Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub

I purchased this facial scrub because : 

A. I wanted a facial scrub.

B. I had a coupon. 

C. I wanted to try it.

D. The music from the commercial was stuck in my head.

E. All of the above.

If you guessed E, you're right! I've been seeing these products at all the major drugstores for quite a few months now. I finally remembered to pick it up. 

I was relieved and surprised to see that the label clearly stated no animal ingredients were used! Upon further review of the website, I read Simple Face Care products in GENERAL contain no animal ingredients. Yay! Another product for us to use!

So, does it work? Yes, it does. I feel like my face looks fresher and feels softer after I use it. It's not too gritty, like some other scrubs, yet it exfoliates well. The scent is interesting though. There are no perfumes or dyes in it, so I assume it's the scent of the rice granules. Yes, we're scrubbing our faces with rice. Welcome to the 21st century.

St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub

I bought this scrub with the hopes of avoiding a breakout

From the St. Ives website:

This dermatologist-tested scrub can actually help to clear and soothe your skin as well as reduce redness. An active blemish-fighting ingredient fights the flare-ups, while 100% natural exfoliants encourage healthier, clearer skin.

I like the exfoliating power of this scrub. Not too gritty, yet not too smooth. It feels like it works. Unfortunately, I did not see a difference in my breakout. It did help clear up a little bit of redness, but not much more than that.

It also really smells like tea. My husband told me it smelled gross when I got to bed. Oh well.

St. Ives Apricot Invogorating Scrub

I boycotted St. Ives products until they specifically stated on their label which products didn't have animal ingredients!

Now, I've returned to one of my original loves: Apricot Scrub! I originally started using this as a teenager, but lost touch with it.

I was looking for a cleanser/scrub and happened to see the Apricot Scrub on the very bottom shelf. I thought to myself, "Well, since I can use it again, why not?"

The Apricot Invigorating Scrub is just that: Invigorating! It is designed for Fresh Skin. I use it once a day and it never fails to leave my skin looking fresh, clean and bright. It's especially great to take off makeup or clean the skin after sweating! I am prone to dry patches, blackheads and whiteheads, and the scrub helps with ALL of those problems. I also notice that my complexion looks more even.

They also make the Apricot Scrub for Sensitive Skin (Gentle), Timeless Skin (Renew and Firm), and Naturally Clear (Blemish and Blackhead Control). There is an Apricot Scrub for every skin type, so there are no worries about hurting your skin.

Another great plus? It's AFFORDABLE! I don't know about you, but I am not about to spend more than $10 on a facial scrub. The Apricot Scrub retails for about $5.99.

St. Ives Apricot Invigorating Scrub

St. Ives

This is HUGE! I've been boycotting St. Ives for sometime now, since a majority of their products contained animal byproducts. I then see a commercial for St. Ives today, talking about their "natural commitment". Honestly, I didn't give it much thought, until I was able to see they specifically tell us which products DO NOT CONTAIN ANIMAL DERIVED INGREDIENTS!!!! I've compiled a list for you, to make it easier.

This is an amazing advancement in the beauty industry. Instead of having to contact companies constantly and go back and forth, the information we need is available up front.

FRESH SKIN (Facial Cleansers)
Invigorating Apricot Scrub
Gentle Apricot Scrub
Moisturizing Olive Scrub
Warming Scrub Olive Cleanser
Make-up Remover & Facial Cleanser
Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer

NATURALLY CLEAR (Facial Cleansers)
Blemish Fighting Apricot Cleanser

TIMELESS SKIN
Renew and Firm Apricot Scrub Daily Microdermabrasion

PREVENT AND RELIEVE DRY SKIN (Lotions)
Hydrating Vitamin E
Soothing Oatmeal Shea
Soothing Aloe & Chamomile
Replenishing Mineral Therapy
Restoring 24 Hour Moisture Intensive Healing

TOTAL INDULGENCE (Lotion)
Softening Whipped Silk

FLAWLESS BEAUTY
Cellulite Shield Lotion Cellulite Shield Gel Crème

CLEANSING (Body Wash)
Oatmeal Shea
Creamy Vanilla
Energizing Citrus
Exfoliating Apricot
Cucumber Melon
Hydrating Vitamin E
Whipped Silk
Mineral Therapy
Soy Milk & Lotus Blossom

EXFOLIATING (Body Scrubs)
Oatmeal Shea
Mineral Therapy
Collagen Elastin

www.stives.com

Victoria's Secret Pink Energizing Sugar Scrub

Remember when I told you that the entire Victoria's Secret Pink line of beauty and bath products was totally vegan? (If not, check the archives) Well, when I was on line in the store for a free product, I felt weird and decided I should actually BUY something. This product just so happened to be exactly next to me, and at $10, I didn't mind picking it up to try.


From the Victoria's Secret website:

You need an invigorating wake-up call for your tired, lackluster skin. Our energizing body scrub is the answer. It uses gentle exfoliants, including natural sugar crystals, to slough away rough, dry patches. Packed with U.S.-sourced Citrus, Organic Mint, plus a boost of caffeine from Organic Coffee Beans to refresh, energize and tone. Rub all over and rinse off to reveal smooth, radiant looking skin from tip to toes

I have to say, ONE OF THE BEST PURCHASES FROM VICTORIA'S SECRET EVER!!!!! I cannot rave ENOUGH about this product! It smells beautiful, and it gets the job done! The sweet citrus and mint scent is invigorating without being overpowering. It is the perfect pick me up after a long, and DRY winter day. It really does what it says it does. Very rarely do I find a product that I love THIS much, but I do! I think the coffee crystals help the circulation of blood, so you get a nice and even glow. I used it that night, and I even used it on my face! (Not recommended if you have sensitive skin!!) It is also a great pre-shave exfoliant. I don't know about you, but this winter weather gets my legs SUPER dry. This cures that in an instant!

http://www.victoriassecret.com/

I want to tell you a secret!

I have a little secret to share. Well, not so much a secret, but a secret recipe!

Do you want silky smooth feet? Want to get your feet gorgeous for the summer weather and sandals? Can't find a foot scrub without animal byproducts? Neither can I! That's why I make my own. No, I am not Martha Stewart. Yes, I can really make it. And so can you!

Everyone has the ingredients in their home, or can access them easily!

Shiny Happy Feet Foot Scrub:

1 cup of Kosher salt (if you would like a coarse foot scrub) or sugar (if you would like a finer scrub)
1/2 cup of olive oil or almond oil (I like olive oil better because it is richer)
2 drops of peppermint essential oil (this is just for the smell, and you can do without it)
Break open 2 caps of Vitamin E capsules or add a few drops of Glycerin (this can be found at a pharmacy)

Mix all the ingredients together, adding more or less of any ingredient until you get the right consistency. If you use sugar, it will be more like a foot polish.

Put the scrub in an airtight GLASS jar (a plastic container will not preserve the scrub).

Happy Scrubbing!