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skincare

Finding a Skincare Routine That Works for Me

by How She Styles September 9, 2020

The skin is the body’s largest organ, but for most of us it’s an afterthought. For me, it took me a long time to care about my skin. Let me give you a little history of my skincare journey.

The History Of My Skincare (Or lack thereof)

As a kid my mom would wrangle my brother and I and do her best to get sunscreen on us, but I still got sunburned a few times when going to the beach and playing sports.

In my teen years, I was so lazy about applying sunscreen and hadn’t come to terms with the fact that a tan just wasn’t in the cards for me. I would get really serious sunburns when spending a day at the beach with the girls and only applying sunscreen once.

To add to my bad skincare practices, I would always forget to take my make up off at the end of the day, waking up with the eyeliner still on from the night before.

When I did used skincare products there were always harsh cleansers or exfoliators whose only job was to eradicate the few spots of acne that came with puberty, but mostly just dried out my probably already dehydrated skin.

I continued the less than ideal face cleaning habits as I headed into college, where I would occasionally pass out wearing a full face of makeup. However, when I was going to bed at a regular hour I was washing my face every night and every morning and using dreaded face wipes to remove my makeup. When it came to sunscreen I started to wise up when I knew I would be outside for long periods of time. I would make sure to reapply it every 20 minutes to avoid burning.

Once I hit my mid 20s I started learning about the Youtube beauty community, and that opened my eyes to skincare. I began to wash my face daily even when I didn’t have to take off my makeup. I really got into using masks and trying a bunch of different skincare products.

After trying and testing a bunch of different things I got overwhelmed by the options and decided to stick to a simple routine. At night, I remove my makeup with a cleansing balm, wash my face with a cleanser, and then add my retinol and finish with a moisturizer. All I do in the morning is apply moisturizer.

Recently I have decided to put a little more thought into my skincare because I think its important to take care of your body because it’s the only one you get and that includes your skin. So I did a little bit of research.

What the Experts Say About Skincare

After searching around the internet and a google search or two I found a couple of articles regarding skincare. What experts say should be included in your skincare routine. I added the steps from the two articles I found most helpful below.

From Women’s Health Mag

They believe this is the combination of products you need in your morning and evening skincare routine in your 30s.

Morning

Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturizer
SPF

Evening

Cleanser
Exfoliator
Serum
Night Cream
Eye Cream

My thoughts on the morning routine is that everything looks like it makes sense except the toner for me. Toners I have tried in the past always dry out my skin. Many toners have alcohol as an ingredient which will dry out the skin.

As for the evening routine, there are two products I am not sure about. First, is the exfoliator. I stopped using an exfoliator because it was too strong for my skin and started giving me milia which is small white bumps caused by over exfoliation.

The next product I am not 100% on board with adding to my routine personally is eye cream. I have dark circles under my eyes and I have tried many eye creams. None of the eye creams I have tried have made a huge difference. So I spoke to the wise women who does my facials about my dark circles. She told me the only thing that would improve them would be sleep and water so I might wait to add an eye cream.

Caroline Hirons

This is a general skincare routine for any age by the queen of skincare herself, Caroline Hirons.

Cleanser
Exfoliate with acid
Hydrating Mist
Eye Cream
Serum
Oil
Moisturizer
SPF
Vitamin A/Retinoids for Anti aging

This routine has more products than the first one so it feels a little overboard for me at the moment, but who knows maybe it turns out you need all this in your routine.

I will say I think a hydrating mist is a bit of a waist of money. Is it a nice feeling on the skin? Probably. To me it seems like a waste to spend money on something that just feels nice with no huge benefit. The oil also seems nice, but might be an add for a later date since a serum and moisturizer are already adding moisture back into the skin.

What I am Adding to my Routine

Seeing these lists I am definitely going to update my skincare routine a bit by adding a few things.

Acid (AHA) – In the Caroline Hirons article, she speaks to exfoliating with acid instead of a harsh scrub or a drying toner.

Serum – I have used serums in the past, but never see a huge difference so I am going to try something new. I definitely want something with hydration and if it also has anti-aging benefits then I will be all in.

SPF – I am bad at wearing SPF everyday so I want to buy a moisturizer that has a high SPF in it so I make sure I am protecting my skin from daily sun damage.

Make sure to subscribe to see what I ended up picking up, and how I liked each product. Do you have a skincare product that you absolutely love? Let me know in the comments below!

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Beauty

My Skincare Routine – For Dry Skin

by How She Styles March 15, 2018

My Skin Backstory

Before I tell you all about my routine let me tell you about my skin! My skin is pretty dry especially in the winter. My driest areas are between my eyebrows and on my chin.

I am so dry that without fail by the end of the day there is always a textured dry spot in those places. I also have large pores which also bodes well for applying makeup. Usually if foundation glides over my dry patches it sinks into my pores and vice versa. It’s not a pretty sight. My skin is not generally acne prone unless I am hormonal, under a lot of stress, or applying something to my skin that it really doesn’t like. Lucky for me the same spots that are really dry are also the spots that tend to breakout when I do have a breakout. I guess that’s all I have to say about my skin. On to the routine!

The Power Of A Facial

I recently found out how powerful a facial can be back in November when I was fed up with my skin, and out of ideas for how to fix it. First of all, this is a heavenly experience. It’s like a mini massage for your face! Facials also give your facialist a chance to truly see your skin and how it reacts to different products. After my facial, I showed my facialist what my skincare routine was and she was able to give me some recommendations.

My Routine

In the morning, the only thing I do is apply moisturizer whether I am applying makeup or not my face always feels pretty dry so a like to give it a boost of hydration in the morning. I don’t wash my face in the morning because I don’t want to wash away all the oils my body has built up over night.

Before bed I wash my makeup off using cleanser and then do one of two things. I will cleanse again using that same cleanser or I will use an exfoliator to double cleanse while exfoliating. I only exfoliate three times a week because over exfoliating can cause your skin to try and over compensate for all the stuff your removing and make your skin more dense and hard.

After cleansing I apply a moisturizer and then head to bed. However, on Saturday or Sunday nights I will apply a hydrating mask that makes me feel like I have new skin the next day.

The Products

Cleanser: Promise Organic Ultra Moisturizing Argan Crème Facial Cleanser

Right now, I am using a drugstore cleanser that I picked up at CVS and can’t seem to find anywhere else. I like it because it boasts not having water as the first ingredient, instead the main ingredient is aloe. I love finding new natural skincare products as well as products with less chemicals because I feel like it’s better for my sensitive skin.

Exfoliator: St.Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub

Luke actually found this one and I absolutely love it. Instead of the super grainy texture exfoliators usually have this one is completely different. It uses very fine granules to exfoliate, and it reminds me of wet sand. With this product I get the exfoliation without being too rough on my skin.

Moisturizer: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance

This is one my facialist suggested to me. She saw how dry my skin was and recommended I use a heavier moisturizer for the winter months. It is super moisturizing while still remaining lightweight enough to put on under my makeup. It is a little on the pricey side, but if you’re going to splurge on beauty it might as well be on your skincare.

Mask: Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque

This is a product that my facialist actually used on me during my facial. After she used it, my face looked and felt more plump and alive! I knew I needed it. Every time I use this I feel like I got another mini facial! This is another one that’s pretty pricey, but I really see the results in my skin which is more than I can say for most of the skincare I have purchased in the past.

What’s Next

I am thinking about adding a serum to routine to give me that extra boost of moisture. Adding an eye cream to my routine is 2^nd on the list to combat my dark circles. I also want to focus on making sure my makeup brushes are cleaned weekly so that they don’t contribute to any skin issues. Finally, I want to focus on is making sure the skin on the rest of my body is just as hydrated. I got a recommendation for the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream so that is next on my list to try.

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Mother's Day Gift Guide - The Face Of Style: Faux Leather Bag _ Zara

Life

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Cute Gifts All Under $50

by How She Styles May 10, 2017

Mother’s Day is upon us and you know what that means? Gotta give all the love to all the moms!

I also just want to write a quick note about my mom specifically. She is hard to describe. When I am writing this there are no words to describe what my mom means to me. She is always strong for her family even when she is going through stuff herself. My mom is always supportive, trying to help me be the best I can be.

She is the person I always look to for advice, guidance, and a good pep talk. That’s not even a good description of how much I admire this woman. I hope you all give your mom some love this weekend even if you can’t get a gift. Just show her how much you love her.

Now onto the gift guide all under $50

A Day Of Relaxation

Mother's Day Gift Guide - The Face Of Style Massage_Groupon

You can get her a gift card for a manicure/pedicure or get a massage for less $50! Groupon is a great place to get deals like this! Treating your mom to a day of relaxation doesn’t have to have a hefty price tag.

Skincare

Nothing says I love you like making sure your mom is taking care of her skin! Here are three great skincare bits for under $50

Mother's Day Gift Guide - The Face Of Style: First Aid Beauty: Ultra Repair Cream _Sephora

First Aid BeautyUltra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration

Mother's Day Gift Guide - The Face Of Style: Caudalie: Caudalie Favorites Set _ Sephora

Caudalie: Caudalie Favorites Set

Mother's Day Gift Guide - The Face Of Style: Origins Bedtime Bests _ Sephora

OriginsBedtime Bests

Accessories

If your mom is the type who loves jewelry get her something she can wear all the time like this simple and elegant bar necklace from Bauble Bar

Mother's Day Gift Guide - The Face Of Style - Bar Necklace_Baublebar

MINIMALIST BAR PENDANT

Or if she’s always on the go, get her a nice tote she can throw all her goodies in!

Mother's Day Gift Guide : Shopper Tote_ H&M

Here’s a cute one for summer from H&M

Mother's Day Gift Guide - The Face Of Style: Faux Leather Bag _ Zara

Here’s one that’s a little more classic from Zara

Day Out With Mom

This could be a shopping day out, a mani/pedi, or a lunch date as long as you spend time with your mom!

These were my ideas for Mother’s Day gifts! Let me know if you have ideas for your mom!!

Want More?? Look No Further!

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January 2017 Favorites

by How She Styles February 12, 2017

January has been a month of getting back into a routine. Getting back into the swing of things after the holidays has been difficult, but starting something is always the hardest part. Overall I think I took the necessary steps to set myself up for a great February.

Now let’s get into the favorites that got me through this month:

The Face Of Style: January Favorites - Ole Henriksen

Ole Henriksen All Four Love: 3 Little Wonders + Cleanse

I got this for Christmas from a friend and I really like it so far. My skin is softer after I use it. I like the consistency and the scent of each product. I think I would repurchase the serum or the overnight treatment. Those are the two that I feel like would be worth the money. The cleanser and the moisturizer are nice, but I can get good moisturizers and cleansers at the drugstore.

(This was a holiday set – see regular set with the treatment, moisturizer, and serum here)

The Face Of Style: January Favorites - Studded Boots

Forever 21 Studded Buckle Boots

I have had these for a few months now but I really wore them a ton in January. They were the boots I wore when I didn’t know what else to wear. I got my true size and they needed some breaking in so I would go a half size up in these. Once I was able to break them in I haven’t stopped wearing them! Every time I wear them I get compliments. The faux leather is my favorite part! The faux leather is so soft that gives the boots an expensive look. I’m pretty sure I’m going to wear these until they fall apart.

Here are some similar styles from H&M and ASOS and Lulus!

Blogilaties

I have been following the YouTube channel Blogilaties for a while now, but right after New Years a full body 30 minute workout was posted. It gave me the kickstart I needed to get back into working out. I have been doing this workout a few times a weeks in January and I already feel my body getting stronger! The best part is the workout is only thirty minutes. I can fit the workout in easily before I head to work! Her channel (and blog) offer so many things that can be helpful if you are trying to get healthy. In addition to workouts, Blogilaties posts heathy recipes, helpful stretching trips, and support for your health journey!

Ellen Tracy Maxi Puffer Coat

(Similar here and here)

It was freaking cold in January as it usually is and this coat was my first line of defense against the elements. It’s not the most fashionable but it gets the job done when it comes to keeping me warm in these frigid temperatures. The only thing I wish this coat had was a fur hood for extra warmth and protection from the elements.

IT Cosmetics

Naturally Pretty Vol 1 Matte Luxe Transforming Eyeshadow Palette

This is a palette I rediscovered around the holidays and I have fallen in love again. This palette has so many warm shades that I love to apply. All the shadows are blend well and make putting my eye look together so much fun! If I was wearing eyeshadow in January I was using the shadow in this palette.

Netflix

This is another rediscovery. I started watching Sherlock because who doesn’t like a good mystery??? I realized how much good content they have. However, what really put Netflix on this list is the downloadable content. I have been using they downloadable content for my commute, which has made that a lot more bearable. The downloadable show I have been watching is a “docuseries” called Chef’s Table that I am very into. If you like food and documentaries you should definitely give this a watch!

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Review: Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser and Mask

by How She Styles September 23, 2015

I fell in love with this cleanser about a year ago, but I never got around to replacing it when it ran out. Since my skin has been acting up again lately, I decided to pick up another tube, even though the packaging had changed and I was worried the formula might have changed as well.

As soon as I put it on, I got the same tingling sensation I had felt

when I used it the last time, and I figured that was the

salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide working.

Everything was going smoothly until it wasn’t. One Friday night I was

feeling especially grimy after work, and I decided to use the cleanser as

a mask. I decided to put it on while I was doing something else, and I

left it on for about five or ten minutes longer than it says you

should, and I soon found out why they advise against that. I washed the mask off and

my skin felt extremely clean, but I looked in the mirror and my skin

looked like this.

Needless to say I freaked out and called my mom. She told me if I was

really red to just ice my face which would calm the irritation that

was causing the redness. After about 30min my redness was calmed

pretty well even though you could still see the lines where I stopped

putting the mask on my face. Within an hour the redness was completely

gone.

That was a scary situation, but it was my mistake for leaving the mask

on too long, so I just won’t be doing that ever again! Other than that experience, this

product works as well as I remember. My skin always feel so clean after I use it. Acne scarring fades and it prevents as much acne from showing up. If you have sensitive skin like me, be very careful with this powerful cleansers like this, and always abide

by the directions.

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March 2015 Favorites

by How She Styles April 6, 2015

March has come and gone and its finally starting to warm up! March marks the beginning of spring, and I’m excited to start wearing dresses and rompers!

What are you guys excited to wear when it gets warmer? Now, on to the favorites:

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Everyone I know with fair skin is obsessed with this blush, saying it gives you such a beautiful glow. When I saw it at CVS, I had to grab it.

Spoiler Alert! Everyone is right. I have been reaching for this over and over again because it gives you a quick and easy glow. Who doesn’t want that?

Boots Perfect Light Pressed Powder in Medium

I actually got this from my mom because the shade was too light for her. I am so glad that she gave it to me, because this is slowly becoming my holy grail powder. It is so finely milled that no matter how I put it on (brush, a puff, or the little sponge that comes with), it always looks good! I use it to set my under-eye concealer and my entire face. I will definitely be repurchasing this when I run out.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes

I happened upon this in a Harmon and I have never seen this anywhere else since. I generally find that all the matte lip creams from nyx are really bright, but this one is more rosey and neutral toned. Let’s just say it’s a great everyday pink that I couldn’t stop reaching for in March and intend to keep reaching for in April.

Boots No7 Shine and Tint in Ballet

This is one of the new releases from Boots that I discovered at the Boots Beauty Takes NYC event in March and I really love it. I admit I am not much of a gloss girl, but there is something about this color and the texture of this formula that I love. I like using this when I just need a hit of color. I also like that it doesn’t have any shimmer—just a smooth glossy finish. It also leaves a slight pink tint behind, so I don’t have to worry about reapplying as much.

NYX Retractable lip liner in Nude Pink

I have a pencil lip liner from NYX, and I’m a fan of that formula, but I really love retractable lip liner so I decided to try this one. I am in love with the lasting power and the color—it is perfect with my skin tone! The only thing that bothers me is that it has a bit of glitter in it, which I find very odd, but that doesn’t prevent me from wearing it. Do any of you know of a shade that is similar to this without the shimmer?

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze

I just recently discovered shadow sticks. I know what you’re thinking: “Where has this girl been?” I don’t know where I have been either!

This has been my go-to shadow for the past few weeks when I’ve wanted to do my make up quickly or do a one-shadow look. They are such good shades, and they are so easy to blend! Get your hands on these! The new Boots No7 Line and Define shadow sticks are really great too, but I couldn’t justify having two shadow sticks in my favorites.

Boots No7 Skincare Day Cream, Night Cream in Dry/Very Dry and Boots Botanics All Bright Radiance Concentrate Serum

These three items have changed my skin for the better. I have been raving about the day and night cream, but the radiance serum takes it to a new level. I have a lot of dry texture and pores on my face and this combo has really done a great job of smoothing all that out.

All the Boots skincare products I have tried have been great, and I can’t wait to get my hands deeper into the Botanics line! If you try one thing from my favorites this month, make it something from the Boots No7 Skincare line, which can be found at Walgreens, Target, and online.

Kohls Sterling Silver Midi Rings

I have an obsession with midi rings. They are fun and cute, and I think they are a very interesting jewelry piece to wear, so I have been on the hunt for some interesting ones to add to my jewelry box.

These two are from Kohls, and I love Kohls because they sell sterling silver rings for under ten dollars. These two rings together were about fourteen dollars, and I can trust that they will never tarnish.If I really want, I can wear them in the shower and not worry about damaging them. I don’t have anything like these, and I have been wearing them non-stop.

Tell me your favorites of March in comments below and don’t forget to subscribe!

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Beauty

Skin and Makeup Products That Blew Me Away!

by How She Styles March 7, 2015

Sometimes when you try a product it does what you expect and other times it’s amazing!!! These are a few of the products that knocked my socks off and I hope you find some new favorites!

Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream and Night Cream in Dry/Very Dry

I first tried the Beautiful Skin night cream in Normal/Dry formula in July, and sadly I finished that tub, so I went out to repurchase it in the Dry/Very Dry version. I also bought the day cream because my moisturizer in the morning was just not cutting it. Holy. Crap. This stuff is amazing! After using the night cream in the evening and day cream in the morning under my makeup, the texture of my skin has completely changed in a matter of days. First off the night cream is so moisturizing that my skin just drinks it in. The day cream is everything I could want in a daytime moisturizer. The formula sinks into the skin so quickly so I don’t have to wait fifteen minutes to do my makeup, and the SPF 15 protects my skin (because there is still sun in the winter, gotta protect that skin!). I cannot wait to go out and grab more products from this line to see what a difference it makes on my skin. I truly don’t know why more people aren’t talking about this!

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Long Wearing Lipstick in Love Red

Keeping with the Boots No7 theme here, I am in love with their Long Wearing Lipsticks! I am sure if you have been reading this blog for a while that you know I can’t stop wearing Love Red. When I got this shade I was afraid of wearing the color red—I never thought I could pull it off, let alone during the daytime. This lipstick changed my life! Well… my makeup life, anyway. I put it on and I was blown away by the pigmentation and the smooth formula. I could glide this over my lips all day, but it really only takes one swipe. It is such a light formula and wears for at least eight hours. Yes, eating and drinking will make it fade a bit, but you can’t have it all! This is my favorite red lipstick, and I don’t know if anything else will ever take its crown.

Garnier Clean Nourishing Cleansing Oil for Dry Skin

I had wanted to try cleansing oil for a while before I bought this. It makes sense, right? The dry skinned girl wants to use an oil? I didn’t think it would the perfect match that it was! I tried this and was so excited how easily all the liquid eyeliner and mascara just melted off my face. The best part, however, was how soft my skin felt after using this. Whenever I wash my face with anything else, my skin feels tight after. Not with this! My skin just felt nourished and clean as it should be!

Garnier Skin Renew 5 Sec Blur Instant Smoother Primer

I have large pores, and not like “oh my pores are so lame” large, but rather “my foundation sinks into my pores” large. It is incredibly annoying, so I had been using The Porefessional Primer to combat that and that was working well, but I cannot be spending that much on primer every month without my bank account getting mad at me. So I was on the search for a silicone-based primer with the same qualities as The Porefessional. After watching countless reviews, I saw this product and went for it. I was expecting it to do its job, but I wasn’t expecting it to go beyond my expectations.

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Nail Polish in Up The Ante

When I saw this polish, I thought it was just another “gel-like shine” kind of product. It looks pretty for a few days and then by day 3 it’s all chipped. However, I was really surprised how long this lasts on my nails. I can go an entire week without noticeable chips. Yes the edges get a little beaten because I literally spend all day typing, but it still looks beautiful. And that’s just the color polish! I haven’t even tried it will the top coat yet. I am sure when I try the top coat along with this it will last even longer.

Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub in Sleep

When I bought this, I really just wanted to try the scent because everyone freaks out about the pillow spray product they make. I wasn’t interested in the pillow spray, so I got the body scrub instead. It makes my skin SO AMAZINGLY SOFT INSTANTLY! It got to the point where I was asking people to touch my arms so they could feel how soft my skin was. It might be too rough for sensitive skin because the granules are pretty large, but for those people, please try something else in the line just for the scent! The scent is lavender vanilla, and I hate straight-up vanilla scent, but the lavender balances it out to make for a relaxing combo.. You need to try something from the Sleep line! Trust me.

What are some products that blew you away or you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments below, and if you want more goodies, don’t forget to subscribe!

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Beauty

Everyday Skin Care Routine

by How She Styles January 28, 2015

Let me just start by saying that I have dry skin that is slightly sensitive and prone to redness, so if you have any suggestions for skin care products specifically for my skin type, put them in the comments down below. Let me know about your favorite skin care products too!

Cleanser

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

I just recently bought this for one reason only: the name touched on almost all of my skin concerns. Dry skin is really my biggest concern though, so that is what I am testing it for right now. So far I love the formula. It’s very creamy with little to no foaming, and feels extremely gentle on my skin. I only wish that this cleanser came in a squeeze bottle instead of pump, in case I ever need to travel with it. I will definitely do a full review after trying this out more.

Boots No7 Cleansing Balm

I am almost finished with this tube and it makes me so sad. When I don’t feel like fully washing my face, but a cleansing wipe isn’t enough, I turn to this product. I just apply it to my face, massage it in, and wipe off the excess. It not only leaves my skin feeling moisturized and soft, but also removes any remaining makeup from my face. I will definitely repurchase this when I finish the bottle.

Neutrogena Cleansing Towelettes

These are a staple in my skincare routine. They remove all of my makeup and they are the most gentle cleansing wipes I have ever tried. They can burn a little bit by the eyes if rubbed too hard, so it’s best to be careful. Other than that, they are great at removing makeup and giving a quick cleanse if you’re lazy like me!

Exfoliator

Origins Modern Friction

I picked up a three-pack trial size of this product around black friday, and I really like it so far. This exfoliator has granules that are not super fine, yet not chunky either. It also has a scent, and I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, but it’s pretty strong. As I previously mentioned, I have sensitive skin, and so a lot of exfoliators cause my facial skin to break out. This was the case with two different exfoliators, and they have both caused my skin to break out. Only this one and a Neutrogena one have managed to make my skin not hate me. I am sure it is not cheap, so though its good, I may need to keep searching the drugstore shelves to find one that works for me.

Mask

Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask and Origins Clear Improvement Mask

These are two masks that I am comparing right now. They are both clay-based masks that claim to deep clean your pores and result in really soft skin. The Origins mask is a bit thicker than the Boots mask, but they basically do the same thing. I like to use these masks once a week (one or the other), applying and leaving the product on for ten minutes or until it is dry, and then washing it off with warm water. These masks are quite relaxing, and I really enjoy using them.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

This is supposed to be a hydrating product, and it is, but I don’t notice a huge improvement when I use it overnight. I do love the mango scent though, and it feels nice and light on the skin. I will keep using it for now until I find something else that makes my skin soft, hydrated and bright. If you guys have any recommendations, let me know in the comments below.

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