Native Body Wash in Cucumber & Mint: I absolutely LOVE this body wash, and it has earned pride-of-place as my all-time favorite warm weather body wash. It is so refreshing, and the scent is uplifting and invigorating. While the fragrance is described as cucumber and mint, I detect mostly cucumber, but I absolutely love the aroma. It is gentle, and it never strips or dries out my skin. It is quite concentrated, and I just add a tiny bit to a nylon loofah and it produces a bountiful lather that is beautifully aromatic. Purchase Again? I already opened a new bottle!
($11.89 for 11.5 oz and $19.49 for 36 oz. from Target, CVS, Amazon and Walmart).
Trader Joe's Bergamot & Vetiver Scented Hand Soap: This was a limited-time hand soap, and it sold out. What an absolute delight this is, and I really hope that they bring it back. In fact, I went back to buy 3 more bottles before they sold out, and now have one left. This beautiful citrusy floral scent is such a treat to the senses, and rather than drying out my hands, they are left lightly moisturized. The last time that I went to the same Trader Joe's they didn't have any left, but I plan to try again to get a few more bottles before they are gone altogether. I hope that there is enough demand for this lovely liquid hand soap that Trader Joe's considers making it part of their regular collection of hand soaps! A+ Purchase Again? In a heartbeat! Fingers crossed that they bring it back!
($3.99 for 12 oz. from Trader Joe's).
Gotukola Youth Spring Keratin Hair Mask: While I have used this conditioner as the company recommends, I have found that leaving the mask on longer renders even better results. I have tried a few additional methods of use: 1) leaving it on for several hours, and 2) leaving it on overnight, and in both situations my hair was left indescribably soft, shiny, and with beautifully formed glossy curls. It is a true thing of beauty to see naturally curly hair deeply moisturized and shiny, and trust me it is not an easy thing to achieve. It tames all of my frizz and fly-aways without weighing my hair down in the least bit. It also moisturizes so deeply that my hair is far more compliant when it comes to styling. Anyone who has dry hair will be shocked by the level of moisture that Gotukola Youth Spring Hair Mask delivers to their locks.
I have seen firsthand how this mask impacts non-curly hair, and to say that it creates breathtakingly beautiful and shiny hair is an understatement. The mask itself has a very dense, thick, and rich consistency. It has a very pleasant and comforting scent that I am at a loss to describe. This is undoubtedly luxury niche haircare at its finest, and anyone who with a penchant for hair masks will likely be delighted by this rare gem. Purchase Again? Eventually, but I have too many conditioners to use before I commit to buying more.
($59.99 for 16.9 oz. from Amazon).
On me, I have noted that it deeply hydrates the skin, efficiently smooths and plumps fine lines, reduces the appearance of puffiness and has lightened my dark circles associated with a poor night of sleep. The richly hydrating gel-based formula feels refreshing and lightly cooling, and immediately nourishes and moisturizes the skin leaving it soft, smooth, supple, lifted and dewy.
The recommendation is to apply a thick layer and to leave it on for about 10 minutes, and then gently tissue it off. However, I prefer to apply a moderate layer and leave it on for about 20 minutes instead. The results are impressive, and it is such a pleasure to use. I should remind you that I have sensitive eyes, and that this gentle formula does not irritate them or cause them to water. There is a very light aroma, presumably from the ingredients rather than an added fragrance, that is barely detectable. Purchase Again? I would be elated to use this again, but I am swimming in eye products right now now and can't justify the purchase– especially since it would be a splurge.
