Terri Bly
When you own a beauty store, trying out new brands is perhaps the best part of the job. Well, for the first year or two, anyway. It’s like Christmas morning every week! And then, by the time you’re opening a box from, say, New Brand #97, the novelty is wearing off, and it’s getting really hard to tell difference between this gel cleanser and that gel cleanser. There are only so many ways to clean one’s face, amIright?
But then I stumbled upon Annmarie Gianni skin care. I’ll sheepishly admit that the packaging caught my attention first, when I saw it online. But I was so captivated by the beautiful bottles I went ahead and purchased a trial kit. I can’t even remember the last time I did that! But here’s where it gets even better: it is the best new line of skin care I have tried in a very long time. With ingredients that are a pure as they are intoxicating. Let’s talk specifics, shall we?
Annmarie Gianni’s Aloe Herb Facial Cleanser is their signature product, and for good reason. With a smooth texture and light, citrusy aroma, it is the perfect hybrid of a gel and cream cleanser; removes everything you want it to, without stripping away the moisture your face needs, and works great with a Clarisonic.
And then I tried the Anti-Aging Facial Oil. Magical! Again, I was captivated by the scent, while my skin fell in love with the ingredients. The Dead Sea scrub was not too harsh (unlike every other salt scrub I’ve ever tried for the face), and is a perfect choice for oily and congested skin. And then, THEN I tried the Coconut Honey Mask. Holy sweet sticky delicious heaven in a jar. And my skin is so soft! How this isn’t the recipe for every moisturizing face mask is beyond me, because I don’t really know how one could improve on this formula. Simple enough for even highly reactive skin, but potent enough to do the job, and do it well. It almost – almost – makes me look forward to winter so I can justify using it every day.
Finally, after rinsing off the mask, I applied a few spritzes of the Neroli Toning Mist. Let me just say that if this mist came in a floor model size – you know, like a keg but with a misting pump on top – I would be first in line. The neroli scent is distinct, but not overpowering, like other neroli mists I’ve tried. It has a truly refreshing, rehydrating feel to it, and is the perfect post-cleanse spritz, when you want to infuse a bit of hydration into your skin before applying your serum or moisturizer. I also spritz it on my neck, decollete, arms, shoulders….
The ingredients – 100% natural, whole, and nearly all organic – would delight even the most militant of purists. The collection is also comprehensive, with formulas targeting different skin types. The price point is extremely reasonable , ranging from $24.95 for the cleanser, to $49.95 for the serums. They also offer trial kits that make for great refillable travel bottles after you ultimately purchase the full sizes for everything in your kit. Because you will.
Annmarie Gianni Skin Care is a rare gem of a skin care line: Pure, potent, luxurious, addicting, and affordable. And with very pretty packaging.
