Product Review: Gloves in a Bottle

The climate in the Northeastern United States is dry all seasons, especially from November to February when the weather turns cold and windy. My hands dry out so easily in the winter and need constant applications of hand lotion to stay moisturized. I had the opportunity to try Gloves in a Bottle. I am liking the experience with it.

A few months back, I posted a review on Skin MD Natural, which is a shielding lotion for face, hand, and body. Like Skin MD Natural, Gloves in a Bottle is a shielding lotion that bonds with the outer layer of skin to create a protective barrier. The barrier protects the skin from harsh damages such as cold/hot water, severe weather, irritants, and chemicals. While the shielding lotion helps the outer layer of skin to keep its natural oils and moisture, it also protects the deeper layers of skin and leaves the skin soft and supple.

Speaking of my using experiences, Gloves in a Bottle and Skin MD Natural share some things in common. What I like about using them is they moisturize my hands adequately without being too greasy and sticky. This is a plus because they don't leave oily finger marks on papers or greasy traces on computer keyboard. However, I do think Gloves in a Bottle provides deeper moisturization than Skin MD Natural.

Gloves in a Bottle has a lightweight semi-creamy texture, and goes on smooth. While it does not have any fragrance, I notice there is a light plastic smell. Some people might dislike the scent, but I am not bothered by the smell since the lotion delivers good moisture to my hands. I can feel the skin absorbs it quickly as I gently massage it over, and it stays on my skin. After the lotion is applied, I notice there are tiny fine bits coming off my skin. As I learned from the website of Gloves in a Bottle, the tiny bits are the dead skin cells coming off from the exfoliation of the skin's dry outer layer.

Compared to Gloves in a Bottle, I think Skin MD works better for people who don't have dry skin problems or people who live in warmer and more humid areas. A hand lotion is very important for my constant dry hands. Before bedtime, I like to pamper my hands using something more emollient and richer. At day time, I prefer something lighter, moisturizing, and non-greasy. Gloves in a Bottle has what I need for daytime regular use.

*This sample is provided by Gloves in A Bottle. However, this review is solely based on my personal opinions after using this product.*

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Product review: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

Product review: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

Skin MD Natural is a shielding lotion for face, hand and body. The basic concept is to protect the skin from the outside irritants in modern environments, which didn't exist a few decades ago. The shielding lotion forms an invisible hydrating shield at the outer layer of skin. Inside the protective shield, it restores the skin's moisture, and enhances the skin's natural protective abilities. It is mostly effective as a dry skin care treatment.

I have used Skin MD Natural mostly on the face and hands for a couple months. The lotion is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (cosmetics/skincare don't plug pores, which cause blackheads or pimples) and hypoallergenic! Skin MD Natural contains natural antimicrobial ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, comfrey to reduce the bacteria and heal the skin; natural anti-oxidant, vitamin E, to protect the cell membrane; arnica and yarrow, which are anti-inflammatory, to reduce redness, dryness and swelling.

I have a dry/sensitive skin type. The lotion works great for me. The texture is between gel and cream. It is very lightweight and easy to apply. After I apply the lotion, it got absorbed quickly but I don't feel greasy or sticky residue on my skin. I like the way it gives my face hydration without turning it oily like a shinny "light bulb". A thin layer of the so-called "invisible shield" can be felt on the outer layer of skin in a very comfortable way. My face feels clean immediately after the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is applied. My face would look bright and refreshing in the next morning. I also love using it on my hands in daytime. It allows me to work with the computer without a mess. It just doesn't mess up the working environment by leaving oily finger marks everywhere.

Following the directions, however, is the key to ensure the best result. Users are suggested to apply the product every 2 to 8 hours for the first few days to a week. This is the initial time for the lotion does its magic to adjust and re-balance the skin's moisture condition. As the skin starts to adjust and moisturize itself naturally, users may apply the lotion every 12-24 hours. At first, I neglected the directions and applied the lotion whenever I wanted to (which means, less often as directed). I noticed my skin actually got a little drier. I have applied more lotion and followed the instructions more closely. After two weeks, the condition has become very satisfying. This could be a nuisance if you don't like to follow instructions. Overall, I'd recommend you to give it a try. Skin MD Natural is 4oz bottle for $25, available at skinmdnatural.com

*SkinMD provided a sample for this review. However, this review is solely based on my personal opinions after using this product.*

Crabtree & Evelyn 20% off sale!

Crabtree & Evelyn is now offering 20% off store wide from Nov 9 to Nov 12. It is a prefect time to shop for yourself and your loved one. I just had a great time shopping with my friend this afternoon, enjoying the 20% off shopping spree. We were so thrilled to find out the nice quality of Crabtree & Evelyn hand creams. There are different lines of hand creams and they have different scents. I was having a hard time to decide which one to buy among Rosewater, Lavender , Nantucket Briar,etc. Since I am more into clean refreshing scent for a hand cream, I have decided to go for Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream (3.4 fl. oz for $14 On sale now: $11.20). My friend bought Lavender Hand & Body Lotion (8.5 fl. oz for $18 On sale: $14.40) and India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily Body Cream (7 oz for $30.00 On sale: $24). I simply love the scent of Lavender and Spider Lily as well! I will post up how the Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream feels like later on. Please stay tuned! In the mean time, you may also take the opportunity to stop by Crabtree & Evelyn between the sale dates. There are quite a lot of good stuff you can stock up!

L'occitane Shea Butter Liquid Soap - Verbena

SoHo, New York is one of the places that I enjoy spending a nice Saturday afternoon wandering around. I usually like to start my quest at the L'occitane store on Prince street. The store is always infused with aromatic scents from L'occitane's different product lines. The fragrances are the best greetings whenever the door is opened up. The SoHo store is slightly different from other L'occitane stores because it also sells some specialty food products and extra-virgin olive oils from L'occitane's sister company, Olivers & Co.. There is Le Café at L’Occitane at upstairs dining area serving Mediterranean dishes. Whenever my legs feel tired and stomach feels empty during my shopping trip, I would come back to order a light sandwich or dessert. This was how I liked to enjoy a weekend afternoon in SoHo two years ago.

The first time after I was done with lunch at Le Café at L’Occitane in the early summer 2005, I went upstairs to the lady's room to wash my hands. I noticed a L'occitane Shea Butter Liquid Soap - Verbena (16.9 fl.oz for $24) pump bottle was nicely sit on the countertop. I pumped a little bit to lather up with some water. Immediately, I could sense the refreshing lemony verbena fragrance! It smells so refreshing and up lifting! The shea butter extract and aloe-vera extract sooth my hands too. My hands has a lightly-scented verbena fragrance even after I rinse them thoroughly. I totally am in love with L'occitane Shea Butter Liquid Soap - Verbena and decided to buy a bottle home. Since then, I have been using it everyday in my bathroom. It is something I can't live without. L'occitane liquid soap is also available in sweet almond and lavender fragrance.