My Winter Skin Savior from Origins

Origins Make a Difference Ultra-Rich Rejuvenating Cream ($36.00 for 1.7 oz.) has been my go-to night cream for the past month!  It has just enough richness in texture (it is most definitely a cream–thick, viscous) to leave me feeling like I’m really treating my skin right during the drying winter season, but it’s not so rich that it never sinks in.

• Duration: 4 weeks, once daily in the evening
• Applied With: Clean fingers
• Alongside: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Daily Deep Pore Cleanser (AM), Soap & Glory Catch a Wrinkle in Time Day Moisturizer (AM), shu uemura high performance balancing cleansing oil (PM), Mario Badescu Drying Lotion/Drying Cream (as treatments, as needed)

As per usual, I tested this cream out for a full four weeks (I’m actually still using this, though–haven’t decided what to try next!).  I typically spend anywhere from two to six weeks trying out skincare products, but usually four to six weeks for creams and the like (cleansers, toners, etc. I don’t feel obligated to try for as long–particularly since I don’t review for anti-aging efficacy).  It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed any Origins products, but I’m really glad Origins thought to send this to me as a possible way to combat my dry, winter skin.

According to Orgins’ website, “Tested on the driest of skins. Clinically proven to instantly satisfy the deepest of thirsts. This rich, quenching cream owes its endless hydration to the drought-resistant resurrection plant, The Rose of Jericho. But there’s more. Reviving Trehalose virtually erases visible dry lines to restore smoothness. And oceanic Padina Pavonica rebuilds skin’s barrier to help keep moisture levels up to 100% all day. Discover why when it comes to renewing and refreshing dry skin, only nature can Make A Difference™.”

It’s recommended for dry skin, and I’d definitely say it’s meant for dry skin.  I have normal-to-dry skin, and I love the way it feels and keeps my skin moisturized all night.  I don’t think it’s too heavy for me at all, but during the winter, I can get dry patches if I don’t use the right moisturizer.   I think this is a moisturizer that doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles–it’s not claiming to turn back the hands of time by 40 years, that it has all these funny patent-pending technologies that do this and that, etc. etc.  The only claim the product really seems to make it is it’s going to restore your skin’s hydration level.  The copy says “erases visible dry lines to restore smoothness,” but note it says dry lines so I don’t interpret that as aging lines, but merely more like the cracked-skin-look that dried out skin can have.

I was using a few other moisturizers during the late fall/early winter, and I noticed I was still getting dry periodically, but I haven’t had a single dry patch since using this cream, so my experience has been really pleasant.  It has this slightly citrus-y scent that has the smell of freshness.  I use this as a night cream, because it is a heavier cream and works best for me at night time, since I can really let it sink in and not worry about whether my makeup will work with it or not.  I find it sinks in within fifteen minutes or so; I always apply it about a half hour before I go to bed (which is typical of my night time regimen) or whenever I remove makeup–whichever comes first.  By the time I get into bed, it’s sunk in and my skin feels happy.

I’ve been loving it, and this is the first time in awhile that I’ve liked a skincare product enough not to want to switch over to something else to test out for you all!  I only wish it came in pump-packaging rather than a tub, but I can deal with it. I’ve been using it for a full month now and it’s maybe a third through (definitely not half-way, though), so I think each jar should easily yield two, if not three, months of daily usage–just keep in mind I only used this during the evening, so just once a day.  Also note that skincare is very personal, so my experience may not be the same as yours; your mileage may vary!  (Such is the nature of skincare, sigh!)

If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!

• Product: 29/30
• Value: 9/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 3/5

Recommendation:  If you have dry skin, you may want to check this cream out.

Availability: Origins

Origins Smileage Plus Collection

Origins liptints pack the perfect punch for a subtle yet stylish alternative to lipstick. Featuring an organic beeswax base, Origins Smileage Plus™ Sheer smile-worthy liptint is helping to pave the way in organic lip color, with a makeup bag “must” that’s big on lip conditioning and creaminess with a sheer hint of color. Featuring some of nature’s most pure ingredients, this liptint provides a great hint of color. An organic beeswax base that’s derived through the help of friendly beekeepers, combined with pigment and pearl colorants, provides a stable lip product that’s soft and sheer. Organic Coconut and Sunflower Oils, along with Organic Cocoa Butter, help keep lips hydrated, while Organic Aloe Leaf Extract and Organic Jojoba Oil comfort and soothe. Organic Coconut, Jojoba and Sunflower oils allow Smileage Plus™ to glide over lips for a helping of lip conditioning combined with a hint of color.

Smileage Plus Lip Tints ($11.00)

• Eco-Pink
• Off-Beet
• Organic Plum
• Raw Honey
• Sugar Cane
• Vintage

Available: Now available at Origins.

Origins Gloomaway Collection

Everyone needs a pick-me-up now and again. That’s why Origins is happy to reintroduce the Gloomaway™ Collection, bath and body treats designed to brighten your day and liven your spirits. Back by popular demand, the collection features Grapefruit essential oil paired with Field Mint and Sweet Orange. Found over 300 years ago on the tropical paradise of Barbados, Grapefruit essential oil is used today by aromatherapists to calm nervous exhaustion and produce an uplifting, joyous and balancing environment.

Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Mist ($25.00 for 4 fl. oz.)

With its exuberant, fruity essential oil blend, this spirit-lifting body mist leaves skin lightly fragranced with the all-natural key notes of energizing Grapefruit, Orange, Tangerine and Field Mint. Light enough to be layered with other Gloomaway™ products, this uplifting body mist ushers in feelings of optimism and contentment that last throughout the day.

Gloomaway Grapefruit Gumballs ($5.00 for 20)

For immediate happiness that you can taste, these Gloomaway™ gumballs freshen breath and brighten the mood. The uplifting, all-natural citrus flavors of Grapefruit and Orange sparkle on the tongue, helping soothe and balance nerves.

Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Wash & Bubble Bath ($21.00 for 8.5 fl. oz.)

This mood-brightening bath buddy doubles as a body wash and bubble bath. When worked into wet skin or poured into a running tub, it generates a generous and fragrant foam. With the citrusy scent of Grapefruit, Field Mint and Sweet Orange, you emerge from bathing with a clean body and a fresh mind.

Gloomaway Grapefruit Body-Buffing Cleanser ($20.00 for 5 fl. oz.)

Sometimes a wash alone just isn’t enough. In addition to cleansers derived from Palm and Coconut, this multi-purpose exfoliating cleanser also grinds away grime with Crushed Apricot Seeds. Skin emerges soft, smooth, and sweetly scented.

Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Souffle ($27.50 for 7 oz.)

This rich, body buttering souffle finishes off your shower and bath experience with a deeply moisturizing layer of fragrant creme. With nourishing Olive, Grape Seed, Rice Bran and Apricot Kernel Oils, it surrounds the body in a cocoon of moisture and extends the uplifting experience long after application.

Gloomaway Grapefruit Bath Bar ($13.00 for 10.5 oz.)

This inviting, 100% vegetable-based soap makes bathing a breeze with the enlivening scents of Grapefruit, Field Mint and Sweet Orange. It features skin softening Glycerin to leave skin feeling silky. Just lather up with water in your hands or a wash cloth and enjoy a carefree clean.

Availability: July 2009. Bath Bar, Body Souffle, Body Wash, and Body-Buffing Cleanser available now at Origins.

P.S. – OMG, I am in LOVE with the name of this launch. It just tickles my fancy! Maybe it was because I once adored Eeyore (yes, from Winnie the Pooh!), and it reminds me of him… Gloomaway! Love it.

Save 25% during Origins’ Friends & Family Sale! Shop online and use code FFDEC to get 25% off plus free shipping. Or you can head on over to print out a coupon to use in-store.

If you think you’re the green of the crop — tell us about it, get creative and let us know “What Makes You Eco-Fabulous.” Show off your natural talent for environmental consciousness by sharing the everyday steps you take to lighten your carbon count in a photo, video or blog. Duration: January 15 – February 25, 2008

• Grand Prize: One winner, chosen by Origins Organics™, wins a trip for two to Jackson Hole for 4 nights at Hotel Terra, the entire Origins Organics line and other green prizes!
• Most Viral: One winner, who gets the most attention across the internet, wins 3 Origins Organics™ products and 6 Grenada chocolate bars.
• Highest Score: One winner, chosen by the community, wins 3 Origins Organics™ products and 6 Grenada chocolate bars.
• Reviewer Sweepstakes: One winner, who participates by reviewing, wins 3 Origins Organics™ products and 6 Grenada chocolate bars.

Get all the details and enter at http://www.brickfish.com/Lifestyles/Origins.

Origins is promoting a brand new re-usable tote promoting eco-friendly living. Origins takes its natural premise one giant leap further changing the beauty landscape by providing consumers with a new choice in personal care products through a collection of skin, body and hair care products certified to meet United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic standards. As the organic movement began to spread its wings from the produce aisles of grocery stores, Origins waited somewhat impatiently for organic capabilities to stretch to the beauty-care arena.

“I Don’t Get Wasted” Shopping Bag | 100% Organic Cotton Canvas $10
What a fun tote bag! Be eco-friendly with this 100% organic cotton canvas tote bag, but fashionable with its cute design and slogan. It’s a handy way to save on plastic bags for those quick trips to the grocery store, or even use it as a book bag! It’s quite large, so ladies with those mammoth purses (yes, I’m looking at you!), you’ll find it accommodating.

BYO Toting this 100% certified organic cotton canvas bag when you shop makes great eco-sense. Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions of these bags end up as litter or in landfills each year. And to make the billions of paper grocery bags used annually, millions of trees are felled each year. Beyond helping to save the environment, 100% of the profits from the purchase of this bag will be donated to the Organic Farming Research Foundation. The OFRF fosters the improvement and widespread adoption of local organic farming practices by sponsoring research and education projects; disseminating the results to organic farmers and growers interested in adopting organic production systems and educating the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues. To learn more, visit www.ofrf.org.

See what other products you can find in Origins Organics line, just

Foaming Face Wash | 73% Organic Ingredients $25.00
Gently, yet thoroughly removes surface debris and environmental impurities without over-drying skin.

Purifying Tonic | 95% Certified Organic
Gently controls surface shine and excess oil without over drying, helps keep pores clean and clear, brightens, tones, calms and soothes skin. Great for all skin types.

Nourishing Face Lotion | 95% Certified Organic $42.50
Helps restore moisture and softness to skin, protects against moisture loss and free radical damage. Absorbs quickly. For all skin types.

Soothing Lip Balm | 97% Organic Ingredients $15
Smoothes, softens and conditions rough, dry lips. Helps prevent moisture loss. Delicious Organic Vanilla flavor. Epiphany here – shouldn’t your lip therapy be made from the purest, most delicious organic ingredients? We sure think so. Moisture-nourishing Organic Shea and Cocoa Butters and Organic Sunflower, Safflower, Palm, Coconut and Vanilla Oils plant a great big kiss of softness and smoothness to make dry lips feel great.

Cleansing Body Bar | 90% Organic Ingredients $15
Thoroughly removes surface debris and environmental impurities without overly drying skin.

Silkening Body Spritz | 95% Organic Ingredients $25
A lightweight, allover, moisturizing spray body lotion that conditions, silkens, smoothes and softens and leaves skin with a unique, velvety after feel. Never feels greasy or oily.

Hydrating Body Lotion | 87% Organic Ingredients $35
This lightweight moisturizing body lotion conditions, smoothes and softens dry body skin. Absorbs quickly, provides comfort.

Body Pampering Massage Oil | 95% Certified Organic $30
Moisturizes and protects, leaves skin smooth, supple, never greasy.

Conditioning Hair Oil | 98% Certified Organic $22.50
Hydrates, protects, conditions and nourishes hair.

View and make purchases at www.originsorganics.com!