Neal's Yard Remedies Review

 

A little over a month ago.... A friend of mine wanted me to try a skin care line that she was promoting not only for home use, but also for her spa.... She's a Licensed Esthetician aka Skin Therapist....

She sent me a link to the website and sent me a digital copy of the new catalog so that I could do the research on it.... and even came to visit me and my classmates in the Esthetics Program that I recently graduate from to tell us about the line....

 

It was really good timing for me because I was running out of my current skin regime products and needed new everything...  I like to stay more with the natural and more holistic skin care lines because so many of the products on our shelves, whether Prestige or Drug Store have so many added chemicals and harsh chemicals.....

 

So....

 

The line is Neal's Yard Remedies....and they believe in SAFE Cosmetics.

*No Sythetic Fragrances

*No Silicones

*No Mineral Oils

*No Parabens

*No GM ingredients

*No Pthalates

*No Propelene Glycol

*No Animal Testing

*No DEA

*No EDTA

*No Acrylates

*No Nano

*No BHT

 

I got pretty excited about the fact that this was the kind of line that I was looking for... with the ethics that I would love for all products on the market, but like all products I like to do the research....

 

So I bought a few of the Starter Kits...

 

The Award-Winning Skincare Kit

-Revitalizes -Replenishes -Recharges

 

Contains:

*Wild Rose Beauty Balm- the one-pot skin savior: Cleanses, Exfoliates and Deeply Moisturizes

*White Tea Facial Mist: carry with you for refreshing bursts of antioxidant-rich moisture.

*Beauty Sleep Concentrate: moisturizes and fights lines and wrinkles as you sleep.

*White Tea Enriching Facial Mask: use weekly to help restore skin's moisture levels.

 

 

Age-Defying Skincare Kit:

-Helps to: -Rejuvenate -Tone -Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

 

Contains:

*Rejuvenating Frankincense Refining Cleanser: sweeps away grime and make-up while gently exfoliating.

*Rejuvenating Frankincense Toner: Removes last traces of cleanser and prepares skin to better absorb moisturizer.

*Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil: add a few drops before moisturizing for an extra deep moisture boost.

*Frankincense Hydrating Cream- moisturizes, firms and helps keep skin feeling soft and fresh.

 

 

Because I spent on the 2 kits I also got a Free Full Size Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture Moisturizer:

*Replenishes and rehydrates

*Lightweight and easily absorbed, skin drinks it in

*With ultra-moisturizing hyaluronic acid.

 

 

I've been using these products for over a month and I'm In LOVE:

 

I have a Combination/Dry skin and it can be a pain to fine the right products to take care of my skin ...  What I Loved is that I can mix and mingle the products to customize my regime to my needs...

 

Since I've been using these products on a regular basis my skin feels smoother, fine lines have slowly started to fade and I look forward to washing my face twice a day instead of being completely lazy about it....

 

I get to pamper myself every morning and at night....

 

 

 

 

 

The Biggest Stand Out Product that I got was the Wild Rose Beauty Balm:

 

I've decided it's my Holy Grail Product because it has so many uses:

*It has totally replaced my eye makeup remover

*It's an awesome cleanser

*It also works really well as a hydrating mask

*It even helps with chaffed skin.....

 

All in All: I Love Neal's Yard Remedies

 

Some other things to note about these products.... If you are used to synthetic fragrances in your products.... These are going to smell unfamiliar to you because they don't use synthetic fragrances ....they use essential oils in their products.... So it can take some getting used to....

 

You can only get these products in the US through a Neal's Yard Consultant... If you want to know more about these products or if you want to try any of these products you can go to:

 

us.nyrorganic.com/shop/heatherashberry

 

Heather

 

 

Esthetician What?!?! 1st Month!!!!

So.... I finally decided to go back to school this year and I chose to get licensed as an Esthetician.....

What is an Esthetician?  

An Esthetician is a specialist in the cleansing, beautification, and preservation of the health of skin on the entire body. (Milady Standard Esthetics Fundamentals)

*This is not to be confused with a cosmotologist, but they are and can be linked.*

This first month in this program has been super fast paced..... my coffee consumption has gone up....I've studied so much.... done a lot of workbook work...... I've taken like 20 tests in 4 weeks.....and we're finally about to start floor work....

I finally get to wear scrubs.......

My favorite part of the program is that I don't have to wear anything but skincare products to school because you never know what procedures you are going to used for..... 

So far I have had a Moisture Boost facial, Deep Pore Cleansing, Chemical Peels on my face, hands, and feet, Arm and Leg Treatments, Vascutouch, Brow Tinting and Legs waxed......

I'm so stoked about this next month of floor work.....

We'll start with Product Application on my mannequin Daria.... and then move on to massage techniques...... 

Keep watching for more....

*Heather*

January 2013 Favorites

HAIR:

Organix: Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil    Shampoo and Conditioner

*It's very rare for me to finish off an entire bottle of both shampoo and conditioner, but this one got me to do that.  Made my hair feel incredible, healthier and the scent is pretty yummy.

Skin Care:

Meaningful Beauty: 

Day Creme, Glowing Serum, & Night Creme

* I loved the way these products made my skin feel and I did notice a few changes as far as my fine lines are concerned.  I would probably buy these products again, minus the cleaser.

* The cleanser is basically Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and that's why I didn't include it.

Josie Maran: 

100% Argan Oil and Argan Illuminizer

* I loved both of these so much.  They are multipurpose products that make your skin look and feel amazing. The 100% Argan Oil is just awesome for hair, skin, nails and the Illuminizer was great for mixing with my matte foundation for a slight glow and also great has a highlighting product.

MAKEUP:

Benefit: Primping with the Stars Kit

* This kit is just convenient and amazing.  I use this kit most days, but it's especially helpful when I'm in a hurry.  LOVE LOVE LOVE this kit!!!

Day Fragrance:

Bath and Body Works: Wild Honeysuckle Lotion

* This fragrance is like a drug for me.  I needed something new after wearing all of those warm and cuddly fragrances all winter and this was my go to product.  The smell reminds me of late Spring and Early Summer.  I just love this scent.

Night Time Fragrance:

Bath and Body Works: 

Sparkling Blackberry Woods Body Cream and Fine Fragrance Mist

* At night I look for a sexy and cuddly fragrance and the scent of this on me is a spicy and warm scent that I just love. It's got citrus and berries mixed in with floral notes of Honeysuckle, Vanilla and Peony, along with warm notes of Cocoa, Caramel and musk.  I wear this at night when I go out and it a comforting scent to wear at bedtime.

These are all of the products that I've loved using for the month of January.

So far this year, my skin and hair look healthier and I smell amazing.  These products definitely did it for me this month...Can't wait for February.

Heather

Birchbox January 2013

I finally received my Birchbox yesterday.   For those of you who don't know what this is, it is a monthly subscription box and within each box will be samples of all sorts of products to try.  In return, for trying all of the products, you review them.   There is also a point system.... points for reviewing products, points for inviting friends and points for shopping on their site.... for every 100 points that you earn....that is the equivalent to $10.  This is pretty simple.

While I've been pretty stoked about this box, my first impression hasn't been that great.  First it was late and then my box was incomplete, but luckily they have an awesome customer service department that sent me e-mails to tell me what happened and also gave me 100 points towards my profile.  So I'm definitely not too upset.  

What's in my Box?

AMIKA : Color pHerfection Shampoo

*This gentle shampoo contains fortifying omega acids and healing sea buckthorn berry oil to keep your hair color bright and shiny.

*Full-size, $22

This smells amazing....the size of the sample I wish was a real travel size so that I could try it longer and I wish that they would send the conditioner with it, but it smells great...very fresh and clean smelling.  

Clark's Botanical : Smoothing Marine Cream

* Dull skin no more, thanks to glycolic acid in this exfoliating moisturizer.  

* The gentle tingle means it's working.

*Full-size, $115

This is a perfect sample size with great packaging.  The packaging reminds me of C.O. Bigelow product packaging.  Super excited to try this and scared at the same time because that full size price is mighty scary.

Harvey Prince : Skinny Chic

* Keep your energy levels high ( and fight cravings to boot) with this zesty blend of apple, mint, and lotus blossom.

* Full-size, $21-55

I don't know if this will fight my cravings or not, but this is my kind of fragrance.  It smells amazing and works great with my chemistry.... I think this might have to be a new Spring/Summer fragrance for me.  The sample size is a normal sample size that you would get from any fragrance counter.

theBalm Cosmetics : Put a lid on it Eye Primer

*Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer, which also prevents smudges and smears.

* Full-size, $18

  

They obviously know about my primer obsession and the fact that I like companies like theBalm.  I'm very excited about this one and the sample size is perfect.

BEAUTY EXTRA:

100% Pure: Nourishing Body Cream

* This skin-friendly moisturizer is made exclusively from 100 percent vegan, organic ingredients.  Not that you need an excuse to slather it on.

* Full-size, $15

Now while I'm really excited about this product, if you are going to send out samples of your moisturizers, don't send them out in packs.  I really want the opportunity to try your product for more than a day.  Pacifica sent out their samples this year and they were an actual travel size.

I'll be reviewing these throughout the month of February separately....

....Birchbox

Heather

Drug Store Skin Products I Always Have on Hand

I have a skin care obsession.  I've worked in a dermatologist office and what I learned from that is that taking care of your skin is very important, it's the biggest organ that we have.  You have to keep it clean, moisturize it, protect it, exfoliate it, etc.  Skin care is a billion dollar business.  I've talked about a lot of higher end products that I'm using and now I want to share just a few of my go to's for skin in the drugstore.

CLEANSERS:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser:

*Mild, non-irritating formula, ideal for face, hands, and body.

*Softens as it cleanses and helps skin to retain moisture.

*Rinses easily and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy.

*Mild enough to cleanse a baby's delicate skin.

*Non-comedogenic / Fragrance Free

Dermatologist Recommended

This product is amazing.  I love body washes bar soaps like everyone else, but sometimes your skin just needs a break from harsh soaps and fragrances and this is my go to product for that.  Sometimes my skin can become sensitive and this products prevents irritation.  I use it for makeup removal, shaving my legs, and sometimes as a body wash.  You can use it with or without water.  If you wanna know the truth....the Meaningful Beauty cleanser and the Cetaphil Cleanser are basically the same thing.   They have the same ingredients, same texture, same non-foaming product, but without the higher cost.  

You can get this from drugstores, Walmart, etc. usually costing $11.49.  You can usually find coupons for this or good deals at the drugstore.

I usually purchase this product when there is a BOGO deal at CVS because you can get the lotion or the facial moisturizer with it.

Olay Age Defying Classic Cleanser

*Cleanse and renew skins surface to reveal softer, smoother skin instantly.

*Cleanses to reveal softer, fresher, more radiant skin.

*Removes dull, dry skin with gentle micro-beads.

I used the entire Classic Age-Defying line by Olay for a few months and I love this cleanser.  This is my go to  facial cleanser on the go.  I really like this products because it exfoliates while it cleanses.  I like to use this when I don't use a facial scrub because the micro-beads in this are gentle and then the creamy cleanser makes my skin feel so good.  I always have a bottle of this in my shower or next to my sink.

Again, the great thing about this product is that you can get it from the drugstore or Walmart, there are coupons that are always available and every month at CVS they have a BOGO deal on Olay products.

TONER:

THAYER'S Lavender Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner with Aloe Vera

*All natural skin toner derived from an honored Native American formula.

*Alcohol-Free toner for sensitive skin with delicate, soothing, calming natural Lavender water.

* Adds moisture while helping to protect the skin from airborne impurities and is an alternative to drying astringents.

* Witch Hazel tightens pores and smooths to beautify the skin.

I've used a lot of toners over the years and this one is my absolute favorite.  I've used the harsh astringents with alcohol and fragrance in them that leave your skin super tight, dry and smelling like chemicals.  I've also used Dickinson's Witch Hazel toner and I don't recommend that product because if you read the back there is alcohol in it and it dried out my skin more than anything.

This product does exactly what it says it does.  It soothes my skin, moisturizes and it is really gentle.  I like to use this before I put my moisturizer on in the morning and at night.  I always have this product on hand because this isn't just a great toner...you can use it to calm a pesky zit, bug bites, and more.

I've tried a few of the Thayer's Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free toners and I like all of them.  The Rose Witch Hazel is just as awesome as the Lavender.  You can get this product from GNC, and again, they usually have a BOGO deal on these at GNC.  They usually run about $9.95 per bottle.

TREATMENTS:

Gena Tea Tree Oil

*100% Pure Oil of Melaleuca Alternifolia.

*Australia's natural antiseptic.

*For skin, nails & scalp.

*Made in U.S.A.

I'm not going to go into all of the uses of tea tree oil.  You can Google all of that.  Like the Argan Oil that I talked about yesterday, this product is a multipurpose product.  

I don't get zits that often, but when I do I use a dab of this product and it goes away over night.  So if you don't like an embarrassing zit then use this product.  

The other thing about this product is that it goes a long way.  I rarely have to use this product, but it's great to have on hand because of the many uses for it.

I got this product at Walgreens for $7.99

SUNSCREEN:

*Pampers your skin like no ordinary sunscreen!

*The breakthrough dual ribbon formula combines superior protection with luxurious, hydrating silk protein to wrap your skin in continuous moisture and help you maintain luminous skin in the sun.  

*Plus, it's light, tropical fragrance stimulates your senses for a completely captivating in-sun experience!

*Water Resistant(80 minutes) *Light and Non-greasy

The best thing that you can do for your skin is to protect it with sunscreen on a daily basis.  I'm very fair complected, so for me it's not just a suggestion, I NEED IT.  I was outside a lot last year because of outside events and this product became my favorite.  I needed something that didn't smell like regular sunscreen, had a high SPF and kept my skin moisturized and not tacky feeling and this provided what I needed.  It has a great texture, the smell is very beachy ( coconut, fruit, etc.) and has a decent SPF.

You can get this product at drugstores, Walmart and again coupons and BOGO deals.  This product is worth having.  Prices vary.

BODY LOTION:

Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion with Shea Butter

*Locks in moisture for 24 hours

* Olay lotions go beyond moisturization to improve skin's barrier over time.  With continued use, skin becomes noticeably soft, smooth and more resistant to skin dryness.

I bought this product because I use a lot of lotions with different fragrances in them and sometimes I want something light so that I can wear a perfume or a body mist to change things up a bit.  This does have a light fragrance to it, but it fades and doesn't clash with my perfumes and body mists.  I didn't feel like it locked in moisture for 24 hours, but it does make my skin feel really soft and if I'm on a bend where I wear it everyday and night then my skin looks very healthy and glows.

I really like the Olay brand, it's been around for a very long time, it's a trusted brand.  My Mema used all of their products, so I pretty much trust this brand myself.  Affordable, great texture, light fragrance, but again it fades.

I find this lotion more at Walmart, but occasionally you can find it at a drugstore and purchase it in a BOGO deal or with coupons.

These are only a few of my drugstore favorites, but these are the products that I keep on hand the most.

Heather