the pure.: Natural Skincare Collection $207 Giveaway and Review~ 4/27

Momma Told Me: Watch what you put on your skin!

Some time in elementary school I witnessed a trend that should have had many parents in an uproar, with concern. After Momma's battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Stage 4, I was acutely aware of the fragile ecosystem that was our bodies. The skin, our largest working organ, covers and protects us, naturally, but also acts as a permeable barrier to filter and react to outside stimuli. Much like our skin can absorb the sun's potentially harmful UV rays, the seemingly thick, water safe, layers of skin can also intake undesired chemicals and substances. Well, around 4th grade a massive trend began to emerge at my public school- children drawing 'temporary tattoos' on themselves with, what was then known as, gel pens. These, far from natural or water soluble gel pens came in hundreds of colors, many even harsh metallic hues. Each recess boys and girls alike would sit covering each other's arms in faux sleeves. I still cringe, to this day, thinking of what could have been absorbed through our skin, and even into the bloodstream! You wouldn't let your child suck on a pen or marker, so why would you let them draw on themselves?

While I already knew better than to put anything on my skin, without Momma's approval, I too was caught up in the trends and fads of school. Of course the first time Momma caught glimpse of the school kids' little art projects, that was the end of that for me! If only we all had mothers to look over labels, and point us in the right direction, our entire lives. Every day we are faced with difficult decisions, made with little though, regarding the impact of our skin's health. From the soap we choose to wash our dishes with, to the residue of our conditioner, to the makeup on our face. Our skin battles multiple pollutants on a daily basis, one of those battles shouldn't have to be the skincare regimine you choose to protect it! I've said it before, here on Momma Told Me, and I'll say it again; All skincare products are not created equal, and it is possible to do more harm than good, if you don't watch your labels!

Conceived by two Eco-conscious women, with a passion for over-all well being, and a fulfilled life, Green People Corp. strives to prove that organic and green is not just a widespread fad, but a modernly accepted way of life. All of their products are considered entirely non toxic, and contain clinically safe, proven ingredients. Their more recent endeavor The Pure- Natural Skincare is the embodiment of these principles. Recognizing the skin as one of most vital organs, and the gateway for nearly 40% of encountered pollutants, The Pure contains a collection of products that are 90%+ natural and 70%+ certified organic. With two successfully launched collections, Vitamin C and Botanical Skincare, the brand is already widely acclaimed, and working on the launch of their 3rd, much anticipated collection. I recently had the chance to review and test the Vitamin C Skin Care Collection; Foaming Facial Scrub with Natural Exfoliants, Ultra Hydrating Water Gel, Peptide Firming Night Cream (for face and body), Vitamin C Eye Gel, and Concentrate Serum.

The collection arrived safely bundled in bubble wrap, individually separated, and professionally sealed. The base packaging for the line is nice and clean, with plastic based bottles and jars, the exception being the Concentrate Serum in a glass dropper bottle. Minimalistic color and design is used, enhancing that the important part of the product is what's inside. Each product bears an included seal, bragging about the item's Natural Percentage (for example the Ultra Hydrating Water Gel is 9.5% natural). While information on the actual packaging is sparse, you will find a complete list of ingredients on the Green People website. The list of Active Naturals ingredients for the Foaming Facial Scrub (which I tried first) is quite impressive; Organic Aloe Vera, Jojoba Beads, Hibiscus Petals, Olive Pit, Lavender, Grapefruit Seed, Calendula, Burdock Root, Organic Red Clover, Organic Rosemary, Organic Jojoba Oil, Grape, Kiwi, Apple, Strawberry, Olive Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Rose Hip Oil, Borage Oil, Oregano Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Organic Gotu Kola Extract, Organic Horsetail Plant Extract, Organic Gernium Extract, Organic Dandelion Extract. You'll find all of the uses and benefits for these, and other utilized Active Naturals in their Ingredient Glossary.

The, brown hued Foaming Facial Scrub featured a gel like product with a rough sugar exfoliate base, and the combined renewal power of Hibiscus Petals (the vitamin C conduit for this product). I had expected more of a foam at first, but was glad to see the scrubbing power was fine, and gentle, enough to create more of a foamy lather. You'll see that my skin is quite bright and smooth after a rinse, with the remainder 'foam' for reference. A little of this product goes a long way, with about a dime size portion covering my whole face. While there is a light floral (reminds me of honey) fragrance, it is not harsh, and doesn't linger after rinsing. Next in the regimen was the highly appealing Vitamin Concentrate Serum, featuring the highest form of Active vitamin C naturals available, suspended in a pure vegan concentrate that aids in the skin's absorption. Simply place a drop or two on each cheek, prior to moisturizing, and massage into the desired areas. Personally, I focus on under the eyes, and at the turn of my mouth, where the skin could use some natural firming and plumping.

The brand's Botanical Collection, Ultra Hydrating Water Gel, makes for a great follow up to your daily toning rituals. Great for sensitive skin, and prolonged use, this formula relies on Vitamins A, E, and B5, in addition to Rosehip Oil and Silk Protein Amino Acid Blends to fully re-hydrate, and moisturize, your skin. I tried to darken the images of this product, and the Peptide Firming Night Cream, as to show consistency. The Ultra Hydrating Water Gel seemed to separate into an actual gel, that deeply cools upon application, yet seems to absorb quickly, for a hydrated, yet dry, finish. I should note that I am in love with this moisturizing 'gel' concept, and have already thrown out my old 'cream' based moisturizers, which can easily leave the skin feeling weighed down and heavy.

The Pure's recently reformulated Peptide Firming Night Cream for Face & Neck is sold at a generous 2oz portion for a suggested retail price of $50 USD. Specifically designed to tone and firm anti aging target areas, the neck, jowls, and face, this product is thicker in appearance, and more slick (as you'd expect a cream to be). Virtually fragrance free, I'll admit this was the product I was most pleasantly surprised by. A single dollop, between my fingers, blended across my face, and down along my neck, and took about 15 minutes to fully absorb. I recall my first use, and forgetting about the application. Near 2 hours later I went to rest my face on my hands, and was pleasantly surprised at the even, supple, texture. I literally couldn't stop touching my face! (I know, bad) I was impressed enough that I sprung up from the couch and ran to the bathroom mirror to inspect my skin. I'd chosen not to wear makeup that day, but with the new regimen just a few days in, I could see a dramatic difference in the uniformity and texture of my skin.

Over all, I feel Green People's The Pure Skin Care Collection is one that should be taken on as a whole. I feel their products are most effective when combined with each other- but if you're not quite ready to commit, try out the Vitamin C Concentrate Serum and newly improved Peptide Firming Night Cream, first. While the branding has a few neat features, in the 'Natural %' seals, and the Ingredient Glossary, I'd love to see an expert advice Q&A or customer community developed. There are so many 'green' and natural skincare companies out there. It's hard to choose just one for loyalty- the more they can cater to a unique and personal customer experience, the better.

What Daughter Says: Know your skin is getting the purest, natural, ingredients, with The Pure Skincare!

One Momma Told Me follower will win the same products, as reviewed above; The Pure- Natural Skincare: Ultra Hydrating Water Gel, Vitamin C Foaming Facial Scrub, Vitamin C Eye Gel, Vitamin C Concentrate Serum, and Peptide Firming Night Cream, valued at over $200!


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