Origins

It seemed only appropriate that we ask The Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev her secret to healthy skin — and looking totally refreshed — at an early-morning event for Origins' latest product, the GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer ($27). The brunette starlet just finished filming the fourth season of her hit CW series, and made a quick pit stop in NYC before officially embarking on her Summer adventures. Read on for what she revealed about her skin care routine, the weirdest beauty treatment she's tried (recently), and what she can't leave the house without.

1. On her skin care routine:
Nina spends much of her days on the Vampire Diaries set in full hair and makeup, so it makes sense that she takes her skin care routine very seriously. "Even when it looks like I'm not wearing much makeup, I totally am. So, as soon as I'm done on set — I don't even wait until I get home — I'll use a makeup wipe, wash my face, and then use a hot towel. I use it to let my skin breathe, let the pores open up, and then I put tons of moisturizer on."

2. On her mom's beauty advice:
Mother knows best, right? "My mom told me once that if you put an egg in your hair, it will make it supershiny." In fact, Nina's mom is onto something — our favorite DIY hair recipe masks serve as further proof.

Nina's Summer beauty essentials, plus more, right here.

With all the swimming, beaching, and short-shorts wearing that you're doing this season, what better time to indulge in a little full-body bliss? As important as it is to exfoliate your face during warm weather, you shouldn't forget about the rest of your skin; creating a smooth canvas for shaving, moisturizing, and applying bronzer is key — and it'll only make your skin look that much more amazing in all your pretty Summer ensembles. There are tons of great body buffers out there, but to see three of the best skin-smoothing scrubs, just keep reading.

If doing the right thing isn't enough to make you recycle, Origins isn't above a little good-natured bribery. Beginning April 5, people who bring Origins at least one empty cosmetic package — it doesn't have to be from the brand — will receive one ticket to a free Macy Gray concert in New York City.

The Origins Rocks Earth Month concert will be held at Webster Hall on April 19. Access to the event is first-come, first-served — so if you score a ticket, be sure to go early to secure your place. To get in on the action, take your packaging to one of six Origins boutiques. The goods will then be processed through the Return to Origins recycling program. Not in the five-borough area? You can still take your empties to any Origins store or department store counter for recycling. We think it's a program that hits all the right notes.

I haven't used Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask ($21) since college, so when I came across reader voxtrotlous's review of the pore- and pimple-clearing treatment, I got all nostalgic. But is it worth the purchase? Find out what today's reviewer had to say below:

It's not a complete dud of a product. It's less that 20 bucks, so it's not anything you can complain about. All I'm saying [is that it] doesn't really do what it says it will. . . It made [my skin] a little bit smoother, but it didn't help clear my breakouts. I don't recommend it.

Have you tried out any detoxifying or clarifying masks as of late? Then it's time to hit up our Product Reviews pages, where you can tell us about everything you're loving (and hating) these days. You'll find more than 50,000 products from which to choose, and you never know — you might just be featured on this daily post, too.

If you like the effects of microdermabrasion, but you want something gentler than crystals, this could be the item for you. Origins Modern Friction dermabrasion scrub ($37) uses rice starch to scrub away dead skin. Reader smoy1004 digs the smell, but wishes it were less pricey.

An Origins sales girl suckered me into purchasing this, but I can't say that it was a bad purchase! It smells soft and wonderful. Although I don't agree that it makes your skin look like porcelain, it does do a great job of gently exfoliating your face. Product also lasts a long time. I have combination skin with mild acne, and this product doesn't exacerbate the situation . . . even if it doesn't help it. I take one star away for hefty price tag and not doing much for my perpetually clogged pores.

Want to get the lowdown on a product you're not sure about? Check out our Product Reviews pages. We have more than 50,000 products for review, and readers add new ones daily. Daily, I say!

Man is a political animal according to Aristotle and we are pleased to discover that for many fashionistas that doesn't simply evoke zebra stripes. Charles Nolan, fresh from his Americana Cruise 2009 collection has been supporting his life partner Andrew Tobias, treasurer of the Democratic National Committee, at the Democratic Convention WWD has a delightful interview with the political animals. Concerns about the economy, rights, and free thinking were thankfully a higher priority thank who wore what pant suit to the couple.

Jil Sander is expanding into inner and beach wear. In license with Italian manufacturer Albisetti SpA the first innerwear collection will launch in September 2009 with beachwear in 2010. We personally can't wait for the minimalist bandeau suit possibilities.

Giorgio Armani is designing a nearly two billion dollar gated community in Egypt.

So Kate Moss is worth more than her weight in gold.

Los Angeles County Prosecutors have dropped half the charges against designer Anand Jon. Accused of a slew of sex crimes, the remaining charges could still put him away for 122 years to life.

Origins wants Coloradans to feel like its a local favorite, just like all the other actual local favorites. But these days you have to be big to afford to be good.