review // SheaMoisture Facial Moisturizers

My first experience with SheaMoisture products was with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, of which did not work for me (shocker - since I have fine hair).  I probably should have tried the volumizing formula.  Anyhow, shortly after that I noticed that Target was stocking more of their products, including skincare.  This intrigued me (since I'm pretty much obsessed with natural beauty care) and I decided to give this company another go.  This time I opted to try their facial moisturizers.  

A bit about the company... SheaMoisture was started by Sofi Tucker, who sold Shea nuts at her village market in Bonthe, Sierra Leone in 1912. By age 19, the widowed mother of four was selling her Shea butter and African black soap all over the countryside. Her grandchildren now continue her legacy through the Shea Moisture brand.
They create culturally-authentic, time-tested skin and hair care remedies from family recipes using all-natural and fair trade ingredients.

 
SheaMoisture products don't contain Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, DEA, PABA, Synthetic Fragrance or Artificial Color. And they do not participate in animal testing.  YAY!

PACKAGING
 

Both moisturizers come in boxes, with a surprising amount of info on them.  It talks about who they are, what the product is, how it's for, what's in it and how to use it.  This makes it a breeze to purchase their products even if you've never heard of them before... a great marketing technique.. props SM.  There's nothing I hate more than a product who's box doesn't show the ingredients and how to use it... who wants to be that weirdo opening all the boxes in the beauty isle?  Well, it's usually me, but I digress...  

The actually container is a recyclable glass jar with a plastic lid.  Even though it's glass, it's fairly thick so I think it would be fine to travel with.  The plastic lid seems very sturdy and durable, as well, and it screws on and off easily.  The jar label has all of the the info as the box, sans who they are.  I love this becasue all the product info is still available, even if you throw out the box.  Some people don't like jars, but I actually do becasue all of the product is available, unlike a lot of hard plastic bottles with pumps...you know there's still 1/5 of the product left in there after the pumps stops dispensing.  I couldn't tell you how many of those I've macgyvered open to get those last drips and drabs.  If you don't, that's just money wasted.  As long as you dip in with clean fingers, 

I think it's all good.

 

PRODUCT

I still use a few drops of my jojoba or maracuja oil at night, but have also been supplementing with the Raw Shea Butter Anti-Aging Moisturizer (2 oz.), especially if my skin has felt parched that day.  I like to use the Coconut & Hibiscus Spot Correcting Moisturizer in the morning under my make up.

The Raw Shea Butter Anti-Aging moisturizer (2 oz.) is recommended for dry and aging skin, but I have combination/aging and it works great.  I mainly use this as a night cream to combat wrinkles and loss of elasticity, which I am starting to notice more and more as I creep towards 30.  It has a light beige color and the scent is slightly spicy & earthy, but doesn't linger once applied.   It has a creamy consistency, which absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling super hydrated, not greasy.  

Beyond that, I love all of the good ingredients that are helping make my skin look younger and healthier.  Essential fatty acids help lift and re-define facial contours while improving elasticity. Natural oils, and cocoa & Shea butter soften and smooth the skin.  Frankincense and Myrrh help in defending against fine lines and wrinkles, revitalizing dull skin. Their benefits actually date back thousands of years and range from use in cosmetics and perfumes to anti-inflammatory medicinal benefits.

I've definitely noticed on nights when I use this, the next morning my skin looks tighter and more balanced.  It's not an instant miracle worker on the fine lines I do have, but I feel like they have gotten softer 

since I've been using this.

 

The Coconut & Hibiscus Spot Correcting moisturizer (2 oz.) is recommended for dull and uneven skin, which I am prone to, especially in my dryer areas.  I also have freckles and a few acne scars.  I like to use this under my makeup in the mornings, becasue it's a bit lighter than the Shea formula.  It has a bright white color and the scent is sweet & tropical, and again, doesn't linger once applied... although I kind of wish it would.  YUM.   It still has a creamy consistency, which absorbs quickly, but it's light.  Unfortunately, it's not quite moisturizing enough for me sometimes, so I will add a moisturizing facial spray (another post for another time) or a dab of the Raw Shea moisturizer in my dry areas.  I've only been using this during the winter, so this may be fine during the summertime.  We shall see...  

Again, this formula contains all natural ingredients, this time, helping give a more even, radiant glow to the skin.  Shea butter and organic coconut oil nourish and firm skin with Vitamin E and K, iron and fatty acids.  While, hibiscus flower and Songyi mushroom extracts help brighten the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone.

I'm almost done with this jar, as you can see in the image above, and I can honestly say that some of my darker freckles and the few acne scars I have, are lighter and my face does seem a bit brighter over all.  It's hard to say if it's solely becasue of this moisturizer, but I definitely think it has contributed.

 

PRICING

$ out of $$$

 These facial moisturizers range in price from $12 - $15 depending on which you get and where you buy them.  To me at first, this seemed a little high, but in comparison to some other all-natural moisturizers I've seen, which were around $30 for 1.5 oz, this is actually a pretty good deal.

PURCHASING

You can purchase SheaMoisture products - face, hair, body and Baby - at most local drugstores.  I got mine at target.  Their website has a full list.  Since it's under construction at the moment though, you can check out their Facebook page for more info. 

 CONCLUSION

Overall, I really like these moisturizers and I think I'll definitely purchase them again.  They have no nasty ingredients, do what they say and are reasonably priced.  There are a few other brands I might like to try out though, so maybe after those.  :)  Always on the hunt for the best in natural skincare!  Oh, and those of you that have oily or acne prone skin there is actually another line specifically for that.  African Black Soap Problem Skin Moisturizer may be for you! 

I have been trying out some of their lotion and body wash, as well.  I'll be sharing my thoughts on those in a few weeks, so definitely check back for that.  

And please leave a comment below, if you've tried these or any other SheaMoisture products that you can't live without!  I'd love to hear.  :)

 

get fit // YouTube: POPSUGAR Fitness

So, I thought it'd be fun to come up with a new feature series about fitness...  A way to share what I've been loving lately to help me "get fit".  

Right now, it's been 10 minute workout videos from POPSUGAR Fitness' YouTube channel.  They're long enough to make me sweat and sore (so sore!) the next day, but short enough to fit in a busy day.  

I especially love them right now, because it's spring pollen season and running outside would probably put me in anaphylactic shock.  Okay, so that might be a bit of a dramatization, but it'd definitely come close.   :\ 

I've included four of my favorites, but seriously, go check them out for yourself, there's so many to choose from!  If you want a longer workout or one to target a specific area or just some healthy eating tips, they've got it.

Victoria's Secret Model Workout: 10-Minute Fat-Blasting Circuit

The Look Good Naked Barre Workout

10-Minute Workout: Legs and Arms With Sadie Lincoln

The Butt-Lifting Workout That's Better Than Spanx

Let me know if you find one you love!  I may just have to add it to my list.  :)

The Benefits of..... Raw Honey

Raw honey isn't filtered, strained, or heated above natural hive temperatures (usually 115° F), a process used in conventional honey that can destroy beneficial enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants.  

One step better is organic raw honey.  In regular honey, honeybees can sometimes carry back pollen from flowers that have been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides.  Buying organic, means that you're getting honey that is carefully harvested from remote, untouched areas where the bees' only option is wild growing chemical free plants.  

Organic raw honey has so many health benefits that it's truly a super-food, no wonder it's been used for thousands of years.

In my Oil Cleansing Method post, I mentioned that in the morning I cleanse my face with raw honey, and I still do!  But honey has so many more benefits beyond beauty.

source

 

ENERGY

Carbohydrates in the form of glucose and fructose supply the body and mind with energy which can boost endurance, and reduce muscle fatigue.  Many athletes use raw honey for an inexpensive, natural energy source to sustain them throughout their training.  Eating one spoonful is really all you need or, if you prefer, add it to your pre-workout smoothie.

WELLNESS

Since it contains antioxidants, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, as well as vitamin C, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, sulfur, zinc and phosphate it's pretty much like nature's daily vitamin.  It also contains the flavonoid pinocembrin which promotes healthy enzyme activity.  And raw honey supports Bifidobacteria, by containing pre/pro biotics, which is essential for efficient digestion and good health.  That's why it's been known to help counteract ulcers and gastrointestinal issues. Raw honey's anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties also make it perfect for treating minor abrasions & sores, as well as sore throats, laryngitis and pharyngitis.

Please keep in mind though that children under one year of age should not consume honey as it could contain Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins. This can cause infant botulism because their intestinal tract is not mature enough to inhibit the growth of Clostridium botulinum.

Honey tastes sweeter than sugar, so less is needed to sweeten baked goods and beverages.  Studies have actually shown that foods prepared with honey last longer as well, so it's sort of like a natural preservative.

I do like to add it to my green tea or on almond butter toast on occasion, but I especially like to eat some if I feel a sore throat or a cold coming on.  I feel like it lessens whatever I'm 'catching'.

ALLERGIES

Because of these anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, raw honey can also possibly help treat environmental allergies and asthma.  For example, a common folk remedy for hay fever is to consume honey that has been produced by honeybees in the area. Consuming the very thing you are sensitive to may seem crazy, but the idea behind this is to sensitize yourself to local pollens so that you eventually build up a resistance to it.

I haven't yet tried this out on my seasonal allergies...well at least not regularly enough to make a difference.  I think I'll start to eat a bit each day and see how I fare next season.

 BEAUTY

Raw honey is amazing for people with all types of skin types.  It's anti-microbial and anti-septic properties make it perfect for oily and acne prone skin, by attacking the bacteria that cause outbreaks.  It is also a natural humectant, meaning it has the ability to attract and retain moisture.  This is good for problem skin becasue moisturizing the skin aids in rejuvenation.  This also makes it great for people with dry and sensitive skin.  It's vitamin and antioxidant rich composition helps mature skin to combat signs of aging and to look more youthful and plump.  

All of these properties make it a great addition to your beauty routine and why I include it in mine.  It gets rid of impurities & bacteria and leaves the skin fresh & full of moisture.  Who doesn't want that?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Raw honey can be in a liquid or solid (creamed) form. If you purchase raw honey in the liquid form, it may crystallize or solidify over time.  It can be clear, or opaque, or milky, and most often contain bits of raw bee pollen.  Its color can vary from white, to various shades of yellow, and even brown.  All of this depends on the type of flower that the bees retrieved the nectar from. It is not possible to tell whether a honey is raw or pasteurized based on color, taste or form alone, so to be sure that your honey is raw, it must say so on the label.

WHERE TO GET IT

If you're looking for some good options, check these out:

YS Eco Bee Farms  (I like this one)
 

Tropical Traditions

Trader Joes

Or try to find it locally and buy from an independent farmer.  This way, you can you help boost your local economy. 

I hope this helped give a better look inside the wide world of Raw (Organic) Honey and maybe gave you a different view of it, other than just an additive to tea. 

Check back over the next couple weeks for recipes of my homemade all-natural face mask/scrubs, 

made with raw honey!

 

SOURCES: 

http://wakeup-world.com/2012/07/23/the-health-benefits-of-raw-honey/

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-organic-locally-grown-raw-honey/

 http://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/guest-authors-on-natural-health/raw-honey-the-complete-story