Hemp & baking soda: a simple 2-ingredient skincare routine for naturally clear skin. Read the full blog post here including substitutions and techinque.
Tag Archives: cleanser
Colorado Aromatics Skincare Review: April Edition
This is a review of the Colorado Aromatics lip conditioner and cleanser.
Colorado Aromatics
Overall Rating: 
About Colorado Aromatics:
“Dr. Cindy Jones formulated Colorado Aromatics Skin Care Line for the outdoor lifestyle. Being a lover of hiking, gardening and now farming, she saw changes occurring in her skin due to sun, wind, and the arid Colorado climate. As a biochemist and herbalist she had a good handle on the physiology of skin and what it needed as well as what herbs could contribute to the needs of the skin. As she studied various cosmetic ingredients for actives that were sustainable and safe for the environment she began formulating products that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to help repair skin damaged from the environment.
“Inflammation and oxidation of the skin cells are two key processes that accelerate the aging process” says Cindy. Herbs provide multiple and complex antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which help to combat signs of aging and skin damage caused by wind, sun and other environmental factors that we are exposed to on a daily basis, especially for those who love the outdoors. Many of the herbs found in the Colorado Aromatics skincare line are grown on the Certified Naturally Grown farm operated by her and her husband at 5,000 feet elevation not far from Long’s Peak which summits over 14,000 feet. Plants grown at high elevation have to work harder to survive, and ultimately, produce more active components.
Cindy extracts the herbs in a number of ways; distillation, infusions, tinctures and decoctions, to use in her cosmetics line. She believes that the natural beauty of the herbs and their surroundings shines through in the product and, ultimately, the end user. Cindy Jones also owns Sagescript Institute and is a highly sought after product formulator / research and development consultant in the natural cosmetics industry. She brings a scientific perspective to the field of herbalism and natural skincare and has created a niche for herself in formulating natural cosmetics. Dr. Jones is a biochemist and herb farmer with extensive experience in physiology, toxicology, microbiology, cancer research and cosmetic science.
Cindy has also worked as a research scientist, a college instructor and is a published author. Dr. Jones is a highly sought after product development consultant to the natural cosmetic and skin care industry. Her passion for science and her love of herbs is the catalyst behind Colorado Aromatics skin care line.
We farm in a beautiful place in Colorado with a view of Longs and Meeker Peaks. Our farm has recently become Certified Naturally Grown; a grass roots alternative to organic. You can read about it in my blog here; http://sagescript.blogspot.com/2012/01/we-are-certified.html. We grow a variety of herbs/vegetables including lavender, mint, cucumber, lemon balm, rose, raspberry leaf, and comfrey to distill for aromatic waters and to make various extracts that we use in our own Colorado Aromatics Cultivated Skin Care products as well as sell separately.”
Meadow Mist Face Cleanser
About:
“This gentle yet effective milky style face cleanser made of rose, cucumber and mallow extracts cleanses without stripping the skin of its own natural oils. Oat powder cleanses and soothes the skin while jojoba beads provide mild exfoliation to remove dirt and to help keep the skin looking vibrant. Mild cleansing agents, known as surfactants (Decyl Glucoside and Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate), are biodegradable and approved by European safety standards ECOCERT and provide a light creamy foaming experience. Inhale the beauty of rose, exhale the beauty of you! This 4 oz bottle comes with a convenient pump. Lightly scented with citrus essential oils. You can also find Meadow Mist Face Cleanser as part of our travel set.
Ingredients:
“Aqua (water), Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Olive Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Salix Alba (Willow) Extract, Mallow Neglecta Extract, Rosa Extract, Honey and Maltodextrine, Hydrolyzed Oat Powder, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, Tocopherols, Citrus Aurantium (Petitgrain) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil.”
Allure Anti-Aging Lip Conditioner
About:
“Keep your lips looking plumper and more memorable with Allure lip balm. It has antioxidant rich herbs and ingredients to support collagen to plump the lips. The emollient oils including Cupuacu Butter will soften and protect skin while improving skin elasticity. Some brands use toxins and irritants to plump lips. We just want to keep them healthy and wholesome by using vitamin C ester and proline. Both are required for collagen synthesis to help them stay plump.
Ingredients:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Theobroma grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Butter, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Esters, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides (and) Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Equisetum arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Viola Odorata Flower and Leaf extract and/or Viola Tricolor Extract.”
__________________________
My Thoughts:
I first discovered and tried Colorado Aromatics skin care products back in 2013, where I remember being initially so impressed by the farming behind these products. Cindy’s passion for creating pure skin & body care products in evident in her formulations, ingredients and expansive product range. I love and appreciate what she does and feel thrilled to help all of you get more well acquainted with a few new products.
A huge part of a healthy skin care routine is having a few things you do for your skin every day, regardless of how crazy your schedule is or what else you have going on. One of those things for me is applying some kind of organic lip balm or conditioner right before bed. Doing this right before bed allows it to thoroughly soak into my lips without transferring over to the drinks I’m consuming throughout the day. This lip conditioner has been really enjoyable to use–it’s free of the fillers and crud, very moisturizing, herbaceous and relaxing to the senses and boasts a clean ingredient list, top to bottom. It naturally keeps your lips soft and plump via organic ingredients (so cool!).
The way in which I have changed my facial routine over the last few years has been pretty drastic. Essentially, I leave my skin alone more and try to retain more of my skin’s natural moisture than I ever have. I tend to only use pure oils to cleanse my skin and exfoliate once or twice a week as I feel my skin needs. When I do cleanse, I am oh-so-picky about the cleanser I’m using. This one makes the cut. It uses natural astringents, cleansers and nourishing ingredients to help clarify skin without causing irritation. It’s a good formula and I like keeping it in my shower for the days when my skin needs a refresher!
TastyFace Organics Skin Care Review (Must Have!)
TastyFace Organics Skin Care
Overall Rating: 
(in my Top TWO, ever–entirely organic!)
About TastyFace:
“That’s me, Kelly. If you follow me on facebook, you know I talk NON-STOP.
I love the passionate people.
The ones who want to change what they don’t like, the ones who will fight for their beliefs. I have a crazy love of food and cooking.
I am the mother of a very sweet little boy… the light of my life. I have a PASSION for health, yoga, hiking, art, the beach, and especially whole, organic, locally-sourced when possible foods.
Through CrossFit, learning about the paleo food movement, I have forever altered my views on health and wellness.
I am devoted. I believe in this movement of beautifully hand-crafted, pure and clean ingredients, and small batch skincare so much. I will do what it takes to get the word out. I most likely annoy my friends with this. I have developed my formulas with incredibly simple, clean ingredients, and also complex aroma combinations, sublime textures, and powerful healing benefits for your skin and body. This is my passion.
This is Joe. He is my partner and joined the TASTYFACE team this summer. Absolutely one of the most incredible people I know. He’s the details guy. His focus at TASTYFACE is to ensure product quality, consistency, and overall logistics. So honored to have him, and we will all benefit from his fantastically detail-oriented, meticulous, thoughtful ways. He has been a guinea pig, a researcher, a production manager, an inventory manager, a support system, a cheerleader, an avid salesperson since day 1. He is also passionate and determined and here to make our tiny company as awesome as possible! Love this guy.
Here’s my little man (after Color Me Rad). We haven’t put him to work yet, but this guy inspires me daily – to work as hard as I can, to show him all the ways to put our thought and hearts into our passions and good work.
Why TASTYFACE? Great question. The short story: To fill a giant void I noticed in skincare.
I’ve had a passion for health and nutrition, and whole organic foods for many years. Last year, I started rigorously studying up on other environmental/household/cosmetic considerations.
What I found scared the crap outta me.
We are putting all kinds of toxic junk on our bodies and in our homes. Why? We often don’t know better! A few reasons – the FDA does not regulate the cosmetics industry. Pretty much anything goes. Cosmetics companies use intense artificial preservatives, shelf stabilizers, and the like to maximize profit and sales potential. I mean, even the FDA website has numerous posts about the potential carcinogenic connection from parabens, endocrine disruptors in phthalates… And the labels often lead us to believe we are buying something “natural”. Or even “organic”. Or at the least, NOT completely toxic! I will no longer accept this for me or my family.
So what next?
I started doggedly searching for skincare that I really wanted: TRULY clean, organic, awesome skincare and cosmetics that still do the heavy lifting of cleansing, moisturizing, refining, beautifying. But without the unnecessary and potentially harmfully side effects of those “other” ingredients. Super tough to find what I wanted. So I got to work! A multitude of research, consulting with amazing experts – including aestheticians and hair stylists, and crazy long hours in the TASTYFACE kitchen!
The move toward handcrafted-so-clean-you-could-eat-it cosmetics was the only direction I could take. There was no choice. Once I realized everything I was using was the equivalent of junk food on my face, I was MAD. And ready to commit to change. I try to complain less, and do more. I hope you like what I’ve done!
TASTYFACE Organics are healthy, clean, powerful products with absolutely ZERO chemicals, parabens, petrochemicals, dairy, gluten, soy and ingredients you can’t pronounce. THANK YOU for being here.
“Once I knew better, I did better.” – Maya Angelou
“If you can’t eat it, you can’t put it on your skin! That’s the rule.” – Natasha Campbell-McBride, M.D.
Love,
Kelly
TASTYFACE Organics
Founder.”
I was so happy to get connected with Kelly. I am so behind everything she says above, it’s not even funny! 🙂 I believe we have a lot of similar passions and we value the same sort of things in life (skin care products included).
________________________________________________________
Here’s the TastyFace Lineup:
Coconut Vanilla Cream Cleanser
About:
“Our top seller! A modern twist on an old classic. This beautifully moisturizing coconut & vanilla scented treat has the consistency of a cold cream: thick, lotion-like, incredibly moisturizing. This is the TastyFace take on the increasingly popular oil cleansing method – smells amazing and much less mess! No detergents, sodium laurel sulfate, yada yada. It is not a lathering soapy cleanser – think more along the lines of a creamy, milky texture. Reduces drying effect that is common from many cleansers. The coconut and vanilla is a subtle scent, 100% naturally sourced and just lovely. Creates smooth, even skin with smaller pores and fewer blemishes. Soft and glowy.
Note: For best results, store below 76-78 degrees!
Ingredients: coconut oil*, sweet almond oil*, jojoba oil*, aloe vera*, beeswax, organic castile soap* (water, saponified organic coconut, organic palm, organic olive & hemp oils, organic jojoba oil, essential oils, citric acid, vitamin E), shea butter*, tamanu oil*; sunflower oil* (vitamin e), essential oils.
*organic, high quality source
Directions for use: Gently massage onto damp face, take a deep breath. For best results, wipe off with warm, wet washcloth. Start with a pea-sized amount and adjust according to your skin type and needs. If separation occurs, mix well to redistribute. For best results, store in a cool, dark place and use within 2-3 months of opening. Always wash hands thoroughly before touching product, and make sure and replace cap tightly to maintain freshness.”
________________________________________________________
Vanilla Mint Daily Moisturizer
About:
“Mind blower. Creamy, clean refreshment and moisture. This moisturizer is ultra soothing. Smells amazing, easily absorbed, and most importantly – no junk. Organic coconut, sweet almond and jojoba oils, raw organic shea butter and soothing aloe vera. Finished with refreshing peppermint. Vanilla is known to have tremendous anti-depressant and calming effects on the nervous system. Peppermint refreshes and reinvigorates. They are both subtle and do not overpower at all. This is an intense moisturizer – start with small amounts and let your skin adjust to slowly.
Note: For best results, store below 76-78 degrees.
Ingredients: coconut oil*, sweet almond oil*, aloe vera*, aloe vera juice*, beeswax, shea butter*, tamanu oil*, vitamin E, hand-crafted organic vanilla bean infused jojoba oil*, peppermint oil*, essential oils*.
*organic/high quality source
Directions for use: This is a rich moisturizer with high intensity, high caliber, nutrient dense ingredients, so start with a pea-sized amount and adjust usage according to skin needs. Apply to face and neck morning and night as needed. Some separation may occur and is normal, depending on room temperature. To maximize product absorption, warm gently between hands and then lightly dab onto face, starting with forehead and working down over cheeks, nose, and chin. For best results, store in a cool, dark place and use within 2-3 months of opening.”
________________________________________________________
Peppermint White Chocolate Shave Cream
About:
“This is a thick and creamy, minty cocoa buttery treat. Great for men and women alike! Gentle on sensitive skin and greatly helps reduce razor burn. Creamy and moisturizing: a seriously awesome shave! Leaves skin smooth and refreshed. And the best part? It smells like the ice cream parlor. Cocoa butter soothes skin and leaves it well moisturized – you might even be able to skip that post-shave step of moisturizing. Ice cream and better time management: Can a shave cream actually be life changing? I vote yes.
Note: For best results, store below 76-78 degrees.
Ingredients: coconut oil*, cocoa butter*, shea butter*, aloe vera*, castille soap (water, saponified organic coconut*, organic palm* and organic olive* oils (w/retained glycerin), organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, essential oils, citric acid, vitamin E), vitamin E* (from sunflower seed oil*), peppermint essential oil*, hand-crafted organic vanilla bean infused jojoba oil*, essential oils*
*organic and high quality source
Directions for use: Apply directly to skin or rub shave cream between hands with a small amount of water to create a light foaming action. Separation may occur and is normal, depending on room temperature. For best results, store in a cool, dark place and use within 2-3 months of opening. Try to keep water out to maintain product freshness and integrity. Replace lid tightly, and always wash hands thoroughly before using.”
________________________________________________________
Lemon Rosemary Mint Lip Balm
About:
“This is a big balm – 1 full ounce of fabulous aromatherapy and moisture for your lips. This lip balm has a lovely mix of soft, shine, and staying power. It smells like summer – twist of lemon, fresh rosemary and mint. Can heal even the toughest case of chapped lips. Addictive, aromatherapeutic, love.
Ingredients: coconut oil*, cocoa butter*, shea butter*, sweet almond oil*, olive oil*, beeswax, vitamin e* (from sunflower seed oil), lemon essential oil*, rosemary essential oil*, peppermint essential oil*, hand-crafted organic vanilla bean infused jojoba oil*, essential oils*
*organic/high quality source
Directions for use: Apply liberally to lips. Can also be used as a healing salve for various cuts and scrapes, or a cuticle softener. Replace lid tightly after using. Balm is temperature dependent. In cold temps, warm by rubbing a very clean finger on product. In warmer temps, throw in fridge to re-solidify. Do not leave out in the hot sun and please take caution when opening product on a warm day to avoid spills!”
________________________________________________________
My Thoughts:
Where do i start!? If you saw my rating above, you realize that this is a big deal. I have tried MANY skin care products along the way, and of all of them, TastyFace Organics is one of my top TWO! I simply can’t say enough good things about Kelly & these TastyFace products.
As the name suggests, these products smell and feel good enough to eat! And when you read the ingredient lists, you nearly give them a taste–nothing harsh or toxic in these products! (Not even close).
I have been keeping all of these products (minus the lip balm) in the refridgerator to prolong the shelf life. I take them to the shower with me to use them, but I make sure to put them back in the fridge afterwards.
Here’s some back story on my skin….
If you follow my blog, you know that I am an active gal who has struggled with (what I believe to be) hormonal acne & combination/oily skin. Through implementation of a plant-rich diet and the right nutritional supplements, I believe I’ve tackled my major hormonal acne regions on my face. My skin care routine has played a huge part in normalizing my skin’s oil production and allowing me to have a glowing complexion. Organic is absolutely the answer in striving for your healthiest skin–not chemical-ridden “zit-targeting” harsh products.
TastyFace couldn’t be more of what I look for in skin care. Due to my acne struggles, I am particularly particular about what I use on my face. I wash my face once a day in the evening, typically after I’ve exercised and perspired quite a bit. Washing once a day seems to be what my skin likes best, as twice a day can seem to strip my skin of the moisture.
I’ve been using the coconut vanilla cream cleanser and following with the vanilla mint daily moisturizer. The cleanser is different than most that I’ve used. Since it is comprised of many oils and shea butter, it is rich, dense and nourishing on my skin. It’s a cleanser that does not strip all of the moisture out of my skin. However, I do like the feeling of cleaning away the “funk” and dirt from my skin, so I use the cleanser in combination with a Dew Puff (a plant-fiber exfoliating sponge), TastyFace suggests wiping it away with a warm wash cloth, so this is my version. 🙂 Because the moisturizer is so rich and nourishing, I don’t need to use much of the moisturizer. I rub a tiny dab on the tips of my fingers and rub it in to my entire face and neck. My skin is absolutely glowing and fresh after using this duo! There’s something to be said for the peace of mind that I get, also, from knowing that the ingredients are not only safe, but they reek of organic awesomeness!!
Though I pay special attention to my facial skin, I strive to put the very best on the rest of my body as well. It’s such a treat to shave in the shower with the peppermint white chocolate shave cream. It truly smells like dessert. I have to remind myself it’s for my body! I scoop the cream with my finger tips out of the jar and let it liquify in my palm before applying it to my skin. This product is so jam packed full of the most dense, hydrating ingredients that it makes the perfect foundation for shaving. Also, it doesn’t take much–a little bit of cream goes a pretty long way. Most shaving creams are full of junk and fillers, thus you end up using more to get an adequate feeling of hydration on your skin. I also look forward to having my husband try this cream on his face! He already uses a mostly-organic shave cream, but this TastyFace shave cream would be the ultimate product to eliminate razor burn and irritation. I certainly have no dryness or irritation problems after using this cream!
As part of my showering routine, I always apply lip balm fresh out of the shower to damp lips. I find that this way is best, as my skin absorbs it readily and doesn’t get the chance to get dry and chapped. This lemon rosemary mint lip balm has a trio of scents that somehow reminds me of key lime pie. It’s fresh, zesty and rejuvenating on my lips. As with all TastyFace products, the ingredients are ENTIRELY organic and your skin can tell that difference. My skin is the healthiest and fresh looking that I can ever remember it being. I have TastyFace and a great diet to thank for that!
I can’t recommend these products enough. If you are new to organic skin care, why not try the VERY best–right out of the gate? Go TastyFace!
Kelly has graciously provided me with a coupon code to share with you:
Use the coupon code “TFO4ROO10” at checkout to save 10% on anything TastyFace!
Annmarie Gianni Skin Care Review
Annmarie Gianni Skin Care
Overall Rating:
About Ann Marie Gianni Skin Care:
“Annmarie Gianni is an internationally known author, health advocate, personality and founder of Annmarie Gianni Skin Care.
Just a few years ago, Annmarie started to take a hard look at the products she was putting on her skin. In just a few short days of research, what she found shocked her.
Skin care products were severely under-regulated and most contained ingredients that weren’t safe at almost any amount. Even products that claimed they were organic or natural had hidden preservatives and other nasty additives.
She was frustrated and motivated to find a better option, because she realized so many people were using these supposedly “natural” products.
What she found was not encouraging. Many of the truly natural products weren’t up to her standards of quality or effectiveness.
It wasn’t long until she realized that if she wanted to have a truly clean and natural skin care line, she would have to do it herself.
So she did and Annmarie Gianni Skin Care was founded to provide a clean, natural skin care experience using natural, organic and wildcrafted ingredients.
Annmarie now spends her time educating audiences around the United States about how to preserve your beauty and longevity from the inside out as well as what to look for when you’re searching for a skin care line that will keep your skin glowing and vibrant. She can be seen as a regular co-host on the popular online health show “The Renegade Health Show” at www.RenegadeHealth.com.
Annmarie has also trained as a massage therapist, athletic trainer and has run a successful personal training business in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Currently Annmarie and her husband and author Kevin are living in an RV and traveling the United States spreading the word of good health and good skin care. When she’s not being a business woman, training others, or hosting her weekly internet show, Annmarie enjoys traveling, being outside and preparing healthy meals. She loves to hike and run in the woods, and spend time with her cat Jonny 5.”
As you can see in the photo, Annmarie provided me with a wide range of samples to try–incredibly generous! This is one of those reviews that is very easy for me to write because to put it simply: “I approve.” These products are obviously thought out, have pure & organic ingredients and are created by a passionate individual.
I want to take a slightly different approach to writing this review….and give more of an overall picture and summary of the products, rather than depicting each one. That way, the “This product is great!” comments of mine don’t get redundant! 🙂
Here is a list of the products that I sampled:
Citrus Mint Facial Cleanser
Aloe-Herb Cleanser
Ayurvedic Facial Scrub
Repair Serum
Purifying Mud Mask
Herbal Facial Oil
Coconut Honey Mask
Neroli Toning Mist
I truly felt like every single one of these products was a treat to use. Even better was reading the ingredient lists and knowing that I’m putting good things onto my skin! For example, here is the ingredient list for the Citrus Mint Facial Cleanser:
“Ingredients:
Love, Herb-Infused Organic Aloe Vera Gel (Organic Aloe vera, Organic Lavender flowers, Organic Lemon balm leaves, Organic Neem leaves, Organic Rosemary leaves, Organic Echinacea flowers, Organic Life Everlasting flowers, Organic Calendula flowers, Organic Comfrey leaves, Organic Plantain leaves, Organic Malva flowers); Saponified olive oil; Witch Hazel Distillate; Vegetable glycerin; Aspen bark extract; Xanthan gum; Organic Lemon oil; Organic Rosemary oil; Organic Lemon myrtle oil; Organic Peppermint oil. pH 5.5.”
I don’t have anything critical to say about it. I’m thoroughly impressed with Annmarie and these products. It’s truly one great product after the next.
Something that I have been extra cognizant of lately is the pH of the skin care I’m using. This is important because products that impact your skin’s pH too much can cause problems like eczema, acne and/or dry skin. I love that Annmarie mentions the pH and it is very close to the pH that our skin is normally at (approximately 5.5 on the pH scale).
I would recommend this line of products to anyone! I believe that acne sufferers will benefit from these products the most. Cleansing once a day and following up with the facial oils or serums each evening has worked well for me. I do one of the masks once a week for an extra skin detox. The neroli mist was great for a post-workout skin spritz (when I didn’t want to cleanse my face, but wanted a little pick-me-up). The lavender flowers that were enclosed were an extra treat (lavender has a calming and soothing affect on the skin & body). I brewed it with peppermint leaves and drank it as a tea. It was fresh, flowery and delicious.
Veronica Malibu Skin Care Review
Veronica Malibu Skin Care
(this is a must read for acne sufferers)
Overall Rating: 
About Veronica Malibu:
“Veronica Barton-Schwartz is one of the leading experts in skin care in Los Angeles. She incorporates the newest advanced technologies and treatments with a holistic approach to achieving a healthy lifestyle at her Skin and Body Care Center in Malibu, California. At her exclusive seaside retreat, she offers everything from luxurious facials, and body treatments to lasers and injectibles to yoga and private sessions with a Tai Chi Master. Veronica believes that everyone can have healthy, glowing skin if they treat the mind, body and spirit.”
Here is a bit more information about the ingredients that Veronica uses in regard to the word “organic”:
“I do use some organic ingredients, but not all. I come from a acne background and organic products don’t work on all types of acne.”
Fresh Mint Wash
Veronica Malibu’s Description:
“The Veronica Malibu Mint Wash is a mild pH-balanced facial cleanser recommended for normal to oily and combination skin types. It instantly softens the tap water and dissolves oily and contaminated sebum from the skin’s surface.
- Beneficial to the skin because of its selective blend of natural botanical extracts
- Helps control oily skin without over drying
- Unclogs pores
- A favorite in Malibu for over 28 years!”
Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Polyiosbutane, Shea Butter, Dimethicone Copolyol, Thyme Extract, Horsetail Extract, Sage Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, , Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Menthol, Spearmint Oil, Peppermint Oil, Sassafras Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carmine, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.”
Azulene Cream
Veronica Malibu’s Description:
“Azulene Cream is a lightweight moisturizer to soothe sensitive skin. This cream is ideal for both adults and teenagers. Azulene and other herbal extracts leave a very thin protective layer on the skin which fights bacteria and prevents the formation of inflammation and pimples. A great primer for make-up and a favorite with men because of its lightness and refreshing feeling after shaving. Helps relieve dryness and increases skin’s natural moisture.
It is recommended for combination, and sensitive skin, as part of a highly effective skin care program.
- Light feel and texture
- Great for every age
- A favorite with men and teenagers because of its lightness and refreshing feeling
- Recommended for combination and sensitive skin
- Great primer for make-up
Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel, Safflower Oil,Steric Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Sodium Alginate, Hops Extract, Rosemary Leaves Extract, Sage Leaves Extract, Hazelnut Oil, Wheat Gern Lil, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Triethanolamine, Avocado Oil, Azulene, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Ascorbyl Palmitate, d-Panthenol, Ginseng Extract, Allantoin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.”
Micro-Dermabrasion Treatment
Veronica Malibu’s Description:
“The Veronica Malibu Micro-Dermabrasion Treatment is a resurfacing cream that gently exfoliates the skin to help minimize fine lines, pores and wrinkles. Natural fruit enzymes, vitamins, herbal extracts and marine salts enhance the process by stimulating the production of new and healthy skin cells. The marine salts assist in the reduction of sun damage and scarring. Revives dull skin and smoothes skin’s texture after one treatment.
- leaves a healthy glow
- polishes dead skin cells
- leaves your complexion noticeably brighter and smoother
Ingredients:
Aloe Vera, Hyrogenated Polyisobutane, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Alginate, Glycerin, Refined Aluminum Oxide, Chamomile, Thyme Leaves Extract, Methylcellose, Safflower Oil, Dimethicone, Micronized Sodium Chloride (Salt), Bromalain Enzymes, Papain Enzymes, Lecithin, Calendula Extract, Rosemary Extract, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Pheonoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.”
Clarifying Toner
Veronica Malibu’s Description:
“Helps purify and refine the skin with the soothing blend of eleven herbs that tones the skin without drying it out.
Cleans and calms the skin with the soothing properties of Hyaluronic Acid. This Toner provides blemish control by tightening pores and reducing oil production. Balances natural pH level (pH 5).
Formulated for those with oily to normal skin.
- Removes makeup and impurites
- Sulfate and Paraben-free
- Soothes skin
- Balances natural pH levels
- Free of petrochemicals, paragons, sodium laurel sulfates, and perfumes
Witch Hazel – An excellent natural astringent, reduces inflammation, sanitizes the skin and at the same time, helps with hydration of the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid – Pocesses the ability to rata in water, which contributes significantly to maintaining the skin’s youthful appearance and texture.
Ingredients:
Purified Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Achillea Millefollum Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Gycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.”
Blemish Drying Lotion
Veronica Malibu’s Description:
“Blemish Drying Lotion is an effective spot treatment for blemished skin. It helps dry up blemishes, reduces tissue redness, irritation and helps to prevent growth of the blemish. While other acne spot treatments are harsh and can irritate a dry or sensitive skin, this product is safe an effective for all skin types. The combination of ingredients, including Propolis and Tea Tree Oil make this one of Veronica’s top sellers for clear skin. It’s great for acne on the back and chest. The Veronica Blemish Lotion also takes the redness and itch out of mosquito bites!
- Sulphur clears comedones & inhibits new ones from forming
- Salicylic Acid encourages the sloughing of dead skin cells
- Propolis works as a anti-inflammatory
- Tea Tree Oil fights off bacteria and is a anti-fungal
Ingredients:
Deionized Water, SD Alcohol 40, Horsetail Extract, Sulpfur, Pyroligneous Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Borate, Propolis Extract, Retinol. Yeast Extract, Tea Tree Oil and Camphor.”
My Description & Thoughts:
I have really looked forward to writing this post because these products have triggered me to have some pretty profound thoughts (profound for my mind).
Let me just say this. Obviously, I advocate organic skin care products and believe that they are, more often than not, the best route to take when trying to improve the health of skin. The tiny loophole I encountered throughout this entire process is that organic skin care products have not “cured” my acne. Even the priciest, most simple, organic products have not been the “cure-all.”
I believe that is because acne is not only effected by the outside of our body. Acne is a result of what is going on inside of our bodies. Diet, hormone imbalance and digestive issues seem to be common contributing factors to the presence of acne.
I digress a bit, but I wanted to share those thoughts (briefly) because Veronica Malibu products have triggered me to go down a path of truth finding when it comes to acne.
Ingredients aside, I found that using these products together on a daily basis (besides the microdermabrasion, which I used once a week) tackled the inflammation and redness that I was experiencing with my current blemishes. My skin appeared and felt smoother after doing this routine for about 2 weeks. I did find the blemish drying lotion to be unpleasantly fragrant, likely because of its sulfur content. My routine consisted of washing with the mint wash, dabbed the toner onto my entire face (focusing on the “T” zone), applying the Azulene cream all of my face, then applying the blemish drying lotion to problem areas. Each product had a nice consistency and did it’s job well.
But, not all of the ingredients are “perfect” and organic…. That really threw me for a loop. I truly felt torn. I thought, “here are products that are a result of Veronica’s many years in skin care—they are working in minimizing my acne—but they don’t have the cleanest ingredient list.” She does use several organic ingredients, but like I included earlier in this post, Veronica says,
“I do use some organic ingredients, but not all. I come from a acne background and organic products don’t work on all types of acne.”
This made me scratch my head and really challenged me to have an open mind. 9 times out of 10 I would vehemently refuse to use pharmaceutical products, or products with “active” ingredients. I generally choose to seek the natural route to skin health.
Since I believe part of my acne problem has been a result of years on birth control, I’ve deemed my acne to be primarily caused by a hormonal imbalance. It’s almost like: because a drug could have caused or exasperated my acne, it might take something “stronger” to help break the cycle that my skin is in.
I have felt the need to recognize that pharmaceuticals just might have a place in skin care. I do not think that they truly cure the problem, but they seem that they can be a short term fix. I don’t see them as a great long term fix since they don’t tackle the underlying issue inside of your body.
Essentially, I couldn’t deny that the products were reducing the inflammation on my face, but I concluded that I, myself, would not be likely to establish a long term routine with these products.
If you are searching for a line of products that simply get the job done and are effective in minimizing the appearance of acne, then I would recommend these products. If you scrutinize ingredients lists and are weary about using anything less than completely pure, then I would say find another line of products that suites your requirements.
I had my eye on Veronica Malibu product for a few years and genuinely felt excited to try them. I REALLY wanted to love them in a whole way (effectiveness & ingredients). I do find them effective, and have opened my mind to understand that sometimes acne can be effectively treated by active ingredients that are not necessarily organic.
I hope that this post will help shed a bit more light on acne. I believe that Veronica is top-notch, was a joy to work and communicate with, was incredibly generous, and is extremely passionate about skin care.
*These complimentary products have been generously provided to me for the purpose of trying them in order to write a review on my experience.