Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Moisturizer | Review

A couple of months ago I finally took the plunge into committing a bit more of my money into some higher end skincare. I usually purchase drugstore skincare (& I still do for most things) but I thought it might be time to test out a moisturizer with a few extra benefits. I also found that my makeup wasn't sitting very well on top of my current choice.

I spent a good few hours researching different moisturizer options available at Sephora. There are some very pricey products, some less pricey choices & a lot of different ingredients to wade through.  It also vastly depends on what your personal skincare needs are and your age.  I'm in my mid-twenties, I have combination skin & I don't have any particularly demanding skincare needs - just that whatever I use sits well under foundation.

I settled on the Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Moisturizer ($51.00 CAD).  Now, $51 is a TON more than I've ever spent on a moisturizer - but it's not more than I've ever spent on a makeup product.  This moisturizer is touted as an AM-PM dual use moisturizer, but I prefer to use something a little bit thicker at night.

 I use this every morning after my toner but before my primer/foundation. I leave it to sit for 5-10 minutes before applying makeup (I use this time to make my lunch for work). It smells of fruit-loops & it feels light but effective on my skin. I do see significant shine on my skin, even after it has had time to soak in, which is generally resolved by my makeup.  If, per chance, I were to not wear makeup, I tend to not use this because I don't appreciate the shine factor.

Do I regret my decision to purchase an expensive moisturizer for my not-so-picky skin? Nope. I would recommend this as a good starter product for anyone delving into the world of higher-end skincare, especially if you are on the younger side.

Have you tried this or any Origins products?

Cheers,
Kait

Empties | April 2015

Time again for my monthly collection of beauty trash!  I feel like I've used a great variety of things this month. As with last month, I've divided them into categories & marked the samples with an asterisk (*). 

Makeup

Revlon Photoready Pressed Powder - This has been my powder for the last couple times I've needed to replace a powder. I enjoy this & would repurchase, but for a drugstore item it is quite expensive (around $16 CAD) so this time I have chosen to go with something cheaper.

Maybelline Dream Wonder Foundation - This foundation was lovely! It has a wonderful lightweight feel but a surprisingly high coverage finish. It did leave my nose a bit dry, but it's hard to tell whether that was the foundation or the winter. I would definitely repurchase - in the summer - if only to see if it really does cause dryness.

Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait - I love the lip butter formula for quick, on the go uses. This particular shade didn't leave me thrilled simply because it had gold glitter that seemed really gritty after a little bit of wear. I would buy another lip butter, but not in this shade.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara* - I LOVE this mascara & have already ordered a larger size.  If you want volume, this stuff is perfection.

Ultraflesh Mascara* - I received this in a Beauty Box a couple of months ago & this is completely dried up. Hard to test a product if it isn't even usable.

Cartier Baisés Volés Perfume* - This stuff was yummy smelling. It was quite sophisticated while being light and floral.  While I really enjoyed this I don't think this would be one I would buy in full size.


Face & Body

L'Oreal Paris Makeup Remover - This is a lovely eye makeup remover and also a repurchase of mine. As of late I think I have found a makeup remover that I prefer, but this one does an excellent job for drugstore prices.

Secret Clear Gel Deodorant in Ooh-la-la Lavender - I was sent this by BzzAgent to review about 6 months ago. So as far as a product lasting an appropriate amount of time - this was great. It had a nice scent & it did it's job. I'm not sure I'm a convert of the gel deodorants yet though.

EOS (Evolution of Smooth) Hand Lotion in Rose - I purchased this years ago in a set with a lip balm as a breast cancer awareness promotion. It lived in my purse & it has finally kicked the bucket. It wasn't super moisturizing but it functioned well enough in a pinch. I would not repurchase - at least not in this scent.

SoftSoap Body Wash in Tropical Acai Berry - These body washes are absolutely my favourite from the drugstore. They have moisture beads (which - I've checked the ingredients - is not the same as the plastic scrubby beads) that dissolve when rubbed into the skin. This purple gel wash smells divine, but the pomegranate & mango one is really something amazing as well.


Hair

L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray - This was acquired during the day of my wedding to tame some flyaways at the last minute. While this can looks tiny you can actually purchase this at the drugstore. It works, but it stinks, so I did not repurchase.

Pantene Smooth & Sleek Shampoo* - This shampoo made my hair feel soooo greasy right out of the gate. I used up this sample, but I would not purchase a large size. If I had very dry hair, this may have worked better without leaving me feeling dirty before day one was even over.


Another month, another 12 items used up. I would like to point out that I'm not trying to « get rid » of products.I'm not using anything in excess, I just like making sure I'm using what I have (& when I have 5 of the same thing this takes time).

What have you been using up?

Cheers,
Kait