Derma E Very Clear Scrub - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

If you've been a long time reader of my blog then you know I have adult acne. In past years it was much, much worse than what it is now. I try a lot of acne-clearing products, some good and some bad. In this post I have another acne-clearing product to share with you: the Derma E Very Clear Scrub. This is their new and improved formula, so if you've tried this in the past and it didn't work for you, then the new and improved version may be what you were originally looking for. This is a 100% vegan product and contains 2% salicylic acid. Check out all the product info, along with my full review, after the pics!

Derma E Very Clear Scrub

Derma E Very Clear Scrub Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $13.95 (4 oz full size). Available on the Derma E website, on the Drugstore.com website, at some Ulta locations (it wasn't on their website for me to link you to), and everywhere else Derma E products are sold. Click here to find a retailer near you.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Kisses

Product Info...

This gentle exfoliating formula helps remove dead skin to unclog pores, draw out impurities and prevent future breakouts.

Scrub away bacteria, unclog pores, draw out impurities and prevent future breakouts with this highly effective scrub. The Derma E formula contains an Anti-Blemish Complex of natural ingredients: tea tree, willow bark, rosewood, lavender and chamomile - which are shown to be very effective on blemish-prone skin. Aloe, chamomile and walnut shell powder are included to soothe, calm and gently exfoliate skin.

100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten-free, GMO-free.

Use once or twice a week to help keep skin clear and fresh. For best results, use with Derma E Very Clear Cleanser, Very Clear Moisturizer, and Very Clear Spot Treatment.

Success with Very Clear: After conducting a 4-week consumer trial on the Very Clear line, 96% experienced a reduction in blemishes.


My Review...

This is their new and improved version of their Very Clear Scrub. This has been around for awhile, and I know their packaging has changed and I believe they also adjusted their formula. Although not listed on their website in their description, this does contain 2% salicylic acid. On my tube it doesn't say the percent of salicylic acid - it just says salicylic acid on the front and mentions it on the back - but the tube on their website shows a slightly different label, which does say "2% salicylic acid".

Just by first looks and the type of product this is, it reminds me a lot of the St. Ives Apricot Scrub - but this is a more gel-like texture.

I do find this to be pretty gritty, which is nice for a scrub but can sometimes be too harsh for those of us with acne. When I have very active, open acne I like to avoid scrubs all together - which can often spread bacteria around your face and make things worse. Because of how scrubby this is, I wouldn't recommend using it when your acne is very acne/open. However, it does a nice job at making your face feel smooth, and because there is 2% salicylic acid, it will help to clear your face.

This was a nice gritty scrub that really made my face soft and smooth, but I would never use this if my face was having really bad breakouts that are active/open because this scrub is very gritty and that can actually irritate and make things worse, by kind of pulling out and spreading that bacteria around your face.

I wouldn't use this more than twice a week - once a week would be enough - and I would only recommend this to those whose acne is not active or open to help prevent future breakouts and get your face nice and smooth. If you have just a few small areas that have active and/or open acne, you can avoid those spots the best you can and use this everywhere else. It will come in handy if your skin has dry patches and you want to smooth them out. I recommend following up with a cleanser after using this scrub if you are worried that you may have spread some bacteria around.

The price point isn't too high, although a bit steep for a drugstore product when you compare it to the St. Ives scrub - which is around $4 for 6 ounces.


Final Thoughts...

This was a nice gritty scrub that really made my face soft and smooth, but I would never use this if my face was having really bad breakouts that are active/open because this scrub is very gritty and that can actually irritate and make things worse, by kind of pulling out and spreading that bacteria around your face.

I think this would probably work better if you use their entire Very Clear line, like they recommend. I think acne clearing products always work better when paired with all their sister products (at least that's how I typically see the most results).

I can't say for sure if this really helped to clear or prevent future break outs, since I did only use this once or twice a week (mostly just once a week) and I do use other products, but it certainly didn't make my skin any worse (but again, I avoided using this scrub - or any scrub - when my acne is active and/or open).

It's worth checking out, but not something you can't live without.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this scrub? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Exfoliators and masks are my skin care addiction; I have too many already and I'm always ready to try more. I've had this exfoliator for awhile now but haven't really had the opportunity to put it to a good test until more recently, and I don't like to post skin care reviews until I've really had the chance to try it out. I gave the L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator about 6 weeks of consistent use (1 to 3 times a week). Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics!

L'Occitane Immortelle
Brightening Instant Exfoliator

 

 

 

L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $36.00 (2.6 fl oz full size). Available on the L'Occitane website, at Nordstrom, on the Beauty.com website, and everywhere else L'Occitane products are sold.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

The L'Occitane Brightening Instant Exfoliator exfoliates the skin, for an even-toned and luminous complexion.

Its fresh gel texture transforms into a soft milk while rinsing. It combines Pure Immortelle Essential Oil to protect against impurities and for anti-aging effectiveness. Bellis Perennis Brightening Extract to make the complexion look uniform and more luminous. Vegetal Origin Exfoliation Powders to help purify and smooth, while glycerin helps preserve the skin's moisture. Skin texture appears more even and complexion looks brighter, with a youthful glow.

Contains natural micro-granules (pumice stone, cellulose) for deep exfoliating action. Skin appears more even and looks brighter, with a youthful glow. Use the exfoliator two or three times a week. Apply to dry face and neck, avoiding the eye area.

L'Occitane's Immortelle Brightening skin care line provides beauty benefits from the Mediterranean "flowers of light", Immortelle and Bellis Perennis (Daisy). Immortelle is a flower with exceptional longevity: it never fades, even after it has been picked. Its essential oil is rich in active molecules with unique anti-aging results. Bellis Perennis, better known as the daisy, yeilds a brightening extract that helps maintain and even skin tone.



STUDY:
Conduced on 26 women after 4 weeks of use:

• Immediately after appliaction, the skin is purified, smooth and soft for 100% of those women.
• After 4 weeks, the complexion is more even for 92% of those women.
• After 4 weeks, the complexion is more luminous for 100% of those women.
• After 4 weeks, wrinkle are reduced for 88% of those women.

Directions For Use: 
Use this exfoliator 2 to 3 times a week. Apply to dry face and neck, avoiding the eye area.

For best results, use the following technique:
1. Apply to face and gently massage the chin with circular movements and work outwards towards the ears.
2. Continue these circular movements on the nose, then again work outwards towards the ears.
3. Finish at the forehead, gliding your hands towards the temples.
4. Add a little water to produce a later, while continuing the massage, then rinse.

L'Occitane makes some really wonderful body products -- their Almond Shower Oil is a staple in my shower, and I'm obsessed with their entire almond line, especially their Almond Paste -- but up until recently I hadn't tried any of their face products. Like always, with almost any skin care brand, I start by trying an exfoliator or face mask. The L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator seemed like a great product to try out, and it comes with a lot of claims.

I used it for about 6 weeks on a consistent basis, using it 1 to 3 times a week. I know you're supposed to use it 2 to 3 times a week, but my schedule doesn't always allow me to do that (and I'm still using other skin care products - including other exfoliators - from time to time; it's just the way I do things, as I'm constantly trying new things and also trying to use up products).

Some of the claims are that your complexion will be more even, luminous and wrinkles reduced after 4 weeks of use - in addition to skin being purified, smooth and soft. I will say that my skin is definitely soft and smooth, but I find that to be true after most exfoliators. However, what I did love is that my skin tone does seem to be more even and slightly more luminous. I can't really speak about wrinkle reduction, as I don't have many wrinkles at the moment (I'll be 30 years old in less than 2 months), but I think any exfoliator can help with that, as removing the dead skin allows for your other skin care products (serums, treatments, moisturizers, etc.) to penetrate better, therefore working better for you.

Overall, I really liked this exfoliator. I think if you're looking for a high end/luxury exfoliator that will also even your complexion and make it more luminous (and possibly reduce wrinkles), then this is a good one to look into!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this exfoliator? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Anokha Skin Care Rice & Bamboo Facial Scrub - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

If there is one skin care brand that has been a stand over for me as of recently (within last 6 months), it's definitely Anokha Skin Care! I've been LOVING everything from this brand (I have four products currently). I've already reviewed two of their products (which I'll link in a second), and have yet another great review to share with you. This post is all about their Rice & Bamboo Facial Scrub. Check out all the product info below, along with my full review, after the pics!

Review on their Red Sandalwood & Neem Clarifying Facial Masque.
Review on their Oatmeal Cleansing Milk.

Anokha Skin Care
Rice & Bamboo Facial Scrub

Anokha Skin Care Rice & Bamboo Facial Scrub Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $28.00 (2.9 oz full size). Available on the Anokha Skin Care website, on the Dermstore website, and everywhere else Anokha Skin Care is sold.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

This scrub combines the exfoliating effects of rice and bamboo powder with the soothing properties of green tea. The result is skin that is smoother and pores that are cleanser and less noticeable. Bamboo powder gently exfoliates dead skin cells to encourage new skin cell renewal. Green tea provides antioxidants to help prevent premature aging. Glycerin promotes elasticity to improve tone and texture. Great for all skin types.

To use, apply a small amount to the face and massage over the face and neck gently. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat skin dry. Use 1 to 2 times weekly in place of your daily cleanser.

As with all the Anokha Skin Care products, I've been loving this! I don't know what it is about this skin care line, but it works great with my skin and always makes it look better - even has improved my acne!

I really like this facial scrub because it has a nice grit to it that isn't too harsh, but isn't weak either. It gets the dead skin off my face without being abrasive. It has a light scent - sort of a scent of bamboo and green tea; it's not a bothersome scent to me.

I like to use this about twice a week, but once a week will be fine too if you wanted to stretch its use.

Even though I'm in love with the product, I didn't give it a 5 out of 5 Kisses for the rating and I'll tell you why.... I think the jar packaging is a little messy and inconvenient for a facial scrub. I would much rather have a facial scrub in a tube or pump-top bottle. The reason behind my preference of a tube or pump-top bottle is because I tend to use scrubs in the shower, and a jar just is a bit too easy for water to get into it - not to mention if you were to drop this you'd likely lose a lot of product since it's not a dense product. However, I can get over a product's packaging if it's a great product and this is a great face scrub!

Without hesitation, I'd recommend this!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this facial scrub? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

M. Steves RHSO Power-Packed Reviving Exfoliator - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Over the summer I reviewed the M. Steves RHSO Power-Packed Purifying Cleanser & the M. Steves RHSO Power-Packed Nourishing Boost. I now have another product from the M. Steves skincare line to share with you all in this post - her RHSO Power-Packed Reviving Exfoliator. This 3-in-1 scrub, peel and mask has been a well-enjoyed product in my skincare routine. Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics!

M. Steves
RHSO Power-Packed Reviving Exfoliator

M. Steves Reviving Exfoliator Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $48.00 (1.7 fl oz/50ml full size). Available on the M. Steves website and at select retailers. Click here for a list of locations.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

The  M. Steves Reviving Exfoliator exfoliates, smooths and refines while enhancing radiance and glow. Helps correct appearance of uneven skin texture, and encourage skin's natural regenerative abilities.

It's a facial in a jar. An exfoliating mask for all skin types. Includes RHSO (Rose Hip Seed Oil), microdermabrasion crystals, walnut shell powder, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes and dead sea mud.

This exfoliating mask refines the appearance of skin's texture and encourages renewal. Offers the benefits of a microdermabrasion treatment, a fruit enzyme and alpha hydroxy acid peel, and a deep-cleaning rich dead sea mud mask. Immediately lift and dissolve dry, dead skin and unwanted impurities leaving skin with a healthy, fresh glow.

Dermatologist tested. 93.5% natural. 100% vegan. No parabens. No petrochemicals. No GMOs. No phthalates. Wheat & gluten free. No synthetic dyes or fragrance. No animal testing. Recyclable.

To Use: Apply a light layer to clean, dampened face and neck and gently circulate in an upward motion. Follow with an additional generous layer and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Wash thoroughly with tepid water and pat dry. Recommended for use at night. For best results, use after the Purifying Cleanser. For sensitive skin types, add a few drop of the Ultra-Nourishing Boost to the Reviving Exfoliator before application.


This mask made my skin soft and smooth, with a slight radiance/glow to it. I feel like the exfoliation is gentle enough even for sensitive skin, but still effective. I do think you have to use a lot of product, if you were to follow the instructions - which say to apply a light layer, which is the layer you massage on, and then a generous layer on top of that. By doing so, I feel like this jar wouldn't last very many treatments - I've used it about 5 times and put quite a dent in the jar, but I've started to only add an additional layer to my real problem areas because I do find that the first light layer still gets your skin smooth.

In fact, you could just apply a light layer and use it as a scrub, washing it off after you massage it on - or leave it on for 2 minutes, then rinse off. That's what I've been doing to get a little more use out of it, and actually prefer it as a scrub/exfoliator rather than a mask. I don't really find leaving on the second generous layer really does a whole lot more for my skin, although maybe I'm not getting the best of the ingredients, by not letting it sit on my skin for the 5 to 10 minutes.

I do love the M. Steves line - I think the skincare is effective and packed with good-for-you ingredients. This exfoliator is nice, although the price point is a little high if you were to follow the directions and apply the second generous layer because you would go through the jar very quickly. I don't use this more than once a week, because I want to keep it around for as long as possible, but you could certainly use this more than once a week if this was your only mask/exfoliator.

Overall, I do think it is a nice exfoliator/mask and one that I'd recommend to you if you enjoy the M. Steves line!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this exfoliator/mask? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.