I hope all of you are having a great weekend.
I was, originally, going to post this review instead of the DIY Flaxseed Gel, but I was so happy with the gel that I just decided to make two posts this weekend.
On to the review:
Bought this lip exfoliator last month and I couldn’t wait to try it. So many companies have come out with different lip scrubs/exfoliators but, in my case, ELF is really more in line with my budget.
I’ve had a few opportunities to try it out and this what I think:
*The packaging is nice and sleek but the cap on my particular tube/bullet doesn’t really “click” into place, so I am never really sure that it is on there securely.
*The product is solid…like super solid. I was expecting that I would run this over my lips, just like lipstick, and that product would come onto my lips and I would be able to either lightly scrub with a finger or just rub my lips together. The only thing that comes off is the emollient part and maybe 2-3 sugar crystals. I thought maybe it is because the product is new and I have to use the tops layers, but I have used this product 3-4 times already and still don’t notice a difference.
* I found that the best way to actually get this to exfoliate is to just keep running the tube of product back and forth, and in circular motions, across my lips. Its as if the exfoliating element remains in the tube and doesn’t come off onto your lips.
* Once you have “exfoliated” your lips, washing this stuff off is kind of weird. You get the oily residue on your lips that leaves you wondering if it is safe to ingest (if you have a tendency to lick your lips, etc) or if you should wash it off with a cloth or cleanser that would then strip your lips of their moisture (insert confused face).
Final Verdict
This is good if you just have some slight dryness to your lips but they haven’t gotten “chapped” per say. It provides some very mild exfoliation, in my opinion, but not enough to deal with straight up chapped or peeling lips. Though it is inexpensive, my DIY alternative is equally inexpensive and can be used anywhere on the body (well, most places on the body).
DIY Alternative
Brown Sugar & Coconut Oil Scrub
I’m sure most of you already guessed where I was going with this but it makes total sense. Sugar scrubs, in general, are gentler on the skin because sugar will dissolve as it gets rubbed into the skin; vs ground walnut shells (for example) that will continue to exfoliate as long as you keep rubbing. This makes sugar a popular ingredient for scrubs meant to be used on sensitive areas (such as the lips), or sensitive skin in general.
Organic, unrefined Coconut oil has a bazillion benefits and is great for all skin types (yes, including oily). It is moisturizing, without being greasy, if used in proper amounts.
To make this scrub, just take some Brown Sugar (amount depends on how much scrub you want to make, lets say a teaspoon if you just want some for your lips and hands).
Add some Organic, Unrefined Coconut Oil (a teaspoon as well, again, just for the lips and hands).
Mix them together is a small container. I use plastic as I don’t like to mix natural scrubs with metal utensils. Call me crazy but I always read about how some metals can cause certain reactions so I opted for a take-away knife. I’m sure a metal teaspoon would be fine though (and probably safer), don’t use knives kids!!!
That’s it! Scrub complete!
Just take a small amount and rub on your lips, in small circular motions, with your finger. The sugar will dissolve slowly and you can feel free to add more if needed. Best part? You can literally lick this off your lips. Its sugar and coconut oil; no artificial anything! You can just wipe it off with a damp towel and then moisturize with your favorite lip balm as well.
You can use the remaining scrub on your hands, elbows, knees, feet, etc., or just put it away in your fridge until you need to exfoliate your lips again. You will need to leave it out before use as coconut oil hardens tremendously in regular fridge temperatures.
I used this batch on my hands. The pictures aren’t great but I think you can see the difference in how the “before” picture shows how dull my skin looked and the “after” is shinier.
All I did was rub this scrub on my hands, rinse of with water and pat dry. No greasy residue!
Tip: Pour this scrub into a small mason jar, tie a ribbon around it and you have a cute DIY gift!
I hope you guys enjoyed this post. Yes, retail scrubs are very enticing, but you have everything you need right at home. No brown sugar? Use white sugar. No coconut oil? Use olive oil. The results will be just as good, but not as tasty to like off your lips…LOL!
*All products and opinions are my own. Not a sponsored post*
Jocey's Beauty Files 