Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer

April 1, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Intensely hydrating moisturizer addresses the dryness that is sometimes associated with acne medications.

I’ve been using my X Out acne treatment that I received from the Holiday VoxBox from Influenster for the last two months daily! Although I love the results, one issue I’ve found with X Out and Proactiv is that it tends to dry out my face! Luckily, for completing the Proactiv brand challenge during the Cosmo VoxBox, the special gift was Proactiv’s Green Tea Moisturizer (2.5oz) and it finally came in last month! I’ve been using it religiously after applying X Out every morning, and I have to say I am completely in love with it!

The green tea moisturizer immediately re-hydrates my face after an acne treatment, without making it greasy or sticky. The scent is wonderful and not under or overpowering. What I love the most is that it makes my skin feel so smooth and silky, and also is a wonderful base for makeup. Using the X Out or Proactiv to clear my face of dead skin and then recover moisture with the green tea moisturizer, I have never felt more comfortable in my own skin, and more often than not opt to go makeupless for the day, which is something I always hated in the past. But now I feel like my skin is beautiful.

I’m not sure if you can buy it directly through Proactiv without being a member or ordering it along with one of their sets (it’s a “free bonus”), but suggested price is about $14 to $18 online (not sure what size bottle that’s for). It can go as high as $30 on ebay, which leads me to believe it is somewhat hard to find without paying top dollar or becoming a Proactiv member. :/

But despite those issues, I would still rate it high based on the quality of the product. But when my bottle runs out, I don’t know if I will attempt to repurchase or just try to buy an easier to find product.

Courtney’s Rating: A

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Philosophy Eternal Grace Firming Body Emulsion

March 3, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Infused with the youthful, uplifting scent of Philosophy’s Eternal Grace fragrance, this firming body emulsion is designed to leave you feeling forever young.

I received a sample bag from Sephora and it sat in my room for a few months before I finally took the time to go through it. Usually I don’t like the small samples they give out, so I wasn’t expecting much… until I found Philosophy’s Eternal Grace Firming Body Emulsion! Since then, I’ve been using it for the past year or so about once a week and I can honestly say that it is my favorite lotion, although mainly because I love the fragrance so much.

Whether or not my skin is firmer from use? I don’t know. But the lotion makes my skin super smooth, and of course, smells amazing ALL DAY. The scent lasts a very long time, which is definitely a big deal in my book. The lotion is rich, creamy and non-greasy.

The only downfall is that Philosophy products are generally a tad pricy. A 16 oz bottle of Philosophy Eternal Grace Firming Body Emulsion is $34 at Sephora or from Philosophy directly. If you love the fragrance as much as me, you might be interested in the companion Perfume, Rollerball and/or Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel in the Eternal Grace scent that are also available from those sources.

Courtney’s Rating: A

C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream NO. 005

January 21, 2012 Coco

C.O. Bigelow’s time-honored formula is the ultimate in intensive moisture care for very dry skin. A little of this rich, non-greasy cream dramatically renews, softens and moisturizes.

Honestly, I never would have tried this product if I hadn’t stolen it from my friend, Laura. Just kidding, I asked permission! (She had two given to her). Anyways, that’s besides the point! This body cream is heavenly! Seriously! I’ve always been a huge fan of lemon. I love lemon cake, lemon Scentsy scents, lemon perfume, lemons, and so on and so on. So when I tried C.O. Bigelow’s Lemon Body Cream, it was meant to be!

I blogged before about my torrid love affair with C.O. Bigelow’s Rose Salve, and it seems like they’ve done it again! The body cream is silky smooth, although slightly greasy, and immediately renews my dry areas. And of course, all the while doing that it smells WONDERFUL. I pretty much want to devour my elbows or wherever I have applied the cream. It also works perfectly on my face before bedtime. I haven’t had any issues with the cream as far as break outs or allergic reactions, but I do reccommend with anything to do your research and see what works for you (A lot of people have complained of reactions to the lemon — read the reviews here). I was personally surprised by some of the negative feedback, and I urge you to try for yourself!

You can purchase your own C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream from your local Bath & Body Works (or from C.O. Bigelow online directly). Typically 8oz for $19.50 (And of course, take advantage of B&BW’s Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal), although I have seen 32oz jars, as well, and mine is only 1.7oz. $19.50 seems a little pricey, but my much smaller jar has lasted me a few months now. Also, C.O. Bigelow has an entire line of Lemon products (including a body lotion if that’s more your taste), and I highly recommend them to anyone who is a fan of lemon!

Courtney’s Rating: B+

Michelle bought me MyChelle for Christmas!

January 2, 2012September 18, 2013 Coco

My friend Michelle and I decided to swap Christmas presents this year, and she got me a few MyChelle Dermaceuticals products to test out! She was so excited to give them to me in that cute little box because all of the products fit perfectly inside like a puzzle. I’d never heard of MyChelle until Michelle bought these product for me, but I love the fact that MyChelle is so similar to Michelle’s name! So every time I use them I think of her XD She bought me two full size products (step 1 and 2), and two trial creams to try out.

From its inception, MyChelle Dermaceuticals has been a true pioneer in combining clinically proven, natural bioactive ingredients with cutting-edge science. It is this innovative approach that has made MyChelle Dermaceuticals the leader in results-driven, nontoxic skin care, and the source for education with the utmost integrity. Discover MyChelle »

Fruit Enzyme Cleanser

Exfoliating, sulfate-free cleanser with Fruit AHAs for fresh, smooth skin.
The cleanser is very gentle on the skin, and lathers up with just a small dime-size amount. I love how clean and refreshed my skin feels afterward. The scent is very subtle, mainly of tangerines.
2.1 oz – $9.69 from MyChelle.com

Cranberry Mud Mask

Draws out blemish-causing impurities to detoxify and soothe.
Pricey for the amount, I honestly probably wouldn’t purchase it for that reason alone. But it does feel like it’s actually cleaning and closing my pores. I don’t like the smell while applying the mask, but it’s not very noticeable once it’s on. Ultimately, the price is a deal breaker for me.
1.2 oz – $25.09 from MyChelle.com

Oil Free Grapefruit Cream

Lightweight restorative cream with SCO Totarol™ to control blemish-prone skin.
I’m in love with this cream! I tend to have an oily face, and the cream seems to tame my oiliness. It’s nourishing, and has a very light and creamy texture. The grapefruit isn’t overpowering, at all, but there is an unscented for those who might not like it.
.202 oz – $2.09 from MyChelle.com

Pumpkin Renew Cream

Rich Pumpkin formula moisturizes and protects daily cellular renewal.
The cream smells of honeysuckle, pumpkin spice and is heaven! It’s super moisturizing and leaves skin feeling smooth!
.165 oz – $4.19 from MyChelle.com