ORIGINS DRINK UP intensiVE OVERNIGHT MASK

---

Rating : 5/5

Price : $34

Size : 2.5 fl oz

Where to Buy : origins.com, Ulta, Dillard's, Macy's, Sepora, Nordstrom, Amazon

Cruelty Free : No

In 1990, Origins was the first prestige skincare company to use natural ingredients in their line. Since their founder was Estee Lauder's son, the brand had several resources to experiment and execute the brand. Origins quickly exploded onto the scene and gained the clientele of both Estee Lauder consumers as well as those who were interested in more natural skincare. I remember going into the department store with my mom as a child and always being drawn to the Origins counter. It had a transformative spa like experience even down to the calming music and alluring scent. This, along with ingredients customers could actually pronounce, made the brand a smash hit. Today, the brand continues to innovate. According to their website, all their products will now be 90% naturally derived. They use the principles of "green chemistry" which makes sure human health, planet health, and the environment are the top priority. As much as I've heard people rave about this line, I haven't tried many items. I was recently given this mask by a coworker and was immediately intrigued. Of course I love anything that claims to be hydrating, but what really caught my attention was the smell of this product. I can't quite figure out what it is (although most people claim it's pear), but I promise you it is the most enticing yet soothing scent. The best part is that it isn't a chemically added fragrance, it's all natural. The mask itself is a thick, rich formula that sinks into skins surface to intensely hydrate overnight. I like to use this mask a few times a week when I don't feel like doing my entire skincare routine. After cleansing and toning, I'll apply a generous layer of this product. In the morning my skins always looks glowy and healthy. I also love that this product doesn't come in a jar like most masks because a tube is much more sanitary and honestly easier to use. Overall, I was shocked by how much I loved this product. I will definitely be repurchasing it and trying more from Origins.

INNISFREE GREEN TEA FACE CLEANSER

---

Rating : 2/5

Price : $12.00

Size : 5.07 oz

Where to Buy : us.innisfree.com, Sephora, Amazon

Cruelty Free : No

I love experimenting with new skincare products. There's always a new launch or innovation to play with. When I started working at Sephora at Kohl's, there were several brands I wasn't familiar with. One of them being Korean skincare brand, Innisfree. There has been a recent craze when it comes to "K-Beauty." This is due in part to most Korean products being made with natural ingredients vs. American products which can have artificial ingredients. Usually, natural ingredients get along better with the skin and tend to cause less irritation. I was initially drawn to this brand because it was very inexpensive (which is rare at Sephora). Several customers had raved to me about how well their line performs. So, when I ran out of my tried and true Kiehl's cleanser, I was ready to try something new. Based on my skin type, the green tea cleanser seemed to be the best fit. This face wash is made withe Jeju Island Green Tea Water which claims to deliver antioxidants and amino rich hydration. It is formulated without harsh chemicals like; parabens, mineral oils, and synthetic colors. I honestly was expecting this to be a game changer, but it felt like a basic drugstore cleanser. To begin, it foamed much more than I anticipated. Almost to the point where it felt a bit like I was suffocating. Second, after rinsing my felt stripped and somewhat dry. A product that claims to be great for dry, sensitive skin should not have this effect. Although it didn't irritate my skin or seem to make it worse, I don't think I'll be repurchasing this product. In my opinion, the drugstore has better for the same price. Or, if you do prefer a clean brand, it's worth it to spend a bit more. Overall, this cleanser was just average. I think I'll stick to my Kiehl's from now on.

SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMERIZER

---

Rating : 2/5

Price : $42.00

Size : 1 oz

Where to Buy : Where to Buy : smashbox.com, Ulta, Sephora, Macy's, Nordstrom

Cruelty Free : Yes

One product put Smashbox on the map and that is their original Photo Finish primer. Since its original launch it has won several awards and made the company thousands of dollars. Since that product did so well, a few years later Smashbox released a variety of additional primers to add to their line. There is truly a primer for every skin type. I'm a huge fan of their original primer, but as you all know, I have very dry skin. So during the winter months I always have to add a little extra hydration to my makeup routine. According to their website, this product haws three key ingredients; triple hyaluronic acid, niacimide, and a silkscreen complex. Their unique silkscreen complex is comprised of powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid, algae, probiotics, and vitamins to protect and nourish skin. This primer also helps to defend against blue light damage and pollution. If I'm being honest, this product really doesn't do much. In my opinion, it's basically a glorified moisturizer. I think it had the possibility of being really great but the formula is just too runny and thin to create a proper barrier that most primers have. It works and looks great, but it only lasts about four hours. After that, I started to notice creasing in my makeup and skin looking greasy. I'll use this product if I have a short event, but for long wear use, this just doesn’t cut it. I also think it is incredibly overpriced for what it does. There are just so many other primers on the market that work better and are way cheaper. I say stick to the original Photo Finish primer and skip this one.