This is my ‘holy grail, can’t-live-without, one thing I’d take to a dessert island’ skincare product. It is also by far the most expensive item in my skincare routine, 50ml sets me back a whopping £48.94.

The Origins website says ‘this serum contains a proprietary blend of some of the most effective natural substances Dr. Weil has discovered to address skin problems. It includes Hypsizygus ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi mushrooms, Ginger, Turmeric, Holy Basil, Resveratrol and Argan Nut Oil. Use this serum twice daily and you’ll soon see a renewed radiance and clarity. Your skin will look and feel calmer, healthier and less stressed.’ This has certainly been my experience. About two years ago I had a terrible allergic reaction to Benefit’s Some Kind-a Gorgeous foundation. I developed patches of red, flaky skin around my mouth and nose that my doctor eventually diagnosed as mild rosacea. I had to give my skincare routine a complete overhaul and I opted to try some Origins products. Although I didn’t think any of the products I actually purchased were that amazing the tiny sample of this serum that the sales person slipped into my shopping bag really blew me away.

The serum has quite a herbal smell (similar to a lot of Neals Yard products) and has a lovely light texture when you apply, sinking in very quickly. It really feels as if my skin drinks it up every morning! For me, this product really helps eliminate the redness and inflammation that plagues my sensitive skin. It leaves my face feeling amazingly well hydrated and much smoother.

But… this is an expensive product, even when you take into account that 50ml probably lasts me approx 4-5 months. I wouldn’t continue to spend that kind of money if I didn’t see results (and I certainly wouldn’t have purchased it in the first place if I hadn’t tried a sample first). Whenever I’ve stopped using this product my skin has reverted back to being red and patchy within a few days, my make-up applies badly and my face generally feels uncomfortable. In a nod to the credit crunch I’ve taken to using this only once a day, in the mornings before applying moisturiser. I have also eliminated a toner from my skincare routine to somehow balance things out financially (a classic example of ‘girly maths’). This makes me feel a little less guilty! I have spotted it for sale on ebay at a greatly reduced price but I’m a little wary of purchasing skincare/cosmetics in this way.

I have tried a few of the other products from the Dr.Weil range. To be honest, nothing really amazed me. The face wash was drying, I didn’t like the smell of the body cream and the eye cream was also a bit blaaaa! However, I have had two samples of the face mask which I found to be fantastic. It felt like using an intensive version of the serum and left my skin feeling lovely. I would definitely purchase this… if it wasn’t almost £30 a tube and I didn’t already have a shelf full of face masks!

Loveaudrey xxx