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Origins GinZing moisturizer. From Origins.

I think I’ve found a new favorite moisturizer in Origins GinZing moisturizer. Formulated with ginseng and coffee beans, this creamy gel provides a get-up-and-go kick beyond just hydration that makes my skin look brighter and more alive.

But let’s talk about that hydration, shall we? For my oily-to-combination skin, Origins GinZing moisturizer provides near-perfect coverage. My skin feels hydrated without feeling greasy, and unlike my previous favorite moisturizer, Origins GinZing doesn’t leave my skin wanting more in its drier places. This is all kinds of amazing.

Origins GinZing moisturizer doesn’t include sunscreen, but since it’s not oily, it layers nicely with my still-favorite Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant.

I’ve also been using Origins GinZing eye cream with favorable results, so I think I’ll be sticking to this skin care line for a while.

Origins charcoal mask. From Origins.

Whenever I find a skincare product that works for me, I get excited. Like, really excited. For someone with oily skin, finding something that makes my face feel truly clean is a big deal. Enter the Origins charcoal mask.

Origins’ Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask looks a little scary — it’s black — but it is one of the best masks I’ve ever used. The activated charcoal, which means the charcoal has been heated to make it more porous, pulls impurities and toxins from the skin. It’s the same stuff that’s given to people in emergency rooms for having swallowed poison, so you know it’s good. And the Origins charcoal mask is easy to use: slather some all over your face (it’s best to open your pores first with a warm washcloth first), wait 10 to 15 minutes or until it’s dry, then rinse it off. Origins says you can use it as often as needed, and it’s formulated for all skin types. I use it about once a week, as it feels soothing with no tingling sensation at all.

I’ve noticed that my skin not only feels cleaner, but it’s also clearer, since I’ve been using the Origins charcoal mask. What more can you want?

Note: This product was complimentary. Opinions are my own.

Eslor Replenishing Scrub. From eslor.com.

I think I’ve found my new favorite skincare line: Eslor.

Started by a pharmacologist who wanted to create a natural skin care line for his wife, Eslor has some really effective products with ingredients such as aloe vera, safflower oil, algae extract and almond meal extract. Eslor products are also free of parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium lauryl ether sulphate.

I had the opportunity to try out almost all of Eslor’s products, and I’ve decided on some favorites.

First off, the Soothing Refiner & Cleanser left my skin feeling really clean without any residue. It also left my skin feeling soft without being overly moisturized. Likewise, the Soothing Cream moisturizer, while thicker than my usual moisturizer, didn’t leave my skin overly oily. It’s much lighter than it seems, which works well for my combination-oily skin.

I also liked the Replenishing Scrub, which reminded me of St. Ives apricot scrub but without the thickness. Eslor’s scrub has big pieces of something (almonds, I think) that felt a little harsh but left my skin smooth. It’s a little hard to use because if you add too much water, it falls apart, but when you get the water-to-scrub proportion right, it’s effective. But the Botanical Peeling Gel is my favorite. You leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rub to peel it off. It left my skin feeling really clean and smooth.

Overall, using these products made my skin look and feel healthier and more youthful. And the best part may be that the products aren’t cost-prohibitive. The most expensive product is the Brightening Activator at $110; many others fall well below that price. Effective and affordable — score!

Note: These product samples were complimentary.