Origins Review and a GIVEAWAY!

I love Origins products and have been waiting until late Spring to write this review because I find this sort of product really refreshing after being out in the heat all day. Modern Friction is a wonderful exfoliating facial wash that helps get your face feeling extra smooth and clean. I've given it as gifts because it's the sort of product that everyone loves (including men!) and doesn't necessarily buy. I use this once a week and need so little, the 4.2 oz. size will last a very long time.

So when I recently bought myself something from Origins and they added a tiny sample of Modern Friction, I thought it would be fun to announce the first ever Veganmama giveaway! I swear my giveaways will be bigger in the future, but for now, who wants to try it?

Giveaway time!

Please add a comment telling me one of the recipes I've posted that you've tried and love! You have until 10PM on Friday June 8th to be entered in the contest. And everyone who "likes" veganmama on Facebook gets a bonus entry.

Have fun! And in the meantime, I'll have to come up with a really cool giveaway for the month of July.

Origins review: Brighter By Nature™ SPF 35 Skin tone correcting moisturizer

We've all heard it millions of times: to keep your skin young looking (and more importantly) safe, you need to wash your face in the morning and apply a daily SPF. And not just in the summer, YEAR round. This product by Origins is something I've been using for a few weeks. Here are my thoughts, and some interesting facts and figures:
My thoughts:

It's likely I will mention this for every Origins product I review: it smells terrific. Not a strong scent, but it smells clean and fresh.

One of the things that has bothered me about my complexion are the small brown spots I'm starting to get on the sides of my face. What can I say, I'm 39 years old and wasn't always as careful about sun protection as I should have been (Hello 1990's! Sitting outside the college dorm spraying my face and body down with water to get a tan? Can anyone relate? Sadly, I bet you can!) So the little spots are starting to appear, as well as some general discoloration. So a product that is useful for correcting skin tone is something that appeals to me.

The facts from Origins:

Brighter By Nature™ SPF 35 Skin tone correcting moisturizer

Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight face cream while not offering the same results, provides a pain-free, 2-in-1 alternative to laser procedures to help fade existing dark spots while also preventing future discoloration. Formulated with a clinically-proven blend of highly-efficacious ingredients that help break the cycle of discoloration, this oil-free moisturizer encourages a uniform complexion to return. Past damage is undone with the help of Palmaria palmata along with cluster-busting Turkey Tail Mushroom and Ascorbyl Glucoside, naturally-derived Vitamin C, which work together to target and help disperse the appearance of existing dark spots. Scutellaria Root along with Apple and Cucumber Extracts help even skin tone, while Japanese Basil Leaf, Peony Extract and Burnet Extract provide soothing, anti-irritant benefits. Additionally, the combination of Grapeseed Phosphate, a potent antioxidant, and a blend of sunscreens provide broad-spectrum UV protection to help discourage future discoloration from forming.

This product is $43.50 a jar, which will last you a very long time, as I've been using mine a while now and it's going far :)

Have you tried this particular product? If so, please tell us your impressions!

Origins review: Checks and Balances face wash!

Good Morning! As promised, I'm going to be reviewing the best-selling products from the company Origins, as part of my quest to find my favorite animal and planet-friendly beauty products. Because here at veganmama, I believe there is more to it than just what you put in your body. What you put ON your body is important as well. But don't call the vegan police about my leather boots... :(

How would you describe your skin? I believe (?) mine is combination. Mostly normal, but a little shine here and there :) With that understanding, I don't like the idea of using a harsh face wash that would dry out my entire face, just to get the shine off the ol' forehead. When I read that Checks and Balances is a rich everyday cleanser, I couldn't wait to try it! Here are some of the details, courtesy of Origins:


Checks and Balances™ Frothy face wash uses plant essence to provide perfectly balanced cleansing for combination skin. This rich, creamy cleanser for combination skin features “smart” skin balancing ingredients that distinguish exactly where skin needs moisture and where it needs oil absorption. (veganmama note: cool, isn't it?)

BENEFITS:

This gentle, frothy face wash balances moisture and oil levels so skin feels comfortably refreshed after cleansing, never tight, pulled or parched. Broad Leaf Kelp Extract discourages excess oil, even after removal, while Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein balances and protects dry prone zones. And Tourmaline helps to more easily disperse dirt and sebum down the drain. Aromatic Geranium, Spearmint, Lavender and Bergamot combat irritation while soothing and relaxing the skin, body and mind.

Thank you Origins!

So basically, here are my thoughts: a little goes a long way (I use no more than a dime size), it smells AMAZING, it leaves my skin feeling clean but not tight, and I think I just found my favorite new cleanser! I have zero problem paying $19.50 for a cleanser that will last me months, and frankly, make me so happy! And plus, now my younger brother knows what to get me for my birthday each year, right?

Origins

One of the things I'm trying to do in 2012 is weed out my household cleaning products (laundry, counters, tub, etc.) and switch over to greener products. I already have a few I'm using (more to come on that topic!), but still have work to do. There's always room for improvement, right!?

As much as a clean house turns me on, I get even more excited about trying out "green" skincare and makeup. What can I say? I love it!

I've always said (and will tell my daughter until she's sick of hearing it) that the best beauty secret is my magic formula: eat well, drink lots of water, exercise and SLEEP. However, a good skincare line never hurt anyone!

So, this year I'm switching out my skincare to greener products. Sort of like eating well, we all know it's beneficial to both ourselves and the environment to do so, so I'm going to start sharing some tips and product reviews for my readers.



The beautiful people at Origins were kind enough to send me a package of some of their best-selling products. Over the next several weeks I'm testing them out as part of my routine. I can't wait to tell you about this product journey and will be very honest about my findings!

Question of the day: Do you already use Origins? If so, which products do you recommend? And do we all agree all their products smell awesome? :)