Brand Focus: Shamanuti

As a beauty blogger, I would say it's pretty clear that I love trying new products even if my skin doesn't always agree. When Shamanuti contacted me to try out a few items from their line, I couldn't resist! Aside from the fantastic ingredients list, it was their Pumpkin Enzyme Masque that sold me.

Picture courtesy of Shamanuti

Shamanuti was started and created by Beth Hopkins in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It's "simple skincare for complicated creatures", love that! There's actually a fantastic interview with Beth, over on the Martha Stewart blog, about the brand. It's a good read, check it out.   They were kind enough to send me the Activated Charcoal Cleanser, Pumpkin Enzyme Masque, Face Oil, and a sample packet of Creme No. 1 (haven't tried yet). All products come in beautiful glass bottles, very eco friendly, and black chic labels.  

Activated Charcoal Cleanser Description: This unique cleanser utilizes the properties of activated charcoal to neutralize acidity and absorb impurities as well as to gently exfoliate the skin with maple extract. This versatile product is beneficial for all skin types including sensitive or problem skin and is very effective as a treatment for reducing acne, rosacea and eczema. It works as an excellent shaving cream and deodorizing body wash. Retails for $28 USD for 4 oz/120 ml or $10 USD for 1 oz/30 ml.

I've tried this cleanser a couple of times and it's left my face red and irritated. Before you write it off completely, it should be noted that Winter brings out the worst in my skin and I can only really use oil and cream cleansers. So why am I even mentioning this cleanser? It's been reducing the breakouts on my chest, shoulders and back without irritating those areas. My goal is to continue using it, as such, until there's only about half left, then save it until the weather warms up and try it on my face again. It smells like tea tree, but different. It's hard to explain. Considering it's a gel-like texture, is doesn't suds up. Instead it just creates a creamy lather. I find the list of soothing, calming, brightening, and bacteria fighting ingredients impressive and hope that it works on my facial skin come Spring/Summer. Final verdict will be on an empties post.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Lavendula angustifolia (Organic Lavender) Distillate, Anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Distillate, Sodium Cocoamphaecetate, Decyl Glucoside, Aspalathus lineans (Organic Rooibos Tea) Tincture, Vaccinium myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus auranium dulcis (Organic Orange) Extract, Citrus medica limonum (Organic Lemon) Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Vaccinium macrocarpon (Organic Cranberry) Extract, Vegetable Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Activated Charcoal, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, dl-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Hydrogen Peroxide, Citric Acid

Face Oil Description: Nourishes, moisturizes and protects skin with Evening Primrose, Jojoba, Meadowfoam, Carrot, Cranberry seed, and Vitamin E oils. A penetrating blend of antioxidants that seal in moisture. Use on face and neck and as a nourishing treatment for cuticles and nails. 
Retails for $34 USD for .5 oz/15 ml.

The excitement that I felt when I opened up this oil cannot even be put into words. Actually, it can. I WAS SO EXCITED!! Oils are amazing all year round, but they are especially wonderful for my dry, sensitive skin right now. All of the oils used in this are high in omegas and antioxidants, making them super nourishing and free radical fighting; Evening primrose is high in omega 6, cranberry seed oil is high in omega 3 and 6 as well as antioxidants like vitamin E, meadowfoam seed oil is slightly waxy and helps to create a barrier that locks in moisture, and carrot seed oil is fantastic for dry and mature skin, as well as wrinkles and fine lines. I have been using this oil in the morning and find it absorbs well, so well that it doesn't even leave a dewy sheen behind, yet still moisturizes my skin. I've also been using it around my eyes and have noticed my concealer applies a lot smoother. It smells earthy, but isn't overpowering and doesn't linger. It hasn't broken out my skin or irritated it at all. It's a beautiful oil with beautiful ingredients, glad to have it in my collection.

Ingredients: Oenotherera Biennis(Evening Primrose) Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry seed) oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Daucus carota (Carrot) Oil

Pumpkin Enzyme Masque Description: Shamanuti Pumpkin Masque is rich in natural antioxidants and enzymes. These, and over 100 beneficial nutrients, increase the rate of cell renewal transforming dull complexions to bright and healthy skin. Comparable to the effects of alpha hydroxyl acids, this organic face masque rejuvenates skin while protecting its natural protective mantle.

Retails for $32 USD for 1 oz/30 ml.

Ahh, the mask that peaked my interest. When I first saw this on their website, I immediately thought of the Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask. I also thought, "$32 for 20 ml!? Can't be THAT good". For starters, it smells friggen delicious (like pumpkin pie) and I want to eat it. The jar is 20 ml less than Andalou's and 2x the price, is it worth it? It depends.

No if you have a hyper-sensitive or sensitive skin type, can't get your hands on it, allergic to any of the ingredients, or can't afford it. Yes because you only need a very small amount of product and only need to leave it on for a few minutes (10 or less) to get beautiful, radiant, and soft skin. With Andalou's, I'd leave it on for up to 20 minutes. I'm a rebel. They both perform and deliver great results, however, I think there are many people who would benefit from or enjoy a more intense enzymatic exfoliation such as this one.  I have sensitive skin all year round, more so in the Winter as previously mentioned many times, and find this mask can be a little aggressive on my cheek area sometimes. That being said, a scrub would be even more irritating. I'm a complicated creature, what can I say!? So for me, this makes the perfect once a week exfoliating treatment. It preps my skin for better absorption of oils and creams, helps clear up acne without spreading bacteria around my face, and brightens any acne scars. If you can get your hands on a sample of this stuff, it's very much worth trying first.

Ingredients: Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin), Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit extract, Saccharum officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer saccharinum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus medica limonum (Lemon) Extract, Aqua (Water), Vegetable Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon) Bark, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Root Powder,, Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) Powder, Pimenta officinalis (Allspice) Powder, Rosmarinus officnalis (Rosemary Oleoresin), Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil
Overall, I've been incredibly impressed with Shamanuti. Given the state of my skin and crazy weather, the  Face Oil is the stand out product because of it's nourishing and skin loving ingredients.   Want to try out Shamanuti? Head over to their online shop and use **coupon code 'ecodiva1' to get a free 1 oz  Seaweed Toner with the purchase of $50 or more.    Which of their products tickle your fancy most? *All products mentioned were provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own.  **Coupon code was created for Eco Chic Beauty Diva readers, however, I make nothing from it. Absolutely nada.