It's not often there's true innovation in the beauty industry; more often than not brands 'borrow' ideas from each other or simply reinvent an existing concept so that it appears brand new. So many times I've thought a new launch was truly exciting, only do do a bit of research and find out that the idea has been around for years - but this time around (as far as I can tell!) Origins have definitely put themselves back on the beauty map with the launch of a concept that genuinely offers innovation. It's one of those products that makes you think 'why has nobody thought of this before', which inevitably means there will be oodles of copycats hitting stores over the next twelve months. So what is this rather delicious looking blue bottle of liquid and what promises does it provide? The 'Maskimizer' simply does what it says on the tin, helping to maximise the impact of your bi-weekly face treat to ensure you're left with a super smooth, clear and radiant complexion. Essentially a face mask primer, you spritz about ten pumps over the face after cleansing and follow with your usual masque formula; thanks to the infusion of a Marine Algae Complex, this extra step helps to boost the performance of the ingredients in your favourite mask while simultaneously hydrating skin to the max.
In order to see and feel the potential impact of this additional step in my skincare routine, I first spritzed the formula over only half of my face before applying my chosen hydration mask. After ten or so minutes the difference in the two sides was visible, with far more of the 'Maskimizer' side having absorbed into the skin to leave my complexion even softer, smoother and more plump than it would have been otherwise. Although the difference isn't radical, this innovative concept definitely helps to boost the performance of ingredients while injecting even more goodness into the surface of skin. It's really quite logical: prep the skin with ingredients that are going to drive actives deeper down, offer up some serious hydration to prevent skin from feeling parched and make it all easy as pie to use.
I've used this with clay and charcoal masks too and the result is pretty fabulous; the hydrating layer prevents as much tightness as I'd normally feel, while helping the detoxing ingredients to draw out even more impurities. What I also love about this product is that you can use it in a few different ways: I've spritzed it over the surface of face masks for a little boost, as well as using it to 're-hydrate' masks that otherwise dry to leave my skin feeling frozen. If you don't like the 'cracking' sensation of clay based masks, this definitely helps to add goodness back into the skin and minimise discomfort. It's also perfect for those long-haul flights when you need as much skin help as you can get; it's in a small enough bottle that it's permitted in hand luggage, plus it would be perfect to spritz on under a sheet mask an hour before you land. Although this is by no means a 'must have' product, it does offer a genuine benefit to those of us that like a face mask. At £18.50 it's affordable too, especially as this would last a good six months or so if you're applying one or two masks a week.
So although the cynical amongst us may think "really, another step in my routine?" Origins have proved sometimes it's worth keeping an open mind.
The Origins New 'Maskimizer' Skin Optimizing Mask Primer is available now, priced £18.50 for 95ml.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
In order to see and feel the potential impact of this additional step in my skincare routine, I first spritzed the formula over only half of my face before applying my chosen hydration mask. After ten or so minutes the difference in the two sides was visible, with far more of the 'Maskimizer' side having absorbed into the skin to leave my complexion even softer, smoother and more plump than it would have been otherwise. Although the difference isn't radical, this innovative concept definitely helps to boost the performance of ingredients while injecting even more goodness into the surface of skin. It's really quite logical: prep the skin with ingredients that are going to drive actives deeper down, offer up some serious hydration to prevent skin from feeling parched and make it all easy as pie to use.
I've used this with clay and charcoal masks too and the result is pretty fabulous; the hydrating layer prevents as much tightness as I'd normally feel, while helping the detoxing ingredients to draw out even more impurities. What I also love about this product is that you can use it in a few different ways: I've spritzed it over the surface of face masks for a little boost, as well as using it to 're-hydrate' masks that otherwise dry to leave my skin feeling frozen. If you don't like the 'cracking' sensation of clay based masks, this definitely helps to add goodness back into the skin and minimise discomfort. It's also perfect for those long-haul flights when you need as much skin help as you can get; it's in a small enough bottle that it's permitted in hand luggage, plus it would be perfect to spritz on under a sheet mask an hour before you land. Although this is by no means a 'must have' product, it does offer a genuine benefit to those of us that like a face mask. At £18.50 it's affordable too, especially as this would last a good six months or so if you're applying one or two masks a week.
So although the cynical amongst us may think "really, another step in my routine?" Origins have proved sometimes it's worth keeping an open mind.
The Origins New 'Maskimizer' Skin Optimizing Mask Primer is available now, priced £18.50 for 95ml.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
Clik here to view.
