L'occitane Dry Skin Shea Butter Hand Cream Review

One more post and then I am done for the day. I reviewed a sample size of this hand cream but now that I have a big tube, figured it could get its own post. I actually bought this for my Mom but she ended up leaving it here so the rest is mine. I did  buy her another tube because she said she does like it,  I just had it shipped directly to her.

L'occitane claims:

This intensely nourishing and soothing hand cream with 20% shea butter is a true must-have for dry hands. Thousands already rely on this best-selling hand cream. Even in winter, your hands remain supple and moisturized.

Made in France

The shea butter hand cream contains 95% ingredients of natural origin as well as a high proportion of organic shea butter (20%) from fair trade and is therefore a must-have for your hands. It absorbs quickly and helps to intensively care for the skin, to protect it from external environmental influences and to balance the protective layer of the skin.

This best-selling hand cream is a true L'OCCITANE icon! Every 3 seconds*, a shea butter hand cream is sold worldwide.

Coconut and argan oil complement the rich effect of organic shea butter to even improve the care effect of this shea butter hand cream. The creamy texture absorbs quickly and gives the hands suppleness and a pleasant skin feeling without leaving a greasy film. After application, the shea butter hand cream leaves a delicate scent with notes of jasmine and ylang-ylang on the hands.

Starting with the scent. It smells nice. Almost smells like something you would use on a baby. Like baby wipes or something. The scent is mild and I didn't like it much at first but it's grown on me. It's not strong at all, very inoffensive but does linger.

One thing I like about the brand is that they use Shea Butter and tell you the percentage that's in the product. It's supposed to be fair trade shea butter which I hope it is. I also hope they pay more than a fair wage because their products are pretty pricey and the women that produce Shea Butter more than deserve it.

It comes in a recyclable metal tube. I like the packaging but it is a bit hard to squeeze out as you use more and more up. 

As for hydration...eh. If your skin is really dry this doesn't do much for it. If you have normal to slightly dry hands, it works. But the moisture doesn't last long. It's one of those that I feel I have to constantly re-apply. According the the brand they want you to use it every time you wash your hands. I tend to wash my hands a lot so if I did that I would run through this cream pretty quickly. 

It does absorb really quickly which is nice. You won't leave greasy spots everywhere. And if you need to type or use a computer you can. I do tend to like a bit of greasiness to a hand cream....but if you don't this might be for you. 

One thing I do notice is my nails are doing are staying strong and peeling a lot less. I was using a cuticle oil pretty faithfully but fell off and noticed my nails haven't started splitting and peeling like they usually do. 

Ingredients:

AQUA/WATER - BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER - GLYCERIN - COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE - CETEARYL ALCOHOL - GLYCERYL STEARATE - BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS (RAPESEED) STEROLS - ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL - COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL - HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL - PEG-100 STEARATE - HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER - CETEARETH-33 - CAPRYLYLYL GLYCOL - ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN - SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE - POLYSORBATE 60 - PENTYLENE GLYCOL - BETA-GLUCAN - TOCOPHEROL - PARFUM/FRANCE - LOOLINAL - CITRONELLOL - ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE - - LIMONENE

Overall, it's OK. I probably wouldn't repurchase it...unless I am buying a tube for my Mom but I would try the other hand creams L'occitane makes. 

L'occitane En Provence Amande/Almond Delicious Hands Cream Review

 More L'occitane. I just love trying things from this brand. It just seems like a quality brand with delicious scents-especially the Almond line. I still haven't tried much from them, but it is a brand I eventually plan to try a lot more from. I bought this in a set from QVC with the hand soap. It was one of their Christmas deals and each item ended up being about $15, which compared to their regular price is a bargain. 

Loccitane claims:

Soften hands and cuticles with the irresistible scent of almond.

This silky-smooth cream melts into your hands leaving them soft, moisturized and scented with the irresistible aroma of fresh almonds and warm vanilla. Infused with almond milk and sweet almond oil, this fast-absorbing hand cream offers 24-hour hydration¹ without any greasy residue.

 

A decadent multi-tasker, massage onto cuticles to leave them feeling softer and nails looking shinier.

High-quality, traceable almonds are sustainably sourced from our partner-producers in Provence and the MediterraneanBenefits Moisturizes dry skin Softenskin Delicately perfumesHelps nourish cuticles

Made in France

I really did pick this cream up for a bargain price- for just an ounce the retail price is $12.50. I have the larger once which is 5.2 ounces. So it will last forever. I have tried a sample of the original cream but I didn't really like the scent.  I also gifted the original to my Mom and she loves the scent/cream. Maybe I just need to try out the larger tube instead of a mini packet.

Back to the Almond cream though. I love the scent of the almond line from L'occitane. It reminds me of the original Almond line from The Body Shop that was discontinued years ago. It's just a nice (not foody), gentle scent that's a bit reminiscent of Almonds. But so much better. It's not even straight up Almond Extract which I also like. But I like this type of scent a little more. It's strong enough that you smell it, and it sticks around, but it's not obtrusive or offensive. Love the scent! It perfectly compliments the hand soap.

But it's on the lighter side. It's one of those hand creams that absorbs immediately and leaves no greasy marks anywhere. So perfect for at your work desk, or for driving. Or for those people that like a light, immediately absorbed cream. I usually like something a bit heavier though. It does make my hands look moisturized and my hands do feel a bit softer. It's also supposed to be good for your cuticles but I need to do a better job of rubbing hand cream into my cuticles though. I tend to just quickly put it on and move on.

Ingredients aren't my favorite. You can see the first three ingredients aren't that great- they are average and cheap. Then you have sunflower seed oil (cheap oil and why is it not Almond). It does have Shea Butter, which is a my favorite. And eventually you do get the Almond oil. There is Almond protein (?),  and Coconut Oil.

Ingredients:

AQUA/WATER - GLYCERIN - CETEARYL ALCOHOL - HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL - BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER - COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE - CORN STARCH MODIFIED - PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL - PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) PROTEIN - COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL - HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER - CETEARETH-33 - CAPRYLYL GLYCOL - CETYL ALCOHOL - XANTHAN GUM - MANNITOL - TOCOPHEROL - SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE - POLYSORBATE 60 - HYDROGENATED LECITHIN - CITRIC ACID - PARFUM/FRAGRANCE - LIMONENE - LINALOOL - COUMARIN

Almost forgot, they do get bonus points because the tube is a metal tube- easily recyclable! 

Overall, I like it. It's a nice light cream...but my preference is a heavier, thicker, richer cream. So I might not repurchase this particular one (even though it smells heavenly). I would recommend it though if a lighter cream is what you want or maybe you are looking for a summer hand cream.

Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme Review

 The last hand cream I had, I lost...have no idea where it could have gone. Last place I saw it was in the house so that's where I thought I would find it but nope! Maybe it's in one of my hand bags. In the meantime I just went ahead and opened this one from Aveda that has been waiting for me. 

Aveda claims:

A rich hand creme that intensely moisturizes, leaving hands feeling soft and smooth.

hand relief™ moisturizing creme

Treat your hardworking hands to this luxuriously rich hand creme, which intensely moisturizes and leaves hands feeling soft and smooth.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Andiroba oil and other plant hydrators help provide skin with long-lasting nourishment and moisture.

FREE FROM: Parabens, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Formaldehyde, Animal Ingredients, Paraffin, Lanolin & Synthetic Fragrance

The first thing I noticed was the scent. It's kinda like a mild citrus and cinnamon scent. I'm not a fan. It reminds me of the Hope Essential Oil Blend I had from Eden's Garden. Usually I'm not a fan of cinnamon scents and especially not mixed with anything citrus. As I've continued to use it the scent hasn't really bothered me. I think I'm getting used to it. 

The cream itself is rich and light. It absorbs into the skin super quickly. I can rub some right in and go to type on my keyboard without any worry of grease or oil. Or leaving fingerprints.  It also seems to last on my skin for awhile and really prevent some ash I can get in the winter. It even feels like it's providing some protection through hand washing. I especially like putting it on before I go outside. 

It has a lot of positive points- and I like it. But it's not my favorite. I don't really like the way it feels when it absorbs. My hands don't feel coated...but it feels like there something there. I think it might be the Dimethicone in it. Which I find interesting because I loved their shampoo and conditioner for the fact that it did not contain any dimethicone.

I also feel a little torn when looking through the ingredients. I usually like to see something more natural at the top, and although it does have quite a few oils hat are great for the skin, the top ingredients are not so great. They are pretty typical for what you would see in a drugstore hand cream or drugstore moisturizer.

Ingredients:

gredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Dioleate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Lactic Acid, Peg-100 Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Carapa Guaianensis (Andiroba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Citral, Limonene, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol <ILN45354>

Retail price is $26. I got mine for a bargain since it came in one of their sets. I think the list price is a little excessive. I wouldn't pay more than $15 for it. And that's being generous. Likely I won't repurchase because I think I would prefer a different formula and a different scent. 

Samples Review: L'occitane Dry Skin Shea Butter Hand Cream, Ultra Riche Face Cream, And Ultra Rich Body Cream

 I bought some L'occitane stuff for my mom for Christmas and got a few samples in the order. I've always meant to try more from their brand but the prices are kinda high...so I was happy to get some samples to try out. I'm pretty sure I've tried quite a bit of their samples before with other random orders but really don't remember if I liked them.

First up the hand cream. I really like having a good hand cream these days, I can't stand dry hands and so many hand creams I can put on and then step outside in the cold and see visible ash. This winter hasn't been so bad because I have been faithfully putting hand creams on. This kinda smells like baby wipes but it does work. It's not too greasy but you can feel it on working, it absorbs after a few minutes, and seems to last through the cold weather. I like it...but don't really like the scent. I might eventually buy the smaller size but I think I prefer the almond even though it's lighter because of the scent. I like that it's 20% Shea Butter. I haven't seen another hand cream that tells the percent of Shea in it.

The ultra rich face cream was nice. Very hydrating without making my oily skin look greasy. Makes your skin look healthy. I like it but not sure it's worth the price. Pure Shea Butter can do the same thing. It also smells of baby wipes. It has a high concentration of Shea. 

And lastly the body cream. Another with a high percentage of Shea Butter. The other samples lasted multiple uses- this only lasted one. It was very hydrating...but not sure it would be worth the cost unless you have really dry skin and have a hard time finding something where the moisture lasts. It also smells like baby wipes too. I think if I liked the scent more I would like this better. Probably wouldn't purchase the full size unless I was having severe dry skin issues. 

I do like that all of their Shea Line has Shea Butter high up in the ingredients (2nd after water) but if you really want to see the benefits of Shea Butter you should probably just get a tub of the unrefined stuff. It can be a little more effort to use and has the Shea scent (I like the nutty scent) but if you don't then maybe this is a good (but pricey alternative). 

The Body Shop Strawberry Hand Cream Review

 

Are there any great strawberry scented bath and body products that you've come across? I always find the Strawberry scent is never spot on. The Body Shop is close. I can recognize the scent as strawberry...when I think about it. Anyway, I seem to be collecting hand creams and this is the newest one to my collection. It was on sale..that's why.

The Body Shop claims:

Perfect for on-the-go hydration, don't leave home without this handcream. Infused with the scent of fruity strawberry, the light, gel-cream formula absorbs quickly, helping to soften and protect the hands.

• Hand cream
• Nourishes hands
• Light, non-greasy texture
• Leaves hands feeling softer and smoother
• Hands and cuticles will be left feeling silky soft
• Convenient travel size
• Cold-pressed strawberry seed oil
• Community Fair Trade shea from Ghana

Made in Thailand

I think I paid 2 or 3 dollars for it...unfortunately don't think it's worth even that. The Body Shop used to make one of my favorite hand creams. The Hemp one was the best thing ever for dry hands. I really should get another tube and see if it's the same. 

Anyway, the strawberry scent. This is one of the better Strawberry scents, I can see why it's called Strawberry. And I'm sure it smells like some type of strawberry, just not the ones I am used to getting in the store. It's also surprisingly strongly scented. I don't remember past Body Shop products using quite so much fragrance. But I don't mind it. If you like the scent...at least it's strong. 

It really sticks to your hands too. 

The texture is kinda different-it's a cream gel. Lately they have really been experimenting with their textures but I like the old school formulas better. I don't need a gel anything unless it's in the summer or for my oily face. 

But the moisture...almost non-existent. This might be ok for people with non-dry hands- but then why use hand cream? I just don't think it does much of anything. And especially not in color weather. It's ok to use before going to bed. Then I feel like I wake up and my hands are slightly softer but as soon as I wash my hands, the effect is gone.

I was kind of shocked to see this was made in Thailand. Back in the day, all of their products were made in the UK. I've seen some of the more recent stuff made in Germany. Interesting. 

Some decent ingredients but mostly towards the end so only in small quantities. Not really impressed with this ingredient list.

Ingredients:

Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Sodium Polyacrylate, Parfum, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycine Soja Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Fragaria Ananassa Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cinnamal, Citric Acid, Caramel, CI 14700.

Overall, not for me. 

J.R. Watkins Coconut and Honey Hand Cream Review

 I feel like I'm starting a mini collection of hand creams, which is good because lately my hands have been drier and drier. I hate when my hands are dry....

J.R. Watkins claims:

Our hand cream nourishes and hydrates hands to leave them feeling soft and smooth. Made with shea butter, cocoa butter, and avocado oil. 

Made in USA

I'm not sure the formula of this is stable, which is why I am trying to use it up as quickly as possible. I have the little sampler size and when I opened the little container it was all separated. There was a chunk of something- maybe Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter, and liquid. Whatever they used to emulsify it isn't working. Either that or it's older and past expiration. 

I'm not sure. Since it's such a small amount I have been trying to stir and pound it back together and use it anyway. First thing I noticed was the fruity scent. It smells nice..not what I was expecting when I was thinking Coconut and Honey but it is a nice happy, uplifting scent. Doesn't stick around long though. 

Surprisingly it is pretty hydrating without being greasy. I wouldn't say it's all day moisture but good for something light that you can re-apply without issue through out the day. I like it! 

I also like that it's not full of mineral oil, petrolatum, silicones and other cheapie ingredients that do nothing but feel heavy and greasy on the skin. 

Ingredients:

Water/aqua/eau, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), glyceryl stearate SE, stearic acid, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, cetearyl alcohol, fragrance/parfum*, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, Orbignya oleifera seed oil, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium behenoyl lactylate, beeswax/cera alba/cire d’abeille, allantoin, panthenol, glycerin, honey extract/mel/extrait de miel, Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, Tilia cordata flower extract, Centaurea cyanus flower extract, Anthemis nobilis flower extract, Hypericum perforatum extract, tocopheryl acetate, benzyl alcohol, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, sodium hydroxide *100% natural fragrance / Parfum 100 % naturel

I'm curious about the full size...does it have separation issues? Not sure... I do like it and kinda recommend it. Sort of. Maybe not.  List price is fair at 8.99 per tube. The reviews on Amazon seem to indicate most people got an intact product. 

Burt's Bees Hand Salve Review

 

I'm not big into hand cream but I hate having dry hands. Which I usually have in the Winter time. But wintertime is behind us and my hands are in better condition (kinda)...so probably not the best time to review a hand cream....or maybe it is? Especially since I think this is really meant as a gardening hand cream.

Burt's Bees claims:

BURT’S BEES HAND SALVE: With Burt’s Bees natural beeswax hand salve, give your hands the break they deserve with this naturally moisturizing hand balm that revitalizes tough, dried out skin; Package may vary

MOISTURIZER BALM: Burt’s Bees natural beeswax hand salve for dry skin keeps hands soft, smooth and moisturized with sweet almond oil that can also be used on elbows, knees and feet

ALL NATURAL: Formulated with lavender oil, eucalyptus and rosemary extract, Burt’s Bees 100% natural beeswax hand salve soothes skin and is formulated without phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS

OINTMENT: Treat skin with Burt’s Bees beeswax hand salve ointment that keeps skin healthy looking and smelling fresh with a natural, herbal scent that appeals to both men and women

SKIN CARE: Intended for daily use, warm a small amount of Burt’s Bees natural beeswax hand salve in your palm and gently massage into skin before and after outdoor activities

Moisturize your rough, dry hands with 100% natural Burt's Bees Hand Salve. Brimming with botanical oils, herbs and beeswax, this classic hand salve offers skin the hydration it craves with serious nourishment. The light herbal scent makes this moisturizer perfect for both men and women. The travel size tin fits in a pocket or purse for on the go hydration anytime, anywhere. For best results, use the salve daily before and after gardening or any other activity that can be harsh on your hands.

The list price on it is $8.99 for 3 oz. I got the mini size in a little sampler set and at first I wasn't sure it would be enough- but I think it is. It has a decent amount of applications. 

First thing I noticed was that it's truly a salve. Almost like a slightly harder petroleum jelly. I think this is my first hand cream that comes in this texture.

Second thing I noticed was the scent. It smells like Essential oil. Exactly like what's in it- Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary. One of my favorite combinations. And smells just like if I mixed the essential oils myself. It's quite an aromatherapy experience. 

A little goes a long way. And it's kinda greasy but not greasy greasy.  I can put it on and type on my computer without leaving grease all over the place. The first time I used it I really liked it. It really seemed to soften my hands but it never seemed to work the same after the first application. 

The instructions make it seem like it's something you want to use exclusively for gardening...the oils would be good for keeping bugs away so I can see why. 

It kinda works..it does add something to your hands...I'm just not sure it's my favorite texture. I think my preference is more a cream and something that contains water. I guess because it almost feels like adding oil to your hands that coat your hands and it's soft on the outside but dryer on the inside. Odd way to describe it and it doesn't do it as bad some other hand lotions/creams I have used.

I think it probably works best if your hands are kinda damp but I don't always use it directly after washing my hands. It also tends to live next to my computer and not in my bathroom because that's where I am mostly likely notice I need some hand cream. 

I love that it comes in an easily recycled tin. My favorite kind of packaging. Although sometimes it's hard to open. I don't mind though.

Ingredients are nice. All natural...I think I would prefer another main oil than Sweet Almond. It does have sunflower and soybean in it, which I think are what gives that "coated" yet dry feeling. I'm not the biggest fan of those two oils. At least they are lower down.

Ingredients:

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Beeswax, Fragrance, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Canola Oil, Limonene, Linalool

Overall, it's not bad but I don't think I would buy it again. Glad I got to try it in the mini. Now I really want to try the Almond one but it's not in my local store. Bummer.

Lush Sweet Wild Orange Hand Balm Review

 I bought this on my trip to the states so thew writing is in English. Yay for being able to read it! Anyway, I was roaming around the store in VA and determined to get something but not sure what. I wanted to wait for the Christmas sale to see what I could get half off...so that was more limiting as that took out all of the Holiday stuff. Eventually I settled on this hand cream. My hands stay dry in the winter, most of the time I can put some lotion on, walk out, and my hands are ashy again. So I was hoping this would help me out.

Lush claims:

This sweet wild orange and organic aloe vera gel formula sinks in quick to refresh and soothe hands.

This light balm is made with a blend of nourishing almond oil, coconut oil and glycerine to hydrate and soothe dry, over-washed skin. The refreshing scent of sweet wild orange oil will make you smile, while the balm sinks in quickly for a non-greasy finish. Don’t you love it when your hands smell like freshly peeled oranges?

Our fair trade organic cocoa butter is grown by farmers in eastern Congo (DRC). We pay a premium that allows them to invest in their local communities.So like I said the scent is amazing. It smells so good. If you like citrus scents, you will 100% love the scent of this. The scent strength is perfect for me too, it's not too strong and not too light either. It also lingers pleasantly. It's almost like a mood booster, aromatherapy in a hand cream.

As for moisture, if you like quick absorbing hand creams that won't have you leaving greasy prints everywhere (phone, computer, etc) this does absorb very easily and it's not greasy at all. It really feels like a moisture boost when you put it on, but after a few moments it feels a little strange on my hands. I can't really describe it well, but I don't really like it as much as some other hand creams I've used. Why hands are soft, they just feel moisturized but still dry on the inside?  That doesn't really make sense though.

It isn't a heavy duty hand cream. It doesn't stand up as well in wintery-dry-cold conditions. My hands don't look as dry as they would if I used something else or skipped it entirely, but it could be better. Especially when you consider the $22 price tag. 

I think it's just more suitable for summer/spring. 

It comes in a tub, which is a little odd for a hand cream. Not sure I've ever had one packaged this way but I'm kinda OK with it because it's in the packaging you can collect and return so when you have 5 pots, you can return it and get a free face mask. 

The ingredients are great, they are as you would expect from Lush. I love that it has fair trade ingredients. It's important that everyone get fair wages and I try to support that when possible. That's the way the world should be. I do also love that it contains so many great for your skin ingredients. Aloe, Cocoa, Shea, Orange oil, Macadamia oil, Almond, Wheat germ.....I do feel like all those ingredients do help your hands overtime, minor cuts will heal quickly. Also, for some reason it seems to make my nails look amazing and I have noticed they look healthier and growing longer since using this regularly. 

The orange color is fun and it's nice that Lush used an alternative/more natural colorant. I hope they continue with that in future products.

Ingredients:

Fair Trade Aloe Vera Gel, Water, Squalane, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Sweet Wild Orange Oil, Limonene, Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate, Almond Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Macadamia Nut Oil, Fair Trade Shea Butter, Fair Trade Cocoa Butter, Soybean Oil, Sodium Alginate, Wheatgerm Oil, Paprika Oleorsin, Vitamin E, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alchohol, Citral, Linalool 

Overall, I think it would be a nice summer hand cream, but I don't really need a summer hand cream. It would probably be a good for work hand cream as well. But..I don't need that either. I do really love the scent but for the price point it isn't perfect for me, and it needs to be at $22.. I am really glad I tried it and I don't feel like I wasted my money, but I probably wouldn't repurchase.

Sephora Cucumber Hand Masks Review

 Good Girls is back on! We spent the weekend getting caught up on the show, I'm happy it's back cause .....Rio. But I'm not really happy with the character development or lack of it. Why is Annie, Beth, AND Ruth having the exact same issues they had season 1?  But even with that I'm still happy it's back and waiting for it to pick up. In the meantime, hand masks! My sister got this along with the Watermelon mask for me for my birthday. I've been meaning to try one of these so was very excited to see it. 

Sephora claims:

A feast for the senses with naturally derived active ingredients for soft hands
Our hand masks consist of 92% ingredients of natural origin and are enriched with vegetable extracts. They care for the heavily exposed skin of the hands. The hands are always the first to be exposed to stresses such as temperature changes or frequent washing. Therefore, they need special attention during care. Sephora Collection has designed these soaked care gloves for use like a mask so that they have enough time to make your hands incredibly soft.

Two super active ingredients for hand regeneration
Regenerating and nourishing or protective and moisturizing? The choice is yours. Our hand masks are super effective for the immediate calming of dry hands.
Your secret? Carefully selected super active ingredients that are precisely tailored to the needs of the skin on the hands:

- Cucumber*: The cucumber is a vegetable known for its high content of amino acids and minerals. It contains a lot of water, which makes it the ideal ingredient for moisturizing dry hands!

Fast-acting hand masks
The gel texture of the hand masks from the Sephora Collection regenerates the skin within 15 minutes and leaves the hands soft, supple and well-groomed.

The little fashion detail on our hand masks
The care gloves are waterproof, so you can stay active while wearing them. In addition, they are decorated in the colors of their active ingredients. They feel so good that you don't want to take them off anymore!

GOOD FOR YOU
At least 90% ingredients of natural origin

Made in Korea

My hands tend to get really dry in the winter/spring. More so now that I'm using hand sanitizer a lot more than I used to. The alcohol really takes a toll on your hands. I was saving this masks...but then I figured might as well use it while I'm still having dry hands...I'm usually good in summer.

It's the same concept as the sheet masks. You put the gloves on and keep them on for 15 minutes. It acts like an occlusive and keeps your hands in contact with the gel/essence to really hydrate. But is it really better than your favorite hand creme?

Well...no. 

It is cucumber. And smells like most cucumber scented beauty things. And also something else I can't describe. But it's there and not really pleasant. In saying that, I have never been a fan of cucumber scented stuff. I can't think of a cucumber scent I've tried in the past that I liked- maybe the Dove Cucumber and Green tea scent. But that's it. I am interested in cucumber extract, just because of how great for the skin cucumbers are.

So besides the skin I was kind of surprised at the actual glove. They are kinda cute. But honestly a little wasteful for a single use product. The gel/essence is a lot like what you find in the facial sheet masks. A clear serum. 

After taking the gloves off, my hands were sticky. It took about a half hour for it to absorb and not be so sticky. And still my hands don't look or feel as soft as if I used my favorite hand cream. Or a cheaper DIY hand mask you could make yourself with some hand cream or rich lotion/body butter and gloves. Cotton gloves would be best. You can wash and re-use. Or cleaning gloves. You can do the treatment while you clean with those big rubber gloves! 

You can save the gloves and use them again until the essence dries out. I stuck my hand into the glove I used yesterday and there's still quite a bit of of the essence left. 

The ingredients claim to be clean...but I think that's just marketing. 

Ingredients:

Aqua (water) - Glycerin - Butylene Glycol - Propanediol - Alcohol - Betaine - 1,2-Hexanediol - Saccharide Isomerate - Hydroxyacetophenone - Arginine - Carbomer - Perfume (fragrance) - Sodium Hyaluronate - Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer - Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate - Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate - Camellia Japonica Flower Extract - Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer - Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract - Citric Acid - Sodium Citrate.

Overall, I'm really happy I tried it and I'm happy to have received it as a gift. But..I think a good hand cream or a DIY option reigns supreme over this. 

Samples Review: Trish Mcevoy Blackberry and Vanilla Musk Hand Cream, 100 Eau De Parfum, and Correct and Brighten Weekly Peel

More samples. I got these after I ordered a Trish Mcevoy Brush from Neiman Marcus(trying to branch out from always buying MAC bushes!) A week later I received an email asking if I would want to try some samples and of course I said yes. Who turns down free samples? They sent a decent selection too in quite nice packaging.

1. Trish Mcevoy Blackberry and Vanilla Musk Enriched Hand Cream-  I don't think I liked the hand cream much. It smells like a fragrance oil I ordered from a company a couple of years ago. Exactly like it. It was either a Blackberry Vanilla oil or Blackberry Sage. I can't remember exactly what it was now but I know I'm not a big fan of the scent. I used to use it as a fragrance oil and I guess I'm just kind of over the scent. Sometimes it feels hydrating, other times my hands feel oily but dry if that makes sense. And one time I put it on and noticed not even half an hour later my hands were dry again. My favorite hand cream was the one from The Body Shop. The hemp hand cream. I would recommend that over this.

2. Trish Mcevoy 100 Eau De Parfum Review- I was in love at first spray with this perfume. But the more I used it the more I felt so-so about it. I still do really ,really like it though. I just don't love it as much as that first day. It reminds me of the Oscar De La Renta perfume. But a bottle of this will run you $210. I think it smells pretty good. But not $210 good. I could see myself purchasing the little pen spray but never the full size bottle. It's a strong one and seems to last through the day. The little sample spray lasted me 4+ days. I think it's safe to say it's my favorite of the things received. 

3. Trish Mcevoy Correct and Brighten Professional Strength Multi-Acid Weekly Peel- I recently switched up my skin routine. And I've noticed smoother and brighter skin. But I was still excited to try out a one and done peel pad. These pads will run you $126 for 12 pads. That's 12 weeks of pads since you are supposed to use 1 a week. Way out of my price range. But I'll try anything for free! You just swipe it over the skin-they are fragrance free and not very liquidy. Like I said my skin is a lot smoother and brighter lately, so I didn't think this would do much and I was right. Maybe it slightly dissolved some clogged skin on my nose. But I also noticed increased texture on my skin. It just didn't do much of anything for my skin for me to ever justify purchasing them. I have the other pads to try out but I'm saving those for the next sample review I do. 

The perfume was my favorite of the bunch and I am definitely interested in trying out more of those except maybe the Blackberry. I could leave the hand cream and the weekly peels right where they are though.

Have you tried anything from Trish Mcevoy's line? 

Deep Steep Rosemary Mint Moisture Stick Review

I'm a big fan of Deep Steep scrubs. They have a whole range of products and sometimes I run across them in TJ MAXX. Usually the hand soaps and body butters. I had never seen the moisture stick and snatched it right up. I got it for $1.99 but the retail for it is anywhere from $3-5 which is quite pricy.

Deep Steep claims:

Deep Steep’s Moisture Stick is rich in hydrating oils and butters to target dry areas while herbal extracts tone and strengthen.  Formulated to melt on contact with the heat from your skin, the Moisture Stick glides on easily and hydrates even the driest skin.  Apply to any area of the skin need of extra moisture.

Rosemary Mint is a new scent combination for me. I like mint, and I like Rosemary. When they are combined, I find sometimes I really love the scent and sometimes I think it's just OK. It kind of almost medicinal. Rosemary and mint are supposed to repel bugs so sometimes I like to think this gives a little extra protection etc. I wouldn't rely on this solely because the scent doesn't last, but I haven't been bit yet. The mosquitos aren't too bad here yet though and I don't spend a ton of time outdoors and uncovered.

The stick itself is very soft and kind of oily, but it sinks in pretty quickly and makes my skin soft. You can use it anywhere and it's easy to travel with since you only get half an ounce. I've used it as lip balm, on cuticles, dry hands/feet, knees, elbows...just everywhere!

Deep Steep is not tested on animals, which is always nice! 

I love the ingredients. All natural and all kinds of great herbal extracts. 

Ingredients:

Glycine Soja (Soy) oil (organic), Infusion of Organic Herbs, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Geranium Maculatum (Geranium) Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Beeswax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (organic), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (organic), Aroma (Organic and Wildcrafted) Essential Oil Blend, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E)

Overall, it was just OK for me. Not a must have. I almost feel like I can make my own Rosemary-Mint  Mixture with just some Coconut Oil, Mint Essential Oil, and Rosemary Essential Oil for a much better price or just stick with my Cocoa Butter stick for the price. If you are a fan of the Rosemary Mint scent it does come in body wash, dry oil, hand wash, and hand scrubs. 

Have you tried anything from Deep Steep?

Samples Review: Ahave Mineral Hand Cream, Ahava Mineral Body Lotion, Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

Round two of reviewing products that I would no longer purchase but am not going to throw away the samples I have! I have switched to mostly natural products but I have a decent sample collection and figured that as I use them I would do mini reviews. Of course, I only used these mini sizes for a little while so I can't tell you of any long term effects.

Ahava Mineral Hand Cream - When my parents went to Israel they brought back a few things from Ahava. This was included. I had always seen the brand in TJ Maxx and really wanted to try them. I love trying products from other countries, especially if they have some sort of "magic ingredients". To be honest though, the ingredients aren't that great and I doubt there is enough dead sea water in it to make a difference. It did make my hands feel nice for about an hour after I applied but I could not take the heavy perfume old lady scent. The ingredients and the price lead me to say...SKIP IT!

Ahava Mineral Body Lotion-

Again with the heavy overpowering scent. I was really hoping it would have a different scent. On top of the offensive scent (to my nose), it doesn't really hydrate the skin. My skin felt nice and then about an hour later it was parched. My skin doesn't usually dry out like that on it's own so I'm pretty sure it was just this. The ingredients aren't great...it has like three nice ingredients lower down in the list. Overall, I really disliked this. 

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

I got this product sample in a store. Ive actually tried a couple different Origins masks. I don't have dehydrated skin but a little extra moisture never hurt anyone. Also I find moisturizing my skin intensely helps to keep some of the oil away. First off I really like the scent...it smells like apricots and plants. It goes on pretty nicely and my skin looks plump and healthy after application and when I wake up in the morning. It didn't clog my skin up but I only tested the sample size. The ingredient list is very mixed. It has some nice natural stuff in it but it's not ALL natural. I hate that they don't post the ingredients on the website but overall I liked it. It is very expensive though...not sure it would be worth the cost.

And that's all I have for now!! 

Sidenote: Have you seen the latest Game of Thrones episode...I literally shed tears. And I'm so mad I have to wait a whole year for the next season...Gr. Maybe I'll start reading the fourth book to tide me over.