I get contacted to conduct product reviews on occasion, and I always say I'll provide a review in exchange for product samples. The samples are not always what I expect or want to try, but sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised. Read below for my honest take on a couple of products, as well as the bonus of a summery bauble that stylethread's own Christie uncovered.
~ Kris
Araceli Silva
This isn't technically a review, as the item sent to me was a thank you for an old mention in the form of a lovely pair of liquid silver and garnet earrings. As beautiful as the earrings are, I refreshed my familiarity with Araceli Silva, fell in love with this necklace, and decided to feature it instead. Inspired by Joshua Tree National park, the nod to nature is obvious. I totally dig this necklace and am seriously considering purchasing it.
Ciao Bella
Told I’d be sent “goodies” to review, and following a conversation to determine whether or not I liked coconut as a scent (to which I replied, "only in my sunscreen"), a package arrived from Ciao Bella. Assuming I’d receive at least a moisturizer as well as other products, I was looking forward to trying a line I was not familiar with and wanted to give a good review to the sweet proprietress who sent it.
I opened the package, only to discover that the seal on the jar was not tight, and oil from the product had seeped all over inside the package it was sent in. Being less than thrilled to retrieve the slimy mess from the envelope, I then discovered it was a scrub. I hate scrubs. Not that the proprietress would have known I didn’t like scrubs (I seriously need to request "no scrubs!" in the future), but I’ve never had a good experience with them as my skin is sensitive and I’ve never seen worthwhile results.
I dragged my feet to try this product, but I said I’d review, so I grudgingly brought it into the shower with me on a leg shaving day. I opened it and loved the scent of the green tea and cucumber. I slapped some on my legs, started scrubbing, noticed how gentle the scrub was and how it washed away quickly and completely. The best part was how soft it left my skin – I was pleasantly surprised by the product.
This may not be the review the proprietress wanted, but it’s my honest experience. The actual product was wonderful, but the packaging needs some work.
