Origins Skincare Review

For the last couple of years I've been struggling a lot with my skin. Having oily skin means black heads and breakouts and makeup never lasting and also somehow being dehydrated. Forgive me but trying to tackle all of those concerns at once can be a little confusing and overwhelming. Having tried so many different products and sometimes seeing results but most often not, its easy to get lazy and just do whatever.

I've recently learned a lot about skincare and how to tackle specific skin concerns. I figured my first issue of a super oily t-zone and uneven skin texture was probably a result of exfoliating too much (yep -twice a day...) and also not giving my skin the hydration it needed.

So I decided to try some products from Origins to switch up my skincare routine because (a) they are affordable (b) they use natural ingredients and (c) they smell good!

Because I do wear makeup most days, I wanted to feel like I was getting a decent clean, especially since I knew I had to start cutting down on scrubs. I liked the idea of the Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash because it still foams without containing sulphates. I use this cleanser at night after I remove my makeup and it leaves my skin feeling so refreshed and smooth. It is marketed for use on all skin types and it has definitely made my skin more balanced. I don't feel it has exacerbated any dehydration I have around my cheeks and forehead while still controlling my oily t-zone.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who struggles to maintain their combination skin.

I have also added the Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Moisturiser into my everyday routine. The Make a Difference range is specifically targeted to restore hydration into the skin and repair the skin over time to improve it's own moisture retention. I am absolutely in love with this moisturiser and it is perfect to use underneath makeup. I find it instantly brightens my skin as well as making it feel really smooth helping everything that goes on top look much better! I love that it locks in moisture all day so that even after wearing makeup all day I don't feel as if my skin is really tight and dry. I also really like its light texture so it doesn't feel heavy at all and absorbs quickly into the skin. I'm really interested to see how the overall hydration of my skin improves from continued use. My only gripe with this product is that it is in a tub which is a little less convenient than a tube or pump bottle - but there is definitely heaps of product to last you a really long time!

 If that wasn't enough hydration for my skin I've also started using the Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask 2-3 times a week. After wearing this at night I guarantee you will wake up with the softest skin that looks so bright and healthy! It also has apricot kernel oil so it smells so delicious! Just like the Make A Difference Moisturiser, this mask it not thick or heavy on the skin at all! If you have really dehydrated skin you could definitely use this as your nightly moisturiser.

To specifically tackle some of my more oily issues - acne and stubborn blackheads - I've been using the Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask as well as Never a Dull Moment Face Polisher both each a few times a week. I really want my skin to look brighter and more naturally luminous and both these products have been so effective. I have been popping the Out of Trouble Mask on all over my face around once a week, whilst using as a spot treatment whenever needed. It has a pleasant and refreshing menthol scent, but it might be quite strong for some - definitely don't get it too close to the eyes. After using the mask you can see such a huge difference in the size of pores and it leaves your face feeling so smooth! I chose this mask also because it contains salicylic acid which exfoliates within the pores and is fantastic in helping to prevent future breakouts. So far so good - but I'd definitely like to see if my breakouts do reduce significantly after using this mask consistently.

Never a Dull Moment is a brightening exfoliator and I was interested in trying this one because it contains fruit extracts so I knew I would be getting an enzymatic exfoliation as well as manual. I absolutely love this so far and find that it isn't as abrasive as my usual St Ive's scrub but with better results. It definitely leaves your face feeling brighter and super smooth. Also the scent of this is incredible!

Overall I'm really impressed with all the products I have tried from Origins so far and definitely have some more on my wish list. I would definitely recommend these products to those looking for an effective natural skincare brand. The only thing I would warn against is that the products have quite strong scents, although they are all completely natural and no synthetic fragrances are used. If you don't like using anything too scented, these products are probably not for you.

Origins is available instore at Mecca Maxima and Kit Cosmetics or at mecca.com.au

xx Cat

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Pristine Oils Custom Cleanser: Review

A recent addition to my skincare routine is a customised cleanser from Pristine Oils. What I love about the cleanser is that the ingredients are chosen to target my specific skin concerns and it also comes in this super cute packaging with my name on it which I may have gotten too excited about!

 My cleanser is customised to:

• 10% strength astringency
• Rosehip Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Macadamia Oil
• Grapeseed Oil

How to use it:

I use three pumps on my hand and then massage the oil into my face using a circular motion. After leaving the oil to sit on my skin for about 30 seconds I will then rub it off with a face cloth, again using circular motions starting at the bottom of my face and working upwards. I have only recently purchased a micro fibre chamois to use along side this cleanser but it definitely works to 'polish' your face better than a regular face cloth.

The smell is definitely something to get used to if you haven't used facial oils before. It isn't unpleasant but reminds me a little bit of salad dressing. It personally doesn't bother me and there is definitely no oily scent left on your skin.

As a makeup remover:

I was really impressed with the cleanser's ability to remove makeup in literally seconds. Foundation and face products are absolutely no problem and melt away easily while even stubborn waterproof mascaras and eyeliners are broken down so easily. I love using this cleanser when I am wearing a full face of makeup as I'll hop out of the shower with not a trace left.

As a cleanser:

I have loved using this product during the colder months because my skin has definitely been needing the extra moisture and the low percentage of astringency in my cleanser means that it is super hydrating for my skin.

I really enjoy this product as a cleanser as it works really well to clean out my pores and other oil build up on my skin - as you know oil breaks down oil.

I would definitely recommend contacting Pristine Oils to assist you in putting together your custom cleanser as I found their customer service to be really great and they were much more knowledgable than me about how to treat different skin issues!

Overall my skin has improved in a number of ways since using the custom cleanser from Pristine Oils.

• I've noticed a reduction in my blackheads around my nose and cheek area.
• I have less frequent breakouts that are less severe.
• My skin is smoother and softer.
• I've notice my skin looks brighter and less 'dull'.

My skin before adding the Pristine Oils cleanser to my skincare routine

After using Pristine Oils - my complexion is brighter and I have less breakouts

I really like the idea of a custom cleanser and it really appeals to me because my skin reacts differently during different seasons. The fact that I can alter my custom blend while still receiving a product that I know works with my skin is fantastic and saves the hassle of trying to find a whole different product to use. Also I do believe everyone's skin is so different and it's hard to find a product on the shelves that is going to be right for you. Also I love the added bonus of a oil cleanser that is the best makeup remover I've ever tried.

I have been really struggling with my skin lately which is the reason I jumped on the opportunity to try Pristine Oils. I am extremely happy how my skin has improved. Check out the Pristine Oils website here.

xx Catherine

* This is not a sponsored post and the products mentioned were purchased by me with a discount. All opinions are honest and my own

Weekly Beauty Edit: Catch Up Edition

I haven't posted anything in nearly a week which is really bad but at the moment I'm stuck in the middle of my exam period. With two weeks left, 2 essays and 2 exams until semester one is officially over I've been really busy and naturally, stressing out. I have still been able to try out some new beauty products and I thought I would give you a sneak peek of the products that I have been loving and which I will be doing full reviews of in the near future.

1// Custom made cleanser from Pristine Oils

I recently jumped at the opportunity to try a customised cleanser from Pristine Oils when they contacted me. After talking to them about my skin type and different problems I've been having with my skin, they suggested a blend of organic oils in my cleanser. I've been using the oil cleanser for about a week now and have been so impressed. My skin feels brighter, smoother and I love that using an oil cleanser is really moisturising as well. Not to mention that it is fantastic at removing makeup. A few review will be coming soon after I give my skin a bit more time to adjust. 

And it comes with a customised label too! 

2// Bright Lips

Yes, more new lip products have made it into my collection with absolutely no regrets. Even as the weather cools down significantly my choice of lip products have been getting brighter and brighter. I've absolutely fallen in love with Lady Danger by MAC and have also picked up a few of the new Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks and WOW. My first impressions of these lipsticks are fantastic - if you're looking for a bright, matte, long lasting lip colour I would recommend giving these a try - and on sale for only $10 at Priceline right now!

3// Nomadic Store Jewellery 

Chokers have really made a comeback in the accessories arena as the 90s seem to be the decade that everyone is nostalgic about at the moment. This Blue Mountains based online shop has a variety of really pretty and unique neck pieces at a super affordable price. They are also all handmade and the chokers are vegan as well! Check out their online store here. 

Here I am layering the Tiny Moon choker and Amethyst Point Sterling silver necklace

4// EmerginC Skincare

I was lucky enough to attend an event for EmerginC and hear the founder of the company Ian Lirenman talk about the importance of organic skincare as well as the amazing sustainability vision behind his business. I was also very excited to receive a few products from the EmerginC Scientific Organics range to try so I will definitely be reviewing those. Learn more about EmerginC here. In Australia, the brand can be purchased through Inskin Cosmedics.

5// Burts Bees

I recently picked up a little travel sized kit of Burts Bees products so I was able to try a few of their different products. I didn't have huge expectations but I've really been loving the Lemon Butter Cuticle cream as well as the lip balm. Again I will have a full review of all the products I tried coming very soon! You can get the 'Tips and Toes' Kit from anywhere that stocks Burts Bees (unfortunately I couldn't find it on the Priceline website).

I hope you enjoyed this little catch up and are excited to see the products I will be featuring reviews on very soon when I get back to my usual post schedule  - wish me luck for exams!

xx Catherine

Review: Sukin Natural Skincare

Over the last six months or so, I have been trying a few skincare products from Australian natural skincare brand Sukin. As all the products come to an end (surprisingly and conveniently all at the same time!) I thought I would review them all.

//Foaming Facial Cleanser

Probably the product I enjoyed the least out of the Sukin Range. Despite being targeted specifically for oily skin types, I really didn't feel like it did much to help my skin get a really nice, deep cleanse while still maintaining the skins moisture. I don't feel it really helped maintain the balance in my skin as it would often leave my skin feeling coarse. Whilst it didn't make my breakouts or oiliness any worse, it didn't really do anything either. The scent, which is the same as the moisturiser, is quite strange and I didn't overly like it either. Probably a decent cleanser is you don't have problematic skin and I'm interested to try their cream cleanser because I do prefer the cream formula.

//Revitalising Facial Scrub

I really enjoyed this facial scrub and its beautiful and gentle while being fantastic at providing exfoliation. What really struck me about this scrub was that the little particles that acts as the 'scrub' are made out of natural, organic materials - bamboo extract and ground walnut shells. This definitely appealed to me over scrubbing my face with harsh chemicals. The texture of the product is creamy and doesn't foam up but is easily massaged into the skin. I definitely felt this gave my skin a little 'lift' and smoothing out dry spots. However, I didn't think it provided a deep enough exfoliation to really remove the impurities within my pores. Overall I think this is a great gentle scrub for sensitive although if you do have a range of skin issues you may need another product to really remove those deep impurities.

//Facial Moisturiser

This moisturiser had the same strange scent as the cleanser which I wasn't a huge fan of. I didn't overly like this moisturiser either. It took a long time for it to be absorbed into the skin which isn't ideal especially if apply in the morning as a day cream before makeup. It also doesn't have SPF which I'm not sure is because SPF isn't a natural ingredient, but it is still something that I think is imperative in a moisturiser. While it did add moisture to my skin, it didn't have a long term effect on the quality of my skin so I will probably be trying something new. My sister however, absolutely loves this moisturiser. She has dry to normal skin, so this might be a good option for you if you are within that skin type and are looking for a light moisturiser.

//Hydrating Mist Toner

This is the only product that I have repurchased so far and it is an absolute essential in my daily skincare routine. A really nice refreshing toner that works to soothe the skin and is great in reducing redness. I definitely recommend this toner if you have sensitive skin as you don't have to rub your face any more with a cotton pad which could be an extra irritation you don't need. The scent is also really nice and subtle. I've talked about this product so much here on my blog so that's a clear indication that I'm obsessed with it ! So glad I found this product.

//Purifying Body Scrub

I've only been using this for a couple of weeks after looking for a gentle body scrub. I knew I liked the face scrub so was intrigued to try this. So far I'm quite impressed and it is quite similar to the facial scrub, having the same ingredients. It is however, thicker in consistency and does a good job to exfoliate your skin and is great to help with dry skin. While I do prefer a deeper exfoliation after I shave, this is a good option to keep my skin refreshed on a daily basis.

Are these products for you?

Overall, I am quite impressed with the products from the Sukin range. If you have normal skin and don't have much problems with breakouts these products are a fantastic option! They are sensitive and will definitely keep your skin moisturised and glowing. However, if you have more problematic skin - either very dry or very oily - I don't think all the products are going to work and it might take some time to try which ones work for you. Whilst I had to really personalise my routine after finishing these Sukin products to target my problem areas, these products didn't make my skin any worse. As I've talked about over and over again, I absolutely love the Hydrating Mist Toner and would definitely recommend it as a toner if you have sensitive skin.

Overall the best things about the Sukin products are:

• Price - These are super affordable, most of the face products are under $10 and conveniently available from Priceline and most other pharmacies.
• Natural, Organic Ingredients - For me personally, I prefer using skincare that has natural ingredients as I find it is most effective for my sensitive skin. I also really believe in their principles which you can read all about here.
• Range for Sensitive Skin - As well as their regular range, Sukin has a range specifically for sensitive skin. My mum originally had a reaction to the facial moisturiser and after getting in touch with customer relations, was sent the facial moisturiser from the sensitive range to try instead which worked really well. 

Hope you found this review helpful!

*Disclaimer: I have oily, sensitive skin and these products were tested over six months. These products were purchased with my own money and all opinions are honest and my own.

xx Catherine