Another perfect product from Origins (Origins A Perfect World Moisturiser)

Member Name: glitter_princess

Product:	Origins A Perfect World Moisturiser
Date:	20/01/09 (442 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gorgeous smell, superb moisturising effect, paraben free

Disadvantages: No SPF

I am a big fan of the Origins Perfect World range, having used the White Tea Skin Guardian for a number of years now, so when my frankly not very impressive Clinique moisturiser ran out recently, I knew I wanted to invest in the Perfect World Moisturiser.

The Perfect World range is packed with more antioxidants than you can shake a stick at. The ingredients in this are intended to work to help detoxify skin from harmful free radicals (the nasties that make you age quicker) before they can cause any oxidation, dehydration or irritation. It's formulated without Parabens (I'll get onto those later), synthetic colour or fragrance or animal ingredients and isn't tested on animals so like all Origins products, very ethical. It also contains Ferment of Sugarcane which increases the skin's ability to neutralise free radicals, and murumuru butter which maximises skin's moisture barrier. It contains Rosehip Oil (for hydration), Centella Asiatica (to firm) and Vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone.

Packaging is functional and classy looking - it comes in a small 50ml pale green glass jar with a white screw top lid, not something you'd be ashamed to have sitting on your dressing table but not something that's really going to stand out either.

Like all of the Perfect World products though, the best thing about this is the smell - it's divine! It contains Mimosa, Orange, Bergamot and Spearmint which all smell absolutely divine. It's very delicate but really refreshing and citrusy and great to wake you up in the morning - whenever I'm feeling a little bit rough from the night before this perks me right up!

I have to admit that, despite the fact that I was keen to try this, I wasn't convinced I would be that impressed by it. Because of the fact that it is designed to be used with the White Tea Skin Guardian, I had the impression that it would be far too light for my skin, which is going through a bit of a winter dry spell. The Clinique 'triple moisturising' cream certainly wasn't quite enough to quench my skin, leaving a dry patch across my forehead. However, I seriously underestimated this one - although it feels silky and not especially thick on your fingers, when applied it feels rich and luxurious. A little goes a long way, I use a 5p sized blob to cover a cheek. It is absorbed really quickly and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and the softest I have ever known it.

I am normally a believer that companies that insist their products work better when used with the other products in the range are just having a laugh, but the Perfect World Moisturiser used in combination with the White Tea Skin Guardian really is something special! Although it leaves my skin lovely and soft when used on its own, when used together I can honestly say that in 25 years, my skin has never felt so soft, and the softness lasts all day. It's also great on my combination skin which is particularly confused by the cold weather and air conditioning it is put through in winter - it works to mattify the oilier areas and really looks after the dry areas too. It also leaves me with a glow to the skin which hides the fact that I'm currently stressed at work and working myself into the ground.

The only thing that is missing for me from this product is an SPF - I like to get my SPF protection from my moisturiser as it's something I wear every day, while I don't always apply foundation. However, I can live with this from a product that is as good as this!

Now, I said earlier I would get onto Parabens. Parabens are a naturally occurring toxin that is found naturally, but is artificially made and used in almost all cosmetic products as a preservative. Although not proven, there is a suggested link to breast cancer from frequent absorption of parabens into the blood stream and methylparaben, the most commonly used paraben in cosmetics also known as mineral oil, is thought to contribute to premature aging - ironic when you think that it is used in products that sell themselves as anti-aging. Of course, nothing has yet been proven, but I was shocked when I went to my cupboard and took a look through my products and nearly every one contained methylparaben. Earlier this year, Origins took the decision to ensure that all of their products were free from parabens by July 2008 (Interestingly, Origins' parent company, Estee Lauder, have not decided to extend this across their other brands, like Clinique or Estee Lauder) Personally, I think this is a great decision - while I know nothing is proven yet and the amount of methylparaben contained in most products is minute, I would still rather know that something I am putting on my face twice a day (and is therefore being absorbed into the bloodstream) does not contain something that has possible negative effects. Of course, as it lacks this preservative, I try to bear that in mind and I will not be being stingy when applying this and use it on my neck as well! (Normally my neck is treated to a cheaper moisturizer!)

This is priced at £27.40 for 50ml, which is cheaper than the Clinique one I was using previously and a massive improvement. I also managed to get this is in a fabulous sale pack that included a travel sized 50ml of the Perfect World Deep Cleanser and the Clear Improvement face mask, so it's worth keeping an eye out for special offers.

Origins products are available from Origins stores and website at www.origins.co.uk, Boots online store and some bigger Boots stores, and John Lewis stores nationwide.

Summary: My new perfect moisturiser