Product reviewed was provided courtesy of Simple Luxuries.

If you have read anything on this site before, you know how completely obsessed I am with trying and finding the best products to keep you looking and feeling great.  On top of that, I love natural and organic products for their “clean-ness” and modest sensibility.  Today, I am happy to write about my experience with Simple Luxuries Lotion Bar, Irish Tweed Scent.

I have to be very honest here, the thought of a bar of lotion baffled me when I was first introduced to this product, but now that I’ve used it I can say that it totally makes sense.  Simple Luxuries managed to create a moisturizing bar with literally 3 ingredients…yep not 13, not 30….3 (Grapeseed oil, shea butter and beeswax)!

The product comes in a small twist up tub much like those little castor oil anti-friction sticks you get in the drug store.  This makes it a pretty handy product to tote around in a messenger if you need it. Simple Luxuries crafted a scent specifically for men, Irish Tweed, and it smells pretty much like Irish Spring soap from back in the day (from what I can remember anyway).  The definitively masculine scent is strong and the “lotion” absorbed into my skin pretty quickly which I assume is due to the properties of the grapeseed oil. It’s non-greasy, leaves no residue and applies easily in stick form.

Overall, I’ll be frank and say that using a bar as lotion definitely takes some getting used to.  I can’t say I’m a full-fledged believer yet, however, the bar is great for quick fixes like dry or ashy elbows or hands.  Let’s keep it real folks…it happens. Would you give it a try?

Head over to the Simple Luxuries shop to check it out their lotion bars, and many other cool things, for yourself!

Disclosure: Product was provided courtesy of Pitstick for the purpose of this review.

5 ingredients. 5 ingredients!  Have you ever heard of a deodorant with just 5 ingredients?!  Well, now you have.  Pitstik is an all natural deodorant crafted by Froasis based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The folks over at Froasis were kind enough to share their product with me so that I could bring you this review!

Scent: As a guy, there are plenty of deodorant or anti-perspirant products out there for us to choose from, however, they often contain carcinogens (potentially cancer-causing ingredients) and other ingredients such as parabens, silica and aluminum that have their own problems.  Well, Pitstik has none of those and as a guy I also found the smell pretty pleasant and fresh, inoffensive and not overwhelming.  In addition, the product is gender neutral and you can even mix in your favorite essential oils to create your own signature deodorant. How cool is that?!

Consistency:  I like to think of Pitstik’s consistency as similar to a thick, shea butter based pomade.  It’s a bit more gummy in texture but is easily spreadable.  I will say that application is a bit unorthodox as you have to dig in with a few fingers to apply the product to your underams.  Now, I’m not used to my hands touching my deodorant but after the initial weirdness of that wore off, I realized that Pitstick really is a good and effective product.

Price: A tin of Pitsik sells for $7.95 on Etsy here. According to instructions, one tin of Pitstik should last about 1-2 months depending on how much you use and how often you reapply.

Overall Impression: The more products I use, the more I am surprised by the creativity and diligence that smaller brands have in crafting good quality, natural products (shout out to the little guys!).  So far I’ve had a really good experience using Pitstik and haven’t noticed any underarm odor when I use it.  Keep in mind that this is a deodorant and not an anti-perspirant so you may not get wetness protection if you’re looking for that.  But, if you’re looking to dig further in the “natural lifestyle” then Pitstik is definitely worth your time (and money).  And you have the chance to try it…FOR FREE! Just enter the giveaway below by posting a comment here or go “LIKE” MANE MAN on Facebook!

PITSTIK GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, this stuff is pretty messy!

With a $3 price tag, the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque fits almost any budget, especially if you’re hesitant to try a new product in the first place.  I’ve used the masque now and overall I liked how it performed and you certainly can’t beat the cheap price tag.

The masque is designed to help “dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores”.  To be honest, I can’t really vouch for any of that because I haven’t used the product regularly.  What I can say is, it most certainly left my skin feeling baby smooth.  I used the product directions to a t (seriously, I set a timer) and I really enjoyed how it made my skin feel afterwards.  I can’t say that I’ve used any face product that left my skin feeling that smooth.  On the other hand, the smoothness was relatively temporary.  I’m not saying my face turned to stone the next day or anything, I just didn’t notice any lasting results.  Perhaps regular use might get me longer lasting results.

The one thing that bugged me about the masque was the application.  The product comes out of the tube in a semi-solid state and mystified me a bit.  As you can see from the graphic above, I had a hard time evenly distributing the product due to its texture.  It definitely got into my hair which was a little annoying to wash out after my 15 minutes was up.

Overall, I think that the masque is fine for what it is.  A 2 ounce sample tube will run you about 3 bucks and that’s probably the most inexpensive masque you can get anywhere.  While the treatment is refreshing and generally good for your skin, I can’t say that I noticed any real difference in the clarity or even-ness of my skin.  If you’re a guy with problem skin, this may be a good product to add to a weekly regimen.  That being said, this was the first mask I have ever used and I did feel a little bit like a housewife prepping for bed.  But then again, I recovered with my machismo intact.  I do have to say, the feeling of your skin tightening while the mask is on is REALLY weird, but sort of cool.  So, just consider it an experiment, OK?

Disclosure: Products for review were provided courtesy of ROCK deodorant.

As you know, I’m a huge fan of all natural products and it seems that I get more and more excited each time I get to try out something new. Today I bring you a review of my experience with ROCK deodorant, a pure and natural body spray.

Let me begin by saying that I use to be a huge fan of Axe products when they first became popular years ago, but as I matured I found their scents overpowering and their formulations drying.  Now, if I smell the stuff it always seems the person who has used it has went  way overboard.  That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to give ROCK deodorant a try.  I personally like to think of ROCK as the more evolved version of Axe.  ROCK products are natural and contain no parabens, dyes, or aluminum (which is pretty ubiquitous in deodorant products). Read this article “Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer” from the National Cancer Institute about conflicting research regarding the use of such compounds in personal care items.

ROCK deodorant was kind enough to provide me with 3 out of 4 scents which are Unscented, Cobalt Sky and Onyx Storm.  Truth be told, I normally don’t wear heavy scents so I was pleasantly surprised when I found both Cobalt Sky and Onyx Storm non-invasive.  Unscented, of course, is just that…unscented and works just as well without having the added fragrance. 

I’ve used all three on days where I had moderate activity (like walking a few miles and a night out on the town) and found them all pretty effective.   My personal favorite, however, has to be Cobalt Blue which has a fresh and clean hint of citrus which I find perfect for daily use. Onyx Storm is a bit more spicy and woodsy and still pretty pleasant.

Application is super easy and the metal, pump bottles are perfectly sized. I usually sprayed one to two times under each arm and another one to two pumps for my chest and neck area for full coverage.  The one challenge I ran into was that both Cobalt Sky and Onyx Storm had an almost foamy quality when sprayed onto the skin, so  I usually just rubbed them in a bet to help them along.  Oddly enough, I didn’t have that issue with the Unscented version.  Go figure!  The only other potential negative is that ROCK offers no anti-perspirant properties but that is pretty standard among even synthetic sprays of this sort.

In my opinion, ROCK deodorant is good for those who like the idea of body spray deodorants but don’t want the extra crap (and potentially harming agents) that other brands include.  Personally, I know that I when I go out to purchase body spray this is the stuff I will look out for from this point forward.  And to be honest, the fourth scent Granite Rain is now on my must-try list.

Bodybuilders. Models. Swimmers. Porn stars. YOU?  Over the past couple of decades manscaping has picked up some serious steam.  Popular among those in the bright lights for some time, now everyday guys have adopted manscaping as a part of a more metro lifestyle.  Hairless legs, chests, groins and underarms have become more popular than ever and there are tons of razors and shaving tools to suit your personal preferences and price point if you decide to take on the task of manscaping your furriest areas.

Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to try out Philips Norelco’s Bodygroom Pro, a water-resistant manscaping powerhouse aimed at giving men a smooth and comfortable shave even in the most delicate of areas.  Here’s the run down of what Philips Norelco promises with the Bodygroom Pro:

• The ability to trim or shave with 5 different length settings for different areas of the body
• Quick charging and water-resistant
• Get a comfortable shave with one stroke
• Hypoallergenic foil shaver

My experience with  Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro was pretty pleasant, so let’s hit the high points, shall we?

Price: The Bodygroom Pro retails for about $69.99, making it moderately expensive, but with its multi-functionality I believe this shaver really is worth it.

Ease of Use: Like the packing promises, the ergonomic shape of the bodygroom makes this shaver super easy to use as it fit very comfortably in my hand during both wet and dry uses.

Wet or Dry?: Wet or dry, the Bodygroom Pro performs.  I have tried both the trimmer and shaver in both in the shower and out of the shower and I have absolutely no complaints.  Personally, I’m always a bit skeptical about products that claim to be water-resistant, but on this product the advertising is spot on.  The shaver can also be used with or without the aid of a shave oil or cream, which offers great versatility.  To be honest, I think I prefer the shaver in the shower and the trimmer dry but the Bodygroom Pro performs relatively well in either situation.

Shaving Nicks and Irritation: The manual that comes with the groomer indicates that first time users will likely experience irritation, especially in those fuzzy areas below the belt as the skin is extra sensitive.  During my trial use with the product, I experienced some irritation which lasted for about a couple of days, but with my second try (and so forth) I’ve had absolutely no irritation or nicks.

Super charged!: The groomer promises a full charge within 1 hour, which I was really skeptical about. Don’t you hate it when you have to charge electronics for hours before you can even think about using them? Well, that isn’t the case with the Bodygroom Pro as my initial charge came in under an hour’s time.  I’ve had it for several weeks now and haven’t even thought about recharging it yet.  The battery life in this thing is awesome!

Overall Impression: Thankfully for me, I don’t come from a particularly hairy background (Thanks Dad!) so manscaping isn’t an extensive part of my everyday grooming routine.  What has been pretty scary territory for me in the past (nicks below the belt anyone?) has turned into another pleasant part of my grooming ritual.  Additionally, the Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro is solely responsible for my abandonment of hair removal creams that irritate and dry out my skin.  If you’re a guy who is looking for that grooming tool to take your fuzziest areas to well manicured lawns, the Bodygroom Pro is a must have.  Personally, I can’t see myself using traditional razors (or anything else) ever again.

For today’s review, I wanted to write briefly about some products I received from Naturally Fresh, the very cool Deodorant Crystal and MoistStic.  Founded by Cathy and Ted Alflen in 1991, Naturally Fresh wanted to offer the world an all natural (and effective) deodorant that was free of harmful chemicals (like aluminum which is found in most deodorants).  Years later, Naturally Fresh offers a wide range of naturally refreshing body products such as body and foot sprays  with a variety of scents and sizes.

For me, I enjoyed the Naturally Fresh Deodorant Stick.  I used the fragrance free stick and it really does work well. While it doesn’t help with underarm wetness (it’s only a deodorant and NOT an antiperspirant), the deodorizing crystal fared well on relatively humid and warm NY days.  And you know those subway stations are no joke! At $3.99, the 2.1 oz bar can last for months.  I have used mine for a while and it barely looks like I’ve touched it.  The best part of the crystal is that its versatile.  Once you wet the crystal you can practically use it for any part of your body (underarms, neck, feet) and it doesn’t stain your clothes like traditional deodorants do.  For me, however, I have to stick with a traditional stick, especially for the Summer months.  That being said, I definitely wouldn’t mind trying Naturally Fresh’s all natural body sprays. Hey, I could even use a foot spray cause I’m sure my TOMS are going to be pretty funky by the end of the season. Don’t judge, I know I’m not the only one!

The folks at Naturally Fresh were kind enough to also send along a sample MoistStic, their all natural lip protection stick.  It’s made with coconut oil, beeswax, lanolin, peppermint oil, vitamin e and tea tree oil…that’s it! It provides great moisture and stays on deck when my lips need a little extra help.  If you’re in the market for some natural body products, I would give Naturally Fresh a shot. Their products are very affordable and the deodorant crystal is available in Walmart stores country-wide.

With the men’s grooming and skin care industry booming, I have been fortunate enough to dabble in some really nice products designed for the modern man.  For the past month or so, I’ve been trying out a moisturizer from Taun, who specializes in small batch men’s skin care.  For those of you looking for something a bit more luxurious and refined, Taun may be just the product for you. 

Packaging: As you can see from the image above, Taun boasts an elegant brand design which is both simple and masculine.  Complete with chocolate brown lettering, the heavy glass container immediately conjured up thoughts of luxury and decadence when I first received my pack in the mail.  The container itself is sturdy and heavy, which is good for us guys who tend to accidentally toss light products around with no second thought.  4/5

Consistency:  Sickeningly smooth!  It sort of like the mac and cheese that is so good that you have to slap somebody.  But seriously, this is probably the most well crafted skin care product I have ever used.  Delving into the jar for the first time was like walking into skin care heaven.  The facial repair formula is heavy, but light…not too thick and not too thin.  It’s just…perfect.  It’s even easy to get out of the jar and makes for easy application.  I’m convinced Taun has hired magicians and alchemists of some sort to craft this stuff.  Awesome. 5/5

Smell: Ironic, given it’s price point and superior construction, Taun’s facial repair formula smells reminiscent of a very inexpensive drug store lotion, except with a slightly sweet smell.  The facial repair formula definitely has a mild scent that doesn’t compete with colognes, shave oils or aftershaves which makes it great for use with your other favorite products.  4/5 

Price:This is most easily the down side for someone with a more subdued and modest budget like myself.  Selling for $79 per 1.7 oz, the price can be a bit prohibitive. Only you can really decide if it’s worth a try.  That being said, once you decide you like it, you can pay for a monthly subscription of Taun to be delivered to your home for only $59 per jar. Don’t worry, you can discontinue at any time and shipping is always free at Taun. 2/5

Overall Impression:  Through my trial with Taun, I have to say that the team really does seem to understand their target audience. This luxurious moisturizer is creamy and has great ingredients which makes it a great fit for someone like me, the ever evolving man who is on the search for the perfect skin care regimen.  On top of all that, my interaction with a representative has been the best since I’ve started MANE MAN.  When I received my package in the mail, I received a personally written letter and have had great follow up contact since then.  If this is any indication of how Taun views is consumer base, they are definitely going to go a long way.  4/5

For guys, especially, establishing a good skin care regimen is often a daunting and tedious task but doing so is essential to maintaining balanced, healthy skin that stays moisturized.  Shaving can cause dryness and irritation so using a cleanser that provides fresh, moisturized skin is a big deal!  That being said, I’ve been using Neutrogena’s Transparent Facial Bar to cleanse nightly for a while and I thought I’d give you my review.  Check it out!

Packaging: Initially, this is what really drove me to give Neutrogena a shot.  It seems that the branding has been consistent for quite some time which makes it pretty recognizable on the shelf (in addition to the brand being advertised as #1 dermatologist recommended). I also appreciate the clean and simple design of the box as it lacks all the bells and whistles of some other popular brands. 3/5

Smell: There’s not much to say here, except that there’s nothing remarkable about the scent of this soap.  It has a fresh scent to it, but doesn’t smell natural which was definitely a problem for me. 2/5

Price: Arguably the product’s best-selling point, the product retails for $2.50 for a 3.5 oz bar, making it a great value. 5/5

Overall Impression: While I really wanted to like this one due to its affordability and availability, I can say that I will not be repurchasing Neutrogena’s Transparent Facial Bar.  I know what some people swear by it, however, without fail, I found that it stripped my skin of moisture and that’s exactly the opposite of what I need.  In my opinion, if you’re looking for a moisturizing wash, then steer clear of this one.   2/5

Disclosure: Products for review were provided courtesy of Jack Black.

Created in 2000, Jack Black is a popular men’s skin care brand which emphasizes the use of plant extracts and herbs in indulgent formulations designed to keep men’s skin care fresh and simple.  Recently, I had the chance to sample part of the line up and wanted to give you all my first impression of the line.  Read on for more!

Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser:  One of my favorite things about this product has to be the smell. The Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser is made with aloe and sage which gives this cleanser a fresh yet earthy smell which is perfect for the warmer months.  I enjoyed using the product but found the consistency to be a bit too thin for me.  A 6 oz. tube will run you a hefty $18.  MANE MAN’s rating 3/5.

Intense Therapy Lip Balm:  This is one of my favorites from the sample pack. The great thing about the lip balm is that it comes in different flavors and formulations for those with the most discerning taste.  I used the Natural Mint and Shea Butter Balm and it has proven to be a great choice for the Spring months. Plus, you get a little tingle from the mint everytime you use it.  It’s seriously good stuff and no wonder this balm won Esquire’s Award in 2007 for Best Balm.  A .25 oz. tube retails for $7.50. MANE MAN’s rating 4/5.

All Over Wash: This one was probably my least favorite of the bunch. While I enjoyed the scent, I felt that the product didn’t really deliver the moisture and gentle cleansing properties touted on the bottle.  It wasn’t bad per se, it just left me expecting more. MANE MAN’S rating 2/5.

Double Duty Face Moisturizer:  This award winning moisturizer is,by far, my favorite of the bunch!  The Double Duty Face Moisturizer can only be described as an essential tool in any man’s arsenal.  First off, the smell is awesome.  It’s fresh and light and instantly made me long for beach time in the Summer.  Is it July yet?! Made with Algae Extract and Sea Kelp, this moisturizer is simply smooth, uber light and easily distributes (even over a 5 o’clock shadow).  Did I mention it provides broad spectrum protection for both UVA and UVB rays? Well done Jack Black, well done. MANE MAN’s rating 5/5.

]]> http://www.manemanblog.com/2012/04/18/first-impression-jack-black/feed/ 0 http://www.manemanblog.com/2012/04/14/product-review-shea-moisture-three-butters-wash-scrub/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=product-review-shea-moisture-three-butters-wash-scrub http://www.manemanblog.com/2012/04/14/product-review-shea-moisture-three-butters-wash-scrub/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:53:20 +0000 MANE MAN http://www.manemanblog.com/?p=2057

The current line up...it's like a little Shea Moisture family, huh?

I haven’t always had a love affair with shea based products. In fact, I’ve found very few of them to be great with my mane but since I started using Shea Moisture body products regularly, I’ve found a greater appreciation for all things shea.  Fortunately for me, Shea Moisture provided some products for review and I have yet to be let down by their body products.  Here’s my take on a piece of the stash, read my review of Shea Moisture’s Three Butters Wash & Scrub.

Packaging:  I get the impression that Shea Moisture made a concerted effort with this product and the Shave and Groom Set to create a set of specific products targeted to male consumers.  Blue is historically masculine and happens to be one of my favorite colors anyway, so that paired with an amber-colored clear bottle is pretty cool.  It even matches my Yankees themed bathroom (LET’S GO YANKEES! *insert claps here*).  I think most guys wouldn’t mind having this sitting around their shower stall at all, at least I know I didn’t.

Consistency:  With a name like Three Butters, one would expect to get a milky smooth texture and that’s exactly what you get here. Made up of shea, mango and avocado butters this stuff has a pretty rich and luxurious feel to it.  When I first started using the wash I was impressed immediately. It’s just SO smooth and, like the face wash, has jojoba beads for added moisture. The formulation here works so well and the consistency and feel rivals some more mainstream (and expensive) competitors.

Smell: The wash has a very distinct earthy, nutty scent which is great for those seeking mild, natural scents.  There’s also this bright note likely due to the orange and bergamot oils.  To me, it’s damn near perfection.

Price: Most of Shea Moisture’s products retail for about $10.

Overall Impression: Man, this stuff is just…awesome.  Ever since I discovered Shea Moisture’s Three Butters Wash & Scrub I don’t like using anything else.  This wash delivers a natural earthy smell, gentle cleansing properties and moisture all in one.  If you’re a guy and looking for a new wash to try start here! 

Forever on a search to find the best in men’s grooming products, I was happy to try out Every Man Jack’s Signature Mint Body Wash.  Check out my review below!

Packaging:  Before running across Every Man Jack on Soap.com, I hadn’t even heard of the brand. I was initially intrigued by the signature brown bottle which, along with the name, makes me think of Westerns and cowboys and all that manly stuff.  This stuff is clearly for the guys with its simple and muted design.  The body wash actually comes in a few different scents, all of which feature a graphic image of a different color on the bottle.  The ribbed side makes it easy to handle in the shower and the bottle is pretty easy to squeeze too.

Consistency:  This body wash is really a gel as the consistency is pretty thick.  I really enjoyed this because it makes it difficult to overuse the product which is generally a problem for me.  I’m pretty heavy-handed with all my products so this consistency made it easy for the wash to last for quite some time.

Smell:  The scent I purchased to try was the Signature Mint, which as you can imagine, smells like mint.  Overall, the scent was pleasant and not overwhelming by any means.  If you’re a fan of mint, then I would guess that you will likely enjoy this refreshing scent.

Price: I bought the body wash from Soap.com for about $6.25 for almost 17 ounces making this definitely a good value.

Overall Impression: Every Man Jack seems to be a brand that values bringing natural based products to guys who are looking for something better and more effective than traditional bar soap. In this, Every Man Jack succeeds.  For me, while the scent, price and styling are great I did not feel the wash provided me with moisture that I really need on a daily basis.  All in all, this is a definite step up for a guy whose is transitioning from traditional bar soaps but not the best “drug store” brand of cleansers out there.

Packaging: Like I discussed in a previous post, Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Raw Shea Body Scrub, I enjoy Shea Moisture’s overall brand design. The African Black Soap Shea Butter Wash is no exception. While the label is slightly reminiscent of Halloween with its orange font on a black label, I still really enjoyed the packaging.  The wash itself is a sort of black/dark purple color which is really atypical of body products.

Consistency:  The wash is of a medium consistency.  It’s more of a translucent liquid wash instead of a creamy one, which I would typically not go for in the Winter months.  But with the strong shea presence, I didn’t worry too much about that. One thing that was unexpected were the small beads in the wash.  To be frank, I initially found them to be a little odd but they dissolved so quickly that I didn’t give them too much thought. I later discovered that they are jojoba beads which help this wash nourish the skin during each use. For more on the benefits of jojoba check out this article from Purcell Jojoba International.

Smell:  I love sweet-smelling products but initially I found this scent to be overwhelming.  To be honest, I’m probably a little hypersensitive to smells and after a few tries I get used to them and this was the case with the African Black Soap Wash.  The base is pretty heavy with beets so if you are not a fan of beets or allergic then you should absolutely steer clear.  Otherwise, I found the smell to generally pleasant and it smells great in a steaming hot shower.

Price: Fortunately for me, this is one of three products that I purchased a few months ago at Shea Moisture’s pop-up booth at the Bryant Park Holiday Market. They were running a great 3 products for $20 deal at the time which is pretty much a steal! On the shelves the wash typically retails for about $10.

Overall Impression: Trying an alternative to the typical drug store body wash has proven to be a VERY good decision. Originally designed for acne prone & troubled skin, Shea Moisture’s Organic African Black Soap Shea Butter Wash delivered on the promise of nourishing my skin and provided much-needed moisture on dry Winter days. I do have pretty dry skin and Winter only exacerbates the problem due to the low humidity.  But I have to say that since I’ve been using this wash I found myself less diligent about lathering up in lotion to prevent those Winter dry skin itchies.  I’ve had the bottle since late November and it is now almost February so it lasts as well.  Finally, if you are looking for a consistently moisturizing product, shell out a few more bucks for this wash because it’s definitely worth it.

Shea Moisture Body Scrub

Packaging: I feel like Shea Moisture really got it right with the package design. It’s simple, to the point and very nondescript which are things I really appreciate in a design.  The label is a cool, burnt orange color which reads a little more masculine than some of their other labels (such as the Curl Enhancing Smoothie). Thumbs up.

Consistency:  This is a true sugar scrub, so the mixture tends to clump and harden at times, which is my only real qualm about the product.  The good news is that at a slight hint of hot water, the product just melts away.

A close up of the consistency.

Smell: A while back I tried Shea Moisture’s Deep Treatment Masque for my hair and did not like the smell.  I seriously thought I had some weird aversion to frankincense & myrrh.  That is until I found this stuff. I don’t know what it is about this scrub, but I love the smell.  I smell a lot of shea in this mix and its supported by the argan oil, frankincense and myrrh.  In the shower or bath, the smell swarmed around me leaving me feeling pretty indulged and relaxed.  The scent is definitely a plus!

Price:  I got this product at the Bryant Park Holiday Market pop up store in November.  At that time, luckily for me there were running a 3 for $20 special!  Normally Shea Moisture’s products run about 10 bucks each, making them a consistently good value for cruelty free, ethically traded, sustainable products. When it comes to value, Shea Moisture is where it’s at.

Overall Impression: To be honest, I think using a scrub regularly takes a bit too much thought for me.  Between doing that and taming the fro, I would be showering for about an hour if I used it regularly. But a few weeks ago I discovered that the best use of this scrub for me is to drop a palm-ful into a hot bath.  Yes, men takes baths…on occassion.  When I’m feeling particularly tense or  sore a hot bath is the best remedy.  During the Winter months, I rely on baths a lot more and letting some of this dissolve in the tub water is pure magic.  You get all the benefits of the shea butter and argan oil without the mess of using the scrub. The only downside to this, if there really is one, is that the smell lingered on my towel for some time…then again, I didn’t mind at all!

Source: TJartisthub.com

For a little less than the last fifty days, I’ve been using Trader Joe’s Spa Natural Facial Cleansing Pads.  I say fifty because it comes 50 per pack and I aimed to use it once daily before bed but some days I went a little crazy and used two (I’m a rebel!).  Anyway, I stumbled across these pads while shopping for some of my most coveted Trader Joe’s products (see the Brownie Truffle Mix and the Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner).

I don’t know if any of you have experienced more consistent forehead breakouts after you began using more oils (and heavier ones) in your hair care regimen.  For me that has definitely been the case and I had to do something to curb the increasing amount of pimples and blackheads that started to creep onto my face.  No bueno.

The primary ingredient in the pads is witch hazel which has a variety of topical uses.  Witch hazel is an effective natural astringent that helps mitigate acne, psoriasis and eczema.  Not too shabby!  In my experience with the product, I enjoyed it and didn’t observe any breakouts despite my regular use of oils on my hair and scalp.   The muddy color of these pads post use was an indication that they did their job pretty well.  Yeah, it ‘s gross but true!

I will warn you, these pads do have a quite a bit of zing to them so be careful around your eyes.  I think it even made my nose hairs quiver a bit when I got too close on a few occasions. Lesson learned!  Now that I’m out, I’m tempted to run a little experiment and not re-purchase for a little while and observe any changes in my complexion in the coming weeks. But then again, I don’t know if I’m up for the challenge.

Have you tried them? What do you think?

When I was approaching high school I was terrified of having acne pone skin.  All the movies and TV shows that I watched somehow always seemed to feature the unavoidable crisis of teen acne *cue Psycho music*  at some point in the plot.  I was a little traumatized.  My Dad is the kind of guy who washed his face with water and whatever soap was lying around which is no bueno for my sensitive skin so he wasn’t exactly my go to guy for stuff like that.  So naturally one day I wandered into my parent’s bathroom and stumbled upon St. Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish & Blackhead Control. Thanks Mom!

For years I used it on the low, “borrowing” it from my mom’s stash every so often and still continue to use it to this day.  Here are some reasons why I love this stuff:

• It treats acne and keeps blackheads at bay.
• You only have to use it 3-4 times per week to get the benefits.
• Salicylic Acid is the active ingredient which is also used in much more expensive face washes and cleansers.
• It’s not tested on animals…which is always a good thing!
• Some stores like Kmart even have their own version of this which is usually cheaper…all you have to do is compare the level of Salicylic Acid (usually at 2%).

So if you’re looking for a new way to take care of your skin, this is a great value and it definitely has done the job for me.  I rarely have skin issues but since I started using oil based products I’ve noticed that my forehead is prone to flare ups if not cleaned properly and this definitely does the trick.  Check it out!

]]> http://www.manemanblog.com/2011/12/12/stives-face-wash/feed/ 1