Review and Giveaway: Skin Free Skincare CLOSED

Summer is just around the corner, which means I'll soon be wearing tank tops, camis, capris and skirts. If I want to show a little skin, I need to make sure it's in tip top shape. Soft and smooth. No razor bumps or ash. So, it was perfect timing when I was contacted by Skin Free to review some of their skincare products.

Skin Free products are designed and formulated by owner and practicing pharmacist, Julie Hinton, who has over 30 years of experience in compounding and natural skin care. After moving to the Blue Ridge of Virgina, her friends began calling her a "gypsy", so it was only natural she named her distribution company Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio. Having grown increasingly frustrated when asked to recommend products for patients with difficult skin problems and allergies, Julie decided to fill the void in the market with her own line of wholesome, natural skincare products.

Skin Free ingredients are all-natural, vegan and contain:

• No Perfumes
• No Petroleum
• No Harmful Chemicals
• No Steroids
• No Colorants
• No Greasy Feeling
• No Animal Testing

The naturally-occurring vegetable oils and butters in Skin Free products have nutrients, antioxidants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antibacterial agents that petroleum-based oils lack. The natural oils absorb directly into the skin without feeling greasy. They also come from replenishable sources, which makes them environmentally-friendly.

Skin Free products work to maintain the integrity of your skin, reduce exposure to antigens, and prevent acute outbreaks, making them a great option for people with the following conditions:

• Extreme Dry Skin
• Skin or Fragrance Allergies
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Diabetes
• Renal Disease
• Radiation or Chemotherapy

They are also perfect for pregnant moms, babies and the elderly. Skin Free is one of few companies who have achieved a "0" toxicity rating on the reputable Cosmetics Database.

Julie sent me her Sweet & Smooth Sugar Scrub in Mandarin Vanilla (ARV $14.99) and the Honeysuckle Soap from Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio (ARV $4.99)

The sugar scrub is simply exquisite. I use it at least 3x/week as an exfoliator. The texture of the sugar crystals is very fine so it isn't at all rough on your skin. It's just grainy enough to slough off the dead skin cells and leave behind soft, touchable skin. It's worlds better than using lotion alone. I don't think my skin has ever felt this good after showering! I feel totally confident baring a little leg after indulging in my sugar scrub. The Mandarin Vanilla scent is very warm and relaxing, although I feel the almond oil sort of masks the citrus. Nonetheless, it is delicious! The only downfall is that it can get rather slippery in the shower so you don't want to be overly liberal with the application. But that is the case with any scrub really.



The Honeysuckle Soap is also great. I loved that it came packaged in feminine floral paper with ribbon. The presentation would make a great gift for someone. The two-toned bar was so pretty and it smelled so nice, I almost didn't want to open it.



Made of coconut, olive and palm oils, shea butter and scented with essential oils, I found the soap very moisturizing. Most bar soaps dry out my hands so this is a much more pleasurable alternative. The honeysuckle smell brought me back to my childhood and was better than potpourri. I keep it in our guest bathroom and I've had several comments on how great it smells. I would love to try the Winter Yuzu fragrance once fall rolls around.

Bottom line: If you want safe, sumptuous skincare, Skin Free and Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio are the place to go.

BUY IT: You can purchase unscented Skin Free products from www.skinfree.net and essential oil-scented products from Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio at www.blueridgegypsy.com. Both sites have a shared shopping cart for easy shopping and convenience.

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win a $30 gift certificate to use at Skin Free and/or Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Skin Free and Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio and tell me what product(s) you'd choose if you won. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Skin Free on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Spruce up your skin for summer with a $30 gift certificate to @skinfree from @kris10chumley! Ends 6/6 http://bit.ly/azUsk2

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of Skin Free and Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on June 6, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As noted above, I received a sugar scrub and soap bar from Julie at Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.