Wednesday, August 27, 2008

My Beauty Autobiography: Sell a Child and Buy This Stuff

When I woke up this morning, and saw myself in the mirror, my first thought was, “Who is that enchanting vixen? Her pores are microscopic!” So I decided to tell y'all of my love for Origins skincare. Specifically, for the Dr. Weil Plantidote Mega-Mushroom products. (No, I did not make up that name, and I am not getting paid for this endorsement, but I am not against the idea. . .take a note, Origins).



Let’s just say the Lord laid it on my heart to tell you this. Plus, Origins.com is having an awesome deal right now (more below). First, a brief history:

Through much of my twenties, my skincare regimen was minimal. In the shower, I washed my face with Dove soap. Then at night, I blotted it with a wet cloth. Then I used this Olay alpha-hydroxy lotion. This was when alpha-hydroxy and fruit acids had just been invented. Also, dirt was new and God’s dog was a puppy. Anyway, I thought that it was all about constantly sloughing off layers of skin. Or sometimes I didn’t do ANYTHING at night and tumbled, carefree, straight into bed. I only wore sunscreen when I was at the actual beach. So I looked fine, but who doesn’t in her twenties?

It dawned on me in my late twenties and early thirties, after having my first child, that I needed to, um, try a little. While I was actually pregnant, I felt like Charlize, but afterwards, not so much. My skin no longer felt as smooth as an angel’s bosoms. I hardly EVER wear foundation or anything like that, so how my skin looks all by itself is a big deal to me. Thus began a long relationship with Neutrogena products: Pore Refining Cleanser, Anti-Wrinkle cream, and Antioxidant this and that. I was naturally skeptical of more expensive stuff, and I figured that drugstore products were good enough. I was all about minimizing my pores and preventing wrinkles. And they worked great. Honestly, if I hadn’t moved on to harder drugs, the Neutrogena would still give me a fix. I still wear their sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy.

Then last year my awesome sister-in-law went to work at Origins. Though saying that Kate worked at Origins is like saying Michelangelo worked at the Vatican. She’s since moved on, but I really think that skincare and beauty is her spiritual gift. So she gave me some of the Dr. Weil products, in their pleasingly medical-looking containers, and I really liked them. Ever since Christmas (as with crack addicts, my first hit of Origins was free), I’ve been using the Plantidote cleanser, face serum, and moisturizer. And seriously, it is awesome. Then, last night, I took it to the next level. I used the Clean Energy cleansing oil first (it’s an OIL that washes your face, people. What a country.) Then I patted on some Plantidote toner. So two new products. And this morning, I was all tiny-pored and smooth—like noticeably so.

I feel sheepish, and like I’m betraying my interests in frugality and simplicity. (You didn’t know I was interested in those things?) This isn’t one of those “great beauty uses for Vaseline” posts, though I love those. And for those of us who play the CVS game, it’s hard to imagine paying money for beauty products. I know. I’ve tried my share of free Olay, Garnier, and Boots products in the last few months. Meh. So I can’t tell you, “Buy this really cheap thing and it works!” I’m more saying, “Spend a wad of money on this Origins stuff and you will love it!” So aren’t you glad you came by?

Anyway, from now until September 3, shipping is free on the Origins site AND with any order you get a free sample set from either their Organics or their signature line of products. (The Dr. Weil sample sets are all gone.) And the samples are pretty big. For $66, you get a bottle of the Plantidote Face Serum, which will last you a year. That’s the key item, I think. Then another $30 gets you the Plantidote toner. Split those into two online orders and get two free sample sets, then you can try out the other stuff.

So if you are not happy with your complexion and/or your current beauty regimen, and you have some cash to spend on it, consider it, because I think you get a great return. OR, if you have an Origins store near you, just go in and ask for some samples and pay nothing. I am actually kind of low-maintenance, and I am not crazy for products, but I like this stuff. I’m just saying. You will notice a difference.

The only potential downside, other than the price, is that men might not like the smell. It doesn’t smell perfumy—but it has a more high-end, kind of fresh smell. Like some kind of greenery. I don’t know how to describe it. But when I got into bed last night, Matt said, “Mmm, it’s like I’m in bed with Dr. Andrew Weil himself!” So there’s that. But I will say, dude must really have a thing for Dr. Weil.

(This has been my first Works For Me Wednesday post.)

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great rec. I've been thinking a lot lately that it's time I start trying. Wearing no makeup is not going to last forever! Thanks for the post!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the rec. I am not against spending money for something that actually works and simplifies my life. I spend a ridiculous amount on Ojon for my hair, but it's the only reason that I still have long hair.

Ojon also has a smell to it that grosses some people out. So my face might as well smell too. Maybe they'll cancel each other.

Kelly said...

I just went into Origins yesterday after hearing about it from my mom and restocked my entire make up bag. I am already hooked on everything they sell! I also got some of the free products and love them. I wasn't sure about the scent of the cleanser but last night Linc told me that my face smelled good. I think it's a keeper =)

Veronica said...

I recently bought their organics line, but you're making me want to go back for the mushroom serum goodness. BTW, Patrick has never noticed the particular scent of a shampoo/lotion/cleansing product before, but as I was getting into bed last night he totally remarked that he liked the scent of this stuff--the toner in the organics line is sort of lavender-y. I think what we're learning here, secondary to Becky's initial recommendation, of course, is that dudes have a special relationship with the scent of Origins stuff.

Becky said...

Yes! The Organics line does have a yummy scent. I have a little bottle of the body moisturizer that you spritz on. I love that. The toner in that line is also great.

The Mega-Mushroom stuff has a, i dunno, greener scent. It reminds me of an evergreen-scented steamroom kind of thing. (I had a jar open earlier, kind of sniffing deeply to try to get some comparison, and I got a lot of body cream on my nose.) I think Matt just doesn't go for fragrance in general.

But Jane, it will totally give the Ojon a run for its money--you should experiment!

Amy said...

I have their White Tea line and am really enjoying it! I also bought the "Never a Dull Moment" face polisher and it is the best exfoliator I've ever used. My face is so soft after! But I am tempted to go and check out the mushroom stuff. Am having some pore issues! Wonder if Origins ships internationally, or if perhaps I have a SISTER who would send me some mushroomy goodness? Hmmm...

Becky said...

I might be prevailed upon to send you a care package, Amy. Only in the interest of people everywhere who want to do SOMETHING about those pores of yours. I say that in love.

Kidding! You're like alabaster! (That's not part of a whale or something is it?)

Jacquelyn: Because I Said So! said...

I sell options on all three children when I stock up an my favourite line, Dermalogica. But I have and love things from Origins White Tea collection and I've never found anything to equal No Puffery. I was overjoyed when Origins finally came to Canada. Excellent taste, Suburb Babe, and a very nice first posting to WFMW!

Anonymous said...

Call me crazy, but I don't see a Plantidote "toner" on their site! Is it perhaps the Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion? Cheerio!

Becky said...

Thanks, Jaqueline! And Dermologica is nice--a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

And Laura, you are right. So sorry--it's the Plantidote Lotion, which is strange 'cause it's liquid. That's the toner. Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

So - I bought the cleansing oil and the serum and LOVE IT! My skin rocks! I didn't buy the toner lotion stuff because I had some left from my Jurlique sample deal a few months ago. I am sucker for samples because I travel so much and hate sacrificing good skin care on vacation because I couldn't fit my tubes of love in my carry-on per the FAA 3 oz. rule... thanks again for the tip!

Becky said...

That's awesome, Laura! So glad it works for you. There is just something about that cleansing oil. I don't know why, but it makes a huge difference. And the serum is some kind of witchcraft.

Thanks for coming back with an update!