Non-recommendations

Good morning beauty! I have yet to write a negative review. My initial goal for The Cheeky Peach was to create a site on which one only reads positive reviews. However, one product warrants a negative review – a non-recommendation.

Naturopathica Aloe Cleansing Gel
I received a sample of Naturopathica Aloe Cleansing Gel. Because I was searching for a facial cleanser, I decided to test the product – forgoing the presence of Benzyl Alcohol. Naturopathica Aloe Cleansing Gel washed abnormally, feeling less cleansing than washing with water only. I wrote this off to the aloe, which creates a slimy texture. After two washings, blackheads appeared on my nose. Three days later, clogged pores and pimples. Although promoted as “effective for normal, oily acneic skin,” Naturopathica Aloe Cleansing Gel caused my skin to break out. Oh, the irony. Naturopathica Aloe Cleansing Gel: much too mild to be considered a facial cleanser.
Naturopathica.com, $28

Have you ever used Naturopathica products? Tell me what you think!

Have a beautiful week!

xo The Cheeky Peach

Eye Popping Eyes

Hi there! Do you remember when you would thickly outline a character in a coloring book with crayons and then lightly color the entire object? Thus creating a lovely picture with contrasting shades and points of interest. That is exactly what eyeliner does for your face. It highlights one of your most beautiful features – your eyes.

Eyeliner dates back to the Egyptians who wore it to protect their eyes from the desert sun. Now, we use the liner to define our eyes, giving them sexy silhouettes and contours. Pencil liners have an amazing versatility that liquid liners lack. Pencils have the ability to line inner rims – especially on the lower lid. They can create a smoky eye, double as a shadow, and fill the spaces between lashes. Remember: carefully apply eyeliner, never pulling skin taut. Most important, have fun with eyeliner. I have compared two black pencil liners to see which performed best.

Gabriel Eyeliner
Long lasting and creamy, Gabriel Eyeliner is a softer black – appearing dark charcoal. Easily create a classic smoky eye or blend the liner with eye shadows. With only ten ingredients, this eyeliner safely enhances features.
Gabrielcosmeticsinc.com, $12

Physicans Formula Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Eyeliner
Although not entirely lasting on the inner lower lid, the velvety application proves worthy of touch ups. The sultry, deep black eyeliner emphasizes lids and offers natural definition. Organic wear Eyeliner includes Organic Jojoba Seed oil to moisturize skin and organic Beeswax, which provides the silky consistency.
Organicwearmakeup.com, $7.95

Have a beautiful week!

xo

Sun Cream

Good morning beauty! I have been working on the sun cream search for quite some time now, and I am excited to share my reviews with you. Even if you are not as fair as Nicole Kidman, you probably need to protect your delicate skin. Personally – as an extremely fair-skinned woman – I need a sun cream.

First, just a little background information about sun creams. Sun creams should prevent both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from harming skin. UVA rays cause the greatest skin damage – premature aging and wrinkling – as the rays penetrate deeper into skin. UVB rays cause the nasty burns.

Sun creams either work chemically or physically. Chemical sunscreens absorb and release harmful rays. In other words, sunscreen chemically screens the rays in the layers of your skin. Sunblock is physical. By creating a thick layer on skin, it physically blocks ultraviolet radiation.

Both sunblocks reviewed below are SPF (sun protection factor) 30 – the minimum one should use. Remember, apply sun creams 15-30 minutes prior to exposure and again after swimming or perspiring.

Check out the American Melanoma Foundation for more sunscreen information http://www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/facts.htm.

Image Skincare Solar Defense Organic SPF 30
An outstanding facial sunblock, Image Skincare Solar Defense promptly disappears into skin with a matte finish. Zinc Oxide provides UVA and UVB protection and Retinyl Palmitate – a vitamin A derivative – fights aging. Image Skincare is sold in skincare professionals’ offices and spas. However, the Web site states that an “easier-to-use Image Online Ordering system” is effective June 12. Perhaps online ordering? Most offices or spas sell a small (.25 oz) sample for $3 – a great way to test an unknown sunblock.
Imageskincare.com, $33

Lavera Sun Spray SPF 30 Neutral
Lavera’s spray bottle top makes for a convenient and speedy application. The sunblock blends quickly – no white residue or flaking here! The waterproof formula includes Coated Titanium Dioxide to block UVA, B and C rays. Organic evening primrose oil nourishes skin, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant. Lavera claims the sunblock provides “instant protection,” meaning immediate sun time. So, start spraying and enjoy the open air!
Lavera.com, $31

Have a beautiful week!

xo

KB

Hello! Kitchen Beauty makes its third appearance with some invigorating techniques. Enjoy and tell me how your skin feels!

Epsom Salt
What is more luxurious than a relaxing bath? Why, a relaxing bath with detoxing salts, which leave skin smooth and refreshed. Epsom Salt is composed of magnesium and sulfate, which ease stress and flush toxins. Magnesium also regulates enzyme activity – improved digestion! Add 4 cups of Epsom Salt and 2 cups of baking soda to a warm bath. Soak for 20 minutes and rinse. Feel rejuvenated and enjoy skin’s new gleam.
Bonus: Epsom Salt doubles as a body exfoliant.
Drugstore.com, $5.99

Washcloth
The original facial scrub, a washcloth is a simple and effective way to exfoliate. Wet face with warm water – too hot or cold water can break capillaries. Gently scrub face in a circular motion, concentrating on oily areas. Do not irritate skin by severely scrubbing for too long. Rinse and calm skin with a splash of cool water.
Application tip: Use a fresh cloth daily, as a used cloth is prone to mildew and bacteria.
Ikea.com, $4.99

Have a beautiful week!

xo