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Product Review: Arbonne Skin Care by Marla Rose Wheee! My first review of cruelty-free glam products. The first brand I’m reviewing is Arbonne, which, as far as I can see, is a pretty fabulous company. Not only is Arbonne vegan-certified by Vegan Action (meaning that finished products and ingredients are not tested on animals, nor are animal ingredients used), but their line is free of mineral oil, phthalates, parabens, petroleum and more of that sort of junk I don’t want in or on my body. (They even have an extensive list of gluten-free products for those like me who need to avoid it.) When I was contacted by my friendly neighborhood Arbonne representative Cynthia Xerogianes, an independent consultant with the network marketing company, (check her out, she’s a fabulous, sassy lady and a passionate animal advocate!), I was happy to give her sampling a try. She sent me the Re9 Advanced Ultimate Travel Set as well as some other assorted samples, like the SeaSource Detox Spa and Lip Polish in various shades. I’m going to start out with the Re9 Advanced, which is the line designed to slow the aging of skin. Let’s face it, all those years I spent at the pool without sun protection were fun but ill-advised in retrospect. My skin is paying the price for it and I’d like to get some of those years back. My set came with travel-sized containers of the Smoothing Facial Cleanser, the Regenerating Toner, the Intensive Renewal Serum, the Corrective Eye Créme, the Restorative Day Créme Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen and the Extra Moisture Restorative Day Créme Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen, the Age-Defying Neck Cream, Firming Body Cream and Nourishing Body Wash. I have very squeamish skin (is that a thing?) that is highly reactive and sensitive, prone to breakouts and general puckishness, and I’ve found that one of the biggest triggers is fragrance. As I get older, not only do random fragrances make my skin revolt, they make the rest of me feel not well, either, sometimes for hours after exposure. I get headaches, dizziness and fatigue from being around certain fragrances so I was glad to find that these products that I tried were virtually scentless. Ding ding ding! This is also a plus when you do have a fragrance that you like you use and you don’t want the products you use to clash against it. This was a major bonus to me. I also like that these products are so rich and concentrated, a little goes a very long way. Truly, a dab will do you. I have to say that in the six days of using the Re9 set, I am noticing softer, more supple and rosy skin. I will say that I don’t think that it’s been dramatic but I’ve been using it for less than a week. Of all the facial line, I liked the cleanser and the toner the best. The cleanser is light but gets the job done while rinsing off easily, and the toner is refreshing and moisturizing: I could imagine this being a really great tool in the summer months ahead. We will find out how the moisturizers work in the weeks ahead as dryness isn’t really an issue of mine, but we will see. I am pleased with the Re9. Of the samples, the SeaSource Detox Spa Renewing Body Gelée was a particular winner: I’ve been working out lately and sore all over (thank you, Tabata!), and this stuff was so deeply cooling and soothing to my muscles, a space-age gel that intensely nourishes. I wasn’t as keen on the Lip Polish, but I think that is more of a personal preference: I don’t like heavy/slick lip stuff, preferring matte lipsticks. If you’re into more of a gloss, there are some really pretty colors here. On the down side, Arbonne is on the pricy end of things. I think this balances out, though, in that the products are so rich and concentrated, you don’t need much and they will last a while. I also would have liked to see more of the ingredients online, which I wasn’t able to find. In general, though, I am very happy to support a company with cruelty-free values and a commitment to keeping the junky ingredients out. Interested in learning more? Cynthia can answer your questions. Vegan Street received this product for free to review and this was my honest evaluation. © 2013, 2014, Vegan Street