Arbonne Skincare & Cosmetics Review

So the lovely ppl at Arbonne sent me some makeup and skincare products to try out and review so of course this was very exciting for me and I'm looking forward to reviewing more products from other cosmetic/skin care companies in the future (hint, hint cosmetic companies ;) ).

So I got some great samples from their RE9 anti-aging skincare line as well as a sample of their makeup primer and their sheer glow highlighter.

First I'll talk about the what I LOVED!

I LOVED their Makeup Primer!  I'm always on the hunt for a good makeup primer and a lot of products out there disappoint me.  I found it to have a similar feel to Smashbox but better b/c sometimes I find the Smashbox primer to be overly greasy.  You only needed a very small amount of it (the tiny little sample literally  lasted me a wk!) and I really did feel that it created a more even, smooth and soft canvas for my makeup to go on.  I esp. noticed this difference around my nose and eyes where the skin can get a bit dry this time of year.  My makeup spread and laid a lot smooth and easier over these areas and my skin felt A LOT softer and smoother!  I also found it was a great mattifier and helped keep my my oily skin at bay.  Just a side note on usage - only use a small amount otherwise you might experience a bit of balling of the product on your face when you put your foundation on but if you only use a small amount of the product that shouldn't happen at all. 

I also Really Liked the RE9 Restorative Day Creme w/ SPF 20 and the Night Repair Creme.  They were lightly fragranced so if that is not something you like then that might be a problem but I actually really enjoyed the slightly citrus smell.  They were also both very luscious and rich and gave a lot of moisture to my skin but didn't leave it feeling greasy either.  They absorbed very nicely into the skin and I did find it felt softer and more supple afterward.  I find a good, rich moisturizer is VERY important this time of year b/c my skin can get really dry esp. around that delicate area around the nose that tends to get all dry and sore when you blow your nose all the time.  I also really liked that the Day Creme had an SPF of 20 b/c it's important to me no matter what time of year it is that I get my SPF protection.  Again one positive I would say about ALL the Arbonne products - you only need a little bit b/c they seem pretty high concentrated which I definitely appreciate. 

Another side note...since we are talking about anti-aging skincare always remember when you put on your moisturizers don't forget your neck!  Your neck needs love and sun protection too!  Also whenever you're applying moisturizers or serums to your face always lightly rub into the skin w/ sweeping upwards strokes like they do at a spa when you're getting a facial.  Gravity doesn't need any extra help lol so don't give it any by rubbing in your moisturizers w/ downward motions or strokes. 

The Sheer Glow Highlighter was also a Really Nice product.  If you're looking for a subtle, pearlescent glow for your cheekbones, bridge of your nose or brow bone area then this is a really great product.  I'd say it's a great day time highlighter and it really does create a more inner glow sort of highlight b/c it doesn't have any shimmer or sparkle like a lot of highlighters but more just a pearlescent quality to it.  If you are looking for something w/ more shimmer or sparkle or a more bold highlighting effect for a night out or something I might suggest something else but for a subtle glow it was a good product.  It blended very nicely on the skin and didn't look obvious at all. 

A couple of the products in the RE9 collection weren't bad but they are firming and wrinkle reducing products and being that I was just given a small sample it's hard for me to say whether they really made a difference or not so it's probably better if I don't try and talk about them too much.  I will say they did feel nice and absorbed well into my skin though.

Two products I wasn't that crazy about were the Smoothing Facial Cleanser and Regenerating Toner.  Again they had a slight fragrance to them so if that bugs you then these products wouldn't be for you.  Personally, I just didn't feel they were as effective as some of the other facial cleansers and toners I have used in the past.  I like my skin to feel really clean and fresh after my toner and I felt w/ this product that there felt like there still might be some residual residue left behind.  Also I don't know if there is alcohol in this toner as I didn't find the ingrediants listed on the website or sample package I received but that is something I would like to know b/c I personally try to use Alcohol Free toners b/c the alcohol can have a drying effect on the skin.  Plus there are just cleansers and toners I like better at a fraction of the cost.  They weren't bad just not my fav. products and I wouldn't buy them on my own.  EDIT: Stessa from Arbonne sent me the ingrediant list for the Toner and there is no alcohol so that's good :)

Overall though I really liked the line and I did feel that my skin felt smoother and the texture felt improved. 

Some other neat things to know about the RE9 Anti-Aging Skincare Line:

Products Are Formulated Without:
* Animal Products or by-products
* Formaldehyde-donating preservatives
* Petroleum-based ingrediants - Benzene, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Phthalates, Toluene
* PABA
* Dyes or Chemical Fragrances (so I guess any fragrance I noticed was natural)

Our Products are Pure, Safe and Beneficial
* Botanically Based
* PH Correct
* Vegan Approved
* Hypoallergenic
* Dermatologist Tested

If you want to try a sample pack or to get 20% off an Arbonne order contact Arbonne consultant Stessa Peers at stessapeers@gmail.com. Just mention that Jessica Jean Myers sent you to take advantage of the 20% discount or sample pack.

So yeah EVERYONE is a Winner!