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Friday, May 10, 2013

Ann Marie Gianni Skincare Sample Kit Review




From left: (purple lid): Dead Sea Facial Scrub, Yellow lid:  Citrus Mint Facial Cleaner, Green lid: Aloe-Herb Cleanser



Close up.




Here you can see the Aloe-Herb Cleanser close up. It's a white, creamy cleanser with a lotion-like consistency.
 
I'm going to start off talking about the Aloe-Herb Cleanser in the Ann Marie Gianni Skincare Sample Kit I've been using. I'll include a review on each of the samples, so you will see the names of each in large, bold letters. This way, if you want to read about a specific one, you can do so fairly easily by scrolling until you find it.

                          Aloe-Herb Cleanser

 The Aloe-Herb Cleanser (part of the Ann Marie Gianni skincare line) is the product you see in my last photo, the one with the green lid next to it. It has a white color to it & is pretty creamy, almost like a lotion. This is one of my favorites from the Ann Marie Gianni skincare sample kit. 

The Aloe-Herb Cleanser has a light clean,fresh scent to it. It's a very "green" scent, but doesn't linger after rinsed. Below, I'll go into more details about it.

Skin type:   The Aloe-Herb Cleanser is a great cleanser for normal skin types. However, mine is more of a combination type of skin and I still like this cleanser just fine, but I tend to need a little more maintenance for my skin is all.

For those with normal skin, you can use the Aloe-Herb Cleanser once in the morning and once in the evening, or just once daily.

For those with dry skin, it's best to use the Aloe-Herb cleanser twice daily.
Those with  The Cleanser is gentle & pH balanced so your skin’s naturals oils will be kept. 



                                                    What it does
        The Aloe-Herb Cleanser removes dirt, dead skin, and oil from skin. It contains no harsh detergents, but does contain a unique blend of essential fatty acids similar to the ones produced by skin. It is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E, which helps to repair free radical damage. 

   You guys know how much I love aloe vera by now, so I will spare you the raving of aloe and all the amazing benefits. I will just simply say that aloe has wonderful soothing properties, so it's great for skin. It helps helps synergize ingredients in the formula. 

      The Aloe Herb Cleanser leaves your face clear and smooth. 

                                           
                                                      How To Use  
     Apply the Aloe-Herb Cleanser in the morning or evening to damp or dry skin, massage it in for a minute, then rinse.

     
  
  Now here's something I think is great about Ann Marie Gianni's skincare -- they include all the ingredients & I think it's cute that each product starts off saying "made with: love," then it goes on to name other ingredients. Sweet!

                                  
                                 Aloe-Herb Cleanser is made with:

 Love, organic aloe vera juice infused with organic herbs (lavender flowers, calendula flowers, life everlasting flowers, hyssop, lemon balm, neem leaf, olive leaf, plantago leaf), organic coconut oil, cocoglucoside (coconut oil and glycerine), organic vegetable glycerine, aspen bark extract, organic ruby grapefruit oil, organic lemon oil, organic green mandarin oil, xanthan gum, organic rosemary oleoresin.

Notice the organic! Ann Marie Gianni uses the best ingredients! They're organic and the herbs are very useful for many different skin care needs. Looking at the list of ingredients in this Aloe-Herb cleanser you can see that it's full of healing ingredients.


I like the Aloe Herb Cleanser because it's gentle, smooth and it's great for when my skin needs a break from the harsher exfoliants and such. I have combination skin -- oily on the T-zone and dry elsewhere as well as some occasional breakouts, so the Aloe Herb Cleanser does a wonderful job of soothing things like redness, inflammation and making my skin soft. 


                         

                      Purifying Mud Mask


The Purifying Mud Mask was the second sample from the Ann Marie Gianni kit that I wanted to talk about... because I really love this one! In fact, I just used it (and one of the oils) a while ago when I showered. The Purifying Mud Mask is by far the best facial mask I have ever used, and I've tried several mud masks that did not agree with my skin. 

The Purifying Mud Mask is a dry powder with a tan color to it (due to the mineral content.) 

The Mask has a very earthy aroma to it that I notice while it is still damp on my skin. It isn't strong or something I dislike, but just thought it was note-worthy. The scent goes away quickly, as soon as the mask dries. 

Another thing to note is the color. The mineral content, as I've said, gives the mask a tan color. It's like a deep tan with a hint of a red/orange shade to it, so you can imagine how funny it looks on your face. It's actually a little fun! Keep this in mind though because it will stain white clothing or towels. It does dry pretty quickly. I like to apply it generously.

 Skin type: The Purifying Mud Mask is great for all skin types. 
For normal skin, use twice a week. 
For oily skin, use 2+ times a week.
For dry skin, use once a month.

I have a bit of both, since my skin is a combination type (oily T-zone, dry elsewhere.) So I just stick to twice a week, sometimes only once every 2 weeks so far.

                                                   How To Use 

 Apply after washing your face & while skin is still wet. Since this mask is a dry powder, you just add a little water with it (just adding the powder and water in the palm of hand works) and it’ll form a paste. Then apply generously over the face, including around the eye area. 

For deep penetration, use a warm, wet washcloth before applying or warm water, so that your pores are opened. Leave on for at least 15 minutes or until the mask is dry, then rinse. 

I like to apply to Purifying Mud Mask to my face before I even get in the shower. This gives it time to dry and keeps it from getting wet in the shower and rinsing right off before it's ran its course. I usually manage to keep it from getting too wet while in the shower, though if I'm not in a hurry, so then, I'll just leave it on until the end of my shower, then rinse. This way, I make sure it stays on there for at least 15 minutes. 
  

"The Purifying Mud Mask is made from mineral rich clays & and nutritive blue green algae. Masks have been used for thousands of years, by many cultures for skin toning, tightening and as a natural spa treatment straight from Mother Earth. Using my Purifying Mud Mask regularly will cleanse, mineralize and remove impurities from your skin and pores without destroying its fine natural balance."

                                                      Benefits
Remineralizes skin, deep purification of skin and tissue, helps regulate oil balance for all skin types. 

After using the Purifying Mud Mask, my face feel so clean! It feels different than when I just use a soap and wash. I don't know exactly how to explain that, but I do notice that my skin has a deeper-clean feeling & it looks nicer since the dry skin is shed and my pores are cleaned. I think this a pretty good for minor blackheads as well. 

I did expect the Purifying Mud Mask  to worsen my dry skin after using it. I fully expected to have that tight, dry feeling afterwards, but I never have had that! It just feels so soft and when I rub my skin afterwards, it feels tight to my fingers, or would the word be "firm," "taught?" Either way, I love the feeling. 

Every time I've used a Mud Mask, they've burned my face (one kind burned my  actual skin! I mean burned as in, not only did it sting so much it made my eyes water with tears coming out, but it actually left raw spots on my face.) So I figured this Mud Mask would do a nice job of cleaning since it's all natural, but I figured I'd also have some redness and irritation, but I've not. So I'm super happy with this.



                                                       Made With:
Love, Rose Clay, Rhassoul Clay, Dead Sea Clay, Organic Blue-Green Algae.





  Herbal Facial Oil (For Oily & Acne Prone Skin)


 This is probably my favorite of the Herbal Oils from Ann Marie Gianni. I like the scent & that it's good for acne and oily skin. I try to use this oil on my forehead and nose, where its the oiliest, and a small amount on my cheeks to help with small blemishes.


Skin types: Oily and Acne prone.

The scent is somewhat strong at first to someone like me who's very sensitive to scents and migraine prone. However, the strong scent hasn't given me any issues with headaches & it is a pleasant scent. It's a real plant-y scent, if that makes sense.


I love that the Ann Marie Gianni facial oils are quickly absorbed by skin! This means I can use it right after showering -- which I do at night  -- and not have to worry about the oil getting in my clean hair or on my pillows. However, I definitely recommend taking it easy when you use the facial oils because, well, it's oil! You do not need much at all & it's best to use a small amount because if you use too much & your skin can't or doesn't get a chance to absorb it all, it can get on clothing and pillows. I use less than a dime-sized amount. I put a little in the palm of my hand, then apply lightly all over my skin. 

                                                How To Use
Apply to clean skin, dab on nose, forehead cheeks and chin. Can be used as a moisturizer and in combination with the Neroli Toning Mist.


 
Formulated specifically for those with oily and acne prone skin. A slightly astringent blend that acts also as a light moisturizer.. Has a potent blend of antioxidants, moisturizing oils and cleansing ingredients.

Invigorates, cleanses and removes blemishes and acne, helps control acne breakouts,  prevents clogged-pores, opens clogged pores, balances natural skin oils.

Key Ingredients: White Willow bark, also know as Salix alba, contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps the cells on the surface of your skin to shed more readily, opening clogged pores and neutralizing the bacteria that can cause blemishes and acne. This shedding process prevents your pores from clogging and allows room for new cell growth - blemish free. contains Neem oil. In India, the Neem  tree (which is an evergreen) has been know as a “heal all” plant. Its oil is antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral and is effective for use with skin ailments including acne.
 
Made With:
Love, herb oil (*grapeseed oil, *white willow bark, *rosemary, *barberry bark, *neem, *green tea, *basil, *bitter orange peel, *echinacea, *hibiscus flower, *goji berry, *milk thistle seed, *licorice root), fractionated coconut oil, *hazelnut oil, passion fruit oil, *carrot seed oil, *pettigrain oil, *rice bran oil, vitamin E tocopherols, *buriti fruit oil, *red raspberry seed oil, *cranberry seed oil, *rosehip extract, *rosehip seed extract, *carrot extract, *clementine oil, *litsea cubeba oil, frangipani oil, *rosemary oleoresin. *Organic or Wild-crafted





 
     Normal & Combination Skin Herbal oil 

The normal and combination herbal oil works as a moisturizer after cleaning and toning. Oil helps drive the nutrient rich hydrosol into skin. It's best to exfoliate in morning so that’s the best time to use the scrub. Formulated to deliver nutrients & antioxidants into skin.

Skin type: Combination, oily and normal skin.

Formulated for those with sensitive to normal skin. Sensitive moisturizer, calming and gentle on skin. Potent blend of antioxidants, and moisturizing oils. Leaves a glow, helps balance complexion of those with dry/oily skin. Leaves face hydrated and refreshed. 

How To Use
 Apply to clean skin. Dab on nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. Works well as a moisturizer, especially after using the Aloe-Herb Cleanser & also works great in combination with the Neroli Mist.

 This oil has a more floral, sweet aroma than the other one. Ahhh! I just love the scent of these Ann Marie Gianni products! They smell like heaven really. I just wish I could really describe what it's like. Like the other oils, this one's scent tends to go away after it's absorbed into my skin. I really adore the smell though. I'd use it as a room spray if I could, just because it's so pleasant.

Benefits:
Soothes sensitive skin, balances combination skin, restores glow.

 
Key Ingredient:
Grapeseed Oil is an ecologically friendly oil that is made from grape seeds after the wine is pressed. It is high in vitamin E and linoleic acid (also known as Omega 6), an essential fatty acid. Grapeseed oil is a light, thin oil which also contains natural chlorophyll and valuable antioxidants to reduce damage from sun, stress and your surroundings.


Made With:
Love, *herb oil (*grapeseed oil, *life everlasting, *green tea, *gotu kola, *rosemary, *calendula, *lavender, *milk thistle, *lemon balm, *licorice root, *roobibos, *hibiscus, *rhodiola, *gingko, *plantain, *amla, *ashwaghanda, *acai, *goji berry, *horsetail, *comfrey leaves, *comfrey root, *rose petal, *echinacea, *ginseng, *lotus, *boswellia, *blue violet), fractionated coconut oil, *oleic sunflower oil, *olive oil, *aloe vera oil, passion fruit oil, *tamanu oil, *carrot seed oil, vitamin E tocopherols, *evening primrose extract, *seabuckthorn berry extract, *red raspberry seed oil, *cranberry seed oil, *rosehip extract, *calendula extract, *buriti fruit oil, *sandalwood oil, *jasmine sambac oil, *bergamot oil, blue chamomile oil, *rosemary oleoresin.
*Organic or Wild-crafted

Just like the other oils from Ann Marie Gianni, this too is absorbed quickly by skin & is very hydrating. One thing I love about the herbal oils from Ann Marie Gianni is that while it is an oil, it doesn't leave my skin extremely greasy. It's a bit oily, but the oil is light and once the oil is absorbed, it isn't that noticeable on my skin. If too much is used, I'll blot it away with toilet paper.

The color is clear.

I normally apply the oils (whichever one I'm using at the time) at night time, after I shower, so they have a lot of time to absorb and work their magic. Once I wake up, sometimes I'll give my face a fast rinse with cool water, so if there happens to be some still on the surface, it gets rinsed away.


                           Repair Serum

The Repair Serum isn't much like an oil. It has a slight orange color to it, but this isn't something that shows up on skin. It's a light, almost watery serum. It feels a tad sticky (perhaps sticky isn't the word. It's just a noticeable residue) on my skin and has an aroma that could best be described as a clean linen-ish scent. Very lovely. Once absorbed, residue isn't visible, but if the Serum is on my fingers, I can definitely feel it there.

The Repair serum uses vegan stem cells derived from oranges. It helps skin to repair itself, prevents aging and builds collagen, which is why I love it! I like to use this in hopes of preventing wrinkles in my skin. 

"This active blend of stem cells, along with Superoxide dismutase (SOD) -- a powerful antioxidant -- will make a noticeable difference in aging skin when used continuously over the course of 30-40 days" 

Obviously the sample size isn't 30-40 days worth of a supply of the Repair serum, so I can't say that I've noticed some type of difference in my skin since I've been using it besides a more "radiant" glow is there & it does brighten my skin tone. 

Skin Types: Great for sun-exposed or mature skin.

How to Use:  Apply after cleansing skin, generously and especially focusing on applying to spots of discoloration you would like to fade. I've been using the Repair Serum before bed, after showering since I now know that skin does its healing during sleep.

Benefits: The Repair Serum "plumps dull skin," brightens skin, regenerates and repairs. It can help fade discoloration spots and even out skin tone with continuous use.



The Repair Serum contains Vitamin C, Lavender essential oil and Sandalwood essential oil both of which lighten skin.

Contains Aloe Vera Juice, which has many skin-healing benefits. It can help with inflammation, redness, etc.


Made With:
 Love, Aloe vera juice; Uva Ursi (and) Licorice root (and) Amla berry extract; Citrus-derived Stem Cells; Jojoba oil; Castor oil; Vegetable glycerin; Helichrysum extract; Aspen bark extract; Rosehip seed oil extract; Rosehip oil extract; Seabuckthorn berry oil extract; Essential oils of Lavender, Sandalwood; Superoxide dismutase; Hyaluronic acid; Xanthan gum; Rosemary oleoresin.

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