#BigBlogmasproject2014 Day 11 - Winter Skincare Essential

For some reason, Winter is the time where I stop and think more about skin care then any other time of the year, I think it's because I need to use lots of different bits, plus my skin does some really weird things!

Every year I try new things, but there is one product that is always repurchased - the wonderful Mega Mushroom Skin Relief from Origins. A super hydrating mask, this really packs a punch when your skin is feeling dry and tried thanks to the central heating, alcohol and the weather.

A thick cream that you slather on your face after cleansing and leave on. You can feel your skin literally soak up as much of the hydration as it needs. A quick wipe with a tissue to get rid of the excess and then you are left with super soft, hydrated skin. I love this, I can';t get through winter without it.

What are your go to skin care products for winter? xx

This Week - The Make Up #12

Errr,,,,hi,,,,, remember me?! I'm not going to say sorry for not blogging, I've needed the time to sort a lot of stuff out and decide if I want to be blogging still, and I really do, just need to not put the pressure on myself to blog regularly.

I've had a massive sort out of my make up and had a real clear out which has uncovered some great forgotten favourites as well as some bits that I kinda forgot that I had bought!

For bases this week, my skin needs a little bit of coverage so I've picked up Rimmel's new Lasting Finish in Ivory. To add a bit of colour I've reached for Benefit's Hervana as its gorgeously light and just caught in the wind glowy.

On the eyes it's all about liner and smoked out colour, so using up the liner from Company and Maybelline's Metallic Pomegranite in the crease and corner. Lashes are from Origins, I've never tried their make up but I do adore their skin care.

I'm trying to use lip colours this Autumn so in a bid to get the 'Kylie Jenner' lip I've picked out Kate Moss for Rimmel in 03 and a nude gloss from Maybelline. If the lips stay this colour then I will be amazed as I normally forget.

Over all, not many changes , but its nice to pick out some old bits as well as some new bits. Have you tried any of these? What have you picked this week? xx

Review - Origin High Potency Night-a-Mins Oil Free Moisturiser

Boots -£34

Origins, why must you make the names of everything so long!!!Oh well, if the number of words represented the quality of the product then this one is the bees knees! A couple of weeks ago, I popped into John Lewis to pick up a different moisturiser and was offered a free facial - perfect as I wasn’t busy and am not going to say no! After chatting and chilling with the girl on the counter we got talking night time moisturiser. I went in for the Make a Different + moisturiser, but she suggested that it was too heavy for summer skin care and that the High Potency Night-a-mins oil free would be a better fit - I'm a sucker for taking advice and thought I would try it out.

6 weeks later I can happily report that this is a brilliant night moisturiser! This has changed my skin completely. Packed with loads of Vitamins and Minerals, the oil free formula has a soft, gel like texture which glides across the skin without leaving the skin greasy. In the morning my skin is soft and fresh - it’s nice to see that it has improved. As well as this, my skin appears more even and fine lines less obvious and I put it down to this more than anything.

At £34, it’s not the cheapest on the market but it is well worth it!

I adore it, have you tried it before? Xx

Advent Door 14 - Review: Origins Make A Difference Plus +

Oh my God, my skin is having a real mare at the moment, I know its because it's winter but really, do I need to break out every couple of days! In a bid to clear my skin up, especially for Xmas, I've ramped up my skin care and have developed a really good, consistent routine!

One thing I find in winter is that my skin gets really dehydrated, even though it is oily I get lots of dryness on my cheeks and nose. So I popped down to the Origins counter in John Lewis and enjoyed a free facial and the lady recommended this as a night cream, Make a Difference Plus + is a rejuvenating moisturiser that is soothing and calming on the skin. I love how this looks and feels really thick, just goes on really lightly and sinks in.

There isn't an obvious scent, so it doesn't irritate the skin. I've noticed that since starting to use it, my skin it a lot more hydrated by the morning and it copes with the weather a lot better, however the spots are still an issue :( For £30.60, this isn't cheap, however I feel its important to use quality skin care and not just any old crap!

Next on my list is the Ginzing Moisturiser, maybe Santa will bring me it! Hows your skin this winter? Whats your routine like? xx

Origins Clear Improvements Mask - Review

Afternoon lovelies, hope your all wrapped up somewhere warm as its got really cold!

So, with Winter fast approaching, I've been indulging in a lot more skin care, especially as my skin gets a tad confused, especially with the change in temperature.

One thing that I've been loving recently is the Origins Clear Improvements mask. It seems to be the blogger essential, especially after Anna over at Vivianna Does Makeup raved about it.

Clear Improvements is designed for those of us who suffer from congested, clogged up pores as well as oily skin. It works by drawing out all the nasty stuff that clogs up our pores, whilst drying up any oilyness.

I use this once a week, whilst I'm in the bath. First I cleanse and exfoliate my skin, and then apply this, using an old foundation brush so that it spreads evenly without wasting too much product. This dries to a hard mask and you can see it getting into your pores - its quite gross really.

Then everyone's favourite bits, pulling faces to crack in in the mirror before washing it off and applying a layer of moisturiser for overnight loveliness.

I've had this for nearly 3 months now and having used it weekly, its made a big difference to my skin, especially my forehead which gets quite bad due to having a fringe. For £20 you get 100ml bottle, and you really don't need to use a lot so well worth the money. You can pick it up in store or on line from here.

Alternatively, you can get it as part of this set for under £30, and receive this, as well as the Drink Up mask and the Out of Trouble mask - so get that on your Xmas list!

I'm loving playing with skincare at the moment so are there any other recommendations for masks to try? How have you got on with this mask? xx