Face-off

I thought I'd revive the Shopping Gals bloggie with an update on my skincare choices. I've always been a fan of Aveda's Botanical Kinetics line:

And Aveda's Outer Peace line:


In the last year, I've been experimenting with organic and 'natural' brands from Whole Foods - which has quickly been my favorite place to shop for personal care products! Here are a few of those products I've enjoyed using:

MyChelle


I really enjoy using their cleansers, in particular:

White Cranberry Cleanser:

Cranberry Cleanser is designed to exfoliate with natural, gentle acids, neutralize bacteria, and balance oil production with organic essential oils to normalize blemish prone and oily skin. Cranberry extract and totarol from New Zealand are especially effective with wonderful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This formula is an exceptional cleanser with skin clearing and balancing results.

Apply Brightening Cleanser:
Apple Brightening Cleanser is a sulfate-free cleanser designed to assist in skin brightening and gently exfoliate dead, hyper pigmented skin with natural apple fruit acids while powerful antioxidants protect against free radical damage. Best skin brightening results achieved by using all four apple brightening products in this apple series. Always remember to wear sun block to avoid further unwanted skin pigmentation.

I've also used their Fruit Enzyme Scrub which is very effective at sloughing away the dead skin on my face and the Fruit Enzyme Mist which I carry around in my pocketbook especially on dry days or while traveling. I've also been known to carry the aerosol Evian cans to hydrate my skin - highly effective in my opinion. MyChelle is also generous with producing sample packets. You can get them at WFM, just ask the sales person.

Another brand I've been using is EarthScience.



I've been using their Almond-Aloe Moisturizer and Aloe Vera Complexion Toner & Freshener. The moisturizer has a creamy-smooth texture that I'm normally not fond of, but it melts right into my skin without a greasy residue, probably due to the Hyaluronic Acid. The toner is great too - it's a bit thicker than traditional toner, almost the texture of a thin syrup. I love the toner, and believe it's been doing wonders for balancing out my skin tone.

I'm curious about their Placentagen Eye & Throat Crème:
Placentagen contains actual human placenta (not bovine, or other animal-derived) that is ethically sourced, with full consent from volunteer donors in Switzerland. It is obtained from live births only, and is meticulously panel-tested multiple times for purity and safety. We use a hot water extract of this placenta which is rich in human building blocks DNA and RNA to help repair and restructure the skin.

The last skincare line I'm sharing is Zia:



I have used their Fresh Cleansing Gel, Aloe & Citrus Wash, Bamboo Exfoliant, Herbal Moisturizer Gel, and the Sea Tonic Rosewater & Aloe Toner. With the exception of the Bamboo Exfoliant, I wasn't terribly impressed with the ZIA line. I never felt as "cleansed" by the face washes, nor did I feel adequately moisturized by their gel. I do like the Toner, since it comes in spray form, and it left my face feeling tingly, however I never really saw an improvement in skin tone after 6 months use.

Overall, I've had a very positive experience with products sold at Whole Foods Market. In fact, I keep purchasing products there, because of their generous return/exchange policy - which is probably the same for some other retailers, but I have had some issues returning opened or used products to the drug store. I think I'll be sticking to my Aveda staples, but continue to mix it up especially during seasonal changes.

Oh, last note - I gave up on Kiehl's facial products. I will still use their body products almost exclusively, but their eye creams, face washes, toners, moisturizers....all in the trash (figuratively). I constantly break out or feel overly greasy after using their products!