Peony Flower Fusion lipstick
Hey there, nice girl with the hopelessly dry lips. You know I love ya, but that peeling ‘pout … not so cute! My pucker gets crazy dry, too, so when I find pretty, moisturizing lipsticks I feel compelled to share them. You, too, can say buh-bye to Saraha-dry lips with Origins Flower Fusion lipsticks ($16). Yes, girl, Origins!
Peony Flower Fusion lipstick in the tube
Origins isn’t a company I’ve paid a lot of attention to, but products like Flower Fusion are starting to change the way I think about the brand. These lipsticks are all about moisture in a big way. The official marketing claims their secret emollient ingredient is wax derived from plant petals and leaves.
Winter Rose Flower Fusion lipstick
You know how soothing it feels to massage a good lotion into your hands when they’re cracked and dry? Well, Flower Fusion lipstick is like that but for dry lips. The texture feels unusually slick and smooth for a lipstick. If I press my lips together and rub them back and forth, there’s no friction, like my lips are sliding on ice.
Winter Rose Flower Fusion lipstick in the tube
There are 26 shades in the collection, including the two limited edition ones shown here, Winter Rose (shimmery berry) and Peony (violet red). I like how they give my lips shine and color without appearing overly dark or dramatic. These are going to be great colors for work!
While the lipsticks are taste-free, they do have a light fragrance. It’s very light — kinda like a subtle mix of licorice and Ricola cough drops — but fades quickly and isn’t a bother to me.
Origins Flower Fusion Lipsticks
Price: $16
Use: Hydrating lip color with floral extracts
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
These are a little more expensive than MAC lipsticks, which run about $14 each, but I think their highly moisturizing texture makes them worth a closer look.
So, I stayed up late last night to finish Breaking Dawn. I’d been drawing it out to savor the story, but all good things must end. Now I’m looking for a new book. Do you have any suggestions for me? It doesn’t have to be sci-fi, lol! I’m a total nerd.
Hope your Wednesday is going well. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Amanda says
August 13th, 2008 at 11:20 amAnother great pink lippie! 🙂 I used to use A LOT of origins….it was my “gateway” makeup. For the longest time the places I lived didn’t have mac or sephora, so I would usually choose origins over clinique and prescriptives. But, like I said it’s been years since I’ve ventured there. Might be worth going back to take a look at these! I love a good moisturizing lipstick.
Loni says
August 13th, 2008 at 11:39 amLately, I’ve been *inhaling* the Phillipa Gregory books. I finished “The Other Boleyn Girl” and “The Boleyn Inheritance” in record time. Even if you’re not a big history buff, they are such page-turners.
Jess says
August 13th, 2008 at 11:47 amThat Peony is my kind of pink. Because it’s so moisturizing does that mean it didn’t last very long? did you wear it with a gloss or lipliner?
Dao says
August 13th, 2008 at 12:15 pmWow, Peony Flower looks very hot and glossy. Is the texture similar to MAC lustre lipstick? I didn’t know Origins also do makeup, all I know about them is their collaboration with Dr. Andrew Weil 🙂
Daos last blog post..MAC News: MAC Limited Collections of August-September
Asta says
August 13th, 2008 at 1:14 pmDitto on Phillipa Gregory. They were really great. Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books are pretty great, quick reads. Libba Bray’s A Great and Terrible Beauty is also young adult but really decent. I also love love love everything by Sharon Shinn and Robin McKinley. Let’s see (I’m going through my bookshelves) Juliet Marillier, Lynn Flewelling (I’ve only read the Bone Doll’s Twin series), Robin Hobb (the assassin series), Charlaine Harris (the Grave series is more realistic and slightly better IMO, the Southern Vampire series is more supernatural but still really good). Kim Harrison is not bad for more vampire/witch/supernatural hijinks. Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series is great but really dense. Lots of political intrigue (and very sexy but in a classy way), her writing is gorgeous.
I have much much more if that doesn’t help. *grin*
I have even more books than I do makeup…
Tiera says
August 13th, 2008 at 1:32 pmThere are two reasons I prefer gloss to lipstick, moisture and shine… I think you’ve solved my problems! I can’t wait to get to the mall this weekend and give this a try! [My aunty used to work for Origins before she moved to Arizona… maybe I should have shown Origins more love!]
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 1:43 pmHi Amanda,
My gateway makeup was Clinique, and that was because of proximity, too — they had a counter at my university’s book store! 🙂
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 1:43 pmHi Loni,
Thank you for the rec! Will have to check that out at the book store. 🙂
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 1:43 pmHi Jess,
I just wore it by itself. It actually lasts pretty long! It’s nothing compared to the MAC Pro Longwears, of course, but it’ll go a couple of hours if I’m drinking the regular amount of water and smacking some gum. The Peony shade actually leaves a very pretty stain when it fades.
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 1:43 pmHi Dao,
It’s slightly lighter than the MAC lustres. The formula is also slicker. It’s a very “cushiony” lipstick.
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 1:44 pmHi Asta,
Thanks for these. All of these authors are new to me except Libby Bray.
I could spend all day reading a good book. 🙂
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 1:44 pmHi Tiera,
Gloss has dominated the past few years so I’m glad to see lipstick make a comeback. Although I’m not ready for a full on matte lip (so early 90s), I’m totally down for a shiny, juicy lipstick. Hope you like these!
Roxy says
August 13th, 2008 at 2:08 pmWow! Great article … thanks for the info and photos. Definitely gonna have to get some of those lippies now. xo
Roxys last blog post..MODEL UPDATE: Abbey Lee
Glosslizard says
August 13th, 2008 at 2:15 pmHi Karen and Asta!
I have to second Janet Evanovich (hi-larious) and Kim Harrison (sassy)! I love their books! I just finished reading a book by Patricia Briggs who has a series about a were-coyote mechanic! Good stuff! 🙂
I don’t have much Origins makeup (one eyeshadow and one lipgloss), but that Peony lippie is beautiful! They were my gateway skincare line actually (in the pre-Weil era)!
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 2:15 pmHi Roxy,
You’re welcome! How did your test go?
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 2:30 pmHi Glosslizard,
Oh sweet! I’m thinking something funny would be good for my soul right now. Janet, here I come.
I am an old school Origins skin/body care person, too! I still have a soft spot for their scents — Spring Fever and the ginger scent (Ginger Float? Ginger Cloud?) bring back good memories.
Brittany says
August 13th, 2008 at 2:50 pmI really love that pink color. It’s great. I have a similar color from Mary Kay. I like using moisturizing lipsticks because I’m one of those girls who always have dry lips. Yuck.
Hmm..I don’t read any sci fi, so I can’t help you out there. I saw someone else recommended The Other Boleyn Girl to you, that’s a really good book. So is the Queen’s Fool, it’s written by the same author. I plowed through it. I’ve also been reading a lot of Jodi Picoult books too. They’re more on the sappy chic lit side of things! 😛 I have to get my “junk” reading in before school starts, haha.
abigail says
August 13th, 2008 at 3:36 pmHey Karen!
The 1st lip color looks very pretty on you 🙂
Since is August, and ‘Back to School’ is coming up, do you think you can do a makeup look for school? I’m 16 this year and want to start the school year off with a new look, do you think you can help me?
Keep up the beauty blogging, i LOVE reading your posts ! They are so fun and energetic!
Avi says
August 13th, 2008 at 4:22 pmOoh! I like the color Peony. 🙂 I might have to check that one out next time I’m in the mall.
As for books, I recommend Kim Harrison. Her first book was okay, but her last 2 couple of ones were the best of the series yet in my opinion. The main character of the book is a witch and her best friend/room mate is a vampire.
I used to read Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series, but after the 11th book, the rest aren’t worth reading. Anita Blake is a necromancer and she also helps the police on supernatural cases. Later in the series, she has 1 on and off werewolf boyfriend and also a vampire boyfriend.
Patrica Briggs is also an alright author. Her books are shorter, and the main character can shift into a coyote.
Aside from horror/sci fi, I recommend The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
I haven’t read Breaking Dawn yet, but I need to pick up a copy once I can. I’ve read the other Twilight books as well.
Asta says
August 13th, 2008 at 4:22 pmHey Glosslizard,
Ooh, I’ve heard of that series but haven’t picked it up yet. Thanks for the recommendation
Karen,
If you’re looking for funny then definitely grab One for the Money (the first Steph Plum). You’ll be hooked!
Asta says
August 13th, 2008 at 4:31 pmAgreed on the Laurell K Hamilton books. Anita Blake started okay, got really great (peaked with Obsidian Butterfly), and then degenerated into meaningless sex. If hot sex is what you’re looking for, read the fairie series (A Kiss of Shadows, A Caress of Twilight, etc). It doesn’t pretend to be what it’s not.
To get back to the makeup discussion, I just picked up the Lancome color design survival palette for $8 at TJ Maxx. They had a HUGE stash of the summer collections: all the jelly glosses, LIP BRUSHES yayyyy, kohl pencils, tons of single shadows and lippies. Also grabbed SJP Covet 50 ml for $15.
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 5:04 pmHi Brittany,
Ahhh, so you feel my dry lipped pain. Do you own any of the Clinique Superbalms? They are fab at relieving the dry sitch.
I will put The Other Boleyn Gir on my library list! 🙂
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 5:04 pmHi Abigail,
I’d be happy to whip up a back to school look for you! What colors were you thinking about?
Enjoy 16… it’s a good year. 🙂
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 5:04 pmHi Avi,
Witches and vampires? I’m on it!
Have you read The Host by Stephenie Meyer? It’s her first book for an adult audience, and it’s fantastic!
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 5:04 pmHi Asta,
Oh cool! Girl, you read a lot. That’s great. 🙂
Do you ever like to re-read books? I do!
Regarding your TJ Maxx haul… um, WOW! That’s great you were able to find Covet! It’s getting hard to find these days. It’s my fave of all of SJP’s scents.
Marisol says
August 13th, 2008 at 7:01 pmGorgeous lippies. I really like the first one.
Marisols last blog post..Weekend Update
Lee says
August 13th, 2008 at 7:26 pmI love that peony color! There’s a new Origins opening up around here and I received a $25 gift card (no min purchase!) so I’m going to spend it on that lipstick! (hopefully they’ll have it there).
Lees last blog post..Our 7th Anniversary And “The Dark Knight†Review
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 9:37 pmHi Marisol,
Yeah, me too. I think that one is my favorite. 🙂
Karen says
August 13th, 2008 at 9:38 pmHi Lee,
Oh how exciting! I used to work down the street from one of their freestanding stores and I loved going in there… it always smells so great.
Pia says
August 13th, 2008 at 9:59 pmPeony I think has my name written at the bottom of the tube.
I just about have a complete collection of Marian Keyes books. Last week I purchased “Angel” (it’s made into a movie in Europe, if I’m not mistaken). I love Keyes for her ability to create a surprising plot that add more depth to the character and her observation to life is head on.
Pias last blog post..FOTD – Natural Face
Nikki says
August 13th, 2008 at 10:18 pmI love Flower fusion on your lips! gorgeous!!!
Nikkis last blog post..Askmewhats Reviews: PAC Blush On
Mariah says
August 13th, 2008 at 10:19 pmI LOVE the color of that Peony lipstick! Although, I can’t find either color on the site you linked to!
Books? I love scifi, especially classic scifi like Fahrenheit 451 or ANYTHING by Isaac Asimov! But if you want a laugh, go for any of the Discworld books by Terry Pratchett!! SO FUNNY!!
Mariahs last blog post..Stolen from ericapfa
Glosslizard says
August 13th, 2008 at 10:38 pmGirl, I envy you! Getting to read all the Janet Evanovich books for the first time!! You’ll love ’em! 🙂 Oh, and another side-splitting read is “Undead and Unwed” by MaryJanice Davidson, it made me and Hubby laugh out loud!
I might also mention that anyone who likes Kim Harrison and Patricia Briggs would probably also enjoy Kelly Armstrong’s books. She has a whole supernatural arsenal of heroines (“women of the otherworld”) including werewolves, vampires, witches and half-demons!
This is awesome, the Makeup and Beauty Blog Book Club! I’m going to check out “The Host”! 😀
betsy says
August 13th, 2008 at 11:20 pmWow, these look great! And they msut feel great too!
Both colors are lovely, but I think that Peony is especially smashing on you! What a great shade of pink, mmm….
betsys last blog post..Foie-gras this!
abigail says
August 14th, 2008 at 12:31 amummm..how about purple, since we both have brown eyes and it’s my favorite color? HAHA..i will ! <3
Arwin says
August 14th, 2008 at 12:59 amKaren! I loveeee both colours!!
Avi says
August 14th, 2008 at 3:22 amActually, I haven’t read the Host by Stephenie Meyer. I might check it out though once I finish Breaking Dawn. 🙂
gio says
August 14th, 2008 at 6:43 amThey are both gorgeous! I love the first one.
gios last blog post..Interview with Christine from Temptalia
Karen says
August 14th, 2008 at 9:08 amHi Pia,
🙂 It’s sooo pretty! I hope you get to try it.
Hmm, I don’t think I’ve ever read a Marian Keyes book. Thank you for the recommendation. Today after I get all my work done I get to reward myself with a trip to the amazon website! I can’t wait to pick up some new reading.
Have a good day!
Karen says
August 14th, 2008 at 9:08 amHi Nikki,
Thanks, girl. 🙂 These feel really good on the lips!
Karen says
August 14th, 2008 at 9:09 amHi Mariah,
You’ll have to go to the counter for now. I dunno why they don’t have it on the site…
Thank you for the rec’s. We have Fahrenheit 451 on the bookshelf (it’s El Hub’s) but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. My favorite sci fi book ever is Ender’s Game!
Karen says
August 14th, 2008 at 9:09 amHi Glosslizard,
The Host is really great. I cried at the end! It was like 2 in the morning and I was in bed blubbering for a good 15 minutes. 🙂
My reading list is getting longer and longer!
Karen says
August 14th, 2008 at 9:09 amHi Betsy,
They *do* feel very great! Probably the slickest feeling lipsticks I’ve felt in a while. 🙂
Karen says
August 14th, 2008 at 9:09 amHi Abigail,
Okay. I have a purple Starflash shade that I’ve been dying to dig into. I’ll give you something easy and simple to do during those mornings when you’re rushed to get to school! Will work on it this weekend…
Karen says
August 14th, 2008 at 9:09 amHi Arwin,
They are both pretty, yah? I’m so rocking these to work. 🙂
Karen says
August 14th, 2008 at 9:10 amHi Avi,
It’s *really* good, and probably my favorite Stephenie Meyer book (besides Twilight).
Karen says
August 14th, 2008 at 9:10 amHi Gio,
Yeah, Peony is a winner!
Megan says
August 14th, 2008 at 10:22 amooh…I love winter rose…so pretty.
Tanya says
August 14th, 2008 at 12:44 pmOooh, la la! Winter Rose is fabulous!
Windie says
August 14th, 2008 at 4:43 pmHi Karen,
Where do i find these lipsticks? They’re not on the website or even nordstrom.
vilya_ says
August 15th, 2008 at 8:54 am*gasp* the first lipstick is the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.
Lee says
August 16th, 2008 at 8:18 pmHi Karen,
Just wanted to update you because I thought you might want to know. I went to the opening today and purchased the Flower Fusion Peony lipstick (#28) and the color is way darker than the one you show. In the tube, it looks like a dark cherry color and on my lips, it also looks like a cherry red. I like the color that you’ve posted – it looks more pinkish then red. I wonder if there are two variations????
btw, I do like the color of the one I bought too.