Testing New Beauty – Skincare Reviews

This post was sponsored in part by Neutrogena, Key West Aloe, Ecru New York, DP Hue, and NeoStrata, and contains affiliate links.. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

So many new skincare products, so little time! I’ve been trying out lots of exciting beauty items, especially in the skincare realm, that I can’t wait to share with you all. I truly enjoy testing out new products and sharing how they worked for me, and I hope you all are getting some useful information from them! I know that everyone’s skin is different, and these products may work differently for you and yours. My skin is normal, with occasional dryness around the nose, and a breakout every now and then, just for reference. My main skin concerns are dullness, wrinkle prevention, and staving off those occasional breakouts.

Now for the good stuff!

Hair mask c/o DP Hue // Shampoo & Conditioner c/u Ecru New York

I was for sure in a hair product funk, and was really excited to test out a new shampoo and conditioner. I experience that product burnout with my locks sometimes, and it feels like it’s not clean or silky, even if I just washed it a couple hours prior, and volume is non-existent. The Sea Clean Shampoo from Ecru New York seemed to clean my hair without stripping it, and takes off that extra layer of junk that products can create. It smells delightful, like you’re showering in an Air BnB within walking distance to the ocean. A little bit of that salty sea air, that does stay with you. The Protective Silk Conditioner was kind of a toss up for me at first.. It’s one of those conditioners that seems like it’s not doing much at all when in the shower, not overly silky or slick, but when I rinsed it out, I could feel a noticeable shift in softness. I also noticed a lot more volume then in previous weeks. The only negative I’ve found is with the conditioner’s container.. I wish the cap was on the bottom, so the product came out easier, as it’s a little stubborn once you get down into it. Not a deal-breaker though! Both of these products, I would buy again and recommend.
I’ve been alternating using just the Ecru conditioner, and the DP HUE ACV conditioner from mid-to-end, (and Ecru from root-to-mid). When I use the DP Hue conditioner, I do notice that my hair feels silkier, bouncier, and less damaged. I also feel like there is a monstrous amount of product in the container, and overall is a great value. I’d buy this one again as well!

Cleanser c/o NeoStrata // Salt Scrub c/o Key West Aloe

I was sent four of the items from the NeoStrata Ultra Brightening line, and the Cleanser is one of my favorites. I use about a nickel-sized amount in the shower, to make sure it all gets removed, and truly have seen a change in the radiance of my complexion over the past couple weeks of continuous use. One thing to note is the scent.. The best I can break it down is peeling an orange in a tire shop. Weird, I know, and it goes away quickly, but thought I’d mention it. Will be purchasing again, if the good results continue! I also recommend the rest of the line (serum, moisturizer with SPF, and pigment controller) for evening and brightening.
Next up, from Key West Aloe, their Coconut Salt Scrub. I’m always looking for a good scrub, (and mask, and eye cream…), to slough off that dry skin, but this one honestly wasn’t my fave. The base is very oily, and definitely does leave a residue on the tub floor for the next couple showers if not cleaned right after. Also, the ratio of salt to oil is way off. It’s about 50/50, and there should be lots more salt so you actually get the benefit from the exfoliants. The redeeming quality was the smell, because I’m a sucker for anything tropically coconut. Their coconut lotion is a fave of mine, as is the mango, it’s SOOOO good. But at $30 for the scrub, it’s a pass from me.

I neglected to take a solo shot of the Neutrogena shower gel, but I definitely have some thoughts to share on that product as well. When I saw the bottle, my initial thought was “Please don’t let it smell like T-Gel.” Which, if you’ve smelled T-Gel, it’s quite a thing, and lingers until you wash again, although is completely effective. This bath & shower gel had just a touch of that herbal aroma, but it was not medicinal at all, and actually quite pleasant. It has a very high end spa-like scent, and I love that it comes in a pump container. My skin didn’t feel tight, but I do feel that I need more moisture during the winter, so I’ll probably be storing this until next year in warmer months. I still recommend it, especially if you’re in a place that doesn’t get that cold or your skin is fine with just after-shower lotion.

That’s a wrap, babes!