Review: Origins GinZing Eye Cream

Origins GinZing Eye Cream




I got this product last year with a coupon that I received from Origins for my birthday. (It is a little strange/creepy how it works but after registering into their system at a standalone store, they just mail you the coupon around your birthday.) At the time I was really looking forward to trying it because of it's brightening/depuffing claims. After using it for more than a year, sadly I haven't really noticed any amazing results of any sort to make me want to repurchase the product.




Product Description/Directions:


What I did: Use my ring finger to get a little of the product from the jar. Lightly rub my two ring fingers together to spread the product. Gently tab both fingers under my eye area until the product is evenly distributed. I only use this product in the morning because I do not need the brightening effect on my under eye area when I go to sleep.

Ingredients:


I noticed that there is titanium dioxide on the list of ingredients. But it is the 2nd to last ingredient listed. This probably isn't a good source of sunscreen. It isn't too much of a negative, but in case someone else notices it and thinks it could be a sunscreen for your under eyes...don't think that way! Origins don't claim it to be a sun protector nor do I think it the titanium dioxide is an active ingredient/active enough to protect your eyes.



I must say I love that Origins doesn't have parabens and all the supposedly bad ingredients that we should be worried about. I'm not a huge prick about using only products without bad ingredients, but I'm trying to steer myself into that direction.







There is 15ml of product and according to the origins website it costs $29.50.

Places to Purchase:
Origins standalone stores
Department stores that have origins (I only know that Macy's but there could be more)
Origins.com







Packaging:
Comes in a plastic jar with a stopper (is that what the white plastic is called?) I'm not too picky about using products in jars just because of sanitary reasons. But it is annoying when the product gets stuck under my nails. To avoid this I picked up the product with the back of my fingers rather than the front. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a spatula so you're stuck with using your finger (unless you have a spatula from other products that you could use for this of course).







This eye cream is thick in texture and has a sticky/tacky feeling. Especially right after applying it to my under eyes. I cannot apply it to my whole eye area or else it would be difficult to open/blink my eyes. However, the tackiness does fade away after a little while.



Although it has mica in it to give a physical brightening effect, it didn't seem to do much for my very dark circles. Also, it doesn't appear much after I apply concealer under my eyes. Unless you are someone who only wears a light layer of powder or only applies skincare...you probably wouldn't benefit from the (what I think is) minimal brightening power this eye cream gives.

The one thing I'm not too sure about is its depuffing abilities. If I remember correctly, the SA said the caffeine would help with depuffing of the under eyes in the morning. I haven't really experienced puffy eyes so I can't vouch for this claimed product property.

One thing to note, this isn't a very moisturizing eye cream. But in Origins defense, this was never really stated by them. I noticed when I apply under eye concealer that my eyes are kind of dry so I will probably buy a more hydrating eye cream after I finish using this one.

Positives:
✻ Doesn't have parabens, mineral oil, etc.
✻ Has titanium dioxide in it but it is listed close to the end
✻ Little bit lasts a loonngg time
✻ Didn't give me any milia around the eye area

Negatives:
✻ Didn't do much to brighten up my under eye area
✻ Gives a sticky/tacky feeling right after applying
✻ Not hydrating
✻ Is on the pricey side

Repurchase?
No. Overall, I think this was just a so-so product...for me at least. It wasn't any spectacular. Nor do I think it did what I wanted/was expecting it to do. At least from using this product, I know what I need now from an eye cream.

Recommend?
Not really. From my experiences with it and with the price tag, I wouldn't recommend. However, there are some raving reviews for it so maybe if you feel your needs are similar to their's you could ask Origins for a sample to try! I'm not sure about Origins in department stores, but if you can go to their standalone store, they are very nice about giving samples.

Rating: 3

Disclaimer: These are just the results I had while using the product. Remember, everyone else's skin is different!! What may have worked for me, may not work for you & what may not have worked for me, may work for you. Try the product at your own risk! I bought this product with my own money and am in no way connected to the companies mentioned. This is my honest opinion!

I'm Back! & On Instagram

I am finally back from my unannounced hiatus! I was just started getting used to blogging regularly and lost track as finals and end of the semester projects/papers came rolling in. But those are officially done with!

So glad...my head felt like it was going to explode from all the info I had to remember :X Who else feels the same way during their tests? >___< All-nighters definitely do not help with stress. I can't wait to crawl into bed and get a good rest before trying to plan what to do with myself over my first long summer break.

Before I adjust to regular posts again, here are some photos of what happened in between studying and school work the last month or so. If you have Instagram feel free to follow me at lavlilacs. Otherwise, I'll try to share what goes on here for those without smartphones :]





Been making a lot of pasta for lunch on weekends at home. Doesn't taste bad (but then again it is just jar sauce hehe). My biggest cooking accomplishment so far was boiling a very nice egg, which was harder the first time around than I originally anticipated/expected :X



First & Second attempts ever trying to make pancakes.

Very yummy! Both from scratch. I love how I can control the sweetness. I actually used honey and it wasn't overly sweet at all. However, my mom thinks I should just use box-mixes because I cause less of a mess xD



Nothing beats chicken soup and watermelons :D



Went out with the besties a month ago to eat around St.Marks. This particular restaurant was okay. They had an interesting green tea noodle option but did not have available when we went. 2 of 3 at the table ordered the "Spicy Ramen" and I was thinking more Ramen House style. But these tasted/looked and probably was just Shin Ramyun...The Nutella toast, on the other hand, tasted good. Not something I'd get often, but just felt like trying it.



OPI Lucerne-Tainly Look Marvelous & OPI Rumples Wiggin with Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure on ring finger


Outing with mom during Spring Break



Mom, brother, and I decided to go to an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant for lunch. If I had any idea how bad it would turn out...I'd never have suggested it in the first place. I've been to this restaurant a few times before with the besties. Their food service tasted much better than that day I went with the family. But that wasn't the bad part; when someone who is inexperienced suggests the experienced to do something...stand your ground! We ended up choosing way too much for us to handle =.= Pictured was already round 2 or 3 of food...Just thinking about it makes me queazy hah But for the price, I'd still go back (only a handle full of times per year though)...I'll endure the average service.

Sitting in traffic with a full stomach has its pros and cons!



Spent a day with mom at Ikea furniture browsing. That place is huge! Never go without leaving at least an hour or two to walk the entire showroom.

The first outfit I'm sharing with everyone. Probably only one...ever? It's hard to see but I was wearing booties. Boy, do heels hurt! If I'd known we were going to Ikea, I would have worn my chucks.

Right is the lovely view from probably the few/only window in the Ikea showroom. Isn't it pretty? :D



My own purple & white fake flowers arrangement! Pretty and good for allergy sufferers like me xD







Maybe it's because I only wear converses and sometimes flats, but I love to try on shoes! :D Sadly I didn't end up buying either of them but they sure look nice...









Auntie went masks shopping a couple of weeks ago and came back fully stocked for months! I've never used My Scheming Faces Masks before. Although I usually can't tell the different effects the masks have on my face anyway, I still love how relaxing it feels to have one on my face.



More recently

Watched...The Avengers. I'm not into Superheroes. But since the only chance I get to go to the theaters is to accompany my brother, I decided to go. There were many good reviews about it and I found it very enjoyable. I especially loved all the sarcasm! I'm not sure how or if there will be an Avengers 2 but I hope it'll be as good as this one.

Received...My phone case! I ordered this off eBay when I got my phone last month and it arrived last week. Fail postal service much? Nonetheless, I love it! It covers the back and front. Although...I snapped the case on to try it on and cannot figure out how to take it off without potentially breaking off the little extensions/clips that hold the two pieces together...Maybe I'll try again when I've used this case for a longer time. Must see how well the image lasts because I have a hunch it'll wear off after time :|

Don't worry! I will make it my mission this summer to update more often and hopefully some new/interesting things (if it happens in my boring life xD).

Review: BeautyMate Hydro Power Collagen Cream






Product Description & Ingredients:

Places to Purchase:
Sasa< Try your local Asian beauty store!

What you'll see after opening the box





Packaging:
Glass jar with a plastic lid. I love glass jars because it gives the packaging some weight. I won't feel like I'll knock it over very easily. However, the lid is such a disappointment. It feels so cheap and flimsy...Besides that, I'm usually not too bothered by jarred products but this one is a little different. You can see that the jar actual tapers from small at the bottom to bigger at the top and then even smaller where the opening is. It was very difficult to get the product out from under that crevice!




Directions:
✻ (From packaging) Cleanse face and used toner, apply cream to the forehead, chin, cheek, and neck area, then spread out evenly and gently massage until thoroughly absorbed. Recommended use in mornings and evenings.
✻ (What I did) Take some product onto my fingers, rub my fingers together slightly, smooth the product onto my face, and then pat it into my skin.

I tried their method and I prefer my method. I'm not too sure how to massage my face and I don't want to just massage randomly and possibly cause wrinkling.




Positives:
✻ Affordable, but can be pricey depending on the seller. Sasa's price is relatively low.
✻ Moisturizes well, but sometimes wasn't enough against my flaky skin.
✻ Did not break me out
✻ Isn't oily. I felt it was actually very light for a cream product.
✻ Has hyaluronic acid

Negatives:
✻ Difficult to get a hold of. Must buy online for the low price.
✻ Packaging is a big turn off.
✻ Other than moisturizing, I didn't really see the other claims happen on my skin
✻ Has parabens
✻ Has fragrance

Repuchase?
Probably not. It was okay while it lasted but nothing wowed me...

Recommend?
Hard to say...Maybe if you need to add something for free-ship on Sasa? As a moisturizer, I think there are better alternatives out there.

Rating:
3.5

Disclaimer: These are just the results I had while using the product. Remember, everyone else's skin is different!! What may have worked for me, may not work for you & what may not have worked for me, may work for you. Try the product at your own risk! I bought this product with my own money and am in no way connected to the companies mentioned. This is my honest opinion!