Beauty Advice

    ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS Without a doubt, nothing gets your glow on as well as a good dose of AHA’s in your skincare. Its power: Two things are generally responsible for dull skin; environmental aggressors and ageing – the process of cellular turnover becomes sluggish, leaving dead skin lingering on the surface longer. AHA’s work to combat this. Mostly found in foods (glycolic, citric and lactic acid), these natural water-soluble acids exfoliate your skin by gently and evenly removing surface dead skin cells by breaking down the glue that holds the cells together. Used for: Most skin types but particularly for dry and dehydrated skin, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, blemish prone and dull skin. The result: Fresh and hydrated skin that is incredibly smooth and soft. It also helps diminish dry fine lines, uneven skin tone and flakiness. Why else do you need to use it: AHA’s promote stronger elasticity and natural moisture retention in the skin too! Discover our relevant products: Dermassure, Erda Green apple mask, Immortajell, Complexion Perfection SALICYLIC ACID Arguably the very best acne fighting skincare ingredient Is the beta hydroxy acid (BHA), Salicylic acid (derived from Willow Bark, the same place Aspirin comes from). Its power: This BHA is both water and oil soluble meaning it can break through oil (sebum), penetrate deeply into the pores to break down dead skin cells, debris and excess oil, for a supreme deep clean. We also love it because it won’t dry out your skin like other traditional acne products can. Oh, and it’s an anti-inflammatory, so it also calms the nasty redness of those pesky angry spots. Used for: Oily skin, congestion and breakouts. The result: Clearer, calmer more balanced skin. Why else do you need to use it: when used regularly, Salicylic acid works wonders as a breakout preventative. Discover our relevant products: Dermassure PEPTIDES When it comes to anti-ageing skincare innovation, nothing has quite compared to peptide use in skincare. Its power: Essentially, peptides are short strains of amino acids, so think of them like little ‘proteins.’ Peptides can be synthetically made or sourced directly from plants. They earn their smarts in skincare for their ability to act as ‘intracellular communicators’ for the three layers of the skin –they signal the job that needs to be done from the top down. Used for: Peptides are mainly identified for producing collagen, however, there are so many different varieties that each of them can actually target a whole range of other skin concerns – so, think of a skin concern, and guaranteed, there will be a peptide for it (healing, skin tone evening, muscle toning etc). The result: Dramatically younger and fresher looking skin that behaves more healthily. Why else do you need to use it: look for a product that includes a peptide cocktail/complex (many peptides). It will yield the greatest visible results – the more the better! Discover our relevant products: Erda, Repertoire, Immortajell HYALURONIC ACID Millions of beauty enthusiasts have adored the mega moisture surge from this highly effective acid! Its power: As we age, apart from wrinkles, we also lose volume and hydration in the skin. Naturally found in the body, Hyaluronic acid (a carbohydrate molecule), necessarily repairs, lubricates and hydrates the body’s vital components. Often found in good quality serums and moisturisers, Hyaluronic acid works as a ‘humectant’ which means its takes moisture from the environment and holds onto it. In fact, it carries 1000 times its weight in water, meaning after applying it topically, your skin is going to stay well hydrated for quite some time! As we age though, Hyaluronic acid levels drop, making it harder for our skin to retain its necessary moisture. So, to illustrate this, think of a babies’ skin, round and plump; now picture a more mature skin showing greater signs of dullness, thinning and lack of firmness. The protective barrier on top of the skin and its underlying firmness is compromised. Used for: Dry and dehydrated skin, ageing and sun-damaged skin. The result: The result: plumper, rehydrated skin with a minimised appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Why else do you need to use it: Hyaluronic acid also contain antioxidant properties that work to protect and defend daily internal and external aggressors. Discover our relevant products: Immortajell, Erda eye gel, RFM eye gel and Complexion Perfection VITAMIN C Indeed, this vitamin is the all-rounder skin hero. No other skincare ingredient has been as tried, tested and researched as much as Vitamin C. It is universally established that when formulated, packaged and applied properly, its effect is one of the most powerful defences against overall skin ageing and environmental damage. Its power: This cult ingredient has three key benefits: It protects and repairs the skin from the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, it is vital for collagen production, and it offers supreme antioxidant protection. Used for: Age-prevention, lines and wrinkles, skin discolouration and dull skin. The result: Vitamin C is beneficial to use for any age and skin type. However, its well-known effects are correlated to a reduction in wrinkles, a more even skin tone and a boost in the skin’s overall radiance. Additionally, most forms of Vitamin C are now suitable for even very sensitive skin that needs a perk up. Why else do you need to use it: using a good quality Vitamin C formula that is also well packaged is essential. Being a very sensitive vitamin, the molecules need to be micro encapsulated and stored in air tight packaging to prevent oxidation and destabilisation. Discover our relevant products: Complexion Perfection Origani is an Australian luxury organic skincare brand. We proudly formulate and produce cruelty-free, certified organic, vegan skincare and makeup.

Finding the right foundation is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. Once you meet, it becomes a long-time trusted companion. And since most of us wear some sort of makeup base daily, it’s probably a very good idea to wear something that delivers a host of skin benefits and that also lasts the distance in terms of colour and staying power. The fascination with mineral based cosmetics has been through peaks and troughs in the last decade. This is probably due to a massive market influx of different formulations and sometimes misleading promises. But for those of us that use pure (true) mineral foundation, we know this: that using a quality mineral formulation regularly is fabulous for your skin and it’s hard to beat for a flawless complexion. So, what does ‘flawless skin’ really mean? It means that ‘fresh-faced’ look, not too dewy or too matte, but more of a satin/radiant barely-there finish. Yes, yes, yes to all of it please. Why do you need to know about mineral makeup? Promisingly, the recent research suggests, mineral make up is back once again in a positive spotlight, leading the way in terms of dominating global beauty trends and personal usage. It seems that seeking healthier alternatives to cosmetic use is a force simply too big to ignore. So, if you are contemplating making the switch (which is a really good idea), understanding what mineral makeup actually is and how it is better for you, will make the change all the more worth it.   While we are so used to talking about all of the ‘good stuff’ that you should find in good quality cosmetics, this is a very different conversation. We are actually going to be talking about a product being good for you because of what’s NOT in it. Harvested from the earth, mineral makeup is free from oils, waxes, preservatives, synthetic fragrances, dyes, talc and bulking agents. These excluded ingredients have a reputation for being potentially irritating, pore clogging and unbreathable. Mineral makeup is essentially only made from earth minerals such as iron oxides, zinc oxide, mica, and titanium dioxide that are micronized, or ground and milled, into tiny particles to create biocompatible complexion products.   The 8 reasons to make the switch to mineral makeup: 1. It is super comfortable to use, and feels like you are wearing nothing at all: It’s truly weightless.2. Coming purely from the earth, its vegan and cruelty free.3. It’s great for problematic skin like acne. Good mineral formulas are non-comedogenic (free from ingredients that block the pores). Additionally, they work to prevent future congestion and breakouts as mineral powder does not contain moisture, meaning bacteria cannot grow.4. Its customisable – mineral powder is build-able and adjustable giving you the coverage you desire.5. It’s perfect for uneven skin tones as micro pigments cover flawlessly for natural looking skin.6. Your foundation stays fresh and true throughout the whole day. Pure mineral makeup binds to oils not water, giving the makeup a natural water resistance and great staying power. A fantastic choice for humid and warm climates and when exercising.7. While it’s true that some traditional foundation powders are unflattering on an ageing skin, mineral powder is a hero for mature complexions. Minerals interact with light bouncing it off the skin to create a soft-focus effect and healthy glow. A good quality powder also won’t sink into lines and wrinkles. 8. It’s a great foundation alternative for fragile skin (rosacea, sensitivity, allergic and injured skin due to intense facial treatments etc.). Zinc and titanium dioxide have excellent soothing anti-inflammatory properties, rapidly reducing skin redness. Also, the nutrients from the minerals and the protective barrier it creates on the skin’s surface, works wonders for healing and rejuvenation.   Being introduced to mineral cosmetics about 10 years ago, I will admit that I was a sceptic: being a drier skin type and committed user of traditional liquid foundations, it was a hard habit to beak. But like so many others, I was becoming more aware of what I was putting on my skin- we wear makeup all day long – that’s a long time! It also helped that the first time I used a mineral makeup, I was getting a lot of compliments on my skin even after a long-haul flight! I also had get over the barrier of the more-timely application process. But realising that extra minute in the morning was worth it, it is now simply not an option to ever go back to using conventional foundation.   Tips for when buying one: 1. Go premium quality - many companies claim their products are “mineral based,” but this doesn’t guarantee it’s free of nasty unnecessary ingredients. Read your labels thoroughly. 2. Opt for a powder option, they are less likely to contain artificial ingredients.3. Choose a shade that is true to your natural skin colour depth (i.e. light, medium or dark). Opting for a darker shade in a mineral formula is a No No.4. When unsure of the right tone, go neutral (perfect balance of cool and warm pigments) (Origani no 2).5. Invest in a good synthetic kabuki/foundation brush - they work best with mineral powder.   There will always be critics and fans behind any beauty phenomenon. Much of the criticism comes from not understanding a product and how to use it correctly. Not applying a mineral powder properly can make it look cakey and uneven, so correct application is essential to getting a flawless finish.   Coverage and application: Prepare skin: like all great products your makeup will only look as good as the prepared skin underneath; this includes cleansing and moisturising with your skincare that suits your skin type. Prime: it is very important that you allow your primer to settle into your skin. Unlike a liquid foundation, mineral foundations need a dry surface for perfect application; otherwise it will appear patchy and uneven. Apply foundation: a little goes a long way so start with a small amount. Shake a little powder into the lid, take your brush and swirl into the powder, tapping off the excess. Blend: evenly over the face starting from the middle and blending outward toward the jaw line using short, gentle sweeping strokes. Tip: if you think you have buffed enough, you haven’t, keep buffing! buffing infuses the powder with the skins natural oils, warming it into a creamy consistency, so it melts beautifully onto the skin.   P.s Oh and one last thing…we are all guilty of sleeping in our makeup every now and then right, but If you happen to accidently fall asleep wearing mineral makeup, you can do so guilt free!   Explore Origani’s premium Mineral Lover complexion line and stunning pure mineral pigments for eyes and cheeks. Enjoy up to 12 hours of effortless wear-time. Beautiful skin awaits. Discover our Mineral Lover Products Origani is an Australian luxury organic skincare brand. We proudly formulate and produce cruelty-free, certified organic, vegan skincare and makeup.

No doubt, for many, it’s a sensitive topic – but one that is unavoidable. Everyone is facing it, some with more enthusiasm than others. Ageing – the process of becoming older. Indeed, ageing carries with it many, positives. However, one such unfavourable symptom is the physical separation from youth we experience, and consequently, a more mature appearance. Inevitably, the functions and appearance of the skin change with ageing and the underlying causes are complex, bringing in many factors. But one thing is simple, for most of us, the goal is to essentially look and feel younger than we really are. Is this due to society’s unrealistic beauty standards or simply our natural desire to stay youthful for as long as possible? It’s probably a combination of both.   Despite this, the more proactive approach should be for us to ask ourselves the question “how fast am I actually ageing?” Why? Because there is a healthy way of ageing naturally. Science confirms time and time again that we can indeed slow down the process. Much has been learned about how our everyday lifestyle choices and habits contribute to (unnecessary) premature ageing – aging earlier than we would naturally. When we explore the actual causes behind this happening, there is much that can be done to keep that youthful appearance well and alive for longer.   The world of beauty and cosmetics has come leaps and bounds in terms of discoveries, technologies and encouraging product performances that work to reinvent the reality of physical ageing. For most of us, beauty practices are part of our daily ritual. And while in the chase for eternal youth, there will always be fads and outrageous theories in the name of beauty (leeches, placentas, facial toning classes), the truth is, doing things that are simple and make sense (I.e. using quality skincare and making positive lifestyle choices) are often the best way to delaying early onset ageing.   To understand the actual processes of skin ageing and what a positive physical ageing experience means/how to work towards it, we need to explore the fundamentals behind skin ageing. To best understand, let’s break it up into three categories: the causes of ageing, the processes behind ageing and the visible signs of ageing. This blog will talk about the causes of ageing, kindly visit [Part 2] of this blog to learn more about the next 2 categories. THE CAUSES OF AGEING INTRINSIC AGEING: Also, known as chronological ageing, this represents the natural ageing process, through unavoidable biological causes that happen without external interference. The skin is the largest organ of the body and it is subject to eventual degradation. The truth of the matter is, we all get old. It’s unavoidable.   Genetics play a major role whereby we inherit the DNA from our parents that control our cellular behaviour and hormones. As we naturally age, so to do our skin cells, producing less energy and weakening in their vital functions. Hormones, our biochemical messengers (predominantly estrogen and testosterone) become unbalanced due to fluctuations in their production causing changes to the appearance of the skin. The natural skin type we are born with also effects how the skin ages: dry skin types tend to develop more wrinkles earlier and oilier skin types tend to lose elasticity faster. This process of natural ageing starts in our late 20’s but may not be noticeable until we hit our 30’s.   We also know that our genes ultimately interact with our environment, so now let’s get to the part where we discuss the things we can change!   EXTRINSIC AGEING: This represents the area of the preventable factors around us that cause premature ageing. How? They bring about excess free radial damage and oxidative stress. Free radicals (unstable molecules) scavenge the body hunting for what they need. This process damages the body’s cells and critical functions including your precious DNA, ultimately accelerating the ageing process. The main guilty parties are as follows:   Photoaging: undoubtedly the biggest offender to premature ageing is repeated exposure to UV radiation from the sun. The radiation from sunlight causes a host of skin problems, some more devastating than others. These include long term damage to the skin’s structural matrix and to the function of our cells, whereby at worst, causing various skin cancers.   Environment: our extended environment can cause similar damage. Inflammation and various other skin problems can also be bought on by air pollution, various other environmental toxic substances and even artificial heating and cooling.   Unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices: a nutritionally lacking diet and high sugar consumption, sleep deprivation and of course the worst known culprits, smoking and excess alcohol consumption wreak havoc on the body, inevitably showing directly through the skin.   Psychological stress: high levels of emotional and mental stress release elevated levels of cortisol (stress hormone) leading to cellular damage. In fact, many studies have shown that stress is a substantial factor contributing to premature ageing. A normal level of stress is to be expected with everyone at some point or another but if you are prone to feeling anxious and stressed very easily, ask yourself “it is work looking older for?!   Repeated facial expressions: this one is unfair I agree! But unfortunately, true to some degree. Increased facial movement paired with the effects of gravity and even the position in which we sleep all contribute to the early ageing onset process.   So where is the good news? In short, the negative effects of these extrinsic causes on the skin are almost always preventable. It’s a liberating fact to accept that for the most part, the rate at which you age is largely up to you…   Now let’s understand how these causes actually effect the skin leading to ageing. What happens to make us age? [Part 2] Origani is an Australian luxury organic skincare brand. We proudly formulate and produce cruelty-free, certified organic, vegan skincare and makeup.