More than two years ago I fell madly in love with Kiwi Glow Daily Skin Oil Moisturizer in Amaya, Earth and Verde, and I still feel precisely the same about them now. These lightweight organic oils are such an amazing find-- they are utterly delectable smelling, they sink in quickly and leave the skin lusciously hydrated, and they are reasonably priced. These golden elixirs make leave my skin ultra-hydrated, silky-smooth, baby-soft and beautifully luminous. The generously sized 4 oz. bottles have a pump dispenser that keeps the contents protected against contamination while making them spill proof, fuss proof, and easy to carry.
According to Kiwi Glow,
Kiwi Glow is so close to nature there is still a slight ‘nutty smell’ within the scent. Once applied to the skin, the nutty goodness is absorbed while the fragrance just makes you smell great. Our scents are very subtle so as not to interfere with perfumes and everyday routines.
We only use simple, natural ingredients to create our daily skin oil. Honestly! Pure, organic, cold-pressed sesame–known for its healing properties and skin benefits–is the foundation of this luxurious, lightweight oil. Did you know you consume four pounds of damaging toxins through your pores every year? Kiwi Glow contains antioxidants that remove these harmful contagions, leaving your skin luminous and hydrated. Kiwi Glow also has an abundance of nourishing vitamins–A, E and B complex–to rejuvenate your skin naturally for smoother, healthier-looking glow.
Daily Skin Oil in Amaya is a splendid warm floral with flashes of lily of the valley. Kiwi Glow describes it as having "hints of dandelion and lily of the valley" and conjures images of "lovely subtle petals on your body." It is a delightful light floral that only leaves behind the slightest traces of scent once it sinks in. It is so light that it will in no way interfere with any other scents that you may choose to wear.
Daily Skin Oil in Earth is a deep woodsy earthy scent smells more of frankincense and less of patchouli, and while the scent is stronger and more pungent than Amaya or Verde, it quickly softens and fades once it sinks into the skin. Kiwi Glow describes it as having "hints of frankincense, patchouli and vanilla" that together become a "lovely subtle musk on your body." I was concerned that Earth would be too earthy for my taste, but it turns out to be perfectly balanced and utterly delectable once it sinks into my skin.
Daily Skin Oil in Verde is gorgeous fresh green scent offset by citrus, and it is so refreshing and uplifting that it puts a smile on my face each time that I use it. Kiwi Glow describes it as a fresh scent with a "sweet citrus aroma that is not overbearing." I agree that it isn't in the least bit overbearing, and in fact once it sinks into the skin it becomes a subtle and barely perceptible fresh scent.
Ingredients: Organic unrefined cold-pressed sesame oil, an abundance of vitamin E and natural plant-derived fragrance oils. Fully cured to ensure purity.
About the Ingredients,
We start with pure, unrefined, cold-pressed, organic sesame oil is the foundation of our products. This divine oil has been derived from sesame seeds since before recorded history, and is renowned for its healing properties and benefits the body and mind. The ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda uses sesame oil to relieve stress, and continuing research shows that the antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats present in sesame oil contribute to controlling blood pressure.
Sesame oil is a natural antioxidant, as it actually removes harmful toxins from the skin as it’s absorbed. It neutralizes “oxygen radicals” which are thought to be a major factor in the aging of the skin. How fantastic is that? Sesame oil also has an abundance of natural vitamin E, B-complex and vitamin A, which helps nourish and rejuvenate skin. Along with all this, Kiwi Glow oils feel so lovely on your skin they are addictive. What more could you ask for in a natural skin moisturizer?
To read more about this amazing line, and founder Ana Robinson's philosophy and inspiration, click here.
Overall assessment: These gorgeous body oils boast tantalizing aromas- that provide an ultra-luxurious and satisfying sensory experience- and they deeply nourishing the skin. If you love luxury body oils, then you owe it to yourself to try Kiwi Glow Daily Skin Oil Moisturizers! These are perfect holiday and hostess gifts as well!
My strategy of leaving mostly used up products in plain view proved, once again, to effectively encourage me to finish them up. Whether I make a discreet pile in the shower, or on the bathroom vanity– I am far more apt to use things that I see, and that can be easily gotten to. If you find yourself with lots of half-used products, then I definitely recommend trying this method.
Overall, I am pleased with the number of products that I finished up in March, and definitely have some true-loves to report about.
MANUKA SECRETS Exfoliant (Reviewed HERE): I love to exfoliate my skin on a regular basis, and there are always about 4-6 different varieties to choose from in my shower at any given moment.
This exfoliant is good for all types of skin, and it effectively and gently removes dead skin cells– leaving skin soft, velvety smooth and unbelievably hydrated. It contains two different sized exfoliant particles: bamboo plus jojoba pearl and white clay, and this combination eliminates dead skin cells gently, while the Shea Butter and Rice Bran and Coconut Oils leave skin hydrated. Furthermore, Cucumber Extract softens and soothes the skin. The end result is gorgeous glowing skin.
Beautisol Exscrub Me? (Reviewed HERE): This Citrus Face Exfoliant is densely packed with fine Jojoba beads that effortlessly remove dead skin cells with great speed and precision. They are expertly crafted and uniformly shaped without any jagged protruding edges that scratch and damage the skin. That said, trust me when I say that one only needs to use a very light hand because this scrub is more than capable of getting rid of every trace of dead skin cells with a very gentle touch. The citrus peel and extracts, which lend this jewel a scrumptious scent, perform miracles by leaving skin cleansed, clarified, glowing and utterly refreshed.
RADICAL Skincare Youth Infusion Serum (Review Forthcoming): This lightweight and hydrating serum lifts and plumps skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles very effectively. RADICAL utilizes cutting-edge proprietary technology and the highest quality ingredients in their ultra-luxe anti-aging skincare line that is gentle and highly effective.
Jan Marini Marini Holiday Exfoliator (Reviewed HERE) While Jan Marini is, no doubt, a skincare expert– that does not mean that her products have to be be run of the mill and predictable. No product makes this more clear than the Marini Holiday Exfoliator in Cranberry Orange. Not only does it smell like the holiday season in the most delectable sort of way, but it is also one of the most effective and gentle exfoliators that I have had the pleasure of using.
ARCONA Peptide Hydrating Complex (Review Forthcoming): This lotion is rich peptides, flavonoids and a myriad of nourishing ingredients to hydrate, smooth, lift and regenerate the skin. While it is a lightweight, it is a rich lotion that deeply hydrates dry and sensitive skin, but it also works spectacularly well for my normal/combination skin. I have already opened another bottle because I am so in love with this formula.
37 Extreme Actives High Performance Anti-Aging Cream is luxury anti-aging cream that delivers impressive moisture, and leaves skin ultra-hydrated and lifted. The sample was not large enough to really determine any sort of long-term benefits, but I really likes the way that it made my skin feel. I would definitely be interested in testing it further.
Trader Joe's Orange Blossom Hand Soap is one of my repeatedly purchased liquid hand soaps because it smells delicious and it thoroughly cleanses without drying out hands. I highly recommend trying it on your next trip to Trader Joe's.
Little Twig Baby Wash Calming Lavender (Reviewed HERE) is an all-natural blend of "soothing lavender, restorative chamomile and gentle bubbles" that provides aromatherapeutic benefits that are calming and relaxing, and that encourage a better night’s sleep for babies and adults. It is also wonderful when used as a shower gel, and I found that it even did an exemplary job as a shaving gel for my underarms and legs. It leaves skin soft, hydrated and smooth. The scent is not in the least bit pungent, but instead it is a mellow lavender that delights the senses.
Key West Aloe Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo(ReviewedHERE) If you seek a shampoo that is gentle enough for everyday use, then Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo is a great choice. The formula is gentle, non-stripping, and offers enough moisture without weighing hair down.
Key West Aloe Aloethera Keratin Conditioner (Reviewed HERE) If you need a conditioner that combats frizz, detangles, and moisturizes without weighing down your hair, then Key West Aloe Aloethera Keratin Conditioner is a definite must-try. It leaves my hair soft, silky and ultra manageable.
OGX Healing + Vitamin E Conditioner (Reviewed HERE) leaves my hair hydrated, manageable, detangled and frizz-free. I can even get a comb through my curly hair after using this conditioner!
Beauty and the Bees Tasmanian Real Beer Shampoo Bar (Reviewed HERE) is a beautiful handmade bar that is not only chemical free, but it is filled with richly conditioning plant and nut oils as well as hops and beer. It cleans hair thoroughly yet is so gentle and moisturizing that it never strips the hair.
Badger Argan, Jojoba & Baobab Botanical Hair Oil (Reviewed HERE) Badger, who is best known for their iconic balms, also make amazing hair oils, and their Argan, Jojoba & Baobab Botanical Hair Oil Daily Leave-In Conditioning is an unbelievably effective treat for dry and damaged hair. It has a delightful citrus scent that elevates the mood delights the senses, and is so pleasant to use that you might even be inclined to drench yourself in it!
Kiwi Glow Daily Skin Oil Moisturizers in Amaya (Reviewed HERE) is a delightful warm floral with flashes of lily of the valley. Kiwi Glow describes it as having "hints of dandelion and lily of the valley" and conjures images of "lovely subtle petals on your body." The light floral that only leaves behind the slightest traces of scent once it sinks in. It sinks in quickly and deeply nourishes skin leaving it soft, supple and luminous. I even use it as a hand moisturizer, and quickly chapping gives way to soft and smooth skin.
What did you use up, toss out, give away, or return in March? Were there any winners or losers that you want to talk about? Do Tell!
I tend to like to purge things before the new year begins, and toward the end of 2015 I decided to donate piles of things that we were no longer using, and throw out things that were broken (and beyond repair). I like to start the new year off without feeling burdened by things that just take up space without ever being used. When it came to skincare products, I rounded up a pile of nearly used up products and decided to keep them in sight on my counter so that I would finish them up and recycle their bottles and jars early in the year. I actually found that method so effective that I am now making this a practice– otherwise things get forgotten about and lost in the back of the cabinet as new products find their way into my life.
Here is what I used up in January:
1) Relogy Dual Action Treatment Foam (Reviewed here): This cleanser lived in my shower for quite a long while, and I used it whenever I had pesky monthly breakouts. I found that it was remarkably effective at eradicating breakouts without drying out my skin. I really like that it is 95% natural, and that it is a gentle non-stripping foam.
Dual-action Treatment Foam. (It’s bubbly for a reason, not just ‘cause it’s fun.) 95% Natural, Relogy’s Treatment Foam uses the power of oxygenated bubbles to penetrate deep into your pores to start clearing acne immediately. This step also makes your skin look and feel softer, smoother and healthier. Use it as a cleanser with rinsing, or just apply and let it dry!
Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (from white willow bark - a multifunctional ingredient that addresses many of the systemic causes of blemishes) 0.5%, Benzalkonium Chloride 0.2% (gentle anti-bacterial often used in eye drops), Water, Sodium Laurel Sulfate (skin cleansing agent/soap derived from palm or coconut oils), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (derived from coconut oil - helps remove dirt and oil from the skin), Decyl Glycoside (derived from corn starch and coconut - helps remove dirt and oil from the skin), Sorbitol (derived from corn syrup - used to prevent moisture loss), Propylene Glycol (organic compound used as a stabilizer, delivery system and skin conditioning agent), Panthenol (a derivative of vitamin B5 used for moisturizing), PEG-75 (skin lubricant made from plant lanolin - used for moisturizing), Meadowfoam Flower Oil (extract from meadowfoam flower for moisture and anti-aging), Tetrasodium EDTA (preservative), Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot Orange) Extract (natural anti-septic to promote healing).
2) Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Body Lotion (Reviewed here): I really love this lotion, and have been purchasing it for years. It is filled with healthy ingredients, is easy on the wallet, and is widely available. I tend to pick mine up from Whole Foods when I am grocery shopping, but periodically find it on sale online. It leaves skin nourished, moisturized and very soft. I cut open the bottle and scraped out every last drop, and will definitely be purchasing another bottle soon.
An exquisitely light, natural body lotion packed with rich botanical emollients to soothe and soften skin while providing 100% daily hydration.* Alba Botanica Very Emollient™Body Lotion blends aloe vera, green tea and chamomile extracts plus antioxidants to help nourish and replenish skin on contact. Perfect for use in massage. This rich lotion absorbs quickly so it feels light enough to use all day, every day.
3) Kiwi Glow Daily Skin Moisturizer Oil in Earth (Reviewed here): I love using body oils, and during the colder months I layer them under heavy creams or body butters to keep my skin super soft and moisturized. I really like Kiwi Glow oils, and promptly opened a fresh new bottle as soon as I finished this one.
This divine oil has hints of frankincense, patchouli and vanilla. Very earthy, very relaxing. Honestly! We only use simple, natural ingredients to create our daily skin oil. Pure, organic, cold-pressed sesame, known for its healing properties and skin benefits, is the foundation of this luxurious, lightweight oil. Did you know you consume four pounds of damaging toxins through your pores every year? Its why Kiwi Glow contains antioxidants that remove these harmful contagions, leaving your skin luminous and hydrated. Kiwi Glow also has an abundance of nourishing vitamins- A, E and B complex - to rejuvenate your skin naturally form smoother, healthier looking skin. Kiwi Glow is non greasy, absorbs easily and a little goes a long way.
4) Caress Adore Forever Body Wash (Reviewed here): This bright floral is offset by a slightly tangy berry top note that is warmed by the Amber, Honey and Vanilla. It is rich, yet light and airy. It is a lovely scent that fills the shower with its lovely aroma. It has a rich foam that cleans the skin without stripping it, and I it is emollient enough that I used it for shaving as well.
Caress presents a fine fragrance breakthrough with the world's first body wash with Fragrance Release Pearls. A touch-activated technology that releases a burst of perfume every time you touch your skin, all day long. New Caress Love Forever, an irresistible feminine fragrance with floral musk and sparkling pink roses laced in amber.
Revitalize your skin with Rituals Himalaya Wisdom Detox Scrub Salt - a deep cleansing, ultra-softening and cooling body scrub. It combines the ancient Ayurvedic ingredient Holy Basil for its calming properties with Fresh Mint to revitalize your body. Directions: Massage Rituals Himalaya Wisdom Deep Cleansing Scrub Salt into dampened skin. Rinse off with warm water in the shower or bath.
6) eSalon HEART LOCK IT Color Safe Shampoo(Reviewed here): This is such a gentle shampoo that is specifically formulated to prevent color-treated hair from fading. It is non-stripping, and was very kind to my color-treated curly hair.
Heart Lock It Color Safe Shampoo gently cleanses color-treated hair without using harsh ingredients that cause color to fade. This nourishing blend of proteins and amino acids deeply moisturizes and strengthens all hair types, leaving you with beautiful results.
Sulfate-free to extend the life of your hair color
7) eSalon LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY Color Safe Conditioner (Reviewed here): This conditioner is super moisturizing, and effectively detangles hair and controls frizz. It's pretty hard to find a conditioner that makes my naturally curly hair shiny, but this one actually does.
Love Unconditionally Color Safe Conditioner adds moisture and shine to color-treated hair. Packed with beneficial amino acids and proteins, this advanced formula is designed to strengthen and soften all hair types, but is gentle enough to protect color from fading. Use it daily to condition and detangle color-treated hair.
Nourishes hair cuticle to seal in color
Sulfate-free to extend the life of your hair color
Helps prevent damage and breakage from chemical treatments
8) Terax Hydrate Color Locking Leave-In Conditioner (Reviewed here): I seldom use up a product before I review it, but by the time that I reviewed this I had about two sprays left. I absolutely love this stuff, and will definitely be buying a bottle soon. This leave my hair soft, frizz-free and manageable.
Terax Hydrate is a leave in moisturizing conditioner designed to close the cuticle after washing and treatment to seal in color and lock in moisture. Their exclusive blend of botanical extracts featuring sage, chamomile, fennel, hops and yarrow provide superior moisture benefits. Sunflower seed extract helps to preserve and extend the life of your color treatment. Use with either of Terax's Crema rinse out conditioners to pH balance the hair.
Marc Anthony Hydrating Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Conditioner, extra hydrating formula instantly smoothes frizz and repairs split ends and breakage while creating soft, luxurious, supple hair. Coconut Oil and Shea Butter restore, protect and revive shine. Biotin deeply penetrates to fortify, nourish and supercharge healthier, faster growth. Hair is left healthy and frizz free. Color safe.
10) ProfilePRO Custom Scent Jasmine Lola's Shampoo: I really liked this shampoo based upon my limited experience with it, but sample sizes of shampoo or conditioner generally don't provide enough product to really see how my hair will respond to them over a longer period of time.
11) Aesop Classic Shampoo: I really liked this shampoo, and found it gentle and non-stripping, but once again I wasn't able to test it long enough to determine whether it was a good fit for my hair.
Aesop Black Label hair collection includes shampoos and conditioners scented with natural botanicals and enriched with proteins. The line is specially designed to address the unique needs of your scalp and hair without stripping hair of its natural protective oil.
Aesop Classic Shampoo is a balanced, gentle formula that lets you thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping natural oils. Designed for frequent use, Classic Shampoo is perfect for all hair types.
12) TATCHA Radiant Deep Brightening Serum (Reviewed here): This lovely serum hydrates and brightens the skin, and gives it an overall evenness in tone. I absolutely love this serum.
A hydrating, brightening serum powered by time-tested Asian botanicals to bring color clarity and radiance to the skin. Contains licorice root, jujuba, scutellaria and silk extracts as well as squalane and HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex, a proprietary blend of rice bran, green tea and red algae extract.
Formulated without mineral oil, synthetic color, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates. Ideal for combination skin.
13) StriVectin-SD Instant Scrub: I found this sample sitting in my sample drawer, and didn't even realize that I had it. I'm not sure what I expected, but it was so gentle, soothing and calming that I was able to use it everyday without irritating my skin. I would definitely purchase a full size tube.
StriVectin-SD Scrub is an exfoliating scrub that cleanses and instantly retexturizes skin. Key ingredients provide exfoliation, while calming and soothing the skin, priming it for maximum absorption of StriVectin treatment products. Removes surface impurities and dry skin cells to promote greater luminosity, smoothing of rough areas and improvements in skin texture and tone. See results in your mirror immediately and over time.
14) Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum: I had about 5 sample vials of Black Orchid, and thought that I wouldn't like it on my skin, but every single time I wear it I find myself repeatedly sniffing my wrist and feeling happy. I also get so many compliments when I wear it that I finally caved and purchased a full size bottle.
The custom grown (and über rare) TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID is the show-stopping note in this incredibly luxurious scent. Sultry woods and rich fruit accords help to bring out the skin's natural perfume, and the jet-black, art-deco inspired bottle adds to the fragrance's overall glamour.
Notes: Black Truffle, Black Orchid, Black Plum, Noir Gourmand Accord, Patchouli.
15) Goldfaden MD Doctor's Scrub: I have used several sample packets of this exfoliant, and really like it a lot. I need a few more tries to decide whether I want to buy it.
Dr. Goldfaden's coveted exfoliator contains powerful ruby crystals that provide immediate cell renewal by polishing away dead surface cells, leaving brighter, clearer and younger-looking skin. Daily use improves the appearance of fine lines, reduces pore size, and leaves you with a healthy, radiant complexion. Created by renowned dermatologist Gary Goldfaden M.D., this naturally conscience range forgoes chemical ingredients in favour of antioxidants and active plant-based complexes that offer the most effective results.
Press Release Provided by Kiwi Glow (Unaffiliated Links)
Kiwi Glow Skin Oil Moisturizers in Amaya, Earth and Verde are 20% OFF for the month of June, and they are also offering Free Shipping! I am over the moon about all three of these luxury oils, and am thrilled about this fabulous sale! For my full review, click here.
Regular price: $35.00 for 4 oz. 20% Off and Free Shipping from Kiwi Glow.
Lately I have been obsessed with body oils more than usual. I'm not really sure why what was already an obsession has somehow reached a fever pitch, but it has. Perhaps this need to luxuriate in body oils has something to do with the warm weather, or perhaps it's just that I have more body oils that I just can't keep my hands off of because they are so spectacular, and because their tantalizing scents and lovely textures beckon me.
The newest body oils to make it to my top daily picks are the Kiwi Glow Daily Skin Oil Moisturizers in Amaya, Earth and Verde. These lightweight organic oils are such an amazing find-- they are utterly delectable smelling, they sink in quickly and leave the skin lusciously hydrated, and are reasonably priced. Furthermore, my skin has never glowed so beautifully and felt so good. The generously sized 4 oz. bottles have a pump dispenser that keeps the contents protected against contamination while making them spill proof, fuss proof, and easy to carry.
According to Kiwi Glow,
We only use simple, natural ingredients to create our daily skin oil. Honestly! Pure, organic, cold-pressed sesame–known for its healing properties and skin benefits–is the foundation of this luxurious, lightweight oil. Did you know you consume four pounds of damaging toxins through your pores every year? Kiwi Glow contains antioxidants that remove these harmful contagions, leaving your skin luminous and hydrated. Kiwi Glow also has an abundance of nourishing vitamins–A, E and B complex–to rejuvenate your skin naturally for smoother, healthier-looking glow.
According to Kiwi Glow,
Kiwiglow is so close to nature there is still a slight ‘nutty smell’ within the scent. Once applied to the skin, the nutty goodness is absorbed while the fragrance just makes you smell great. Our scents are very subtle so as not to interfere with perfumes and everyday routines.
Daily Skin Oil in Amaya is a splendid warm floral with flashes of lily of the valley. Kiwi Glow describes it as having "hints of dandelion and lily of the valley" and conjures images of "lovely subtle petals on your body." It is a delightful light floral that only leaves behind the slightest traces of scent once it sinks in. It is so light that it will in no way interfere with any other scents that you may choose to wear.
Daily Skin Oil in Earth is a deep woodsy earthy scent smells more of frankincense and less of patchouli, and while the scent is stronger and more pungent than Amaya or Verde, it quickly softens and fades once it sinks into the skin. Kiwi Glow describes it as having "hints of frankincense, patchouli and vanilla" that together become a "lovely subtle musk on your body." I was concerned that Earth would be too earthy for my taste, but it turns out to be perfectly balanced and utterly delectable once it sinks into my skin.
Daily Skin Oil in Verde is gorgeous fresh green scent offset by citrus, and it is so refreshing and uplifting that it puts a smile on my face each time that I use it. Kiwi Glow describes it as a fresh scent with a "sweet citrus aroma that is not overbearing." I agree that it isn't in the least bit overbearing, and in fact once it sinks into the skin it becomes a subtle and barely perceptible fresh scent.
Ingredients: Organic unrefined cold-pressed sesame oil, an abundance of vitamin E and natural plant-derived fragrance oils. Fully cured to ensure purity.
About the ingredients,
We start with pure, unrefined, cold-pressed, organic sesame oil is the foundation of our products. This divine oil has been derived from sesame seeds since before recorded history, and is renowned for its healing properties and benefits the body and mind. The ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda uses sesame oil to relieve stress, and continuing research shows that the antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats present in sesame oil contribute to controlling blood pressure.
Sesame oil is a natural antioxidant, as it actually removes harmful toxins from the skin as it’s absorbed. It neutralizes “oxygen radicals” which are thought to be a major factor in the aging of the skin. How fantastic is that? Sesame oil also has an abundance of natural vitamin E, B-complex and vitamin A, which helps nourish and rejuvenate skin. Along with all this, Kiwi Glow oils feel so lovely on your skin they are addictive. What more could you ask for in a natural skin moisturizer?
To read more about this amazing line, and founder Ana Robinson's philosophy and inspiration, click here.
Overall assessment: Truly amazing oils that have tantalizing smells, and they offer a luxurious sensory experience while deeply nourishing the skin. I'm in love!
