Product Review: Shea Moisture's Argan Oil & Raw Shea Hand & Body Scrub W/ Frankincense & Myrrh Extract

Winter season is here and a dry body needs moisture.

I was excited to see that all Shea Moisture products are currently on sale Buy One Get One Free at Walgreen's! I picked up my usual glamour gal products-- more shampoo, body oils, and facial scrub. Then I spied Argan Oil & Raw Shea Hand & Body Scrub-- clearanced at $5.79 (actually free when my total rang up). I tried it out this morning and here's what happened:

Smells like heaven.

I liked the smooth consistency between my fingers, but when applying scrub to skin it flew away like a sprinkling of dust. Some particles stuck, rather dryly. It takes more product than what you want to get a full hand and body application. I skipped the loofah because there was fear that the loofah would take away the scrub that stayed on.

In circular motion, I massaged residue on my skin, rinsed it away in the shower, and followed up with Shea Moisture's Green Tea Body Wash.

This is my towel dried skin before applying body oil and lotion.

Soft, supple. But still, I had a complete mess to clean in the bathroom. There was more sugar on the floor than my skin. I will use it again because it worked wonders on my feet heels! I will not show my feet photos because my feet are ummm.... well not likable feet.

Lemon Brown Sugar Scrub

Oh no! Running low on my weekly skin magic treat!

It's getting hot out there and time to show a little summer skin!
Thanks to The Lantern Skin Studio for this incredible recipe for pliant, soft skin that looks like the sun smooched all over before taking even one step outside to greet rays. Seriously, the glow affect alone is the reason to try this at least once. Your skin will eat it up and thank you.
This awesome scrub can also be used as a shaving precursor, but I use it once a week for its great exfoliating abilities. It's like a superhero in a jar- a super heroine without a cap (well, at least I tie a pretty purple bow around it for good measure!). Sugar is the sweet smelling gentle scrubber, olive oil is the luminous moisturizer, and lemon is the natural toner. Three great ingredients make for one beautiful union.
Also check out my latest thrift store outfit- a shoulder kind of day! Heehee! I love LOVE thrift stores. Best place to find bargains and unique one of a kind clothes. Very imperative as a vegan to read labels (I'm 100% cotton, polyester, satin, nylon, etc.) and remain cruelty free in all walks of life. :)

Lemon Brown Sugar Scrub Ingredients

2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix all ingredients and keep inside a tight jar.
Keep in a cool place.

When using, take an ample amount & smooth all over body.

Skin truly seems to start glowing & moisturizing thanks to olive oil!

Massage with a smooth scrubber for FIVE minutes. Thoroughly rinse clean in the shower & use regular soap/body wash afterwards. Towel your smooth skin dry.

As for the rest of routine (though skin is soft and cocoa butter silky), I massage coconut oil and Shea Butter Balm into towel dried skin.

Of course the moment called for shoulder showing off! Yay! A $5 Bisou Bisou dress from my fave thrift shop and a big smile for upcoming sun kisses to make radiant glow even more complete!

I'm leg shy. But the wind can breeze through these $7 floral lace Forever 21 tights easily and these Madden Girl heels (from Clash Consignment for $9) are to die for.

Shea Butter Balm Lotion

Smells like chocolate frosting & makes skin silky soft!

I happened to be out of delightful homemade moisturizing balm lotion and needed more.
While still on the hunt for an electric mixer within budgeted range (to make whipped Shea butter lotion of course), the balm is still quite beneficial and is best straight after shower/bath towel drying. It leaves behind touchably soft skin and enticing scent of chocolate thanks to raw cocoa butter.
Now when I first started making this, I used the cheating microwave method- which made unscented, scorching Shea butter overwhelm cocoa butter fragrance. That isn't the case anymore at traditional boiling hot water and placing heat proof bowl atop to allow butters and oils to slowly melt into one cohesive oil.
For dry, thirsty, ashy skin- balm melts right in and  kisses all those pesky problems goodbye.
Hello summer glow and chocolate scent!

Shea Butter Balm Ingredients and Preparation

boiling water
2 cup raw unrefined shea butter
1/2 cup raw unrefined cocoa butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoon olive oil
a few drops jojoba oil

The ingredients and empty lotion jar. Yes, I reuse every Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil jar. Comes in handy!

Scooping from my huge tub of Shea butter.

Place a steel bowl over top of boiled water and add shea and cocoa butter.

Slowly it all begins to melt.

Add coconut, olive, and jojoba oils. Once its all melted, pour into a heat proof jar and refrigerate for 4 hours.

It becomes a smooth balm.

Store in a cool, dark place.