Showing posts with label Skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skincare. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Body Shop Cyber Monday 2009 Parcel

Another Cyber Monday deal I succumbed to. This was more of a re-stock opprotunity than anything else.


I had to re-stock on the Vitamin C Boost (which I use as an unconventional primer) and the Strawberry Body Polish.

I did get 2 new items: A Detangling Comb that I wanted to use with conditioners and a Midnight Stars Oil Burner (Drats! I forgot to include the oil burner in the pic. I promise to have pics with the review - so no worries).

I also picked up a Vitamin E Eye Cream for my granny. I've used it in the past but I wasn't consistent(plus I was ridicously young about 17 and obviously paranoid) so I can't give any honest feedback on this. Granny likes it though and what Granny wants Granny gets because she feeds me :)

Shipping Experience: A
No complaints with The Body Shop's shipping process. All the items arrived in one shipment and everything was well-wrapped and shipped securely. O I should also mention - they use ziploc baggies for everything! I'm a ziploc packer myself so I feel The Body Shop and I are kindred spirits :)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Mario Badascu Sample Parcel

I really liked the results I'd been seeing using Mario Badescu's products that I thought I'd check out more of their products online. Did I mention Mario Badescu totally rocks? Look at the samples they sent me just for filling out an online questionnaire to determine my skincare concerns.

Yep, these were all free and didn't cost a penny. All the samples they sent are part of the skincare regimen they recommend for my skin type.

Light Reading
Included with the sample parcel was a MB Product Guide booklet that categorizes and explains all of the skincare products they offer and a Product Application Guide for the samples they sent me.


Below are some pics of the Product Application Guide. Click to expand any of the pictures for a closer look.

The front cover.


The pages inside. The left page lists all the products they recommend and which ones were included in the sample parcel. The right page has directions on when and how to apply each product.


And the back with a picture reference on how to properly apply skincare products.

Shipping Experience: A+
They shipped these goodies uber fast in a bubble-wrap lined plastic envelope. So all the samples were well-cushioned and shielded from moisture damage.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Mario Badescu Drying Cream $12 Review & Swatches

This Drying Cream is another item from the Acne Repair Kit.

I feel like this is the daytime alternative to the Drying Lotion and the Buffering Lotion since it supposedly can be used under makeup.


Here's a pic of the stuff in it's plastic tub. I know - it's not very pretty to look at.

The Verdict: B
I can't say that I've used this a lot. There is a really strong chemically smell to the Drying Cream so I just don't find myself reaching for this.

Aside from the smell, it's not spreadable or absorbed easily by the skin. This makes it difficult for me to use with makeup. The cream has a beigy-tan color to it and I find it doesn't work well with foundation.

Also, when I try to blend this in, it goes all over and onto areas of skin that don't have breakouts. The cream will dry out the unneeded areas and make the skin peely.

But does it work? Yes - it definitely helps to dry out pimples even faster when used together with either the Drying Lotion or the Buffering Lotion.

Swatches

Here's some of the Drying Cream before blending.


Here it is after blending. It's still sitting on the surface of the skin and leaves a white film over the skin.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion $17 Review & Swatches

This item is part of the Acne Repair Kit that I purchased.

The Drying Lotion is to be used on pimples that have formed into whiteheads. The product has 2 components to it: a clear watery liquid that takes up the top 2/3 of the container and a pink powdery sediment that is on the bottom 1/3 of the contents.

Just as the directions say, you dip a Q-tip vertically into the product until you reach the pink part. Then you dab it directly onto the pimple.


Here's a shot of the Q-tip with the product on the end and ready for application.

The Verdict: A
This product really does work! No wonder it has a cult following. As soon as it's applied, I can feel the pimple drying and tighten up.

This is to be applied in the evening and allowed to work overnight. In the morning, the pimple is pretty much gone. Depending on how BIG the pimple is, the whitehead is usually gone and the pimple itself is shrunken.

The best part is this product doesn't dry out the skin surrounding the pimple so you don't end up with that peely look.

Swatches

See how chalky it is? I wouldn't recommend applying this during the day since it can't be blended or covered up very well.

Product Packaging
The container for this product is a glass bottle with a screw top cap. Since the Q-tip is dipped straight down into the bottle, after a couple of dips there's a pretty noticeable dent in the middle of the pink sediment. I would have liked if the opening of the bottle wasn't a narrow neck. It would've made it easier to get around the edges to all of the product.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Mario Basdescu Acne Repair Kit $46

I picked up this kit over at ULTA when they had their 20%off coupon deal going on. I was looking for something that would calm down my skin. I dunno why but every fall when the weather starts to turn my skin goes haywire. O yea - Did I mention in Dallas, November is when fall really begins?

The kit includes 3 acne fighting champions: Drying Lotion, Drying Cream, and Buffering Lotion.

I'd already been using the Buffering Lotion for a while now and I've seen good results from it. You can read the full review by clicking the link above.

Product Packaging

The packaging of the kit reminds of phramaceuticals. Regardless I think it's very clean, neat and showcases the 3 products beautifully.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee 1st Wrinkle Serum $59 Review

This Sephora only exclusive was recommended to me by an SA. Since I was on a mission to stop the fine lines forming on my forehead I decided to give it a try. I like this much better than the Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment.


"The serum is highly concentrated in anti-oxidants to immediately correct the first signs of ageing and tired skin. Wrinkles appear smoothed and skin looks more supple and incredibly luminous. To use apply morning and night on face and neck avoiding the area around the eyes." ~from product packaging.

The Verdict: A

I've worked this into my daily regimen and I apply this under moisturizer. It's non-greasy, lightweight and has a fairly runny consistency which makes fast absorbing. There's a very light smell to it that is pleasant and not at all obtrusive. I mainly use this on my forehead and temples. I've got deeper lines on my neck that I'm still hunting for the right product to use.

The best part is that I am definitely seeing the results of this. I can crinkle my forehead without fear because as soon as I'm done "expressing" my skin bounces right back. I even stopped using this for about 2 weeks and the results didn't disappear from discontinued use.

Product Packaging

I love Caudalie's use of the inside of the outter packaging! They usually place helpful tips and illustrations showing how to apply the product on the inside.


The actual product packaging itself is aiite. I'm thankful for the pump dispenser but the plastic container doesn't let me see how much is left.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator $19.50 Review

I totally missed out the when Volcanic Ash Exfoliator first debuted so I had to see what all the hype was about this time around. I didn't want to miss out again on this Limited Edition item.


"A highly effective, dual-purpose foaming, cleansing and exfoliating scrub blending natural Volcanic Ash with fine sugar crystals. Refines and unclogs the skin, adds instant moisture: leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably clean. Mineral-rich. May be used effectively on any part of face or body. Rinses off with warm water." ~from MAC's website.

The directions say to smooth this over the skin and then rinse off with warm water 1-3x a week. I tried it that way and I didn't like it because the second this stuff touches water, it's GONE. Instead I spread it all over my skin and then with moisten hands I "scrubbed" it around. See the next set of pictures below to see how it transforms.

Swatches

Here's some of the exfoliator right out of the tube. It's jet black with large flaky grains.


When the water is added, it gets a bit foamy and a bit thinner. See the grains? It looks a lot like kosher salt but I'm not brave enough to find out. If I were to keel over I would just hate to go like that.


Working it in a bit more... you can see it's starting to turn grey as it dissolves.


Ok at this point the "salt" grains have completely dissolved and this is when I finally rinse it all off with warm water. I use this for my face about 1-2x a week and on patchy dry areas of my body whenever.

Product Packaging

I love when MAC takes a departure from their usual black boxes. The outer packaging of the Volcanic Ash Exfoliator is a white box with a raised MAC monogram all over.

I've no issues with the packaging of the actual product. They improved it this time and put it in a plastic squeezy tube. It makes it easy and mess-free to get the product out.

The Verdict: A+
This stuff really rocks! It leaves skin so clean and soft. What really sets it apart from other exfoliators is the foaming action. Even though it only foams a little bit, I think foaming makes the exfoliating process feel bubbly. It's a really nice unique feeling. Most other exfoliators just feel like I'm sandpapering my skin.

There is a strong smoky smell to this and it seems it's either a love it or hate it type of scent. I personally do not mind the smell, but I'm really super sensitive to smoke - I blame my weak nasal passages. When I use this on my face I have to work fast or else I get a tickle in my throat and feel like coughing.

Shipping Experience - Macy's: A+
I bought just 1 bottle of Volvanic Ash at MAC's boutique because I wanted to be sure I really liked this exfoliator before stocking up. Since I ended up loving it, I turned to Macy's to stock up. They were the only store I could find that would allow me to purchase 6 items of these at once.


So here's the stash of my precious Volcanic Ash until MAC re-releases it or better yet makes it part of their permanent collection!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Concentrate $39 Review

This concentrate comes highly recommended by my local SA. She swore that her boyfriend had been using it and it worked wonders. So I decided to give it a go.


I've been playing around with a lot of Caudalie products lately. Some have been a miss but the ones that are a hit have become some of my most favorite skincare products.

"This quick-penetrating, 100% plant-derived concentrate acts deep down to balance combination skin: excess oil is reduced and complexion is purified and cleansed.

Caudalie concentrates are inspired by professional Vinotherapie Spa treaments. Created to reveal unmatched radiance in one treatment, they are highly concentrated in plant ingredients and grape-seed oil for exceptional effectiveness.

Use in th evening, alone or under your moisturizer. Warm 3-4 drops in the palm of your hand, then massage onto face and neck." ~From the product package.


Product Packaging
I expected to find extra instructions on the inside of the packaging as is typical of Caudalie product boxes. But the inside of this box was suprisingly blank.


The container holding this concentrate is an opaque glass so it's hard to tell how much product in the vial. Boooo. However I do like the dropper applicator for this concentrate. The dropper is made of glass too and I feel like an alchemist when I'm using it - teehee! I think it was a smart to incorporate the dropper since the concentrate is really runny and it gives a lot more control when dispensing the product.

The Verdict: A
I've been using this product for a couple of weeks and my skin has become so radiant. I dunno what's in it, but it definitely reduces discoloration from acne scarring. The concentrate is applied easily over all the face and just a couple of drops is enough for me. It oily but at the same time it doesn't feel like grease is sitting on my skin. At first I thought this would make my face an oil slick in the morning, but when morning did come my skin was normal. I think the concentrate gets absorbed into the skin overnight.

There is a strong smell to this product. I can't really describe it but it basically smells like a lighter version of Asian white flower oil (yeah that's a direct translation).

I'm pretty accustomed to this smell because white flower oil is for Taiwanese people what Windex was to the dad from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Got a headache? Dab some white flower oil on your temples. Stuffy nose? Dab some white flower oil right above your lip. Bug bite? Dab some white flower oil on it. I personally don't mind the smell, but everytime I put this concentrate on my bf always asks "What's that smell?"

I know $39 is pretty steep for this tiny vial but the results really are amazing. And since only a few drops are needed, I can see this lasting a couple of months.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Mary Kay Clarifying Mask 3 $14 Review

For some reason I always go back to this particular clarifying mask. I first tried this in high school and it was something my mom wanted me to try (mostly because her boss was a Mary Kay representative at the time and she had to suck up and buy something from her - LOL).


This mask is part of the Mary Kay classic skincare regimen for blemish-prone skin.

"Clarifying Mask, a velvety clay-based formula, gentle exfoliates and clears excess surface oils, leaving skin with a soft matte finish. Refines skin's texture and deep cleans to help control surface sebum. Recommended for blemish prone skin because Clarifying Mask does not contain scrubbing grains which can irritate blemishes. Avoid use in eye and mouth areas." ~from the project package.

Directions
I usually apply the mask after cleansing, focusing mainly on my T-zone. The official directions say to leave it on for 10 minutes but I leave it on for as long as it takes the mask to dry (probably closer to 15 minutes). As it dries, the mask will start to harden so be careful not to make any facial expressions less you covet a face full of wrinkles. After is dries, it rinses off easily with warm water and then I follow with a toner and moisturizer.

Product Packaging
The mask is housed your average plastic tube which is perfect for squeezing out every last bit of product. It also stands on it's head so there's the advantage of gravity pulling all the product to the opening of the tube.


Here's a blob of the mask. The consistency is pretty thick and it's got a light lavender tinge.

The Verdict: A
The result from the mask are wonderful. My skin is soft, matte and feels clean. But what I really love is that I can see the mask working. As the mask dries, it pulls out sebum from pores. I can actually see little oily spots on top of the mask where it's extracted all the excess sebum and this visual confirmation gives me a sense of victory over my acne issues.

Friday, September 11, 2009

**Update** Clarisonic Plus Malfunction

Ok so I ended up taking my Clarisonic Plus back to Sephora with my receipt despite the fact that it'd been way past the 60-day limit. They were so great and let me do an exchange and said they'd send the wonky Clarisonic PLUS back to the manufacturers themselves.

I waited to post an update just to be SURE everything was ok. So 1+ month into testing my new machine and all is well! It's gone strong on the 2 minute setting has been able to hold the charges with no issues :)

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Kinerase Clear Skin Treatment Serum $79 Review

This elegant, lightweight therapeutic serum contains a proprietary blend of plant based extracts to reduce blemishes and control oil while visibly calming and smoothing the skin. A professional-strength dose of kinetin also treats and prevents signs of aging.

Regular use can help prevent blemishes without the redness, irritation and peeling commonly associated with acne treatment regimens.
-per Kinerase website

The Verdict: D
I wanted this serum to work - I really did especially since the Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask worked so well. The thing is the serum did work. It has a runny consistency, is fast-absorbing and is non-oily but I did feel some slight stinging on areas of broken skin. Saw a pimple trying to set up camp on my cheek. I dabbed some of this serum right on the spot and the next morning - gone. Not even a trace of a blemish and my skin wasn't dry or peely.

Unfortunately, I just couldn't get over the funky cheesy foot smell. It's just horrible. My nostrils felt violated. If you value fresh oxygen and object to obtrusive malicious odors (cue siren and red light alarm) stay away! For the love of God stay away!

Another issue I had was the how the serum is dispensed. The best way to do it is to pump the product into the palm of your hand. I tried to pump a small drop onto the tip of my index and middle finger - big mistake! Stinky smelling goop squirted in all directions.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask $56 Review

I got to try a sample of this a while back but never got around to posting a review. So here it is!

The Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask ($56 for 2.8 oz) is a clay mask that treats acne-prone skin. It contains botanical extracts that draw out extra sebum and soothe the skin to minimize break outs. The mask is applied for only 5 minutes once a week and regular use will improve blemishes and conditions of acne-prone skin.

The Verdict: A-
The sample size I had only allowed me to use the mask once but I could feel immediate changes. All traces of oil and sebum were absorbed by the mask and some of my older acne scars were diminished and less discolored.

Even though I loved the results of the mask, it's meant for oilier skin than mine. I had to slather on moisturizer in order to rehydrate the skin on my cheeks/temples but for my T-zone this mask worked wonderfully.

I really am not doing justice to how impressed I was by this mask. Just go try a sample from Nordstrom and you'll see what I mean :)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

LUSH Tea Tree Toner Tab Review


I went to the salon and on the way back I tried to resist the sweet alluring smells wafting out of LUSH but I failed slightly. I say slightly because I only caved to 2 items: some toner tabs and a hair treatment tub. The other 2 are samples that the kind SA threw in :) I'll review all of these as I use them but for now I'll only be reviewing my spotlight item: LUSH Tea Tree Toner Tabs!


LUSH has 4 different types of toner tabs to address different skin conditions. I got the Tea Tree Toner Tabs to help soothe acne prone skin. They're $1.50 each (yikes!) or $7.95 for 6 tabs (smaller yikes!).

To use these, first boil a pot of water. Once the water has boiled, remove the water from the heat and drop in one of the tabs. Then place a towel over your head and let the tea tree steam seep into your skin. When the tab fizzles out the steaming is complete! Just pat skin dry and then finish with a moisturizer. The SA recommended allowing the tea tree water to cool and then pouring it into a spray bottle and to use it as a toner. I loved his idea for turning the tab into a multi-use product!



I have to admit 1 tab per pot of water seems rather wasteful to me. So I used this with my Conair Facial Steamer in my pre-masking ritual. I let the facial steamer heat up and then I just shaved off a about 1/4 of one toner tab into the water basin.

The Verdict: A
I know some people find the scent of Tea Tree oil to be quite pungent but I actually don't mind it. When I used it with my steamer I found the scent to be relaxing and spa-like. I'm not so sure about the effect of this for my skin though. My skin was all clammy after steaming so it was hard to gauge the benefits of incorporating the toner tab. However I'm confident all the antioxidants and tea tree oil goodness were busy working behind the scenes to beautify my skin :)

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment $98 Review


Description stolen from Sephora's website:
In a clinical study, Kinerase's revolutionary SNAP-8 neuropeptide was shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by 34.9% in 28 days. The added benefits of vitamin C, Kinetin, and green tea form a powerhouse antioxidant complex to provide the ultimate protective and restorative complexion treatment.

I tried this last March at Nordstom on my right hand and the results were immediate! All the little fine lines on the back of my hand were smoothed out and my pores were diminished too. So although I really really wanted to buy the stuff on the spot - I pulled in the reins and restrained myself. O and when I asked the SA to show me this product, she mentioned that my skin was too young to be concerned with wrinkles - I was so flattered! BUT unfortunately she was wrong.

I notice that when I crinkle my forehead, the lines that form take longer to disappear now then before. I took this as a sign that I need to take immediate action. I finally got some of this stuff during a Sephora promotion for 15% off and I've been testing this out to see the results.

The Verdict: B-
I apply this every night underneath my moisturizer on my forehead and neck area. I was tempted to just apply to half my forehead and half my neck so I could see the results and compare but I who wants to have half a wrinkly face? So I talked myself outta that terrible idea.

The consistency of this is a similar to a lotion. There is no greasy or oily feel and it's very fast absorbing. There is a very faint fragrance to it but I can't pinpoint what it is.

I've been using this for about 2 months now and I haven't been seeing the results I'd hope for. Although there was an immediate change in the first week of use, after that initial week I stopped noticing any changes. The changes themselves weren't as dramatic as I'd hoped (or witnessed on my hand) but the wrinkles I saw before were diminished a bit. The lines on my neck are much more diminished than the ones on my forehead. I would re-purchase for use on my neck but I need to look to another product for the baby lines on my forehead. I think this is most effective on deeper set wrinkles and mature skin.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Anticipating Shu Uemura's Tokyo Kamon Girls Collection


I got this teaser in my email yesterday about the upcoming Shu Uemura collection!

The Shu Uemura Powers collaborated with manga artist Moyoco Anno to design the limited edition Tokyo Kamon Girls Collection.


This is Moyoco herself - Isn't she lovely? I love her kimono! The colors and patterns are sooo gorgeous! Reminds me of origami paper.


The main focus of this collection are the Shu Cleansing Oils packaged with the Tokyo Kamon Girls motif. Each bottle is 450ml and represents an individual Kamon Girl with her own personality and an accompanying mini-story. From top to bottom:

TAMAKI(orange)
High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil
Strong willed and energetic, she has straight long hair and a fringe that is reminiscent of traditional images of Japanese female beauty. She lives in a luxurious mansion in one of Tokyo's most exclusive residential areas, Den-en-Chofu.

SAKURAKO(pink)
High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Fresh
She is a blossom of charm and purity. She sits in Tokyo's Ueno Park on her way back from her frend's wedding dressed in her best kimono and enjoying the stylish springtime tradition of viewing bursts of cherry blossoms at night. Moyocco Anno designed her to encapsulate all that is cute.

MATSUNO(green)
Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O
Reserved and elegant, she represents the subtle power of this design. A mature Japanese woman, she adores nature but is shy.

KATSURA(purple)
White Recovery EX+ Brightening Cleansing Oil
A coquettish women with side parted hair, she is flirtatious and is intent on stealing hearts from inside the kamon. She is mysterious and alluring.

TSURUHA(golden bottle)
High Performance Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula
A serene girl with bobbed hair, she represents happiness and fulfillment. She sparkles as she drifts through the streets of Tokyo attending a Kabuki performance with her mother and enjoying an afternoon of shopping in the Ginza district.


Personally, I could care less how these are packaged. The brush set and the train case are what I'm really looking forward to in this collection - Scroll down to take a peek!



I love the brushes themselves but I'm not feeling the color on the outside of the case or the lining on the inside. Now if they had designed the case with the lotus/gold foil look on the background of the teaser email and if they had lined it with the magenta-accent on Moyoco's kimono - I'd be drooling all over it.



What a beautiful train case~ I'm so addicted to them but it's so hard for me to commit to purchasing one. I'm always let down either by the look of the case, the construction quality, or how the shelves are on the inside. O and how could I forget the price. Train cases are hella-expensive!

I'm not feeling the way the shelves are only on 1-side of this train and I'm on the fence about the overall look of the case. I love the white on the outside - no problem with that, but white again on the inside? I wish there was more color. More color! Again I'm gonna have to see this baby in person.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Man Post - AHAVA Men and Molton Brown Cassia Energy Sport


I remember my mother using Ahava products when I was a child (and when they were still by mail order only) so when I saw this on the shelves at Bath&Body Works for 50% off I couldn't resist! I didn't want anything for myself because I have literally enough skincare stuff to last me until eternity but as a beauty addict, what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't lavish my Schmoopy with fantastic skincare products as well? Schmoopy is a metro-man but he could care less about fancy skincare products. Before me, he was quite satisfied with drugstore brands but I made him see the Matrix :)

I got him this small sampling of Ahava Men shaving products. The smell of the products is really nice. It does not smell like Old Spice but it is manly and it's not overpowering (i.e. I didn't smell Schmoopy coming down the hall from half a mile away).

I also couldn't resist getting him a sport body wash from Molton Brown - it smells so good! I'll review this after the AHAVA products.

About AHAVA
Products from Ahava are all derived from plants and minerals found in the Dead Sea. Yea, that's right - THE Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is considered nature's natural spa and it's waters contain the highest concentration of minerals in the world – an astounding 32%. The mineral mud of the sea bed yield extraordinary concentrations (ten times more than ocean water) of natural elements – such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, strontium, boron and iron – all of which are essential to maintaining healthy, supple skin. Even its water is unique, infused with useful proteins created by fossils and algae. Using scientific research they've studied the therapeutic effects of the Dead Sea minerals when applied to the skin and found them to be revitalising and effective. Ahava is also an environmentally-friendly brand. They utilize non-polluting and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes. They do not use animals in any product testing phase and all of Ahava product containers are recyclable plastic.

AHAVA Deep Cleansing Gel for Men $18

Micro-peeling, foaming gel eliminates impurities and deep cleans skin without drying. Prepares skin for shaving. Invigorating. Gently massage micro-peeling cleansing gel onto wet face in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water.

AHAVA Foam-free Silk Shave $19

This luxurious foamless shaving cream is enriched with Dead Sea minerals, vitamin E, Provitamin B5, and plant extracts including ginseng, ginger, ginkgo and dates. Specially designed to lift up, soften and condition individual hairs to achieve a comfortably close, even shave, and to leave skin soft, smooth and moisturized. Approved for Sensitive Skin. Hypoallergenic. Free of Parabens, SLS and Alcohol . Apply onto dampen skin and shave.

AHAVA Soothing After Shave Moisturizer $28

Dead Sea Minerals enrich this daily moisturizing cream. Alcohol free, it instantly addresses discomfort and irritation while smoothing fine lines. Antibacterial. Smooth onto clean, dry, shaven skin for instant absorption and relief. Avoid eye area.

The Verdict - AHAVA Men : A
Schmoopy was happy with all 4 items, not that he had a lot to compare to. He was impressed with the Soothing After Shave Moisturizer since it was alcohol free and did not sting his skin. He also liked the Foam-free Silk Shave because there was no foam, his skin was visible as he was shaving so he could see where he was placing his razor. The products did aid in shaving by softening his hairs and his skin was not irritated one bit. They also have a pleasant spicy scent that isn't overpowering.

Molton Brown Cassia Energy Sport Hair & Body Wash $24

This is just a simple body wash from Molton Brown. I know a lot of guys really like the scent Black Pepper, but I'm really not a fan and neither is Schmoopy. I really like this smell for a guy because it's refreshing and not floral or fruity.

This product is great for atheletic guys as it's a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that can be easily taken to the gym. Cassia is a spice related to cinnamon and it's scent helps relax muscles and has antiseptic properties making it the ideal natural deodoriser.

The Verdict - Molton Brown Cassia Energy Sport: A+
He loves this body wash! I think a lot of guys out there hate body washes because body washes usualy leave a filmy feeling. My Schmoopy loves this body wash because there is absolutely NO filmy feeling at all. In fact, he says he feels squeaky clean just like if he used a bar soap but his skin isn't dried out. He also says wash's deodorant effect really works. He has that "I just showered" smell for most of the day. This body wash is highly recommended by Schmoopy!