mask. I sometimes just use it in the morning or evening when I'm not doing anything, or just taken my make-up off but not ready to do my evening routine haha.
    Caroline's blog makes me hang my head in shame and my bank card run a mile haha!

    xoxo

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  3. I keep hearing about Origins but it's too expensive for my budget and since it's not available locally, the shipping cost would make it even more of an unattainable product. Enjoy it Lena, glad to hear it's working for you ^^ xx

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  4. Sounds Amazing!
    I need this too. I have a toner but hardly use it :/

    BlogLovin' | Blog | Facebook
    xoXo

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  5. Uh oh! I've used Nivea Soft for years and just bought a new tub of it! What's wrong with it? I've been wanting to try the Origins brand for so long, although I get so overwhelmed by how many products there are, like Lush! Haha! I'm excited to see more from your skin care additions!

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    1. I don't think there's anything necessarily wrong with it - just that it contains mineral oil which Caroline Hirons is super against. The question of whether mineral oil is good/bad/neutral is a pretty controversial one and there are many differing opinions. I'd still happily use mine though, just perhaps not every single morning and night. But in all honesty, I've been using Nivea Soft on and off for absolutely ages (years and years) and I don't think I've suffered any negative repercussions. It's all up to personal choice and what you're comfortable with!

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  6. I have a little sample of this and I too adore the smell :) I'm currently wondering whether to buy it as although it does help to put moisture back into my skin I wasn't as 'wowed' by it as I had expected to be due to so many people talking about it.

    The smell is divine though, if only there was a moisturiser like it. Very curious to see what you think of Antipodes as I'm desperate to try this brand at the moment.

    I also noted that it is really hard to find the ingredients online for Origins products, I wonder why that is.

    Amy xx
    A Little Boat Sailing

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    1. I think the mask is lovely but definitely not a must-have. This is my first foray into Origins so maybe I was just a bit overexcited about that too. Can't deny that hype and packaging doesn't play a role in my perceptions :p

      I've tried some Antipodes products. I'm not a fan of the vanilla pod moisturiser, but I do really like their gentle exfoliator and the Divine Oil (Rosehip & Avocado) they have. I'm eyeing their honey mask with great intent!

      I thought the ingredients would just be up on their website but they only highlight a few ingredients and don't give a full list. Kind of annoying!

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  7. I need this mask! Origins are such amazing brand with consistently great products. i love the 10 minutes version of this mask as well but overnight sounds so good

    brontesauruslou.blogspot.com

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  8. Haha good job in typing out the ingredients!
    My skin has been so dry lately too :(
    It sounds nice!

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  9. I really want to try this mask, I have heard endless good things about it and it's about time I caved! Thanks for the great review :) ♥

    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/
    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/

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  10. YAY! I adore the mask's scent- fruity and peachy and good enough to eat. Did not realise that was your post title! I cannot believe you typed up the ingredients! Why subject yourself to that? :P Drink Up Intensive suits your skin type better than mine- I find it too rich sometimes. Still, Origins have been really good so far- I plan to hit up REN next :)

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    1. YOU BOUGHT A FULL SIZED DIVINE OIL?! I must be doing something wrong here. The packaging looks beautiful though. ;)

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    2. Haha, the things I do in service of this blog!

      I think a burgeoning interest in skin care directly coincides with a newfound ability to scrutinise ingredients listings. I'm obsessed. Not that I know what on earth I'm doing or what anything is for.

      I'm also eyeing REN. I'm tossing up between the AHA concentrate, the marmalade mask (I have no idea about the name, lol) or the clarifying toner lotion. Also the Clarins exfoliating toner. Because, you know, Caroline Hirons.

      Yeah, I bought it (looooong story). Basically I put in an order for the full size Divine Oil and the full size Caudalie Beauty Elixir from Beauty Emporium when they had this amazing sale. But there was a drama with my order because they ran out of the Beauty Elixir but didn't tell me, so no communication had been sent about my order for like 9 days, all the while I was trying to chase up with their cust service to not much success. In the end, only the Divine Oil was shipped because I couldn't hold out for the Beauty Elixir (even though it was an incredible price) since there would be no one around at the place I was shipping the order to. I haven't even gone half way through my small bottle, mainly because of the lid packaging. I much prefer the spray in the big one. But it is incredibly rich and extremely scented - I agree that it's not for everyone :)

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  11. Great review!
    Sounds really convincing to me! I would love to try that out!

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  12. I've just gotten into Origins I was a little skeptical about this mask..but now I need it. Don't you just love when a blog post does that? (:

    -Tara Joy

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  13. Two brands that I really want to try are Origins and Bioderma. I haven't read even a single bad review yet! :) xx

    Jasmine Catches Butterflies ʚϊɞ

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  14. Again a brand (Origins) that we don't have in France ! Poor of me !
    Nice post :D

    Turtle xx

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  15. I suffer from very bad dry skin too, so this post helped a lot. I've been looking into this product and heard nothing but positive reviews !

    Madeline | Its a Mads Mads World

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  16. Welcome to the skincare loving club!

    Ugh Origins is EVERYTHING. I love love love their Drink Up Masks!

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    1. Haha thank you for having me :)

      I want to get their Ginzing moisturiser, the night moisturiser, the charcoal mask ... so many items :p

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  17. Would you say it would work well on sensitive skin? I recently purchased Hydraluron and was so sad when it gave me a horrible, painful rash. :( I think it may be too concentrated for me, but perhaps this Origins one will be fine.

    http://jemaroons.blogspot.com

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    1. I think that the high essential oils content might pose a problem, but it's hard to say. Maybe ask for a sample and do a test patch?

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  18. KUDOS for writing out that ingredients list haha!! I can't even imagine... I'd give up after the first few haha. But that's great that you're finding your way into the world of skincare; it's a daunting place to be, especially when you're first diving in, but you'll learn (through trial and error) what your skin does and doesn't like and soon you'll have a skincare routine that leaves you polished and glowing!! Healthy skin is the base to any good makeup so use that as a continued reason to keep up with a routine (since I know it's tedious!!) ^__^

    ♥Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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    1. Totally agreed - I think all makeup junkies at one stage or another begin to focus on skin care, either equally, if not more than makeup. After all, good skin is the biggest factor in making makeup look good, needing to use less, and having it go on much nicer :)

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  19. wow I appreciate you typing the full ingredients !! I would just take photo of it, I am too lazy. lol
    I have not tried anything from Origins first, but this one sounds very nice! I

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  20. Love how bright and vivid your photos are. Thanks for the review. I love Orgins products, I really want to try their brightning peel pads

    Xo
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/CcCrystalChain

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  21. Very nice! I've become a bit of a skincare junkie over the last year, though I still don't know nearly as much as I feel like I should. I'm still missing a good mask and an exfoliating toner. Do I spy a Caudalie Divine Oil? That stuff is heavenly.

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  22. I've never tried anything by Origins, but I have also tried to overhaul my skincare routine and this is definitely on my list!

    Emma x

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  23. Oh I feel you on the beginnings of skincare. I used to not really care much about it back in the day! I think around last year is when I really started getting into it. Get ready to be obsessed. I have only one thing from Origins and it is their Charcoal mask. It is nice. I have a similar mask to this origins one by Avene. Similar in the aspect that you don't wash it off and you wipe off the excess. This version sounds much more pleasant smelling than the Avene version!

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    1. Oh no - I don't think I want to be obsessed (though maybe I'm kind of already there :p). Sigh. I've only tried the Thermal Spray from Avene, which I confess to be hooked on. Even though it's just literally water in a can. I do want to try the charcoal mask from Origins as well! Maybe after I use up all my sample masks and other masks first...

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  24. I definitely want to try this because it seems like almost everyone likes it but I'm a little afraid of the fact that it's fragranced.
    xx

    http://thecelution.blogspot.ca/

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  25. I go on and off skincare in crazy phases. Right now I'm in the phase, so yep... I hear you. I used to use Origins a long time ago but didn't really know what I was doing back then and probably just wasted a lot of money. Lately my face is needing more hydration, so this mask sounds like something I want to look into.

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    1. Your Origins phase just sounds like me right now, LOL. I have no clue what I'm doing. In all honesty, making product switches and trying to be more conscientious with my routine and treating Caroline Hirons as the ultimate skin care authority seems naive in a way. But whatever :p Do you use any hydrating masks at the moment?

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    2. Nope! I was so oily before that hydrating masks seemed like the last thing I needed. Now I have to go searching (yay/boo!)

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  26. I've recently got really into overhauling my skincare too!! I've been playing around with some Michael Todd products and really like them so far - super high quality, organic ingredients and products to suit all skin types. There's even an exfoliating toner in the range! :)

    life-etcblog.blogspot.com.au

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  27. Very happy to see another blogger getting into skincare! I'm looking forward to all your upcoming skincare products. I've heard many good things about face masks from Origins. I haven't had much lucky with sleep masks - so I'm going to keep my eye out for this one!

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  28. Such a shame it's got pomegranate in it - my skin doesn't like it. :( Love Origins, though, such a wonderful brand. x

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  29. it's nice to see that you're getting into skin care :) that mask sounds really fabulous, it's so tempting to give it a try. :) and typing all those ingredients is very impressive by the way! you have such great patience =D

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  30. This sounds soo good, I'm in need of a hydrating mask so this is very appealing to me! Yay for skincare, but I don't have enough patience to read the list of ingredients let alone write them out haha xx

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  31. I've been seeing Origins' products popping up on my blog feeds more and more these days, and I think some researching is warranted! The way you apply this "mask" reminds me of Laneige's Water Sleeping Pack mask- where you apply a thick layer to your face, sleep, and rinse off in the morning. Skincare is such a hard thing to master- it takes so long to be able to find products that just work for your skin (I'm still on the lookout for the perfect moisturiser and cleanser!). And I can't believe you typed out all the ingredients, dedicated blogger!

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    1. Haha thank you :')

      I am interested in the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack - it seems to be a bit of a cult Asian skin care product. Do you think it's worth getting? Or maybe I should finish up this Origins first, lol!

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  32. This sounds amazing! My skin always starts to get dry this time of year and I've been living off various freebies and my mum's moisturisers... I can't wait to buy this!

    estellamaria.blogspot.co.uk

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  33. I also bought this a while back and am loving it-only using it once a week (usually on a Sunday or Saturday) but I love that I don't have to wash it off until the next morning, it is so perfect for lazy little me. No breakouts for me too, which is a big win :)

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  34. I love that mask, it helps alleviate my dry patched skin! Hyaluronic acid is amazing for retaining moisture in the skin and it adds a natural* barrier that keeps in the water/moisture. *It's a natural lubricant for your joints :]
    Kudos to you for type all the ingredients!
    <3 Carolyn

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  35. I've been googling these Origins masks as everybody raves about them, I'm so happy to read a good review in your blog, makes me want them even more!
    It's winter in Argentina too and my skin is changing so much... At the moment I'm making some masks with clay powder and tea tree oil and I love them :)

    x
    http://holaflo.blogspot.com.ar/

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  36. I think I'm going to have to finally buy this Origins mask when autumn sets in. Every review I read of it makes me want to try it even more! x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

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  37. I have been meaning to get this mask for a while. Heard so many great things about it. Great review.

    Kah-Feh Yen

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  38. I need to be getting into skincare too. My current skincare routine is cringe-worthy. The mask sounds great, especially the scent!

    Applauding you for typing up all of those ingredients, though. @____@

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  39. I love Caroline Hirons' blog and her humor! Definitely learned a lot from her cheat sheets.

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    1. Yes, her blog is absolutely hilarious. Love her style.

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  40. I've never tried any Origins products but this sounds like a good one to try. I've been meaning to find masks to add to my skincare routine but I never know where to start or what I should try lol. :P

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    1. I know the feeling! It's so daunting to figure out what you're doing. I pretty much have no idea. I mean is 'natural' necessarily 'better' than 'unnatural'? There's a lot of disagreement about 'bad' ingredients as well. It also depends so much on the individual's skin type and any sensitivities they may have. But I guess it's all part of the fun of figuring it out with trial and error (though not fantastic on the wallet...)

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  42. I used to work for Origins and loved this mask. It smells so nice and always made my skin feel so soft!

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  43. I have the 10 minute version of this mask and it is lovely. I usually leave it on after and in the morning my skin feels great. They smell great too!

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