Origins

I’ll preface this with some honesty: I don’t have problem skin. I don’t want to sound insensitive to those that do. Despite having a generally agreeable complexion, I do have occasional breakouts and somewhat sensitive skin and so I’ve been using Origins [chemical-​free; yay!] products for years. However, they have a bunch of new stuff that I haven’t tried and was pleased last week to be helped by an extremely knowledgeable saleswoman, Amanda. She was confident and knew her stuff, didn’t oversell on stuff I wasn’t going to use, and five enthusiastic stars for her gorgeous, flawless skin that she clearly takes pride in and great care of. Unlike in other places (Sephora), where those chronically attacked by the breakout equivalent of the Loch Ness monster try to convince you to use their oh-​so-​wonderful regimen. Uh, no thanks. Amanda’s confidence – and skin – totally obliterated the need for my awkward head nod when the salesperson with cystic acne tells me the product they’re recommending «really cleared up [their] skin».
Always happy with Origins, and now quite happy with Amanda. Kudos to her for being generally awesome – and for her great recommendations!

I strolled along this place one day simply to window shop & had no intention whatsoever to make any purchases. I was invited to walk & take a look inside by one their staff member, who I later found out turned out to be an exceptional sales person in every sense of the word. He asked me what I was looking for and I really wasn’t looking for anything in particular. I just wanted to see what kind of different color eye shadows they offered & which color combo would flatter my skin tone. One thing led to the next & next thing I knew I found myself in the makeup chair with the Master Makeup Artist Extraordinaire himself who chose shades that made my eyes look amazing! If I remember correctly I think his name was ‘Todd’. Needless to say I ended up buying the colors he picked out for me. I had such a wonderful experience there. I was very pleased with their eye shadows & the fact that they have natural ingredients in them.

This is the largest Origins store second to only one other in Colorado!
This Origins location, is large and beautiful! The majority of their self standing stores are on the smaller, crampt side but this is nice and airy too. The service is impecable, not pushy and sincere. They always smile and offer to do anything else they can to make your experience an even better one than it is already. The atomosphere fits in with their product line that’s based on all natural, chemical free products.
They have a lovely Russian Lady who is a professional facialist and has worked in the business for over 30 years. They offer a complimentary 30 minute facial with your purchase. All you have to do is make an appointment! Bravo!
They also take your name and address in their computer system so when you’re birthday comes around they send these great cards worth $ 10 off for yourself and your friends. They will send other little discount offers that are very valuable as well.

I really seriously should’ve caught the name of that salesperson. The visit here was simply awesome. I walked in here just to get my usual stuff. Checks and Balances. The best foam cleanser ever. It even beats the Chanel one. that I kind of stopped using after a while. I also got awesome recommendations for some great products. My salesperson was so friendly and he really understood what kind of skin problems I have, and did not hesitate to give me some samples of the stuff, of which, made me go back to the store next day to buy it because it worked wonders on my shiny and acne prone face.
I actually bought some stuff for my hubby as well. It was a part of his birthday gift along with some other stuff I bought. I was wondering how I am going to wrap this all up. Then, the same salesperson asked if I wanted a gift box. I told him I have some other stuff that needs to be packed in together so it would be ok. But then, he offered me to giftwrap everything I bought for my hubby’s gift, even if I didn’t buy it there. He took out a big box and packed everything nicely for me. Nowadays it isn’t easy to find a store that giftwraps stuff for you at no charge. What a great customer service!
I have not tried it yet, but they have mini facials that you can schedule by calling them. I heard it’s free.
I love Origins products. I really swear by some of the stuff. And this store made me even more royal to the brand. Thanks to a truly dedicated and compassionate salesperson.

Oh for the old days. I recall them fondly. Do you?
You could step up to a cosmetic counter, buy a lipstick, get a hard sell on why at 20-​something you REALLY need a cream with turtle oil in it bearing Polly Bergan’s name. (Look it up — this isn’t Monapedia people).
But times have changed. Now cosmetics come along with a «philosophy».
“Your skin will glow like Friedrich Nietzche during his moment of discovery of Egalatarism. Smooth, shiny AND socialistic.”
«Arthur Schopenhauer was well-​known for his lovely cuticles. Use this cream and you too maybe just as metephysical as he. Freud used all his skin tips. And just look at what HE accomplished.»
Now girls, why Kierkegarrd may have been a beautiful soul? I’m fairly certain I don’t want to smell like him. But the orange/​vanilla glow scrub did become him.

They have everything and it’s very neatly laid out. You’d be hard-​pressed to be confused in this location. Very helpful staff.
One star off because they foisted some tea on us that Allie almost spit out in my hair.

I can’t express in words how much I love the Origins store in Century City. Natalia, the Russian facialist is among my favorite people in Los Angeles. She has 25 years experience and knows skin. If you have any skin problems make a point of seeing her.
As for the products, the Origins philosophy is «If you won’t eat it than it doesn’t belong on your skin». There are no chemicals in Origins products, a big plus in my book.

Could anything be more fabulous than the Ginger Body Soufflé? OK, aside from perhaps a chocolate soufflé for snacking. Aside from my favorite beauty supply store (Larchmont Beauty), Origins (and this branch in particular) is at the top of my list. The smaller Origins counters at various department stores around town do not do this chain justice.
The lavender and vanilla line is another favorite of mine. Great for relaxing, and help with sleep, if that’s a challenge for you.
Gift giving is simple as pie here — whether you know what you want or are looking for suggestions, the staff here is ready willing and able to help and is great about wrapping up whatever you choose.