Origins Make a Difference Ultra-Rich Rejuvenating Cream Review, Photos
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!)
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- 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
Glad it’s working for you! Don’t worry about testing other things for us, just use up that big tub 🙂
LOL! It’s all good, my skin is resilient… for the most part 😉
How do you think this would work for normal to dry skin in harsh Canadian winters?? I live in a town on the water, with downtown corridors that act as wind tunnels.
I’ve never been in it, so I really couldn’t tell you for sure… 🙁 I live in California, so I mean, harsh winter to us is 30 degrees, lol.
hey christine…i LOVEEEE ur website 🙂 and you are soo amazing at answering all the comments..thats why i appreciate ur blog more and more..have u tried the clinique thirst relief extended moisture surge..seems to be a pretty great moisturizer! thanks again 🙂
Hey Sum!
I’ve tried the original Moisture Surge, but I don’t know about the extended version…
Omg I was literally just talking about this five minutes ago! I log in to Temptalia and what do you know? There it is. xD
I got this when I was deciding to go for an all-Origins regime (instead of Origins/Lush). I ADORED the texture and scent (it seriously smells just like some toothpaste I used to have… weird!), but as with everything else I tried from Origins, it really did nothing for my skin at all. I still got breakouts and my skin still got oily and had dry patches. Same with Murad. Now I’m on Mario Badescu and it’s pretty much worked miracles for me.
I’m really glad this worked for you, because I wanted to love it so badly but it just didn’t do anything at all. At least I can appreciate the scent! 😀
I’m so glad Mario Badescu is working out — really love that brand myself 😀
I guess I should start using night cream…
Haha… “mileage may vary.” And if this works for you stick with it! We can live with reviews of other things for a few months. I’m actually wondering if you think this would be good for someone with oily skin in summer and normal/dry in winter?
Hey Katie,
I’m normal in, well… every other season except late fall and winter – then I tend to be normal to dry. I like this, and it’s been working for me so far! I do, typically, switch up my moisturizers for the difference in seasons, too.
Ok, thanks. I’ve never actually had a problem with dry skin before (pretty oily skin until the past year and then I live in a humid place) so I’m hunting for something moisturizing that won’t break me out for winter. I’ll go check this out!
hmm looks like you may have found something you like and would stick with it for a while, unless you find something else you like better!
We shall see!
Hmmm, this sounds just lovely! It’s probably a little too rich for my skin, but I think I might buy it for my mom for her next bday/mother’s day/etc present. I bought her sunscreen for her last bday lol.
Though I haven’t tried them, the “Make a Difference” line has several products, including some lighter weight moisturizers, too! Can’t recommend them from personal experience, but maybe if you’re in the neighborhood 🙂
That’s so sweet, though 😉
I am glad to hear you liked it. I tired it and my skin just didnt like it at all. I am now using Creme Ancianne from Fresh and so far so good. Thanks for all your feed back. I love reading it!
Hmm, haven’t tried that. What are you liking about it, Kat?
I would love to try it but im afraid it may cause acne because its so rich!
I’d definitely chat up your local Origins associate or check with your dermatologist 🙂 I’d also recommend doing a patch test!
I understand you don’t need to worry about aging because you are still young-as you say…but sometimes it feels like you’re rubbing it in. Please understand that your public may be of all different ages and skin types and may be in need of/interested in anti-aging. You don’t need to be old to need anti-aging!
Hi Susan,
I’m sorry you feel like I’m rubbing it in. If it’s because you see me say it in every skincare post, I do write from the perspective that this is the first post someone might read. You might know I’m only 23 years old, but someone who just happens to search and lands on the page might not. I’m not trying to rub it in, and I certainly understand and appreciate that aging is not a defined process and can start early, late, etc. I feel it is important to let people know what my skin is like so they understand my perspective from using the product — I want to make sure I’m very clear about what I’m testing or not testing or what I’m reviewing so there’s no confusion.
Just to add my 2 cents worth: I am nearly 10 years older than Christine & understand that our aging rates are totally different, however, I still value her reviews and use them as to how they will benefit me. I don’t think she has ever “rubbed in” the fact that she is younger. I am thankful for all the great/diligent work she does in her reviews and on the website (my wallet might feel otherwise, LOL!)
Happy to hear you enjoy & get value out of my reviews — it’s really a joy to be able to help!
I LOVE Origins =) I use A Perfect World at night and *sigh* so good, brought my dry, dead skin back from the grave. Glad you like this =)
Yayy!! So glad it helped you!
Good review. I’m also wondering about whether it will cause acne like lisa said. Sometimes it’s hard to find a balance between moisturizing my skin and causing acne. I might give this a shot on just one area for awhile and see what happens.
Luckily, I haven’t broken out from this, though I am acne-prone!