hand lotion

In which I get creative.

I have a complicated relationship with Lush. There are a handful of products I love enough to tolerate their  scent, go through them quickly and buy them over and over. The rest-  I could easily live without, especially since I find the smell of their stores mighty unpleasant. I was  pursuing Lush website as I needed to restock a couple of summer essentials (Dream Cream and Silky Underwear powder) and got curious about their solid serum bars. Not that I need another serum or that I had any intention to put this stuff on my face, but I was thinking it might be a very interesting hand product.

Which it is.

Full Of Grace (I love the name) is a smallish bar (about third the size of their body massage/lotion ones) that fits easily in your palm and melts as you touch it. It can get messy, but all you need is a quick rub between your hands to spread the product and coat your skin from cuticles to wrists. The serum feels very rich but sinks in immediately without any greasy residue. It softens the skin right away, including the rougher spots (mine are from typing). The back of my hands which I treat religiously with creams and lotions get a bit waxy for a while, but very soft. It's a nice feeling, overall.

The scent is that typical lush essential oil mess with a side of cheap soap, but it's not too strong or too bad and  I'm willing to deal with it because of the fabulous performance. I wouldn't want it on my face, though. I ordered this serum  weeks ago when the weather was cooler and there was already some minor melting in the package. This is not something you can safely order during the hot months, so a trip to the smelly Lush store is recommended if you want to check it out.

Bottom line: Scent aside, even better than I expected.

Lush Full Of Grace Serum ($13.95, 0.7oz) is available from Lush stores and online (see my warning above).

Photo of my Gracie, just because.

It's becoming pretty clear that if one is looking for good anti-aging hand lotions, the place to find them is at companies and brands that specialize in serious skin care and produce the best treatments for your face. it makes sense, after all. While greasy creams and petroleum gel-based products have their place when you need a buffer between harsh conditions and your skin, they don't nourish or restore your hands, and definitely have no anti-aging properties.

I've been going through sample tubes of Cellular Performance Intensive Hand Treatment by Kanebo Sensai and have nothing but praise for it. It actually plumps the skin and makes my hand not just feel better but also look smoother. The best part is how the cream sink right in leaving no residue on the surface. It's not greasy at all- I can thoroughly slather my hands and then pet the fluffiest of my cats and no hair would stick to me (I have creative testing methods).

I'm often asked about age spots, but I don't have any on my hands so I can't tell you if this Kanebo cream would make a significant difference. What I definitely see is that it keeps my skin very soft and nicely textured even in this weather. Considering I'm prone to scary parching, I'm very happy with it. Not seeing a dry cuticle in weeks has also been a very nice bonus.

Bottom line: Worth the price.

Sensai by Kanebo Cellular Performance Intensive Hand Treatment ($90 for 3.4 oz) is exclusive to Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. I've received several samples as GWP and from the company's PR team.

Photo by Rene Zuber, 1930

Kiehl's has a long-standing tradition of supporting children’s causes which they are continuing this year by collaborating with one of the foremost internationally recognized contemporary artists, Jeff Koons. With the shared vision of creating safer, more sustainable environments for children, the Kiehl’s and KOONS partnership will raise awareness and funds though the sale of the Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection.

100% of Kiehl’s net profits from the sale of each product will benefit
The Koons Family Institute, an initiative of the International Centre
for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC). Both networks together, work to combat child exploitation in all its forms, including child trafficking, child pornography, and child abduction. Each product in the collection - available in Kiehl’s stores worldwide this holiday season - features the artwork of TULIPS (1995-98 Oil on Canvas) from the iconic Celebration Series on its label.

Jeff Koons Limited Edition Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Whipped Body Butter - 226ml - $45

Jeff Koons Limited Edition Creme de Corps - 250ml - $37.50 or 500ml with pump - $62
LUSH Charity Pot  - Luscious Hand and Body Lotion - $20.95 - every penny goes to support grassroots charities around the world - even the ingredients help you give back, it's made with skin-softening Fair Trade cocoa butter and almond oil!
mark. clean up time conditioning bath soaps - set of 3 - $15 - made with Fair Trade Certified cocoa butter, shea butter and white tea extract - leaves skin soft and clean with a great scent of lemongrass, mandarin and ginger!

mark. great energy multi-wear scent booster - 12ml - $10 - made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients oilive oil and peppermint to condition the skin and stimulate the senses - can be used on pulse points, wrists and behind ears

Each purchase for the mark. body care collection with Fair Trade Certified ingredients helps promote a different kind of farming, where fair labour conditions are mandated and farmers are not only empowered but are also given the support to help lift themselves out of poverty.

All of these products are such an easy way to look great, feel great or give great gifts!