Exfolimate: Exfoliating 2 piece Face and Body System #Review #FaceBodyTool

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I admit it, I am addicted to exfoliating and even use a machine once a week that delivers at-home Microdermabrasion results. I still do a mild exfoliating treatment every couple of days to keep everything smooth and dead skin cells at bay. Being that I prefer no chemicals like using an acid based peel, I am always hunting for devices that may deliver the same or better results.

In comes Exfolimate with a simple scraper system. It gently removes dead skin cells in a more gentle manner, not requiring any acid based peels or rotating discs. The simplicity continues when it comes to use. You have a larger size remover that is for the body and the smaller is for the face. The handle is made out of a plastic, while the part that makes contact with your skin is made from metal. The idea is to run the Exfolimate over your skin to aid with the removal of dead skin cells and any debris (i.e. clogged pores), leaving you with a smoother looking and feeling surface.

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Retail Price Point: $29.99 via Amazon and with Amazon Prime membership, the Exfolimate ships for free.

  • Each Kit includes (1) Face Exfolimate and (1) Body Exfolimate

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Verdict:

The Exfolimate system is easy to use and will always be a better option that using your nails or a wash cloth as an exfoliating method. I found the handle and size to be ergonomic and easy to hold in use.  No discs to worry about changing, chemicals that may cause irritation and/or redness. The Exfolimate can also be sanitized by using alcohol after each use to avoid any bacteria from building up. I used the system in between my Microdermabrasion treatments (usually 3 days after) to keep my skin feeling smooth, so think of it as a “touching-up” method. Th Exfolimate glided easily and was painless both in use and how it performed. I still prefer a scrub over the Exfolimate and this is because a scrub can be purchased with anti-aging or acne treating properties. I still have to wash my face, so I see using a scrub as a multi-tasker versus the Exfolimate being a one use only tool. The other stickler was the price point. I just do not see paying $30 for what pretty much breaks down to being a scraper for your skin. I get the functionality but again, this is a piece of plastic and a thin metal strip. Now, I did find the body tool more useful as I find it a waste to use a scrub intended for my face on my body. I usually purchase sugar based scrubs for body exfoliating, but I can see using the tool more on my legs and especially when some shaving creams/gels tend to leave an undesired residue behind. I can see wanting a Exfolimate for the body but again, I just can’t see the price versus results here. It was one of those things where the item did not hurt me but also did not help me (kind of thing).

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Connect with Exfolimate at:

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Exfolimate. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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PMD: Personal Microderm Microdermabrasion Device #Review

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The new year means I am keeping with the trend of trying at home beauty related devices, to see if they deliver better results. I have tried so far laser and a glass unit that was more cumbersome as time went on. So far, laser has been the technology that I feel has delivered visible results at a lower price point than what you get at a spa facility or even out of several jars of beauty creams!

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My new unit is from PMD, a company that makes several Microdermabrasion devices and also has a skincare line. I have seen these units at Ulta, Sephora to even Costco. At Costco, the PMD representative allowed me to handle the unit and see how it worked, which is always a plus because the other beauty stores have the unit as an “on-line only” purchase. I noticed the unit was easy to handle, ergonomic in shape, which made it easy to maneuver and even though the abrasion technology used has a spinning motion, the unit did not vibrate so much that it made it awkward to hold. The technology used makes sure the user is able to just focus on the skin, versus a device that sometimes can be unwieldy. So, I had already a positive mindset when it came to using PMD tools. My only question was, does it work? Will I see a difference that justifies ownership and investing in refills?  Hey, I get upset when fragrance refills get changed and I they expect me to buy all new units!

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I did not want this to be like printers of the past, where the ink makes you never, ever want to print in color and only printing in “fast-econo mode” when you print anything else, because a refill breaks the bank. Not bringing in another machine into this house that makes me feel guilty for using it! I first looked at refills and that fear was easily put to rest. Each disc is easily differentiated by a color coding system:

The cost was something I had to do a double-take because it was actually (dislike using this word) cheap, so let us say cost effective :). I know. I wanted an excuse before the unit was out of the box to convince myself that exfoliating was something that I was doing fine with by using a mask and/or scrub. Six individual refills costs $20.00. Okay, but what does that bring to the table? Well, one disc has a lifespan of 3 to 4 treatments. You do one treatment a week……..well, this is actually cheaper than my scrub that I use every 3 days, not counting the daily one! What the heck! I had to redo the math and somehow PMD found a way to not “get you” with the refills like so many other companies tend to do. This is why I do not use my facial scrubber machine because I do not want to kill the rechargeable battery and/or buy another refill. In the end, I am trying to make my face scrubber last longer by not using it! Yeah, no logic in that!

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Retail Price Point: The starting price for PMD tools (units) start at $159.00 and go as high as $199.00.  Visit here to compare the devices and the differences, plus see what tools suites your needs best.

So, I am past the refill fear and get this, this device requires no charging or batteries. As I was reading the manual, I plugged in the device thinking I would get somewhere in the manual while reading it, where it would state how long to charge for, or unplug when whatever light turns green. I had a laughing moment when I read you just plug it in and go. Okay, PMD……you are making me like you!

Verdict:
It all comes down to results. Is PMD going to give my skin same like results that I can’t achieve cheaper via another method. This is how I break down what products stay and what products go in our home. It’s all about what they bring to the table. PMD discs use aluminium oxide crystals and I started really reading about the material and what it can do. The aluminum oxide crystals are hypoallergenic, so already a plus because there is no chemical or ingredient like in a scrub that may irritate the skin. So, that already takes that worry out of the equation and also no beads that are not only harmful to the environment but also plumbing. The ability for the disc to not grow or spread bacteria is important, because when we exfoliate or do Microdermabrasion procedures at home, we are causing the skin to open (i.e. minor damage) in order for it to heal and resurface a new layer of skin that has a better appearance. You are not going to yield great results if a product has fragrance or welcomes bacteria to the party! There is no scrubbing here, the device just glides (once over each section of the skin) and does all the work. The user is key and that means be mindful that you pass only once over each treated area and the PMD device does all the work. This unit can also be used for the face and body, and again easy as the discs clearly tell you what and where they can be used. I like having that option and choice!  The PMD device also helps circulation, so your skin will increase collagen production and help the skin look plumper and healthier over time.  So, this is more than just discs removing dead skin, this is a total skincare system!

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Final Verdict:
I did as instructed and removed all products that could irritate or really were being replaced by what PMD’s system does for you. Check! No retinol, no acids, no peels, no anything and just allowing PMD be what my skin depends on and getting use to the idea of only using this unit once a week and nothing in between but a good moisturizing regimen to pick up the rest. Doing less in the beauty world is always welcoming but when you have habits and someone tells you do this once a week and you will be more better than fine, like your skin will look and feel better…….well, you get suspicious (or at least I do). I had a few bumps from using a new hair spray, which were beginning to sort of emerge but not fully on the sides of my forehead. I did the PMD treatment and I was done quickly after doing my practice run a few days before that only made sure I got the hang of it, but that I would not experience irritation. I just softly pulled my skin taught where needed and the PMD device did all the work. I was finished with my face in 5 to 7 minutes. No masks or peels take that little time and it was odd not worrying about cracking a mud mask by laughing and not talking for 20 to 25 minutes. The feeling on my face felt like when I do an aspirin mask, that fresh and clean feeling but not over dry. Day three, my pimples submerge. Like with any beauty treatment, this is something I brought to the party and I wanted to see how PMD would deal with it. Hey, I get breakouts here and there and I need a system that knows this and not have a rule that my face has to be 100% clear to use it because it might as well go hang out with the face scrubber! Week two comes by, and my pimples never fully went all angry on me. I always get 2 or 3 when they come out what I call in “island formation” that are going to be pests. No pests and I did not pick (man, that was hard), but I did not want to pick at my face and blame PMD for the ouch. Again, I do another treatment and you can see my skin gets a little red but within one hour the redness is gone and I do the treatment at night.  This is something I always did to allow my skin to calm down. My pimples do not get white heads or clog up. You know how when a pimple pops but then wants to do it again 3 days later (when it gathered more bacteria making buddies)? That did not happen. Healing happened. They did not over peel as I stayed away from anything that would hurry the turn-over process up and cause irritation to the “good skin”. Then I noticed when entering week three, that the pimples I had in week one is all the pimples I have dealt with. The non-pimpled skin is smoother and softer, but remains pimple free. My skin is not missing the daily scrub, masks, peels, and you name it. I then noticed when ending week three that my skin has improved dramatically. I took pictures and I have no scars I will have to work with. Just little peeling skin where the pimple was but no pimple revisiting and I just used one disc to do all this. One disc, only once a week and no battery to charge! That means my one disc costs about $3.50 ($3.33 to be exact) and that is all it took for almost a month’s worth of treatments. This is also the disc price with no coupons as PMD advertises on the site discounts to add that usually take 20% to 25% off, so the deal can be sweetened! The sweeter part is my face. I love it! Scars do come off on me from acne because I thankfully do not get deep ones but it takes 2 months to lighten them up to the point you can’t see them. The PMD device made sure not only did I not develop scar making marks (blemishes, zits, blackheads, white heads, pimples, bumps of unknown origin, ect.) but started to race up my healing periods. I am done with scrubs that tend to over dry my skin and the discs PMD offers means I can just change discs as the weather changes because this means my skin is more sensitive in the Winter months when it is cold. No new scrub I need to get that then will rot under the sink until I need it again 1 year later! The PMD works with your skin, not you needing to work for it!

This Valentine’s Day show your skin some love and Connect with PMD at:

  • Discount Codes:
  1. Go to here (www.GetPMD.com/save) to subscribe and save 15%, plus get a limited lifetime warranty.
  2. Use Code HEART20 to save 20% on your next order of replacement discs.
  3. Use code: LovePMD to save on Pink Pro and Pink PMD.

 

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from PMD Skincare.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

EXUVIANCE® : Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish Review #Exuviance

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Exuviance, is a company that I have heard of but never had been able to try their products. I am always game in trying a new anti-aging product and must admit that exfoliating really changed my skin, so the Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish was exactly what I am always looking for.

As a kid, we would always reserve the uneaten portions of a papaya that we would use to make fruit salads with and smoothies. The papaya’s flesh that was close to the skin would be wrapped in saran wrap and then left in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes, then quickly applied to the skin. We would look like sea creatures but I always loved how my skin felt after. I seriously thought this little beauty regimen was just something you did and as much as I loved how my skin felt afterwards, I just stopped doing it after I got married. No one else eats papaya here and it’s a large fruit so my papaya facial went the way of the Dodo! I still do egg white facials but I must admit they are not the same.

Exuviance took what was a proven ingredient and amped it up into making a professional product that is effective and brilliant. No worries if your home is a papaya free-zone anymore! The enzymes in papaya help dissolve the “yuck stuff” your pores are filled with. It’s done in a gentle manner but with the other ingredients that Exuviance added, like the Glycolic Acid and the fine crystals, that you are guaranteed to resurface gorgeous skin. It’s also faster than the old fashion way mentioned above. It would take me 30 minutes to get some results and let’s be honest, we did not consume papaya daily, so this was a weekend regimen at best. With Exuviance no limitations and the product can be used once to twice a week and takes a simple two minutes from start to finish.  One minute if you have sensitive skin.

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Not your everyday Scrub:
This product like listed on their site is a polish for your skin and not your everyday scrub. You are using fine grains to gently exfoliate and brighten your skin, not at all like I would describe a scrub that originates from fruit pits or even plastic micro-beads. The texture from the Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish felt what I would describe like fine sand. The kind of sand you use for decorative purposes not the type you dump in a play box! It’s not only great for skincare but safer for the environment.  Exuviance calls the base “Professional Grade Crystals” and I do agree there is a huge difference in how this product feels and works from a drug-store brand.

Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Alumina, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isononyl Isononanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, Lactobionic Acid, Papain, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, PEG-75 Stearate, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Carbomer, Algin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 14700 (Red 4).

Retail Price Point: 2.6 oz bottle for $72.00 via their website or you can visit your local Ulta on-line or in-store to check out the entire line.

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Final Verdict:

I always think brand oriented events are cool and wish I could attend them but then back out.  This time even though Exuviance did not require I attend, I did visit the Glendora, CA Ulta and finally made it to such event.  I wish I had not and it’s because I fell in love with the brand.  The Exuviance crew was attentive and left my skin feeling and looking gorgeous.  Everyone was buying products and I am the first to pass judgement on a price point because the product has to justify it, and not only in flashy packaging.  I had a head start with the Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish in achieving better looking skin before the 4/18 event at Ulta, but when paired with the Collagen Triple Boost serum and all the other products in Exuviance’s anti-aging line……ooh-la-la.  I know now why some companies are highly regarded for their entire product lines and Exuviance is one I put up there.  By week one, I had used the product only twice and saw the difference in texture.  My skin was not just smooth to the touch but smooth when it came to how the surface looked.  By week two, I know now why people chase after products that shrink your pores and I admit it, it looks good.  My clear pores helped give that smaller pore appearance and this again leaves you with an ultra-smooth surface.  Make-up, creams, anything you apply glides on and performs better when you start with better looking skin!  I use less foundation and skip on any concealer use, to the point that if I don’t need or use the concealer soon, I am okay with letting go of it 🙂 .  You will be happy with the results and I warn you, you will get addicted to better looking skin and Exuviance’s products.  I can’t wait to try more!

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Satisfy your skin’s need and visit Exuviance products at:

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Exuviance.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven, Argile Nettoyante Masque

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7th Heaven, Argile Nettoyante Masque is part of Montagne Jeunesse’sClean Up Mud” collection. Considered a volcanic mud exfoliating masque.

Volcanic Clay, is considered to purify and with the finely grounded Lava Pumice added, you will get to the “new you” with this baby! The masque is intended to clean-out the yuck and welcome in the baby smooth skin and it does deliver a unique blend of ingredients that will get you there. ****We have reached Giveaway Time, stay Tuned****

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So, is it more than Lava Rocks?

7th Heaven uses a high quality Volcanic Clay that helps with evening skin tone to removing that dull appearance. The clay is rich in nutrients from minerals that aid with removing sebum that causes skin issues to giving your skin a firmer appearance The pumice effect gives you that edge in exfoliating and works as an extra insurance in resurfacing that beautiful glowing skin! Added benefits come from Organic Rosemary and Witch Hazel. Rosemary, is an ingredient you find listed in many at-home tonics and there is many reasons why. From the plant to the oil it produces, the benefits range from increasing blood flow, firming and toning to even having anti-inflammatory properties. Also included is Organic Aloe Vera and Organic Cloves. Cloves? Um, I’m hammed out by now but Cloves goes beyond just holding pineapple rings down on your ham! Cloves, have antiseptic properties and the Eugenol compound found in them help with acne to reducing swelling. Call it a puffiness killer! Just because 7th Heaven treats us so well, the masque also includes Organic White Willow and Organic Tree Oil. I have used Tree Oil for many things but I first started when I heard it was great for spot treatments associated with blemishes. I love being able to cure things naturally whenever possible!

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Final Results
I was an Apricot Scrub user for…….well, let’s just say years because I started to count and Junior High came up and then I thought about HOW MANY years are in between. Let’s say Apricot Pits are so yesterday and it’s all about the Lava Pumice! The pumice is better and I reward whoever finely crushes it so Mr. Lava Rock Crusher….thank you! The fine texture did not allow me to over exfoliate and because it is a masque and begins to dry, your play time is ended and that means the chance to cause damage does to. I left the masque on for 20 minutes and after removing, I loved the results. Out of all the masks, my skin liked how the Argile Nettoyante exfoliated best. It beat the face brush I was using and I got 2 uses out of one packet. You just can’t find a more nourishing product on the market for the price point and a packet is easier to store than a bottle!

Visit Montagne Jeunesse, 7th Heaven on:

I received this product free of charge from 7th Heaven. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product or brand, which may differ from yours.

Eslor Botanical Peeling Gel

And the hits just keep on comin’!

Eslor offers two exfoliants in their extensive beauty line. At first I thought why not keep it simple, like the face wash, by offering one product. However, each resurfaces differently. Let me explain:

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The Eslor Botanical Peeling Gel aids with the reduction of unwanted shine, refines/shrinks pores, and also serves as a skin brightener. Since the product is a gel and a peel, it makes the removal of dead skin cells easy and after application you are left with a smooth surface that will appear and also feel softer. The Botanical Peeling Gel is for Combination, Dry and Sensitive skin. I have used chemical peels and microdermabrasion in the past to achieve exfoliation. I feel this Botanical Peeling Gel is everything you want minus the harsh chemicals, and uses the botanical properties present in the formula to resurface in a more “skin friendly” manner.

Instructions for Use: The instructions indicate use of this product once or twice a week. You apply the gel all over your skin when the skin is dry. Avoid your eye area since the skin is more sensitive there. You leave the peel on for 5 to 10 minutes and the peel tends to almost melt or thin out as it’s exposed to the air and warmth from your skin. You do not drip the product off but it does liquefy as the application period passes. Your final step is then to just use your fingers and rub (gently) in a circular motion and then rinse with warm water.

Ingredients: Being that the product is botanical in nature, you see in the list of ingredients Aloe Vera as a gel base and listed first. Aloe Vera has a multitude of benefits and in my opinion there is no reason it should not be used in place of the H2O we seem to pay for in beauty products. Extracts are present that are derived from Chamomile, Papaya, to Pineapple. Chamomile has calming effects, while Papaya and Pineapple have proteins that do help with the resurfacing process. Papaya is rich in BHAs (beta hydroxyl acids) and the fruit’s benefits range from lightening dark spots (pigmentation) to evening skin tone. Pineapple like Papaya help with anti-aging and the acids assist with the rejuvenation process we all so desire. Carbomer is also on the list and this helps with the solution of the beauty product, meaning how it emulsifies (thickens) and spreads out. Think about what makes a toothpaste formula stay whipped and not separate in the tube, so it is harmless and a product really created for the beauty and health industry. Sea Buckthorn oil is also listed in the peel and this aids with anti-aging due to it’s richness in tocopherols, tocotrienols and plant sterols. To give you an idea, Sea Buckthorn oil is used on skin burns so it does wonders when used in beauty products! Triethanolamine is another ingredient and this serves as a pH balancer.

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Results: I have mashed Papaya and Pineapple in the past to create a mask but because individual fruit does differ in acid percentages and even nourishment, I like that Eslor has done the “lab work” for me, and I don’t have to guess how long to keep this peel on by how it feels. Not good when feeling “burny”, since means this Pineapple had kick and you left the mask on too long (Ouch!). The other ingredients help counteract the redness you may get when exfoliating, and you get to benefit from calming agents that we do not all readily have at hand. My skin has been feeling soft and I like that this peel also purified my pores by cleaning out the junk, so this means less break-outs and better looking skin. Less make-up is another benefit and that means I not only see savings in that arena, but I also just like how the peel makes my skin look without make-up. I got away with using it once a week and this was just determined by the lasting effects I felt and saw. It took a week to lose the best glow I have had with a skin product and by then I was again using the peel. Shiny!

Price Point with Product Details: The product retails for $38.00 for a 2 Fluid Ounce Bottle. I used a small amount that ranged a little under a nickel’s worth in size. I made sure to avoid eye areas and if I plucked my eyebrows that day, I skipped this task to avoid irritation.

Visit Eslor and their beauty collection at:

I received the above product from Eslor, free of charge. I am not obligated to provide positive or favorable feedback, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the brand and/or it’s products, which may differ from yours.

Tree Hut Exfoliating Foot Scrub in Peppermint and Sugar

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I rarely pitch companies but after experiencing their last product, I was hooked so I sent a line over and asked Tree Hut if they would kindly send me something from their line to test. They were very generous and sent me a second bottle of the renewing hand cream in Moroccan Rose, which I reviewed prior.  I also received two new products and below is the first one.  They are a duo, so make sure to catch the second review shortly!

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Peppermint & Sugar Exfoliating Foot Scrub-

First, this is could be considered aromatherapy along with exfoliation. The scent wakes you right up but in a pleasant way….no jolts here as it does smell nice and yes, also delicious. Think spa with a crisp mint scent that just evokes the word, “clean” when you smell it. The product is clear in color with beautiful sugar crystals throughout, it just glistens when you squeeze the scrub out. I love that the product dispenses so easily from the bottle because not only is it more sanitary versus a jar, it keeps the product fresher. You have certified Organic Shea Butter and 100% Real Sugar, with Natural Peppermint Oil.

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What you feel with the scrub when it hits your tired feet, is a slight warm feeling as you exfoliate. It’s gentle but most important, is how well it performs. My skin was left soft and renewed, no lotion has ever been able to penetrate and produce the results this scrub alone did. I always focus too much on exfoliating my face but tend to neglect or just not think of passing that same method to other parts of my body. My feet looked and felt new! I know the description stated it would leave the skin on my feet smoothed to silky perfection but I thought it was just a play on words because it is more difficult to better the condition of your feet so rapidly. Tree Hut meant what they said. I thought I felt the “silkiness” because I used my hands to exfoliate my feet, so I was unsure who was silkier here. I had my Husband verify and the claims are true…..my feet were extra smooth and nice. As an added bonus, so were my hands. The peppermint also relaxes you, so you get to workout some of that everyday tension that our feet feel from wearing heels to just standing and walking. Great product that I will be repurchasing when I’m half out because I don’t want to run out. I used under a teaspoon per foot, so my little tootsies will be getting the spa treatment for a while out of just one bottle.

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  • Retails for about $4.98 for an 8 ounce bottle

Benefits as listed from Tree Hut:

  • Certified Organic Shea Butter: skin repairing & moisturizing, anti-aging, promotes elasticity
  • Real Sugar: Natural sugar exfoliates skin smooth
  • Peppermint Oil: Moisurizes skin
  • Paraben Free and No DMDM
  • Made in the USA
  • Do not test on animals

Visit Tree Hut’s website!

Tree Hut is also on Facebook!

Tree Hut via Twitter!   #TreeHut

Even on Pinterest!

I received the above product free of charge from Tree Hut.  I am not obligated to provide a favorable/positive review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the brand and products, which may differ from yours.

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