Have you ever wished you could go back and give your younger self some skincare advice? I would be strongly encouraging my angst-y teen self to "wear sunscreen everyday and practice safe sun". When I was a teenager, sunscreens weren't as effective as they are today, and I suffered many sunburns. I didn't wear a hat or stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day either. Back in "those days", we just didn't realize what a big part the sun played in aging and damaging our skin. So now, 35 years later, I'm seeing the effects of that lack of knowledge and time spent in the sun as a teen.
I really don't mind growing older, even if it comes with a few lines and wrinkles. I've worked hard to get to where I am today, and I've discovered that there is something new to enjoy about each phase of life. But that doesn't mean that I don't want to look my best.
You guys know that while I'm not obsessed by it, I do spend time (and money) on skincare in an effort to keep looking healthy and let's be honest, as young as I can without having surgery or injections. People tell me I don't look 53. I don't know - what does 53 look like? I think 53 might be the new 33, because today women in their 50's are looking younger due to the availability of some great skincare products.
That's why I was so excited to try Origins new Three Part Harmony products. This particular line consists of two products that have been specifically created with the woman over 45 in mind.
- Three Part Harmony™ Oil-Infused Serum
- Three Part Harmony™ Nourishing Cream
What exactly is "Three Part Harmony"? Renewal, Repair, and Radiance. I can attest that as you age, your skin starts to get fine lines and wrinkles. It loses some of it's firmness, so you can see some areas start to sag a little. Your skin starts to look somewhat dull - you just don't have that "glow" anymore. That's where Three Part Harmony - Renewal, Repair, and Radiance - lends a helping hand.
My impressions of the Three Part Harmony™ Oil-Infused Serum:
Packaging: The serum comes in a glass bottle with a really cool dropper top. Instead of a bulb that you squeeze (and that can degrade and get messy), there is a large "button" that you depress to load the dropper with the serum. I love it!
Product: The consistency of the product is that of a fairly thin lotion. It feels slightly sticky (or maybe a little oily?) on the skin at first, but it absorbs quickly and leaves skin silky soft. It does contain oils and butters, so that would account for the initial feeling.
Fragrance: This product is highly fragranced - but - I believe that most (if not all) of that may come from essential oils. I did not have an ingredient list, so I can't verify that, but my skin is very sensitive to fragrance and I didn't have any issues, so I suspect this is the case. The fragrance dissipates quickly. I actually quite like the scent. It smells slightly citrus-y to me, and I think I detect jasmine - but it's not an overall floral scent because I don't like floral scents and this is very pleasant.
How to use: The instructions say to apply several drops to clean skin AM & PM. Follow with Three Part Harmony™ Nourishing Cream. For me, a few drops go a long way. It's a very luxurious product.
My impressions of the Three Part Harmony™ Nourishing Cream:
Packaging: The cream comes in a glass jar with a faux wood lid. I'm not a huge fan of jars because I feel they allow a lot of light and air into the product and increase the possibility of contamination. I kept the plastic seal that came with the product, and after removing the amount of product I need, I immediately replace the seal as an extra safeguard against light, air, and other contaminants. I would like to see this in some type of airless pump dispenser or even a tube rather than a jar.
Product: The consistency of the nourishing cream is just what I expected - a fairly thick, expensive-feeling cream. It contains shea butter, so it's extremely moisturizing and would be wonderful for very dry skin. For me, it didn't absorb completely, but I don't have super dry skin. It was great as a nighttime moisturizer, but I couldn't wear it under my makeup.
Fragrance: This product is also highly fragranced, exactly as the serum, and I feel the same comments apply. I would love to have a candle in this scent! (hint, hint!)
How to use: The instructions say to apply AM & PM to face and neck following your Three Part Harmony™ Oil-Infused Serum. As I mentioned, I only used this in the evening because my skin doesn't need quite this much moisture during the day.
Now let's get down to the nitty gritty. What you really want to know is how well did they work, right?
My experience: You know I'm going to be 100% honest with you here. I thought these would be luxury products that feel great on the skin and provide hydration - which they are, and they do. But they are so much more. My fine lines were visibly plumped after just one application! I actually did a double take because I couldn't believe what I was seeing in the mirror. They didn't disappear, but they were at least half as noticeable as before using the serum.
While I do have mature skin, it's not especially dry. It's more "combination", and can still get oily on my chin and T-zone. But my skin does appreciate moisture in the form of plumping, which makes it look younger and less tired. The serum is light enough that I can use it both during the day and at night, because it absorbs completely. I concentrate it's use on the areas with fine lines and then spread any residual to other areas of my face, neck, and décolletage. The nourishing cream is a heavier, more moisturizing product, so as I mentioned, it works best for my skin if I use it only at night. It's a wonderful overnight moisturizing treatment, and my skin looks refreshed in the morning. For someone with drier skin, it would perfect for daytime use as well.
Would I purchase these products? That's always the bottom line, isn't it? When you're given a product to review, you might like it, but would you actually repurchase that product with your own hard-earned money? I'm on the fence about the nourishing cream, but only because my skin doesn't seem to need that much moisture at this point in time. I do like the nourishing cream, and if my skin was drier, I would buy it in a heartbeat. However, as we all know, our skin changes with the seasons and over time - and I might need that nourishing cream at some point, so I'm glad it's available. I would definitely purchase the serum. I am so impressed by the plumping abilities of this product! Add in that I haven't had any breakouts or irritation issues, and I'm sold.
It's nice to see a product that actually delivers on visibly plumping lines and bringing back a glow to the skin. It's also nice to know that there are options that will work for those of us who have normal, combination, or dry skin - because while some over 45 require heavier moisturizers, there are still those of us who only need lighter moisturizers. Great job, Origins!
Are you 45+?
What are your skincare issues?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Origins. The opinions and text are all mine.
