You're following a plant-based diet: why not experiment with equally green skincare?  My new earth-friendly, anti-aging tools are infused with African birch (Anogeissus) and loads of fruit.  Here's the lowdown on Origins' Modern Friction Instant Brightening Pads and Youth-Renewing Face Oil.    

Two words on what I miss most about working in beauty: FREE PRODUCT.  Luckily I still have friends in the biz who spoil me rotten, and last weekend someone came through with goodies from Origins, the plant-powered, eco-conscious lifestyle brand.  Many a cosmetics company have come and go since the inception or Origins in 1990, but they led the charge with their plant-to-formula skincare revolution.  They've sustainably cultivated an impressive array of flora through the years, including Anogeissus leiocarpa, and expertly blended them for the benefit of our collective complexions.  

I had every intention of packing away my new treats for a later date, but when it comes to anything involving glycolic and face oils, I flutter like a moth to a flame.  I had to try both the Modern Friction Instant Brightening Pads and Plantscription Youth-Renewing Face Oil IMMEDIATELY.  

Here's the deal: the Modern Friction pads tout the benefits of a 30% glycolic peel, minus the irritation.  They're meant to be used on a cleansed face, twice a week.  Since I'm no stranger to glycolic and use a 50% peel weekly, I used these five evenings in a row (followed by my usual Vitamin C serum, the Plantscription oil, and LaRoche Posay Cicablast Baume B5) to see if they lived up to the promise of brighter skin.  Since the AHAs are derived from fruit oils and peels, I was a bit skeptical, but I was swayed by the added BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids). This AHA-BHA combo plan is ideal for those of us with that "stuck in the middle" type skin: looking to brighten and erase fine lines, but also struggling with the occasional clogged pore.  Another bonus: the texture of the Modern Friction product is somewhat reminiscent of Oxy pads.  Remember those?  

Now: onto the face oil.  I've tried a fair amount of these on the high and low end.  In the dead of winter, Josie Maran Argan oil is a great layering piece.  Follow the LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method, and there's a way for nearly any skin type to incorporate an oil.  But, some oils can feel too...oily.  And overwhelming.  This Plantscription oil won me over with a disappearing act: within a couple of minutes, it vanishes into the skin.  The formula is packed with 20 different oils, with the first three listed as sweet almond, apricot, and jojoba - shocking given my disdain for jojoba.  But the star anti-aging ingredient here is the Anogeissus leiocarpa, an extract derived from African birch.  It's also known for its antibacterial properties.  You can read the full list of ingredients here.  

Naturally-derived doesn't always equal results.  But this combo stood up to my test: though neither product was used as part of my morning skin regime, I STILL noticed a slightly brighter, and clearer complexion.  (How skin looks immediately after application is irrelevant - of course you're going to be a bit more dewy when wearing a face oil.)  The difference isn't something that would be discernible in photos after such a short course of usage, but I notice a certain added glow.  It's also worth noting that I shelved all other physical and chemical exfoliating products for the duration of this Anogeissus and Modern Friction experiment.  Oh, and in case you care, both of these products smell fresh and calming - something to look forward to before turning in to bed.  

If I've piqued your interest in this glow-getting combo, you're in luck: right now Gilt City has an offer for $30 off any Origins purchase of $80 or more.  Additionally, Origins.com is currently offering a very generous gift with purchase.