Origins Barks Up The Right Tree
ANOGEISSUS / an-oh-gee-sus/ n./ 1. A genus of trees that includes the species A. leiocarpus, a tall evergreen native to West Africa that often grows on the edges of the rain forest, along riverbanks, and in the Savanna; / n./ 2. Leaves that, when crushed, produce a yellow-hued pigment that is used in traditional African textile dyeing; / n./ 3. A holy tree in Burkina Faso called “Siiga” by locals, meaning “the soul;” / n./ 4. Medicinal bark that produces a rare microbial extract that is a natural wound healer with anti-aging properties that protect collagen and boost the skin’s production of the glycoprotein fibrillin, which helps increase firmness, e.g., “Get colorful and give your complexion a lift with anogeissus.”
Try It: Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Anti-Aging Cream with Anogeissus, $55, www.macys.com.
Fruit for Thought: Arctic Cloudberry
ARCTIC CLOUDBERRY/ (ark-tik klowd-ber-ree)/ n./ 1. Also known as Rubus chamaemorus, a rhizomatous perennial herb native to the bogs, swamps, and rocky outcrops of the northern hemisphere;/ n./ 2. A pale red, edible fruit that turns yellow when ripe and can withstand cold temperatures well below -40°C; / n./ 3. A popular snack in Finland, Norway, and Sweden that is commonly used in desserts and liqueurs; / n./ 4. A seed oil rich in free-radical-fighting, collagen-producing vitamin C, and benzoic acid, which functions as a natural preservative, e.g., “Arctic cloudberry stays cool under pressure and keeps the physical signs of aging at bay.”
Try it: Lumene Vitamin C+ Illuminating Anti-Age BB Cream SPF 20 with Arctic Cloudberry, $14.99, www.lumene.com.
Good Cents
COPPER/ (cop-per) / n./ 1. A reddish metallic element with the chemical symbol Cu that is highly ductile and malleable; / n./ 2. One of the first metals ever extracted and alloyed by humans that has made vital contributions to sustaining and improving society via its use in coins, tools, and ornaments starting in 8000 B.C.; / n./ 3. A good conductor of heat and electricity that remains resistant to corrosion and therefore invaluable to industrial and electrical manufacturing; / n./ 4. A protective antioxidant and helpful healing agent for serious skin wounds and burns that increases the production of collagen and elastin to minimize the physical signs of aging, e.g., “Erase fine lines and wrinkles with copper.”
Try it: Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle-Reducing Cream with Copper, $52, www.kiehls.com.
Ivy League
IVY/ (eye-vee) / n. / 1. An evergreen perennial vine that is indigenous to North America and Western Europe that attaches to the bark of trees, brickwork, and other surfaces by rootlike structures; / n. / 2. A climbing plant with dark green, waxy leaves that was often used in pagan celebrations, as it was thought to counter the effects of alcohol, hence its appearance as an accoutrement of Bacchus, Greek god of wine; / n. / 3. An oil extracted from the leaves of Hedera helix that can aid in respiratory conditions, like asthma and bronchitis, and skin aging when applied topically, boosting hydration, reducing facial tension, and improving tone and texture in the process, e.g., “Breathe easy and firm up your face with ivy.”
Try it: Glam Glow Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask with Ivy Extracts, $69, www.glamglowmud.com.
(Lemon)grassroots Initiative
LEMONGRASS / lem-in gras / n / 1. Also known as Cymbopogon citratus, a perennial plant with long, slender leaves assembled on three- to five-foot-tall stalks native to India and Southeast Asia; / n / 2. A finely chopped citrus-y spice commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine; / n / 3. An essential oil with a sweet, fresh scent that’s popular in aromatherapy to soothe headaches, anxiety, depression, and jet lag; / n / 4. A topical elixir known for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and astringent properties that can treat oily skin and acne; / n / 5. A natural hair serum that promotes brilliance and shine, e.g. “Stay calm, get shiny strands, and carry on with lemongrass.”
Try it: Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray with Lemongrass Extract, $36, available November 2012 at www.oribe.com.