Origins is a brand I’ve been a fan of for many years now, but I have to admit that I pretty much always repurchase the same few things from them and hardly ever try anything new. So when I came across their ‘Just the Essentials’ set back in May of this year, I just knew I had to pick it up so I could give some of the other products a try!
The set is priced at £15 and contains 4 of Origins’ best-selling skincare products – their Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash, Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion and GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer. Now, I’d actually tried 2 of these products before, but the others were new to me and as I’m sure you can imagine I was super excited to try them out.
Each of the products in the set comes in a squeezy tube, and I found that this made dispensing quick and easy. I also noticed that they are all formulated without any parabens, phthalates or propylene glycol, and that Origins do not test their products on animals. They get a big thumbs up from me for that, but what did I think of the actual products …
Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash
This cleanser claims to balance out combination skin, keeping any oily parts drier and any drier parts hydrated. I have to say that I totally agree with this claim, and found that the cleanser did a really good job of keeping my combination skin ‘in-check’. In the past I’ve found similar products have left my skin feeling super dry and looking horribly dull, so I was really pleased that this was different. I also found that you didn’t need to use much of this at all to get a good lather, which is fab, and I love the minty-fresh scent that it has. The full sized tube costs £18.50 for 150ml and I would definitely buy it again.
Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
One of the Origins products I’ve been using for years is the Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. I absolutely love it! It is without a shadow of a doubt the best mask I have ever used. It clear pores, controls oil and leaves my skin looking and feeling brighter. Just like the Checks & Balances Cleanser, a little of this goes a long way, so one full sized tube lasts a long time, and it rinses off so much easier than most other masks I’ve used do. The full sized tube of this costs £23.00 for 100ml and of course I will be buying it again!
Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion
I’m going to be brutally honest here and say I didn’t find anything too extraordinary about this product – it’s just your typical exfoliator. The product itself is quite creamy, smells great, and the micro-beads inside are really gentle on the skin, but I just don’t think it’s worth the hefty £33.00 price tag. I’ve used similar products from the drugstore at a fraction of the price and found they’ve done the same job without breaking the bank. That said, if you have super sensitive skin (which I don’t) I would recommend trying this out as like I mentioned before it’s really gentle on the skin. I definitely won’t be repurchasing this one though. Sorry Origins.
GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer
This is a good, basic moisturizer that I actually bought once before. I have to say that I wasn’t at all impressed by this to begin with, but I’ve seemed to get on with it much better this time around! The moisturizer has a zingy, citrus scent to it and it absorbs into the skin really quickly thanks to its light, gel-like formulation. It’s definitely worked better for me during the summer months, and I think that’s because my skin has been a lot oilier than usual this year. I’ve also noticed that my skin looks a lot glowier since I’ve started using this again, which is great. The only slight downside for me is that a full sized 50ml jar comes in at £24.00. So would I repurchase? I think so, but not until next summer. I’ll definitely be trying out some of the other products from the GinZing range though.
Overall, I’m really glad I picked up this set. It’s allowed me to try out some popular Origins products without having to buy them all at full price first. I can definitely see me picking up 3 of the products in full size once these little beauties have run out.
Origins Just the Essentials Set – £15.00 ||link||
Have you ever tried anything from Origins before?
What product(s) would you recommend?
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | YouTube
*Product purchased with my own money
Copyright protected by Digiprove © 2015 Louise Smith
I am yet to try anything from Origins, mainly because of the price but sets like these really make it affordable!
Sian recently posted…Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake
They are expensive. I remember reading about their spot gel many years ago and was astounded at the price for the size of the bottle when I went to pick some up! I’m glad I tried it though as it’s the only thing that works when I have spots 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…5 Autumn Fashion Trends I’ll Be Rocking This Year
I have always wanted to try Origins – I would be really interested in trying the charcoal mask. Great review.
Helen Dickinson recently posted…Maxwell’s Birthday Wishlist
I highly recommend it Helen – I’ve been using it for the past 3 years 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…Back to School 2015 – M&S Sports Kit Review
Never heard about this brand, looks like they don’t sell in India
Aww, really? That’s such a shame :'(
Louise recently posted…Ahava Night Mineral Makeover Kit
Such pretty packaging this brand has! Simplicity is key! I have really sensitive skin though, and trying new products can be a pain for me.
Zoe Alicia recently posted…How to Improve your Confidence
Origins are really good for sensitive skin. I’ve never used any of their products and found they were anything but gentle 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…Christening Gift Ideas
The Charcoal mask I really want to try, so I might look out for this set x
Rachel recently posted…AW15 Shoe-Boot Wishlist
I think you’d love the mask Rachel! I love sets like this as you can get a real idea of how the products feel before splurging on the full sized one 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…My thoughts on Zoella’s Tutti Fruity Range
I’ve never tried Origins, mainly because all of it is so expensive and I like to stick with cheaper moisturisers like Garnier, in my opinion they all do the same thing!
totally agree that there are some great alternatives on the high street Natasha 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…Moroccan Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash
Oh I love the look of this, I am a bit of an Origins fan and this looks like a great way to try things I haven’t before. x
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Treat your feet with Clearzal
I’m so glad I picked it up Sarah, I’ll definitely be buying some of the products again 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…Fun Station Nottingham
I’m also an Origins fan myself but never tried any of these products. This set is the perfect way to tried them out! 🙂
Gaby {lifeineight. com} recently posted…Kid’s Birthday Party Decor Ideas and Tips
It certainly is 🙂 And it’s good to see another Origins fan around X
Louise recently posted…Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas 2015
I haven’t heard of this brand before at all but after this post I’ll definitely check it out!
Aww, have you not? They’re really good – one of my faves 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…Rebates Zone’s Top 50 UK Beauty Bloggers
I love, love, love origins stuff. and these would be great for travel as they’re so small! Thanks loads for sharing, now where’s my debit card.
Rachael P recently posted…London: Sky Garden
Yes! I actually picked up a second set to take on holiday next week. But shh, don’t tell the other half!!X
I’ve never used an origins product before although have been tempted a few times during visits to Bicester village, I’m never sure if the products would be suitable on my dry, sensitive skin.
Everything I’ve used has been really gentle, so I would think they would be fine on your skin. If you’re uncertain though you could always ask one of the consultants there. They are always happy to point you in the right direction of the products that should work well for you, and they’ll often send you home laden with samples 🙂 X
i am a big fan of Origin face creams and just love the smell and texture of them. I really must try the face wash, it looks lovely x
Cathy Glynn recently posted…Duet of Baked Cheesecakes #GBBO Bloggers 2015
It really is Cathy! I was a little skeptical to begin with, but it was one of the most lovely face washes I’ve ever used 🙂 X
I used an Origins facewash that a friend had recently and I really loved it and how it made my face really soft. Would definitely like to try the face mask also.
Cliona recently posted…Glasgow Trip – Charles Rennie Mackintosh and so much more!
Their masks are second to none Cliona! If you liked the face wash then I definitely recommend giving one a try 🙂 X
I’m always painfully aware how little of a skin care routine I have when I read beauty blogs! I’ve never heard of Origin :/ But the £15 to try them out seems like a great bargain!
Michelle recently posted…Jewelled Persian Rice with Pomegranates, Walnuts & Parsley
Aww, bless ya. I am a total skincare junkie. I’m surprised I don’t have absolutely hideous skin if I’m honest as I chop and change my products a little too often 🙂 X
I have never heard of Orgins, im like you and tend to stick to the same products I like using. these look really good x
vicky recently posted…The Fairy Garden Review
They’re a really good brand Vicky. If you ever get the chance to try something of there’s you definitely should 🙂 X
I like the idea of the balancing wash. Can you buy it separately? Mind you, everyone deserves a treat every now and then and the 4 would be quite nice to do that with!
joanna smith recently posted…Buying School Uniforms: A Trutex Review
You certainly can Joanne. I believe it’s £18.50 for 150ml 🙂 X
I have been lucky enough this year to try ut lots of new skin products but haven’t yet found a good moisturiser. I really like the sound of this one. I think Origins are stocked by Boots so I could use up some of those accumulated points.
That’s a fantastic idea Teresa. I love spending my Boots points 😀 X
I’ve known of Origins for years but strangely I’ve never tried any of their products, I really must. The charcoal mask looks amazing. Is it for all skin types??? I’m in the market for a new mask.
Louise recently posted…5 Reasons to join the No Excuse Mom 12 Week Transformation Challenge
I just checked the Origins website and it does say it’s suitable for all skin types. I have combination skin and it works well for me 🙂 X
I’ve not heard of them before, but that’s probably as the price pushes them out of my market. I can imagine the luxurious feel afterwards though!
Mummy Ms memories recently posted…Beefeater review
They really are lovely – if you ever get the chance to sample them make sure you say yes! LOL X
I have never heard of origins before but it looks like great stuff! I really do need to take better care of my skin, I’m just too lazy! Maybe I will give these a try they really do look lovely!
Claire Ridewood recently posted…Little Passports Review – World Edition
Aww, really? I’ve been a fan for 3 years or more. I often wish I didn’t have a skincare routine as I’m super lazy but I know it’s good for me in the long run 🙂 X
I really wish I’d picked up this set than the few full sizes I picked up. I loved one but wasn’t too sure about the others but they were huge!
Rebecca Smith recently posted…Stress Stress Stress
Bless ya Bex! I usually just splash out and buy the full sized ones, but when I saw this I thought it was a more purse friendly way of trying some new products 🙂 X
I haven’t used anything from Origin before, but I like that you mentioned the cream gave you a glow, something that appeals to me as some creams can just leave my skin looking slightly dull.
Jade Priscilla recently posted…A world of pure imagination: Believing in make believe
It really does Jade! I didn’t notice it when I first purchased the moisturizer, but during these past few months of summer I’ve definitely seemed to look much glowier <3 X
i am origins fan and this www set looks good for trial purposes .thanks for sharing
It really is 🙂 X
No I haven’t tried any of these products before but I might take a look at then next time shopping.
Looks like a great set, love the facemask selfie! I always send snapchats of myself rocking a face mask
Catstello | http://www.cattitudeandco.uk
Catstello recently posted…Let’s Talk About Boobs
I’ve never tried Origins before, but this review has made me want to give them a go! I love the look of that charcoal mask. this I might have to pick up the set for £15 xx
Alex recently posted…My Birthday Wishlist
This is such a great set to try Origins! I wish more brands would bring out little kits like this.
Daniella | Freshly Pressed Beauty
Daniella recently posted…Sigma E40 | Review
havnt tried these products, looks like a really nice set
I haven’t heard of this brand but they look and sound great! I might have to try them as my current skincare routine is a bit crap! Great review =)
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…WOTW – Up and Down
Oh wow! I’m really shocked at the price! That’s quite cheap for them and makes me more likely to give it a bash.
Lifewithmunchers recently posted…Create a Cosy Living Room
I’ve been using the glamglow mud mask recently which is rest but this sounds like a good lower clost alternative x
Emma | The Mini Mes and Me recently posted…#HolidayAtHome with Carpetright
I’ve never tried Origins, it’s always been a little bit out of my price range but always heard so many good things about it. The facemask looks lovely!
Rachel @ Parenthood Highs and Lows recently posted…Superparent Saturday #5
What an affordable set not too expensive at all, I have never tried charcoal mask before this one sounds great
Miranda (Myrabev) recently posted…{Lifestyle} Running EssentialsÂ