Ever wonder if your mask is really doing all that it can? I do and this new one from ORIGINS claims to help. Maskimizer Skin-Optimizing Mask Primer ($22/3.2oz @ sephora.com, origins.com) mist is made with a Marine Algae Complex, which hydrates and is supposed to prep the skin and enhance the mask you’re using.

Just spray some of the 3.2oz bottle over clean skin, lightly pat and then apply your mask. So did this really “enhance” or make my mask work better? From my experience, it’s hard to say. I mean, I used a Nip + Fab Soften Kale Fix Clay Mask twice with it - once using the mist beforehand and once not using it and I really didn’t notice a difference. Maybe if I did a longer trial test, I could get a better read? But when doing a controlled experiment like the aforementioned, all the factors have to remain a constant, and with the changing of the season … I’m not sure how accurate I could be.

Bottom line: Origins doesn’t seem to have any scientific study to back up their claims and it seems like if you use any kind of hydrating toner before a mask, your mask will just work better. So unless you are a die-hard masking fan, I’d give this a hard pass.

Disclosure: A sample of this item was provided for review purposes.

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