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.)