Green faces

So, I know I said a week the last time I posted, but I've been on vacation in the Northeast to visit friends, watch the ball drop, and battle New England snow. As far as the ball dropping goes, I really suggest everyone do it once for the experience..but never more the once. Anyhow, I'm back home to battle the beautiful (and obviously more American) Midwestern snow.

Now, I realize as I start this that a lot of the products I'm going to review for you are fairly superficial to you super hipster kids out there who may be reading this. Deal with it. At least I've found a way to be green and superficial. Plus, to most people, they're practical, everyday items. Every little bit counts, right?

Also note that everyone's body make up, especially skin, is different. What's excellent for me, may or may not be excellent for you. I can only go by my own personal experience.

I was in the market for a new facial cleanser recently and decided to check out a line of products that I've been interested in recently, Alba Botanica, a sub group of the larger Avalon Natural Products. What attracted me to this company was not only the fact that they use organic materials and come in recyclable containers, but they are also 100% vegetarian, something a little less available in my search for organic products. So, I decided to try out their Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser.

First impression: It was love at first touch, really. I've always had a big problem with facial cleansers drying out my skin, particularly in the winter time when my skin is already dry. Yet, this not only did not dry out my skin, but moisturized it.

After the initial honeymoon phase I encountered with this product, I slowly started to become a little less than impressed with the effectiveness. Granted, it had only been a day or two, but hey, I'm terribly impatient and I want things to work quickly. Thankfully, after a few more days, it started working as it was supposed to and now my skin looks and feels awesome. It's easy to use, you apply it morning and night, put on and rise off, as you would a typical facial cleanser.

The last great part? Easy access! You can pick it up at your local Target store for a little under $13. While that's a bit more than I would normally spend on a facial cleanser, it's still not a ridiculous amount, especially for an organic product.

I plan on reviewing another Alba product next week, so stay tuned for a review of Alba's Aloe Unscented Deodorant Stick and the story of how I came to fear aluminum.