Since the summer season in the Northeast US is on its way, I wanted my pasty skin to be gone, so I figured it was time to give their products a try.

I’ve used so many self tanners over the years, and the ones I always return to provide an even tan and a relatively easy tanning process.

Isle of Paradise products looked like they could provide both of these benefits, so I purchased several Isle of Paradise self tanning products for the face and body.

I will discuss my experience with the self-tanning products I purchased in this Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Review.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Isle of Paradise Review

When I came across Isle of Paradise products, I was immediately attracted to the cute packaging but wondered what set them apart from every other self tanner out there.

Turns out quite a bit. Not only do they have innovative formulas (tanning water!), but they also use color-correcting actives in all of their products.

Isle of Paradise products are made from certified organic ingredients, actives formulated at ideal pH levels, hypoallergenic ingredients, and pure oils.

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

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While you can use Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops for both face and body, I purchased Isle of Paradise Medium Self Tanning Drops intending to use them for my face, saving the tanning water for my body.

In the MEDIUM products, green color-correcting actives cancel out red tones to produce a medium golden tan. Unsurprisingly, the medium shade is Isle of Paradise’s best-selling shade that enhances all skin tones.

Mix with Moisturizer

The instructions on the bottle say that you can mix 1-12 drops with your favorite moisturizer. The more drops you use, the deeper your tan.

The formula is somewhat of a running gel that incorporates well with moisturizers.

Their website notes that you can also mix it with oils, serums, or foundations, but I stick to mixing it with my moisturizer, which works well for my skin.

For my light skin tone, 2-3 drops are added to the last step of my skincare routine (moisturizer) at night. This gives me a beautiful natural golden tan that lasts a few days.

I only need to use these drops 2-3 times per week, depending on how much I am exfoliating my skin.

This is a nice break from self-tanning every evening with Clarins Liquid Bronze Self-Tanning lotion that I’ve been using for several years.

The Isle of Paradise drops are definitely more potent, as the Clarins self-tanner tends to fade faster.

Isle of Paradise equates the shade desired to the number of drops used:
3 drops = radiance
6 drops = sun-kissed
9 drops = golden
12 drops = bronze

How many drops you’ll need depends on your skin tone. Color should develop within 4-6 hours.

With these Isle of Paradise drops and all self-tanning products, be sure to wash your hands after application to avoid unwanted stains on your palms and in between your fingers!

I love the natural-looking golden color that I get from the drops.

My skin looks so much healthier, and imperfections like dark circles are minimized. It fades evenly and lasts longer than other facial self-tanners that I’ve used. I love these drops!

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water

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Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water has no guide colors, so while it doesn’t block pores or transfer onto bed sheets or clothes, you need to ensure that the tanning water is spread evenly across your skin.

I purchased Self Tanning Water in Medium, which is scented with Isle of Paradise’s signature cucumber and eucalyptus scent. I use it on my arms, legs, chest, and abdomen after moisturizing really well.

That’s the trick to avoid streakiness or splotches on particularly tricky areas like knees, ankles, elbows, hands, and feet.

While Isle of Paradise notes that you can use this self-tanning water to set makeup, I prefer to tan my face using the drops mixed with moisturizer at night on my face.

I use several sprays of the tanning water over large areas to ensure my skin is saturated. I’ll blend either with my hands if I am in a hurry or their tanning applicator mitt with sweeping circular motions for an even application.

I can’t get over how natural this color looks, especially on my pale untanned arms and legs. This is really giving my recent favorite, St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, a run for its money.

The tanning water is effortless to use as well. I’ll use it a few times a week to touch up my color and just make sure to wash my hands well after application.

NOTE: If it’s summer or the weather is particularly hot, you can store the tanning water in the fridge and enjoy a cool mist when you spray it on your skin.

Isle of Paradise Hyglo Self-Tan Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

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Isle of Paradise Hyglo Self-Tan Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrating self-tanning face serum.

Formulated for all skin types, this self tan serum contains good-for-your-skin ingredients plus self tanner for a golden glow.

It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and plumping, grapefruit oil to brighten and calm the skin, and avocado oil, rich in vitamins A and C, to support skin elasticity.

Directions say to use between 4 to 12 drops on your face. I apply this self-tanning serum to my clean face in the evening.

I decided to start with 4 drops on my face and 2 drops on my neck to see the effects on my light complexion.

This amount of product every other night or a few nights a week (4 drops on my face and 2 drops on my neck) hydrates well, provides a lovely golden glow, and fades really evenly.

It sinks in quickly and doesn’t interfere with other skincare products.

You may have to try a few different dropper amounts to get the optimal results for your skin tone.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Butter

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Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Butter is a gradual self-tanning body butter that uses Isle of Paradise’s color-correcting technology to even out skin tone.

It contains coconut oil, rich in fatty acids, to smooth and hydrate the skin. Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E and helps to improve skin elasticity.

Chia seed oil is rich in fatty acids and helps to support a healthy skin barrier. Eucalyptus leaf oil has antibacterial properties, while peppermint oil refreshes the skin.

This self-tanning butter is a little thicker than a body lotion and has a subtle shimmer. Like any other self-tanner, you need to make sure that it is blended well to avoid any streaks or discoloration.

After one use, it provided a lovely golden tan to my pale skin. It does have that fake tan smell, but that goes away after your next shower.

This is a great choice if you want a 2-in-1 body product. You get an excellent body moisturizer thanks to the rich body butter formula and a sunless tan, too!

Related Post: The Best Drugstore Mineral Sunscreens

Isle of Paradise Night Glow Self-Tan Face Mist

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Isle of Paradise Night Glow Self-Tan Face Mist is an oil and water bi-phase self-tanning night mist.

This means it is separated into two layers: a hyaluronic acid and glycerin base to hydrate and moisturize and a jasmine oil phase to brighten and soothe the skin.

When you shake the bottle, you mix the layers and achieve a potency that otherwise couldn’t be achieved.

Like the other Isle of Paradise products, the mist is formulated with DHA, an active ingredient that tans your skin.

The DHA in the formula will give you a natural-looking tan and glowing complexion by morning. It’s suitable for normal, combination, oily, and acne prone skin types.

The natural oils, including ylang-ylang, jasmine, and lavender oils, have a relaxing and soothing scent to support a good night’s sleep.

Like the rest of Isle of Paradise products, this self-tanning night mist is clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Key Ingredients

• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): DHA is a sugar-derived compound that interacts with the amino acids on the skin’s surface to produce a browning reaction. DHA is considered safe for topical use by the FDA.
• Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that helps the skin retain moisture and supports a healthy skin barrier. It is non-irritating and helps to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
• Sodium Hyaluronate: A natural substance in the body, sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) is a powerful moisture-binding ingredient that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It plumps the skin, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to reduce inflammation.
• Jasmine Oil: Jasmine oil is an emollient that helps soothe and soften the skin and has antiseptic properties.
• Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is a light, non-greasy oil rich in Vitamin E and linoleic acid. It also has skin-protective antioxidant benefits.
• Argan Oil: Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. It helps to moisturize, protect and improve the elasticity of the skin.
• Organic Chia Seed Oil: Chia seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. It helps to reduce inflammation, hydrate the skin and protect it from environmental damage.
• Organic Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E and moisturizing fatty acids. It even has antioxidant benefits, thanks to its vitamin E content. These nutrients work together to soothe, protect and repair the skin.
• Organic Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a rich, natural emollient that helps to hydrate and protect the skin. It helps to hydrate and nourish the skin and is a rich oil, ideal for dry skin types.
• Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: Aloe vera is a natural plant extract with anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. It helps to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
• Ascorbic Acid: Ascorbic acid, otherwise known as pure vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It also helps to brighten the skin and even out skin tone.
• Panthenol: Panthenol is a form of vitamin B5 used to soothe and moisturize the skin.

As you can see, the ingredient list reads like a skincare product with many soothing and moisturizing actives.

There are several essential oils and added fragrance in this self tanning mist, so be sure to patch test before using it on your face for the first time.

Isle of Paradise Night Glow Self-Tan Face Mist Review

I’ve had great luck with Isle of Paradise tanning products and couldn’t wait to try this night tanning mist, especially since my holy grail face self-tanner is no longer available (Clarin Liquid Bronze).

I’m not a huge fan of face mists, so I wasn’t sure how much I would like this. I have to say, it is so incredibly easy to use.

Just shake the bottle to mix the two layers: the top 1/3 or so of the bottle is a lavender shade, and the bottom 2/3 is a sea blue shade. Once mixed, the formula turns all blue.

The color builds gradually, so if you only use a few sprays as directed, it’s very difficult to get wrong, especially as it is the last step of your skincare routine.

Just massage it into your moisturized skin, wash your hands, and you’re done.

I can see myself using this nightly (like I did with Liquid Bronze) because the color takes time to deepen, and I regularly exfoliate my skin, which works to slough away dead skin cells and any self-tanner on my skin.

The tanning mist has a relaxing herbal scent which is perfect in the evening when you want to wind down. I think this would be an ideal facial self-tanner for those with normal to dry skin.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, I would be sure to patch test before using, as it contains some oils like avocado and coconut oil, which are considered comedogenic and could clog your pores. (So far, I have had no breakouts while using this on my slightly oily skin.)

Overall, I’m very pleased with the Isle of Paradise NightGlow Self-Tan Face Mist and will continue to use it as part of my regular skincare routine.

It’s easy to use, has a nice scent, and gives my light skin a natural-looking bronze glow.

How To Use Isle of Paradise Night Glow Self-Tan Face Mist

Complete your usual evening skincare routine and use this self-tanning mist as the last step of your routine. Shake well to mix the two layers of the self tanner.

Close your eyes and mist 2-3 spritzes onto your face. Gently massage into your skin, and be sure to wash your hands after you finish applying the self-tanner.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops

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Since I really like Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Face Drops, I had to try Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops are customizable self-tanning drops formulated with nourishing skin-loving actives for firmer-looking skin.

Skin firming? Sign me up!!

These actives smooth, hydrate, tighten, and brighten your skin while providing you with that long-lasting Isle of Paradise natural-looking glow:

• Caffeine: Helps reduce the look of uneven skin tone
• Baobab: Soothes irritation and contains nourishing vitamins, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants
• Aloe and Oat Extracts: Gentle plant-derived ingredients that soothe your skin and replenish your moisture barrier

You can mix the drops with your body moisturizer for a tan that develops in 4 to 6 hours and lasts up to five days.

Remember to exfoliate before self-tanning to ensure that your tan fades evenly without any patchiness.

NOTE: While you can use Self Tanning Natural Glow Face Drops on your body, since it comes in a smaller 1 oz bottle, I save those drops for my face.

How To Use Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops

• Add 6+ drops to a minimum of 2 ml (½ teaspoon) of your favorite body moisturizer. Mix, and apply to your skin.
• Apply evenly to each area of your body and wash your hands after applying to avoid staining your palms.
• Remember that the formula is concentrated and should always be mixed with your moisturizer as directed.
• These Isle of Paradise tanning drops have no guide color, so there won’t be any transfer, but be sure to wait until your moisturizer has fully absorbed into your skin before putting your clothes on.

Just like the face self-tanning drops, the body drops are super easy to use. I add a few drops to whichever moisturizer I use, whether lightweight or richer in consistency.

The drops provide the same natural-looking golden glow that really does fade evenly. If I want a deeper tan, I add a few more drops. If I want a lighter tan, I only add a few drops. So easy!

Yes, these body self tanning drops are pricier than other body self-tanners, and you also need to use a moisturizer with them, but for a customizable tan, this is one of the best self-tanners that I’ve tried.

About Isle of Paradise

Isle of Paradise was launched by Jules Von Hep, a celebrity tanning expert who has worked in the tanning industry for over 10 years. You can’t help but be drawn in by Jules’s focus on self-love, inclusivity, and body positivity. It’s uplifting and like a breath of fresh air.

After working with clients and applying color corrective makeup like powders and concealers after applying spray tans, he decided to combine color corrective technology with self tanning into one product that could be used at home.

The products are scented with eucalyptus and peppermint, inspired by Jules’ time spent in Australia.

In addition, the products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and organic.

When they say their products are organic, they mean that the products are formulated with plant-derived and naturally occurring ingredients, including the purest non-toxic synthetic ingredients that are necessary for the formulas. Isle of Paradise products are made WITHOUT parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, petrolatum, sulfates, gluten, GMOs, and toxins.

Color Correction

What is color correction? Color correcting occurs when colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel cancel each other out. In the beauty world, this would happen when orange-hued concealer cancels blue-toned under-eye circles.

Color-correcting actives are used at a base level in all Isle of Paradise products to brighten skin, reduce redness, and even out hyperpigmentation and other discolorations. In the MEDIUM products I purchased, green color-correcting actives cancel out red tones to provide a gorgeous medium golden tan.

How Isle of Paradise Addresses Common Self-Tanning Issues

Streaky Color

We’ve all been there. Streaky tan lines and blotches show up in the wrong places hours after applying self-tanner. If you happen to be lucky, you can cover them with clothing! Isle of Paradise’s solution to this is their Triple Glow Technology.

Tanning actives derived from avocado and coconut oil are formulated at a low pH. This formula reacts with amino acids on our skin to support melanin without staining the skin or creating unnatural shades.

Dryness & Uneven Fading

Isle of Paradise’s Super Sponge Moisture Complex addresses dryness and uneven fading with superstar skincare ingredients: avocado seed oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera (all organically sourced) work their magic and improve skin elasticity.

They also prevent photodamage and dryness and moisturize the skin. Vitamin C and E bring antioxidant protection to the formulas to hydrate and improve skin firmness.

Unpleasant Self-Tanning Scent

The unpleasant self-tanning smell that unfortunately comes with most self-tanners is minimized in Isle of Paradise products.

They formulate their products at a low pH and blend their formulas with Eucalyptus Oil to impart a gentle light natural fragrance on the skin.

Key Ingredients in Isle of Paradise Products

Coconut Oil is high in essential fatty acids, making it a very healthy oil that hydrates and smoothes the skin.

Avocado Oil is rich in vitamins A and C. Excellent hydration and improvement of skin elasticity are achieved with avocado oil since it penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin.

Chia Seed Oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids and helps support the skin barrier, and helps the skin retain moisture leading to hydrated and more radiant-looking skin.

More Than Just Pretty Packaging

One of the things that jumps out at you is the pretty pastel colors of the products. I can’t help but smile when I look at the soft pretty pastels. But there is more to it than just cute colors. Isle of Paradise products are color-coded, or shall I say pastel color-coded, based on your desired shade of tan.

Peach – Light

The lightest shade of the self-tanners, PEACH, will provide a LIGHT sun-kissed glow. PEACH products contain Isle of Paradise’s OXY-glow Technology. This technology is derived from amino acids and will deliver oxygen to the skin’s surface for a brighter complexion.

Choose PEACH for brightening and illuminating the skin and for anti-inflammatory benefits.

Green – Medium

GREEN Isle of Paradise products will provide a MEDIUM golden tan. These products contain Isle of Paradise’s SuperBalance Complex. This complex will reduce redness and inflammation and even out your skin tone. Extracts of the Agastache Mexicana flower will soothe stressed skin.

Violet – Dark

Use Isle of Paradise VIOLET products to get a deep bronze tan. Their proprietary HyperViolet Complex will neutralize orange, yellow, and ash skin tones while improving clarity and radiance in the skin.

NOTE: While I would consider my complexion light, I self-tan my face year-round and self-tan my body in the warmer months. Whenever tanners come in Light, Medium, or Dark options, I usually choose Medium and have success. In my experience, the same holds true for Isle of Paradise products.

I chose Medium (Green), and I am happy to say that the color payoff is just what I want in both the drops and tanning water. Plus, I don’t need to use a lot of the product. The nice part is that you can control the color of these two products. Just choose how many sprays or drops you apply.

Related: Best Face Self-Tanners For Acne Prone Skin, 4 Steps to a Natural Looking Self Tan

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Review – Final Thoughts

From the packaging to performance, Isle of Paradise really hit it out of the park with these products. On top of the fantastic performance of the products, I love that these are clean products with a very body-positive message.

Please keep in mind that these products, like other self-tanners, do not contain sunscreen. It is important to protect the skin on your face and body from the sun’s harmful rays by using sunscreen after your skincare – every single day!

Have you tried Isle of Paradise products? I’d love to hear your results. Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

For a drugstore brand, I think Olay does a great job with their facial skincare products, but it has been a while since I’ve tried their body skincare products.

So today, I’ll discuss several Olay products that I’ve added to my body skincare routine in this Olay Body skincare review.

I must admit that the packaging is what first drew me to these products with their pretty pink and gold shades. They are definitely products that I don’t mind displaying.

But what is really important is how they perform. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t repurchase all four products, but I really like two of the four! So let’s start with one of the products that I did like – the body wash!

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Olay Cleansing and Nourishing Body Wash – Vitamin B3 + Hyaluronic Acid

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Body washes that come with pumps get high marks from me for their ease of use, so Olay Cleansing and Nourishing Body Wash – Vitamin B3 + Hyaluronic Acid already had something going for it before I even tried it!

But beyond the pump bottle and pretty packaging, the product itself is the real star. This scented body wash is powered with Olay’s Vitamin B3 Complex and hyaluronic acid.

Niacinamide (B3) & Hyaluronic Acid

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is in this formula and it’s an ingredient often found in skincare products.

Niacinamide regulates oil production, calms the skin, and even works on fine lines and wrinkles. It also hydrates and supports a healthy skin barrier.

Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture to keep your skin feeling hydrated. This body wash also contains shea butter, which is an emollient that moisturizes the skin.

Of course, the thing to remember with body washes is that they get rinsed off, so their benefits only go so far before literally going down the drain!

The scent smells somewhat perfumey to me, yet it’s not too strong for my liking. It hydrates nicely without feeling too heavy and rinses cleanly.

Other varieties in this line of body washes include Olay Cleansing & Brightening Body Wash, formulated with vitamin B3 and vitamin C, and Cleansing and Firming Body Wash, formulated with vitamin B3 and Collagen.

For more on Olay body washes compared to Dove body washes, see my post: Olay vs Dove Body Wash.

Related Post: Olay Retinol 24 Night Serum, Eye Cream & Moisturizer: Skincare Review

Olay Exfoliating Face & Body Powder – Pitaya & Cranberry Seed

I tend to have a hard time finding the right exfoliating body product.

When using salt scrubs and sugar scrubs, they often end up being too oily, too abrasive, or not abrasive enough to slough off dead skin cells on your body.

During this time of the year after a long winter, regardless of how much I moisturize, I always need to exfoliate and to get an even skin tone.

So, needless to say, when I heard about Olay Exfoliating Face & Body Powder I was intrigued. It is formulated with Pitaya & Cranberry Seed to gently exfoliate dry surface skin cells.

Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, is the fruit of a cactus plant found in the tropics that is high in antioxidants and used to brighten and detoxify the skin.

Cranberry seeds provide a gentle exfoliation and also help detox the skin.

Exfoliating Face & Body Powder Application

The powder is activated by water and turns into a lather. You pour a small amount into your wet hand and work the powder into a lather.

The powder has a fruity perfumey scent and lathers well once water is added.

The nice part about the dry powder is that as long as you make sure the lid is closed, it preserves the powder for your next treatment, and you don’t have to worry about the formula drying out.

This might work well for travel. I would not use this on my face as it seems to be better formulated to be a body product.

When it comes to performance, I don’t think there are enough exfoliating grains in the powder to get a proper exfoliation.

It seemed to cleanse better than it exfoliated. It’s a very light exfoliation, so I would try another body exfoliator before repurchasing this one.

Related Post: Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Skincare Review

Olay Kaolin Clay Purifying Body Mask

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This is another body treatment from Olay that is unlike anything else I’ve seen at the drugstore. Olay Kaolin Clay Purifying Body Mask is a single-use peel-off clay body mask.

Just like you would use a clay mask on your face, you use this clay mask on your body to purify and remove dry skin. Kaolin clay gently exfoliates and detoxifies the skin and controls oiliness.

I was unsure about this product because, first of all, it’s single-use.

One chance to get it right and see if it works! The instructions are to add water to the line on the inside of the container and mix the clay and water with a spatula to remove all lumps.

You are to apply a thick layer on your skin, focusing on dry areas.

You let it dry for 5 minutes and then peel it off. Afterward, your best bet is to shower to remove any remaining mask.

Kaolin Clay Body Mask Application

I followed the instructions and added water to the sparkly powder. It became a thick gooey mixture pretty quickly, so I did my best to spread it evenly. I applied it to my arms, chest, and legs.

I learned a little too late that you really need to get a thick even layer on the first try otherwise, it gets lumpy.

On areas where it was applied thinly, it turned into a white crust that flaked off my skin.

The areas that it was applied thickly and evenly peeled off in rubbery pieces. Everywhere else flaked off and got all over the place.

I had to use a washcloth to get most of it off. It did not work for me at all. Maybe I did not apply it correctly, but it made a big mess.

I would not repurchase this product. The frustrating application and removal overshadowed any possible benefits that this body mask might have.

It’s unfortunate because I like the idea of this body mask, but the execution did not live up to my expectations.

Olay Rinse-Off Body Conditioner

Olay suggests that since you condition your hair, you should condition your skin as well. This is a treatment that is applied in the shower while your skin is clean but still wet.

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Olay Rinse-Off Body Conditioner is formulated with coconut oil and Olay’s Vitamin B3 complex. The instructions say you won’t need to apply moisturizer after your shower, but you can if you want to.

I have seen this type of product before, and it was never something that I was interested in purchasing. Although I wasn’t convinced about not needing a moisturizer after a shower, I gave it a try.

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised as it was an easy way to add extra moisture to your skin in the shower.

Apply in the Shower After Cleansing, Rinse & Pat Dry

I applied a light layer of this body conditioner after cleansing in the shower. Its thick consistency melted on my skin and easily rinsed off.

I definitely felt a light layer of moisture on my skin, but it did not feel greasy or too heavy. Please note that it does have a light scent.

I use this with a body moisturizer, and I also use it without a moisturizer. Both applications work well.

On days that I don’t apply a moisturizer after this treatment, my skin still feels soft and moisturized all day. The more I use this product, the more I like it!

The one thing that I didn’t like is that it left the shower slippery.

The bottle notes that this product can make surfaces slippery, so please be careful when moving on slick surfaces while using this product.

Please note that this variety has mica in it, which leaves a subtle shimmer on your skin.

Two other varieties of this rinse-off body conditioner are Vitamin B3 Complex + Shea Butter and Vitamin B3 Complex + Vitamin E.

Olay Body Milk

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Olay Body Milk is a lightweight no-frills body moisturizer. It is formulated to provide long-lasting 48-hour hydration.

I’m not sure about 48 hours, but if you are looking for a lightweight moisturizer, this is the one. It contains moisturizing glycerin to protect the skin barrier and is fragrance-free.

I think this non-greasy moisturizer is best for warmer months when your skin doesn’t need intense hydration.

You only get 6 oz for the price, so you can probably find a less expensive body moisturizer for the size.

That being said, I really enjoy this during the hot weather in the summer. It absorbs quickly and is non-sticky.

Olay Retinol Body Wash and Body Conditioner

Olay Cleansing & Renewing Nighttime Body Wash With Retinol and Olay Nighttime Rinse-Off Body Conditioner with Retinol are formulated to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier overnight with ingredients found in Olay’s skincare products.

These Olay retinol products contain Olay’s Vitamin B3 Complex, retinol, and retinyl propionate to replenish skin while you sleep.

• Vitamin B3 is also known as niacinamide. Niacinamide has so many benefits for the skin, from regulating oil production to anti-aging benefits. It supports a healthy skin barrier for better hydration. It also can also help lighten pigmentation and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is the ultimate over-the-counter anti-ager and helps to stimulate collagen formation and increase cell turnover. It can brighten the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores. Retinol improves skin tone, making it appear firmer and brighter with better clarity. (Over-the-counter retinol products take longer to see results than prescription retinoids.)
• Retinol Propionate is a retinol ester (retinol is attached to propionic acid). I love INCIDecoder’s funny analogy when describing this ingredient by comparing it to the royal family. When compared to retinol, it takes an extra conversion step to be active in the skin. Yet retinyl propionate can provide similar results to retinol but with fewer side effects and irritation.

Since retinol can make your skin sensitive to UV rays, the best time of day to use these two products is in the evening. They are ideal for dry, normal, and combination/oily skin.

Olay Retinol Body Wash Review

When I learned that Olay introduced a body wash with retinol, I quickly placed an order.

The signs of aging can show not only on your face, but also on your body too, so why not use a cleansing product that contains the same anti-aging ingredients used on your face?

Olay Cleansing & Renewing Nighttime Body Wash With Retinol has a soothing and calming fragrance and is easily dispensed with the pump. The body wash has a creamy texture that leaves my skin soft and smooth.

I will continue to use this body wash (especially with the body conditioner below) even if it only provides the most minimal anti-aging benefits since it is a lovely moisturizing and replenishing formula.

NOTE: It is important to remember that even though the active ingredients in this body wash provide fantastic anti-aging benefits for the skin, the body wash is ultimately washed off your skin.

Luckily, there is another Olay retinol body product that lasts longer on your skin and contains similar ingredients….

Olay Nighttime Rinse-Off Body Conditioner with Retinol Review

Olay Nighttime Rinse-Off Body Conditioner with Retinol works overnight to stop dry skin. This in-shower body conditioner is formulated with similar active ingredients to the Olay retinol body wash above.

It contains Olay’s Vitamin B3 Complex, retinol, and retinol propionate (a retinol ester that performs like retinol without many of the undesirable side effects such as redness and irritation).

The difference with this product is that some of it actually stays on your skin. After your normal body cleansing routine, you apply this product on wet skin while still in the shower, then rinse and pat dry.

If I am in a hurry, I will skip the body moisturizer after this, but if my skin is feeling extra dry I will apply a lightweight body moisturizer after using this in the shower.

This lightweight body conditioner leaves my skin so soft, smooth, and hydrated.

I love the fact that niacinamide and retinoids are working on the skin of my body overnight just like these ingredients work on my face.

This one is a keeper, for sure!

NOTE: This product can make surfaces slippery, so please be careful when using this product.

Olay Hand Care Products

Just like the skin on your face and body needs nourishment, your hands also deserve attention.

Olay’s hand care products are formulated with ingredients such as vitamin B3 and panthenol, which help to lock in moisture and hydrate the skin.

Olay Moisturizing Hand Mask

BUY AT AMAZON

Olay Moisturizing Hand Mask contains a pair of single-use gloves to improve hydration and dry skin that comes along with frequent hand-washing.

The moisturizing gloves are formulated with Olay’s Vitamin B3 Complex.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps to visibly improve dullness, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone while strengthening the skin moisture barrier.

Other nourishing ingredients include panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5) which soothes the skin, and meadowfoam seed oil, a lightweight and hydrating oil derived from the meadowfoam plant.

After putting the gloves on, I massaged the serum all over my hands and sat for about 15 minutes, letting them do their magic.

Even though the gloves are plastic, they are soft and comfortable. The gloves are quite large, so they should fit most hands.

After removing the gloves, I massaged the residual serum into my hands for a final boost of hydration.

The result? My hands felt super soft, and my skin was well-hydrated for hours afterward.

This was no doubt an enjoyable pampering experience. Just forcing myself to sit down for 15 minutes helped! Soft, smooth, and hydrated hands were icing on the cake!

Olay Moisturizing Hand Serum

BUY AT TARGET

Olay Moisturizing Hand Serum, formulated for dry skin and hands, contains many of the same ingredients as the gloves but doesn’t come with the time commitment.

The serum is formulated with multi-tasking niacinamide (vitamin B3), which helps to improve the look of dullness, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone and texture.

It is an excellent anti-aging ingredient that can help dry, wrinkly, crepey skin on your hands look smoother.

This fragrance-free hand serum also contains panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) to help moisturize and condition skin, as well as glycerin for extra hydration.

Olay’s Hand Serum is a lightweight and silky hand serum that sinks into your skin quickly and doesn’t leave your hands feeling sticky or greasy.

I’ve been reaching for it during the colder winter months on days when hand cream doesn’t do enough for the dry skin on my hands.

It works well under hand creams, too, without piling, and boosts the look of my hands and manicure.

Olay Body Skincare Routine and Treatments

I really enjoy Olay’s facial care products, and while I’ve tried their body washes in the past, I didn’t know what to expect when it came to body exfoliators, conditioners, and masks.

There aren’t a lot of body exfoliators and masks available at drugstore prices, so I am happy to see body care products getting some exposure from a big brand like Olay.

Unfortunately, the exfoliating powder wasn’t potent enough for a solid exfoliation, and the kaolin clay body mask didn’t work for me at all.

But I really liked the body wash and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked the body conditioner.

Have you tried any of these Olay bodycare products? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to know!

Thanks for reading!

Read Next: Brazilian Bum Bum Cream: Drugstore Alternatives

A Review of Nécessaire, Kosas, and Drunk Elephant Acid Deodorants

Have you heard of acid deodorants? These products have been gaining popularity lately and you’ll see them touted as alternatives to the typical aluminum-based deodorant. I tried three acid deodorants: Nécessaire, Kosas, and Drunk Elephant. What I didn’t realize is that switching to a natural deodorant would be somewhat of a process. Before we get into the review of these natural acid deodorants, let’s talk about deodorants and how they work.

Sweat and The Need for a Deodorant

Sweat cools our bodies and helps to maintain our core body temperature. A side effect of sweating is body odor. No one wants it, but it’s a natural phenomenon that is a byproduct when bacteria on the surface of our skin break down chemicals in our sweat, which is, in fact, odorless. That’s when we reach for a product to prevent odor and uncomfortable moisture, i.e. sweat, in our armpits.

Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant

A deodorant reduces odor while an antiperspirant reduces sweating and odor. The ingredient in antiperspirants that reduces sweat is aluminum which reduces the amount of sweat released by glands by blocking the pores.

There has been much debate over the effects of aluminum on the body, yet aluminum is the only active ingredient approved by the FDA to reduce sweat. Many antiperspirants also contain chemicals such as phthalates and preservatives, so it is not surprising to see the demand for more natural alternatives.

Natural deodorants are typically aluminum-free, and won’t stop the sweat, but are formulated to protect from odor by reducing bacteria or by masking the odor. Unfortunately, the switch to natural deodorants isn’t always an easy one.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Is A Detox Necessary?

It may take a few weeks for your body to get used to a natural aluminum-free deodorant, and “detox”, so to speak, any residual aluminum that has built up in your pores. This may result in abnormal sweating and body odor. Hang in there because it should resolve in about three or four weeks.

Luckily there are some products that can help during the transition. Megababe Happy Pits Detoxifying Underarm Mask contains charcoal, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and willow bark extract to help remove toxins, exfoliate and clarify the underarm.

Natural aluminum-free deodorant have increased in popularity in recent years, but they don’t always work for everyone. I’ve tried quite a few and either I get a rash or I feel like they don’t work all that well. Enter acid deodorants.

What are Acid Deodorants and How Do They Work?

An idea was published back in 2018 in Racked.com which suggested that facial acids might be a way to treat body odor. The idea is that an acid deodorant will lower the pH of underarm skin, creating an unfriendly environment for bacteria, reducing the resulting odor. To get a clearer picture, let’s look at how the pH scale works.

How Does Skin pH Work?

The pH scale runs from acidic on one end starting at 0 and ends at the alkaline level of 14. Logically, neutral is right in the middle at 7. Our skin tends to hang out at a pH of about 5. To knock out bacteria, you can either lower your skin’s pH making it more acidic or increase your pH making your skin more alkaline.

You’ll see natural deodorants that are formulated with diluted baking soda, which increases your skin’s pH making it more alkaline. But unfortunately, this opens the door to irritation. This study suggests that a high pH might even encourage bacteria growth.

What about the opposite end of the spectrum, acids? Why not use a skincare acid instead to lower your skin’s pH making it an inhospitable environment for bacteria?

The Skincare Benefits of Acids

You may be familiar with acids for the face such a glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. They are some of my favorite skincare ingredients, as they sweep away dead skin cells, reveal brighter, smoother skin, and a more even texture and skin tone.

Skincare acids applied to your underarms can also help minimize ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation. Many have experimented using skincare acids as an underarm deodorant and have had success with an option as simple as Stridex Pads. A budget-friendly skincare acid is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner. Please note that if you have sensitive skin, glycolic acid may cause skin irritation.

The one thing to remember is that acid deodorants are just deodorants: they treat the odor, but they don’t stop you from perspiring. So no matter how well they work to eliminate the bad scent, they won’t stop you from perspiring since they don’t contain aluminum. The good news is that in addition to acids to keep the odor at bay, many natural deodorants contain ingredients like clays and silicas to keep you dry.

My transition to natural deodorants wasn’t bad at all. The following three acid deodorants worked to neutralize odor, but some worked better than others when it came to perspiration and moisture. Luckily, it wasn’t too hot when I switched from regular to acid deodorants. It probably wouldn’t have been as easy if it were really hot and humid when I switched.

All three of these acid deodorants have one acid in common: mandelic acid. It’s an alpha-hydroxy acid, is derived from almonds, and is gentler to the skin than other acids, such as glycolic acid due to its larger molecule size.

Related: Sunday Riley Good Genes Drugstore Alternatives from The Ordinary and The Inkey List

Nécessaire The Deodorant

Nécessaire The Deodorant uses multiple acids and minerals in its cream formulation to control odor. Mandelic and lactic acids help to neutralize odor. Silica, zinc, and kaolin clay work to keep you dry and absorb wetness while tea tree oil works as an anti-bacterial.

The formula’s pH level ranges from 3.5-4.5 to support the natural pH of the skin and to ensure the barrier function of the skin stays intact. This creates an optimal state for the active ingredients to go to work and to see results.

This clean deodorant is free of baking soda, aluminum, and synthetic fragrance. It is available in three scents: Fragrance-Free, Eucalyptus, and Sandalwood essential oil blends.

I tried the Eucalyptus deodorant from Nécessaire, as I love the scent of eucalyptus. The deodorant is a cream formula (see image above). As with all three deodorants that I tried, they apply to your underarm in a wet state. It takes a few minutes to dry.

The Eucalyptus fragrance is fresh and earthy and a luxurious unisex scent. This deodorant works really well for me. I still notice a little wetness throughout the day, but of all three this one works the best at keeping me dry.

The white color disappears once blended into your skin with the applicator, but a little goes a long way with this deodorant. If you apply too much, it will leave a residue. The whole application process is pretty easy and mess-free. This was the most expensive at $20 for 1.7 oz.

Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream

Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream contains mandelic acid and absorbent arrowroot to remove odor-causing bacteria while absorbing excess moisture from the underarms. The cream is formulated with ingredients that support your skin’s barrier alongside plant oils such as marula, baobab, and mongongo seed oils.

Marula and shea butters nourish and replenish dry, dull, and irritated skin. Drunk Elephant is known for its lightweight marula oil and the use of this oil in its products. Marula oil is easily absorbed and is rich in antioxidants and omegas 6 and 9 to moisturize and nourish the skin. Sweet Pitti Deodorant cream is formulated at a skin-lowering pH of 4.0.

This deodorant cream does not contain baking soda, aluminum-derived ingredients, sulfates, silicones, essential oils, fragrance, dyes and drying alcohols and is cruelty-free.

Formulated in a twist-up tube similar to Nécessaire, Sweet Pitti (see image above) can be applied with the applicator or can be applied with the fingertips. It only needs to be applied once a day to clean dry skin. Since acids make your skin more susceptible to sensitivity from the sun, Drunk Elephant advises using sunscreen daily while using this product and for a week after stopping use.

This deodorant feels similar in texture to Nécessaire, although it does not contain fragrance. It does have a slight scent though. It reminds me of oatmeal. It’s a very light scent and I only notice it upon application. This takes a little longer to dry than Nécessaire. It works really well to control odor, but I notice more moisture under my arms than with Nécessaire. It’s to be expected, but still, it takes some getting used to. The retail price is $16 for 2 fl oz.

Kosas Chemistry Deodorant in Serene Clean

Kosas Chemistry Deodorant is a clean stain-free deodorant that contains a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids: shikimic acid, mandelic acid, and lactic acid to soothe, soften, and nourish the skin. I’ve never heard of shikimic acid before. I discovered that although it is a lesser-known alpha-hydroxy acid, it works well to exfoliate the skin without excess irritation. Shikimic acid is extracted from Japanese Shikimi (star anise) and is also an anti-bacterial to help stop odor and increase hydration.

Mandelic acid brightens and fights against dullness while lactic acid exfoliates and seals in moisture. Pure aloe vera juice moisturizes while hyaluronic acid hydrates. It also contains a highly bioactive peptide which is skin conditioning and firms the skin.

This deodorant comes in two varieties, Serene Clean and Fragrance-Free. I tried Serene Clean and it contains a few extra ingredients that the fragrance-free version does not, including jojoba seed oil, tangerine peel oil, and some flower oils. The company describes the scent as fresh and says it smells like a spa. I would agree. A very light citrus-based scent.

This was probably the messiest to apply. It has a rollerball applicator that takes some getting used to. You need to shake the tube prior to use and squeeze to apply the serum.

It also takes some time to dry. Again, this is five stars for odor control for me, but I noticed moisture creeping in soon after applying, which is normal since it doesn’t stop you from sweating. All in all, it worked, but I’d prefer an easier applicator like the other two that I tried. This deodorant is free of aluminum baking soda, parabens, and sulfates. Vegan and cruelty-free. The retail price is $15 for 2.4 oz.

Final Thoughts on Acid Deodorants

It can be a process when switching to a natural deodorant. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, so what may work for me may not work for you. I’ve tried quite a few and I am particularly sensitive to natural deodorants that contain baking soda and coconut oil.

I’ve done really well with all three of these acid deodorants and my favorite is Nécessaire The Deodorant. It’s mess-free, keeps me odor-free, and the driest of all three.

Have you tried a natural deodorant? Which ones work for you? I’d love to hear about your experience…

Thanks for reading!

We are paying more attention than ever to the ingredients that we put on our bodies in the form of skincare, makeup, haircare, body care and even nail polish. As a result, clean beauty product availability has really expanded in the last few years.

Historically and notoriously expensive, you can now find clean beauty products available at affordable prices at the drugstore. While you are paying less at the drugstore than what premier brands charge for their clean products, you can still get effective products that sometimes even outperform their luxury brand counterparts.

While I am nowhere near using all clean products, I’m glad to be able to incorporate a few into my current beauty routine. My skin is somewhat sensitive, so adding some clean beauty products to my beauty routine was a no brainer. Before we take a look at the clean drugstore beauty products I am loving, did you ever wonder what “clean beauty” actually is?

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

What Is Clean Beauty?

While there is no official definition of clean beauty by the FDA, beauty products generally are considered clean if they are made without toxic and harmful ingredients and are transparent about their ingredient labels. Easier said than done in an industry that is hardly regulated. I couldn’t believe it when I read that the last piece of regulation in the personal care industry was passed in 1938. How is that possible?

As you can see it is largely up to individual companies to decide how to formulate and market their products and many describe their products as clean without any oversight. Companies label their products from everything from “clean” and “natural” to “organic” and “green” and these labels can have many interpretations.

You must look beyond the front of the package to the ingredient list. Some toxic ingredients to avoid include parabens, phthalates, PEGs, sulfates, formaldehydes and formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, BHT, BHA and more. Luckily, you can easily Google a product to learn about the company behind the product and the company philosophy in regard to not only product formulations but also other important things like processes and packaging.

Keep in mind that clean doesn’t necessarily mean using only natural ingredients. There are many man-made ingredients and safe-synthetics that are non-toxic. These ingredients are often used in clean formulas when they are necessary for optimal product performance.

Clean Beauty Favorites from the Drugstore

It seems like this year there are more clean beauty products than ever available at the drugstore. And this is not referring to just makeup or skincare. You’ll find clean beauty products available in many beauty categories, such as haircare, body care and even nail polish. Here are a few of my current clean beauty drugstore favorites:

Botanics All Bright Radiance Concentrate Serum

Botanics All Bright Radiance Concentrate Serum provides the benefits of alpha-hydroxy acids from the hibiscus plant to improve skin texture and tone. It contains antioxidant bilberry extract and moisturizing sugar cane extract. It also contains sugar maple extract which contains natural malic and tartaric alpha-hydroxy acids. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and glycerin moisturizes.

This is a super lightweight serum/concentrate and a few drops are easily absorbed into the skin. I love that this is a clean serum and is filled with natural AHAs in the formula for gentle exfoliation. It provides a pretty glow that is not at all shiny but feels absolutely weightless after it is absorbed. It does not interfere with makeup either.

I like using this serum on days that I need a break from the heavy hitters like retinol and some stronger forms of Vitamin C. The difference with this serum is that it is gentle and clean!

Related: A Guide to Acids in Skincare

Raw Sugar Simply Body Wash in Lemon Sugar

Made with plant-derived ingredients and cold-pressed plant extracts, Raw Sugar Simply Body Wash in Lemon Sugar is free of sulfates and parabens. It is formulated with lemon, coconut, ginger and sugar cane extracts.

This clean body wash is all about the bright uplifting fragrance. I fell in love with the body soap from Raw Sugar in the same scent and had a feeling that I might like the body wash as well. It provides a creamy lather and plenty of foam and is sized generously in a 25 oz bottle. It’s the ideal energizing body wash for your morning shower or bath.

Related: Not Your Average Drugstore Bar Soaps

Love Beauty and Planet Argan Oil & Lavender Conditioner – Smooth and Serene

Love Beauty and Planet Argan Oil & Lavender Conditioner infused with golden argan oil and is formulated to fight the frizz for smooth and shiny hair! Yes!! The conditioner is infused with fast-rinse technology, allowing the conditioner to break down quickly and save you water in the process.

Golden argan oil moisturizes and smoothes hair. It is sourced from a women’s co-operative with the Berber women of Morocco. This conditioner is 93% naturally derived and cruelty-free, paragon-free, silicone-free, dye-free, and formulated without phthalates.

Hair is left with the hair lightly scented of the delicate fragrance of ethically-sourced heirloom French lavender. The lavender is hand-cut and dried in the fields for two days which yields a soft fragrance with floral and fruit notes touched by sweet balsamic.

I love Love Beauty and Planet’s argan oil and lavender body wash, so I knew how lovely this fragrance would be. The conditioner felt very light upon application and rinsed cleanly, leaving my wet hair very smooth and silky. After drying it and dealing with a semi-humid day, my hair withstood the humidity pretty well and did not become frizzy. This clean drugstore conditioner may be the best drugstore conditioner for frizzy hair that I’ve tried.

Burt’s Bees All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick

Since Burt’s Bees powder blush is my current favorite drugstore blush, I had high hopes when I purchased Burt’s Bees All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick. The cheek stick is available in six shades ranging in shades from nude, pink and red, to coral and plum. I ordered the lip and cheek stick in Blush Bay, a gorgeous universal pink shade.

This product is 100% natural and made with nourishing jojoba seed oil and sunflower seed oil. You’ll notice that the core has no color and that is because the core is coconut oil. This stick HYDRATES while providing a beautiful, natural color that is buildable. It’s just as pretty on the lips as it is on the cheeks.

While you can quickly swipe the stick across your cheeks or lips, I prefer to apply it to a clean finger first and then gently pat into my skin. It works better that way so that I’m not pulling on my skin or removing any makeup on my cheeks underneath. What a great multi-tasker. And don’t forget that this is perfect for travel or throwing in your gym bag if you want a quick hit of color on both your cheeks and lips.

This lip and cheek stick is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS. Burt’s Bees products are not tested on animals and use recyclable packaging.

Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara

Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara is a natural mineral mascara that is made with coconut oil and vitamin B. It is formulated to lengthen, strengthen and volumize lashes. This mascara has a 100% vegan brush for easy coverage. You can apply a single coat for a more natural look but it also can be layered for more volume and a dramatic look.

I love using this mascara for a single coat natural look. It really lengthens my lashes and does not dry stiff and clumpy. It washes off easily at the end of the day. The best part is that it is mineral-based and very hydrating for your lashes.

Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm

Jessica Alba’s Honest Beauty Company melds lip balm with lipstick in their Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm. The vegan tinted lip balm comes in 7 shades offering a sheer tint and hydrates up to 8 hours.

This lip balm is made of organic ingredients that are paraben-free. The color is buildable and if you are just looking for moisture, they also have a clear shade.

I ordered the shade Summer Melon for a gorgeous sheer pink shade. This is my new favorite tinted lip balm! It is so moisturizing and imparts the prettiest natural shade to your lips. This is not for those looking for a dramatic look, but rather just a touch of color.

Honest Beauty Magic Beauty Balm

I’m never one to pass up a multi-tasker, so I had to try Honest Beauty Magic Beauty Balm. It hydrates for up to 8 hours with shea butter, coconut oil (filled with vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids), olive oil, sunflower oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil.

There are so many uses for this balm. Add moisture to lips, hair, cuticles, elbows, and more. You can even add a touch to your eyelids for a glossy look. It’s great for travel too.

Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Polish

I dedicated an entire post to Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Polish last year and I love this nail polish just as much now as I did then. The nail polish is plant-based, 100% vegan and made without 16 unwanted ingredients. Even the brush is made from plant-based bristles.

The polish provides a beautiful shine, dries quickly and wears really well. The beautiful neutral shade above is Elderflower Power. When looking at my finished manicure, I can’t tell the difference between this clean nail polish and regular nail polish. Good job Sally Hansen!!

Related: Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Vegan Nail Polish Collection Review

Final Thoughts on Clean Beauty at the Drugstore

It seems like every day there are new clean products popping up at the drugstore. It looks like clean beauty is here to stay! Even better, clean drugstore beauty products are reasonably priced and so much more affordable than in years past.

What are your favorite clean products from the drugstore? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

So if you’re thinking, “when is the next Sephora sale” you’ve come to the right place. Today I’ll discuss all the details of the Sephora VIB sale, the dates, and Sephora promo code required for the sale, plus my absolute favorite picks and recommendations.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Sephora Spring Sale 2023 Dates

The Sephora Spring 2023 VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider) Sale is coming, and shopping dates are classified based on your Beauty Insider member status:

Plus, all Sephora Collection products are 30% OFF (no code needed) from April 14, 2023 – April 24, 2023!

You may be wondering how these Beauty Insider statuses are determined.

You become a Sephora Rouge Member when you spend $1,000 or more during the calendar year, a Sephora VIB Member when you spend at least $350 during the calendar year, and you can become a Sephora Beauty Insider simply by signing up!

Each level of rewards has its own perks. While all levels have access to a Sephora birthday gift and can shop Sephora’s Rewards Bazaar, VIBs and Sephora Rouge members receive special discounts and offers throughout the year.

The Sephora spring sale is not applicable on certain brands (unfortunately, The Ordinary is one of those brands), and there are purchase limitations on some products.

See Sephora’s Spring Savings Event page for complete details.

Sephora Promo Code: Sephora Spring Sale 2023

Let’s not forget one of the most important parts of the Sephora sale – the discount code!

Sephora Skincare Favorites

Now, onto the good stuff. While many of my favorite skincare products come from the drugstore, there are a few favorites that I purchase at Sephora.

Since these items are a bit expensive, now is the time to take advantage of the discount.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

BUY AT SEPHORA

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is one of my favorite skincare products. There is no other AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) product for my skin concerns that performs as well.

It exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal fresh, radiant skin.

Plus, it can plump fine lines and wrinkles in as little as three minutes. I reluctantly splurge for this all-in-one retexturizer, skin brightening and skin smoother, and the Sephora sale is the best time to purchase it.

If you’re not ready to pay for the full size, they have a smaller 0.5 oz bottle that’s more affordably priced.

NOTE: I usually gravitate to drugstore skincare since there are some really great affordable and effective products available at drugstore prices.

So, of course, I tried to find a drugstore alternative for Good Genes. You can read all about the results of that search here.

NuFACE Trinity + Eye and Lip Enhancer Attachment Bundle

BUY AT SEPHORA

I received the NuFACE Trinity + Eye and Lip Enhancer Attachment Bundle as a birthday gift. This microcurrent facial toning kit has been on my wishlist for a long time, and due to the price, I was hesitant to purchase it.

The FDA-cleared device improves facial and neck contour and skin tone. The Eye and Lip Enhancer (ELE) attachment improves contour around the lips, eyes, and brows.

I see the best results when I use the ELE attachment around my eyes.

NuFACE is an investment, but it is a device that really works as long as you are consistent and willing to put in the time.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing this device, using the Sephora coupon code during the sale will save you quite a bit.

I love the results – it just takes patience and dedication!

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

BUY AT SEPHORA

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a favorite of beauty editors and bloggers for a good reason: it works!

Take The Day Off removes makeup, sunscreen, grease, and dirt easily and melts into skin with its lightweight texture.

I love cleansing balms, so it didn’t take long for me to give this one a try, and I see what all the fuss is about.

Some cleansing balms are greasy, but not this one.

It doesn’t irritate sensitive areas around your eyes and rinses cleanly. It’s not the cheapest cleansing balm, so it’s good to take advantage of the discount during the Sephora sale.

Related Post: Drugstore Skincare: Cleansing Balms

Sephora Makeup Favorites

If you didn’t already know, my content leans heavily toward skincare, but there are a handful of makeup products from Sephora that I just love:

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

BUY AT SEPHORA

To extend the wear of my makeup, I always reach for Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer. Tatcha products are heavenly, and this primer is no exception.

The Silk Canvas is formulated with silk extracts to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines, and other imperfections. It’s the ideal base for makeup.

It allows your foundation and other products to be applied more evenly while preventing clogged pores which can lead to breakouts.

Hadasei-3 (Japanese superfoods green tea, rice, and algae) rejuvenates the skin and improves luminosity.

A thin application of this primer provides that soft filter look while protecting your skin from environmental aggressors and supporting the skin barrier.

This product is a bridge between your skin and makeup that supports a healthy complexion. From the scent to the gorgeous packaging, this luxe product is gorgeous.

Tatcha also offers the sister product of The Silk Canvas, The Liquid Silk Canvas: Featherweight Protective Primer, an oil-free liquid primer, which I like, too.

Both of these primers boost my makeup’s staying power and protect my skin.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

BUY AT SEPHORA

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is a matte liquid foundation that controls oil and is heat resistant and waterproof.

It is buildable and feels quite lightweight even though it covers so well. It is available in over 55 shades in cool, neutral, and warm undertones. I wear shade 2C3 Fresco, which has a Cool, Rosy undertone, shown above.

When I first discovered Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, it was a revelation for me. I’d never used a foundation that stays put all day and is so long-wearing.

Perfect for oily skin, the foundation sets quickly, so I’ve learned to use tools like a foundation brush or damp makeup sponge to apply it.

The extra effort is worth it for flawless oil-free full coverage.

Related Post: Estée Lauder Double Wear Dupes

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

BUY AT SEPHORA

Inspired by charmeuse silk, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation uses Armani’s  Micro–fil technology for sculpting and brightening your skin.

It is a buildable medium coverage foundation that has won InStyle’s Best Beauty Buy award-winner for “Best Liquid Foundation” for 13 years in a row.

I’ve seen Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation on InStyle’s best of beauty list for years.

I finally decided to give it a try, and now I know why it has so many fans. This foundation provides the most beautiful natural finish of any foundation I’ve ever tried.

It’s not high coverage, but it is buildable if you prefer more coverage. This might just be my new favorite foundation.

If you are interested in this foundation but are reluctant due to the price, check out my review of Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and an affordable drugstore alternative.

Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 15

BUY AT SEPHORA

Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 15 is one of the pricier lip balms I’ve tried, but it’s also one of the best.

This award-winning lip balm is formulated with sugar, a humectant that prevents moisture loss, and meadowfoam, black currant, and grapeseed oils for moisture and softening.

Vitamin C and E are included for additional moisture, and beeswax protects the skin.

The balm comes in untinted and in various shades in satin and shimmer finishes.

Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 Nude Tinted is one of my favorites and has a peachy beige shimmer tint. The shimmer is very minimal, and the color is a beautiful natural shade.

Another favorite shade of this lip treatment is Rosé, a pretty flushed, muted rose shade.

Sephora Favorites for The Hair and Body

Olaplex Shampoo, Conditioner & Hair Perfector

I love all Olaplex products, especially Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner.

They work together to re-link broken disulfide bonds in the hair caused by a variety of stressors, such as chemical, thermal, and physical damage.

Olaplex products protect hair from split ends, frizz, and other damage. Breakage is reduced, and even flyways are improved. They are color-safe and suitable for all hair types.

You can add best-selling Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 to your hair care routine weekly as a concentrated treatment to address and strengthen damaged hair and improve hair health.

Apply the Perfector for 10 minutes before washing and conditioning your hair. It’s an extra step but really works to strengthen hair.

Olaplex Bond Maintenance System of products has been a favorite for the past few years and performs particularly well in warm, humid weather.

You can read all about my results in this post on Frizz and Damage Repair for Your Hair: Olaplex Review.

Nécessaire The Body Wash

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I recently discovered Nécessaire The Body Wash in the scent Eucalyptus, and wow, do I love it, as you can tell from the empty bottle above!

I look forward to using it every morning. Not only does it smell fresh and uplifting, but it is also formulated with one of my favorite ingredients: niacinamide.

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that offers a variety of skincare benefits, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles and pores, fading hyperpigmentation, and improving skin elasticity.

Niacinamide also helps to strengthen the delicate skin barrier, which is important for keeping moisture in and irritants out.

The body wash has a thin and lightweight consistency and washes away cleanly. It also comes in a Sandalwood fragrance and a fragrance-free version, perfect for sensitive skin.

Related Post: Olay vs Dove Body Wash

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

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Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is formulated with guaraná, a plant found in the Amazon, whose fruit is rich in caffeine (5x that of coffee!) to boost circulation and smooth skin.

Bum Bum Cream also contains cupuaçu butter to improve elasticity, antioxidant açaí, and coconut oil to soften and moisturize the skin.

If you are looking for a body care product whose scent is strong enough to replace your daily fragrance, this one might be the one.

This body cream has a rich, addictive, warm, and spicy scent with salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla notes.

The moisturizing cream is rich and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin supremely soft.

Related Post: Bum Bum Cream Dupes

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

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When the weather is cooler, I apply one of my favorite hand creams on repeat: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream.

It is formulated with 20% shea butter, coconut oil, honey, and marshmallow root extracts for hydration and softness.

L’Occitane offers a small 1 oz size of this hand cream, but the large 5 oz tube is the best value.

Related Post: The Best Drugstore and Luxury Hand Creams for Dry Skin

Final Thoughts on Sephora Spring Sale 2023

I hope these picks will give you a few ideas on Sephora products you can purchase at a discount for their Spring 2023 Savings Event.

Many of these products are not cheap, so remember that Sephora currently has these events twice a year, so if you are a beauty lover, you will have another chance to get some great discounts later this year.

During this sale, I am looking forward to replenishing Nécessaire The Body Wash, some Tan-Luxe products, and Ouai haircare products.

Don’t forget to use the Sephora Coupon Code: SAVENOW to get some great savings.

What are your Sephora favorites, and which products do you have your eye on for this sale?

Are you shopping or waiting for the next sale? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

Read Next: Ulta Birthday Gifts

Most of our lives have changed drastically in recent days. While so much is still unknown and we are taking things day-to-day, I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you all and sending my love. I hope you all stay safe and healthy. We are in this together!

As we all search for a new normal while dealing with such uncertainty, I’ve been thinking about how to proceed with this blog. It is my hope that this blog will be a positive outlet for you, so I will continue to post about beauty and products that bring quality and value to my life, hoping that they might do the same for you.

If you’re anything like me, I don’t think that I’ve ever washed my hands so much over the last several days. It didn’t take much for my hands to become dry and flaky and sorely in need of hydration and moisture. I’ve been testing several hand creams to see how they perform on hands that are constantly being washed and sanitized. I’ve found some fantastic products that range from drugstore to luxury, so let’s take a look at some great options that will treat your dry hands.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Best Lightweight Hand Cream

Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream with Baobab Oil

Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream is formulated with baobab oil, watermelon seed oil, pumpkin seed oil and green tea extract. It is 98.9% natural (yes!). Baobab oil is formulated from the fruit seeds of the baobab tree, known as the Tree of Life. This tree is found in the African savannah and its oil helps protect skin against the harsh climate of the region. Baobab oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

This hand cream will exfoliate dead skin and leave your hands extremely soft and smooth. There is no added fragrance but has a very light scent that reminds me of lavender. I need to let it sink in for a few minutes before typing at the computer, but after it sinks in, there is no greasy feel. Some hand creams leave a layer of residue on your skin, but not this hand cream. I love that this hand cream is 98.9% natural and leaves hands so soft yet feels so lightweight.

Best Long Lasting Hand Cream

CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream for Normal to Dry Skin

CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream for Normal to Dry Skin is formulated with dimethicone, an emollient silicone that is gentle on the skin and creates a barrier to prevent moisture loss, plus familiar ingredients used in many skincare products for the face.

Hyaluronic acid provides hydration and retains up to 1000x its weight in water, niacinamide calms, soothes and improves the skin’s appearance and ceramides support the skin’s barrier. This hand cream is fragrance-free and powered by CeraVe’s MVE Delivery Technology, a 24-hour moisture delivery system.

This hand cream sinks in quickly and you can feel the protective barrier it creates, but without being the slightest bit sticky or greasy. In fact, of all the hand creams I tried, this was the least greasy. At the same time, this hand cream provides a barrier on the skin which lasts after washing your hands. The unscented cream feels like the workhorse of all of the hand creams that I tried and best of all it comes at drugstore prices.

Best Drugstore Hand Cream

J.R. Watkins Hand Cream

J.R. Watkins Lavender Hand Cream is made with shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado oil and macadamia nut oil. It is formulated to nourish, soften and smooth dry hands. I purchased this hand cream in the Lavender scent. It comes in four additional fragrances: Lemon Cream, Coconut Honey, Aloe & Green Tea, and Pomegranate and Acai. I want to try them all!!

The 98% natural hand cream is very rich and leaves your hands feeling silky and protected, but not in a greasy way. Although the fragrance is 100% natural from lavender oil, the lavender scent is a bit strong for my liking, but I imagine this will appeal to those that love lavender.

One thing I like about this hand cream is that after applying it I can get to work right away on the computer keyboard without my hands being too greasy. You don’t need much since it is so rich, so I can see the tube lasting for quite a while. I love how this hand cream makes my hands feel protected and silky without leaving any residue. Of all the drugstore hand creams that I’ve tried, I keep returning to this one for its rich consistency and silky feel, so it wins as my pick for best drugstore hand cream.

Related: Drugstore Skincare Treatments for Dry Winter Skin

Best Anti-Aging Hand Cream

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Hand Cream

I’ve made my love for Beauty Pie Super Retinol Hand Cream clear in this skincare review of Beauty Pie. This is the only hand cream with retinol that I’ve found to smooth and brighten the skin on the back of my hands, just like retinol would for my face! Micro-encapsulated retinol helps to reduce the appearance of lines and hyperpigmentation and sunspots while hydrating the skin.

This is not the hand cream that you will reach for every time you wash your hands since too much retinol can be harsh on your skin. Beauty Pie recommends using this at night, so I like to use a light layer of this cream on the back of my hands at night before I go to bed. Please note this hand cream may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Related: Beauty Pie Review: Luxury Skincare at Drugstore Prices

Best Hand Cream for Cracked Hands and Skin

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream

I’ve discussed Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream more than once on this blog and still cannot find another cream that goes to work on the driest cracked skin not only on your hands but also on other trouble spots like your lips, knees, feet and elbows.

Invented in the 1950s in Japan, Yu-Be is still one of the best-selling skincare products in Japan today. Yu-Be is a glycerin-based cream that is formulated with vitamin E, vitamin B2, and camphor. The camphor scent really stands out, and while it’s not my favorite, the results overshadow any issue I have with the scent.

Yu-Be heals my dry cracked skin (love it on my feet and heels too) and is so handy during the cold winter months. It’s a pricer than drugstore products for only an ounce, but a little goes a long way.

Best Luxury Hand Cream

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

L’Occitane states that one of their hand creams is sold every two seconds around the world! I am not surprised, because their Shea Butter Hand Cream is my favorite luxury hand cream. I’ve been using this hand cream for years, and I keep coming back to it for the effective formula.

This hand cream contains 20% shea butter and is extremely rich and thick. Shea butter is rich in fatty acids, while the addition of honey and sweet almond oil, rich in omega-6 and omega-9, soften dry skin. This cream has a fresh, clean, and powdery scent. There is no greasiness or residue from the cream, just soft and hydrated hands.

The only drawbacks relate to the packaging and price. It’s not a huge issue, but this hand cream has a screw-top that can be dropped or misplaced. The full-size tube of this hand cream is large at 5.2 oz. (The tube lasts a long time!) L’Occitane also offers a smaller 1 oz tube if you want to see what all the fuss is about.

Luxury Hand Cream Runner-Up: Another high-end brand that makes a lovely hand cream is Caudalie. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream is formulated with organic fair trade shea butter and antioxidant grape polyphenols.  I keep this hand cream on my nightstand and love it’s light yet nourishing texture and subtle pleasant scent.

Final Thoughts on The Best Hand Creams for Dry Skin

These are some of the best hand creams that I’ve tried for dry and parched skin. Usually, once the cold weather dies down, my hand cream use does too, but as the handwashing continues, I have a feeling that I will be reaching for these for a while to come.

What are your favorite hand creams? I’d love to know! In the meantime, stay safe and healthy! We will get through this.

Thanks for reading!

I’ve been on a roll with clean beauty testing the past few weeks, so I am continuing the clean theme in today’s post.

I am so excited to share with you a new nail polish collection from Sally Hansen: Good. Kind. Pure.

Good. Kind. Pure nail polishes are plant-based, 100% vegan, and 16-free.

16-Free

What is 16-free? 16-free indicates that the nail polish is formulated without the following ingredients:

• Formaldehyde
• Formaldehyde Resin
• Toluene
• Xylene
• Acetone
• Phthalates (including DBP)
• Camphor
• Parabens
• Ethyl Tosylamide
• Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP)
• Animal-derived ingredients
• Styrene
• Bisphenol A
• Glycol Ether of Series E (Glycol ethers derived from ethylene oxide)
• Nonylphenol ethoxylate
• Sulfate-free

Plus, the applicator brush is made from 100% natural, plant-based brush bristles.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Wow, I am impressed! That’s a long list of not-so-great ingredients. Although you can’t help but wonder, what are you giving up for the removal of ingredients to make it a cleaner nail polish? Certainly not a beautiful selection of colors.

Related: At-Home Manicure: Sally Hansen Matte Miracle Gel Nail Polish

Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Vegan Nail Polish Shades

The line contains 30 shades which made it very difficult to decide which ones to buy.

The shades in the line are: Lava Rocks, Meteorite, Sun-Tastic, Crystal Blue, Laven-Dear, Soothing Slate, Grape Vine, Beet It, Cherry Amore, Pomegranate Punch, Sweet Berries, Peony Origins (on my wishlist!), Fruity Papaya, Coral Calm, Eco-Rose, Pink Sapphire, Golden Quartz, Pink Cardamom, Be-Gone-Ia, Pinky Clay, Pink Cloud, Rose Petal, Soft Plum, Elderflower Power, Raw Cocoa, Mother Earth, Almond Tan, Romantic Peach, Coconut Milk, and White Tea.

The shade selection is gorgeous, with lots of neutrals! Plus, they offer a clear Top Coat for extra glossiness and shine. I decided on a few pinky neutrals: Coconut Milk and Elderflower Power, plus the Top Coat.

I easily ordered from Target, and before I knew it I received my order a few days later.

Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Vegan Nail Polish Hardener

Only after I ordered the nail polish did I realize that there is also a clear Hardener that improves the appearance of ridges and other imperfections.

It strengthens your manicure and is perfect for fragile nails. I ordered it separately and will provide an update once I’ve tried it.

UPDATE: The Hardener is to be applied to clean dry nails. You can wear it on its own for a clear shine and glossy finish, or you can wear it under nail color.

I’ve been wearing it on its own, and it has made my nails feel stronger, has definitely smoothed their appearance, and provides a beautiful shine!

My Results with Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Vegan Nail Polish

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First, the brush. Not only is it 100% natural, but it is also flat! It made the application of the polishes so much easier! Really so much easier!

Instructions are to apply two coats of the Good. Kind. Pure. color, so I followed the instructions.

I found that two coats worked well with Elderflower Power, but two coats of Coconut Milk looked a little streaky on my nails. I’m sure everyone’s nails are different, so this may not be the case for you.

Maybe I needed a third coat, but I started over and just went with one coat for a shiny understated look.

I liked a single coat of Coconut Milk, which is a very pale sheer off white color. Elderflower Power has more pink in it and is not sheer like Coconut Milk. Both shades dried quickly and provided lots of shine.

The Top Coat also has a flat brush. It applied easily and left a gorgeous glossy shine to both shades of nail polish that I tried.

The Verdict

Overall, I could not tell the difference between these clean nail polishes and regular nail polish. Beautiful colors, quick drying, and high shine! Great job, Sally Hansen!

Thanks for reading!

Years ago, I owned a bath and body boutique, Bathologie, that was filled with amazing bath and body products. There was a wall in my shop that was covered with soap from floor to ceiling. I can still smell the soaps on that wall! Those soaps were one of my favorite things about my store.

Ever since I can remember I’ve loved bar soap, especially the handmade kind. I actually learned to make soap from scratch and sold it to family and friends and at local markets. Strange as it may sound, bar soap has always held a special place in my heart when it comes to bath and body products.

Today, I thought I’d share with you some cool soaps that you don’t have to buy at a specialty store or a local market. These soaps are different from your typical bar soaps and although most are mass-produced and can easily be found at Target or on Amazon, they have the feel of small-batch soap.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Thayers Body Bar With Witch Hazel Aloe Vera – Rose Petal

Thayers Body Bar With Witch Hazel Aloe Vera – Rose Petal is a 100% natural and 83% organic bar soap. Aloe vera is included in the formula to relieve dry and itchy skin and provide added moisture without leaving you feeling greasy. Witch hazel also has antibacterial properties that target oily skin and works alongside aloe vera in this bar to help reduce acne breakouts. Both witch hazel and aloe vera have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce itching and muscle aches. 5 oz. bar.

A NOTE ON GLYCERIN IN MASS PRODUCED SOAP – Most mass-produced soap bars have glycerin, which is a by-product of the soapmaking process, removed during the soapmaking process for stability and profitability. (Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture to your skin and can more profitably be used in lotions and other more expensive products.) Some mass-produced soaps have no glycerin at all, but you’ll see that most bars in this post have glycerin added back to the formula through the manufacturing process to provide additional moisture and hydration. Zum Bar and Dr. Bronner’s soaps do not have glycerin added back so both bars should have retained the original glycerin produced from the soapmaking process.

The Seaweed Bath Co. Exfoliating Detox Body Soap with Arabica Coffee + Cinnamon

The Seaweed Bath Co. Exfoliating Detox Body Soap with Arabica Coffee + Cinnamon contains organic, sustainably-harvested bladderwrack seaweed that acts as a natural detoxifier. Arabica coffee is anti-oxidant rich and exfoliates for improved skin texture. Cinnamon supports skin elasticity and rich Hawaiian kukui oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil soothe and moisturize the skin. 3.75 oz. bar.

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castille Bar Soap

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castille Bar Soap is an organic bar is made with certified fair trade ingredients and organic hemp oil. It’s definitely the most fragrant of the bunch and also Dr. Bronner’s most popular scent. Those with sensitive skin should be careful with this bar as the peppermint may irritate your skin. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soaps are biodegradable, vegan and can be used for washing body, face or hair!

I appreciate that it is noted on the label: “Sodium Hydroxide – **None remains after saponifying oils into soap & glycerin.” Sodium Hydroxide, also called lye, is a necessary ingredient to make soap. People get scared when they think of “lye soaps” but all soap is made from lye and they are 100% correct: none remains after the saponification (soapmaking) process. A good note to ease any concerns!

Native Coconut & Vanilla Bar Soap

Native Coconut & Vanilla Bar Soap has just the right scent mix of tropical coconut and smooth vanilla. This soap is formulated for sensitive skin and made with natural plant extracts. It is enriched with shea butter and produces a creamy lather. 5 oz. bar.

Love Beauty and Planet Argan Oil & Lavender Relaxing Rain Bar Soap

Love Beauty and Planet Argan Oil & Lavender Relaxing Rain Bar Soap is made with organic coconut oil and triple-milled, which makes this a very hard bar of soap. This large bar is enriched with argan oil and ethically sourced Lavender oil. This bar is semi-translucent and reminiscent of the clear glycerin bar soaps. Typical glycerin soap isn’t usually very creamy, but this soap was surprisingly richer and creamier than expected. 7 oz. bar.

Raw Sugar Simply Bar Soap – Lemon Sugar

Raw Sugar Simply Bar Soap – Lemon Sugar is a triple-milled soap that smells like a lemon! This one stands out from the bunch due to the 12 round nubs on the soap which makes it a massage bar to stimulate the skin and increase circulation. It is made with certified organic sugarcane and citrus extracts. This soap comes in a 2-pack. 5 oz. each.

Harry’s Stone Bar Soap

Harry’s Stone Bar Soap comes to us from Harry’s, a men’s shaving and grooming product company. The bar is made from sustainable palm oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. The mineral and citrus scent includes notes of yuzu, bergamot, and dry notes of charcoal.

This is definitely a masculine scent, but the citrus notes brighten it up. This soap provides a rich lather thanks to the palm oil. 5 oz. bar.

Yes to Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap

Yes to Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap is a detoxifying soap that is ideal of acne-prone and combination skin. It contains charcoal and tomatoes to detoxify and is made from 98% natural ingredients. The scent is named Tomato Vine, but I’m not sure that’s what I smell. It’s not a strong fragrance, but I don’t think it smells quite like a tomato vine. Yes to Tomatoes says this can be used as a face and body soap, but I am only using it as a body soap. I reserve my skincare made especially for the face on my face. 7 oz bar.

Indigo Wild Frankincense and Myrrh Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap

Indigo Wild Frankincense and Myrrh Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap is truly a handmade soap and made with goat’s milk to produce a rich and creamy bar. This was one of the best selling soaps from my store. You’ll probably either love or hate the scent: it’s a deep sweet woodsy fragrance. This soap is made by hand in small batches.

Since it’s a handmade soap, it will not last nearly as long as most of the other bars in this bunch. I always recommend standing the bar upright to dry rather than flat and to use a soap dish that will allow the soap to drain away any water. 3 oz. bar.

Method Bar Soap Simply Nourish – Coconut, Rice Milk and Shea Butter

Method Bar Soap Simply Nourish – Coconut, Rice Milk and Shea Butter is made from plant-based ingredients with added rice milk, shea butter, and vitamin E. It has a relaxing milky fragrance and the rice milk makes this a creamy bar. 6 oz bar.

Well, there you have it. Ten bar soaps that you can pick up at Target or Amazon are definitely not your average drugstore bar soaps. Hope you find one that you like!

Thanks for reading!

I have a complicated relationship with the sun. I love it, but I don’t. Like a lot of people, I feel better when the sun is shining. I’ve always loved the summer and soaking up the sun’s rays.

In my younger years, I’ve used everything from iodine (what was I thinking?) to baby oil to get that elusive golden tan. I have light skin that freckles way too easily.

At first, my skin turns pinkish-red and then it usually turns tan, but I only ever get so tan. I reach a point and I don’t get any darker, which isn’t too dark to begin with.

As I’ve gotten older, I get more discoloration than ever from tanning, so I prefer to be protected with SPF or stay out of the sun completely. Enter self-tanner!

The Self Tanning Process

Years ago when I attempted to use self-tanner in high school I distinctly remember someone remarking that I looked orange. Self-tanners have come a long way since then and I’ve tried a lot of them. The hard facts are that self-tanning takes commitment, so if you understand that fact, you’ll set yourself up to get a believable albeit fake tan.

The following four-step process can be streamlined as you get more practice with self-tanning. Everyone’s skin will be different. Some people’s skin will retain a fake tan longer than others, so do what works best for your skin.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Step 1 – Exfoliate

Body Exfoliation

Before you even think about applying self-tanner, you need to prep your skin. There are many options for exfoliation, but lately, I have been loving Dove’s Exfoliating Body Polishes. It’s so nice to see a good body scrub available in drugstores.

I’ve gone through two tubs of Dove Macadamia & Rice Milk Body Polish. The scent is very understated, warm and inviting.

These body polishes have a whipped texture and exfoliate very gentle while also moisturizing with their 1/4 moisturizing cream formula. The formulas are sulfate-free and they really get rid of dry and patchy dead skin.

This body polish leaves your skin so soft and smooth. The exfoliating beads are made out of silica so there are no harsh edges.

It stays where you apply it as well so it doesn’t immediately slide right off your wet skin. When prepping for self-tanning, try to pay special attention to elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.

For its reasonable price, you can afford to be generous with your exfoliation every few days. Once you finish exfoliating, you can also shave. Shaving helps prior to self-tanning to remove not only hair but additional dead skin cells.

Facial Exfoliation

For the face, you can reach for either a light chemical or physical exfoliator to ensure that dead skin cells are minimized prior to self-tanning.

I love the gentle Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel which is a botanical exfoliator. It contains a green tea derived probiotic enzyme (lactobacillus ferment) and papaya enzymes (papain) to help exfoliate your skin. The fine grains of powder mix with a few drops of water to create a lather that sloughs away dead skin cells.

If you opt for physical facial exfoliation, a gentle scrub will do the job. For a less expensive physical exfoliation, Olay Regenerist Cleansing Whip Facial Cleanser is a creme polish cleanser that contains Vitamin B3 and Carob Seed Extract. It has fine micro-polishers that are not too abrasive.

Keep in mind that if you use chemical treatments such as lactic acid treatments they will also have an exfoliating effect. Try not to overdo it with exfoliating your face so as not to cause irritation.

Step 2 – Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Once you’ve exfoliated, make sure to moisturize really well for the day paying special attention to those tricky areas previously mentioned: elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.

These are the spots that show mistakes the easiest and may end up streaky.

A light moisturizer like Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion will prep your skin to absorb the self-tanner more evenly without it clumping to dry skin.

Wait for the moisturizer to absorb for a few minutes before applying the self-tanner. Self-tanning at night is an option to help avoid the inevitable self-tanner smell that you will notice throughout the day.

Step 3 – Apply Self Tanner

Self Tanner For the Body

I have been loving St. Tropez Gradual Self Tanning Mousse since it doesn’t deposit a deep dark tan in one application that I am certain to goof up. Using the self-tanner a few mornings or evenings in a row generates a base tan and then you can apply it every couple of days for maintenance.

Use a tanning mitt with the mousse to ensure an even application. Apply the mouse directly to the mitt and follow the directions by applying in upward circular motions taking special care around your elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.

You have to experiment with the right amount of mousse for you but since the color deposited will not be dark in one application, you can afford to use a little more to see how it affects your skin.

The mousse is colorless, so there won’t be any guides to show you where it is going, so you need to make sure that it is blended well.

The mousse dries pretty quickly but be sure to wait until your skin feels dry before dressing. Don’t forget to wash the mitt. You can use warm water and makeup brush cleanser or liquid soap to remove mousse from the mitt.

This self-tanner fades really evenly, even if you don’t continue tanning. Another plus is that after application, the self-tanner scent is minimal and much less than any other self-tanning product I’ve ever used.

Another gradual tanning option that combines a firming moisturizer and self-tanner in one is Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer in Medium/Tan. This is great for those days where you don’t have the time to run through the entire self-tanning process. No mitt required.

Related: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Review

If you need a quicker and deeper tan, L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes in Medium are a great option. They come in a box of 6 and are infused with AHA derivatives and Vitamin E for a streak-free tan.

One towelette works for your whole body and will provide a natural-looking color after the first use. Note that you do need to be more careful with blending in the self-tanner. The towelette will deposit a stronger color on the initial application.

Self Tanner For the Face

For your face, Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning is a natural-looking self-tanner that is easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. The directions say to apply this milky liquid with a cotton pad after your day cream, but I apply it with my fingers after my evening skincare.

It is a trusted favorite because it provides an authentic color, never irritates my skin and is not streaky or patchy. The color is light enough that a daily skincare routine should exfoliate it, so it can be applied every day.

Related: Best Face Self-Tanners For Acne Prone Skin

Step 4 – Exfoliate!

Just when you think you are done, you are not! While you are self-tanning your body, continue to lightly exfoliate your skin in the shower every few days.

You don’t need to aggressively exfoliate and remove the tan. Just lightly exfoliate your skin as your tan fades so the color doesn’t cling to dry skin and create an unpleasant patchy dirty look. This helps the tan fade more evenly and prepares your skin if you will be tanning again.

Self-tanning is definitely a process, and I can’t even count the hours I’ve spent self-tanning over the years. I’m at the point where I want a reliable natural-looking color that won’t take too long to achieve.

These products and steps should help you achieve that natural-looking golden glow in a reasonable amount of time.

Thanks for reading!

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

I can always tell when someone has a gel manicure because their nails always look so shiny and thick. I’ve been wanting to try Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish since discovering it was an at-home option for a gel-like manicure without needing any special lights or crazy removal techniques that could harm your nails.

The first thing that I noticed was that the nail brush is a little thicker than other nail polish brushes that I’ve used in the past. The plus is that it deposits the nail polish a little quicker, but when it comes to smaller nails, it is a little difficult to apply without getting the nail polish on your fingers.

How to Apply Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish

The directions are to apply two coats of the base coat and one coat of the top coat. I found the lighter colors to be sheerer than the darker colors and the consistency even seemed a little thinner. The first time I used the nail polish, I waited about 5 minutes, per the instructions, between coats.

It felt like I should have waited longer for the first coat to dry, so the second time I waited a full 30 minutes between coats. It seemed like the nail polish was stronger and harder after waiting longer between coats and smudges and streaks were minimized.

While the nail polish will seem dry on the top layer after a few minutes, it will easily dent if it is not fully dry. So after applying two base coats and one top coat, I would suggest being careful with your nails for at least a couple of hours.

Related: Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Vegan Nail Polish Collection Review

Matte or Shine

I tested both the Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat and the Miracle Gel Shiny Top Coat. The shiny top coat was nice but I was really interested in trying the matte look. I really loved the matte top coat for the first few days. After about day 3, the matte wore off and the polish started to gather some shine. It did not make the manicure look bad, but it was not the matte look that I was after.

By the end of the first week, I noticed some thin hairline cracks horizontally across my nails. Soon after I noticed small chips on the edge of my nails. I cut my nails and tried the polish on shorter nails and noticed that the chipping held off a little longer.

My favorite colors were Birthday Suit and Sheer Happiness, but I was surprised how much I liked the gray shades. I’ve ended up wearing Birthday Suit more than the other colors since the color is so universally flattering.

I really liked this polish kit. While it doesn’t provide a salon gel nail experience, I love that there are both matte and shine options. While the polish didn’t withstand an entire two weeks, it was really nice for the first week. I loved the initial matte look.

The nail polish was easily removed with regular nail polish remover, minimizing damage to my nails in the process. As the seasons are changing from spring to summer, I know I will be enjoying these lighter colors for not only the next few months but all year round.

Thanks for reading!