Summer’s calling, and that means changing up our skincare and makeup routine. I think that, after getting in shape, the condition of your SKIN is the most important part of preparing for summer. Think about it: pool days, trips to the beach, BBQs, outdoor concerts and dining al fresco… all of these summer activities involve being outside for extended periods of time. Which means hot, humid air and sweat…at least for us on the East Coast. In Florida, whenever I step out my skin feels like it’s swimming in the humid air. So if I can get away with as little makeup as possible, I’m game!
That’s why I took on the 7 Day Challenge to a More Luminous You from Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula. With the start of spring (and summer right around the corner here), it was a perfect opportunity to begin new healthy habits. Drinking more water and lifting weights were two small goals I had, and taking better care of my skin naturally fell in line with my self-care goals.
Before this, I only associated Palmer’s with Cocoa Butter. Now I’ve learned that not only do they have an amazing array of coconut oil hair products, but they also have a fantastic line of coconut oil skincare products. Coconut oil is naturally super hydrating for both your skin and hair. I sometimes use coconut oil as a deep-conditioning mask before going to the beach, and it protects my hair from the salt water.
I’ve read about the benefits of treating skin with oils, whether you have dry skin or oily, acne-prone skin like myself. To be completely honest, when I read that there was a facial oil component to this challenge I was a little apprehensive. I’ve never used a facial oil, and since I still suffer from the occasional greasy day, I was worried about adding more oil to my face and the possibility for acne flareups. (Yes, I’ve read many, many reviews online for all brands of oils but since my skin breaks out from seemingly innocent and noncomedogenic formulas, it’s difficult for me to predict how my skin will react).
I loved that all of Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula products are free of parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, phthalates, GMOs, and harsh chemicals. But most importantly, Palmer’s uses ethically and sustainably sourced fair trade ingredients. You know I love gardening, so any company that strives to be eco-friendly is my friend :)
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Review
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Cleansing Balm, $7.95
In a canister great for travel, Palmer’s Coconut Oil Cleansing Balm is solid at room temperature, just like coconut oil is in its natural state. It transforms into a rich, creamy facial cleanser once water is added, to gently remove makeup, dirt and impurities. It did not disappoint! I am packing this in my travel bag for San Juan, Puerto Rico at the end of the month!
When I first tried this cleanser, I spread it on my dry skin and massaged the balm in a circular motion. When I added water to it, the cleansing balm acquired a milky quality that cleansed and moisturized at the same time. I was surprised that despite the formula containing coconut oil and other natural oils, I did not feel an oily residue. When I patted my skin dry, my skin felt hydrated but surprisingly not heavy like some moisturizers tend to feel on my skin.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Luminous Hydration Facial Oil, $10.95
This hydration oil works to deeply boost hydration and replenishing skin to its most naturally dewy, radiant and healthy-looking state. In addition to extra virgin coconut oil, the Luminous Hydration Facial Oil also contains Tahitian Monoï oil, sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil, maracuja (passionflower) oil, sunflower oil, apricot oil, and sesame oil. And it smells aaahhhhhmazing! All of these natural oils help maintain your skin’s moisture so it is never greasy.
I’ve had oily skin all my life, and despite numerous examples of oils hydrating and cleansing oily skin, I was always afraid of my skin being the exception of the rule. Facial oils help hydrate skin, thus preventing your skin from over-producing oil (sebum) to compensate for dryness. I have to say, the Luminous Hydration Facial Oil melted instantly into my skin. In a way, it felt like the natural oils my skin produces, but instead of sitting on top of my skin like sebum would, this actually penetrated my skin and made it feel hydrated. I did not experience any breakouts (yay!) and it helped moisturize the delicate skin of my neck.
The instructions say to also use this on the décolletage, and I realized that I usually skimp out on moisturizing my chest. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t mind paying for quality skin products for my face, but when I think about my neck and chest I usually think it will be too expensive. Aging shows prominantly on the neck and décolletage on women, so for the price for Palmer’s Coconut Formula, I will not be skimping out any further!
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Facial Moisturizer, $9.95
This facial moisturizer is an indulgently creamy formula that replenishes and revitalizes skin for a dewy, radiant complexion. I typically need an oil-control moisturizer and sunscreen during the day, but I definitely plan on using this at night. I prefer Palmer’s Coconut Formula facial moisturizer over a $60 formula I recently purchased at Sephora. Its light formula doesn’t sit on my skin (like most moisturizers do for me). Rather, it absorbs into my skin.
My skin literally feels like its thirst was quenched after using this moisturizer! I have never before felt that with a moisturizer, so it was another pleasant surprise for me!
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Facial Scrub, $7.95
In one word: WOW. I have tried very, very expensive exfoliators before and Palmer’s Coconut Formula did the same job of a Hollywood-favorite $70 product! I am amazed and so happy that such an effective yet affordable product is available at drugstores. At under $8 it’s an absolute STEAL! My skin felt so soft and smooth after using it. I loved that it was gentle enough for my sensitive, acne-prone skin yet strong enough to buff away some dry patches and skin buildup. The bottle dispenses at the bottom with a little twist of the cap (the cap does not come off) which I thought was a nice touch.
The magic ingredient of Palmer’s Coconut Oil facial scrub is the raw coconut sugar. It gently polishes and exfoliates surface cells to reveal a fresher, brighter complexion. The formula’s coconut water keeps your freshly exfoliated skin naturally moisturized. Of all the products in the challenge, this is hands-down my favorite! I plan on using it 3x a week to keep my skin radiant and luminous.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Hydrating Facial Mask, $7.95
After the facial oil, this was the second product I was a little apprehensive about using because, again, I’ve had oily skin for years and using any hydrating mask scared me as my skin clogs easily. The 7-day #CoconutRadiance challenge recommended using this mask twice in the challenge. I only used it once but I wish I had used it a second time. After using the Coconut Oil Formula Facial Scrub yesterday, I applied the Coconut Oil Hydrating Facial Mask. It was nice and cool on my skin, and I truly felt like I was pampering my skin. It dried clear relatively quickly so I rinsed it off in about five minutes.
My skin felt so soft and hydrated after the mask. I couldn’t stop touching it, haha. The mask was light enough that you could wear it overnight without any risk of clogged pores. This one was a win! I plan on using this hydrating mask once or twice a week, or as often as my skin needs due to the Florida heat.
All in all, I am in love with Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula line! I’m glad to have found natural skincare that is not only gentle and hydrating but also affordable.