Olive Spa pt.2

Okay, so diving deeper into my Olive Spa journey, I really wanted to unpack why certain products became favorites and others… well, not so much. People are constantly asking for more detailed reviews, so here's my expanded take on these products, keeping in mind Olive Spa is an eco-friendly and women-owned brand, which I always appreciate supporting. Let's start with the advanced vitamin C powder. When I first got it, I was a bit hesitant about the price tag, but honestly, a little goes a long way. I’ve found that mixing just a tiny scoop into my hyaluronic acid serum in the mornings gives my skin this incredible brightness and smoothness. It's not an instant magic wand, but after a few weeks, I definitely noticed a more even skin tone and a healthy glow. My tip? Don't overdo it, and make sure your serum isn't too thick, otherwise, it won't dissolve as easily. This has become a staple in my routine. Now, the exfoliating face polish had its moments. The texture it leaves on your skin is seriously amazing – baby soft! But my biggest struggle was definitely keeping it dry. I learned the hard way that even a tiny bit of moisture can turn the powder into a hard brick, making it unusable. So, if you're like me and prefer to exfoliate in the shower, make sure you store this outside the shower caddy in a completely dry spot. It's a bit of a high-maintenance product, but for that super smooth finish, I sometimes think it's worth the extra effort. Just wish it came in a more shower-friendly container! The makeup removing face erase oil was a tricky one for me. While it did a decent job breaking down my foundation and blush, it felt incredibly heavy and left a greasy film that I just couldn't stand. And for eye makeup? Forget about it. The blurry vision was an immediate deal-breaker. I gave it a few tries, hoping I'd get used to it, but I just couldn't. For anyone with oily or combination skin, I’d probably suggest skipping this one and opting for a lighter balm or a micellar water, especially for eyes. It might work better for very dry skin types, though, who might appreciate the extra oil. And then there were the detox face mask and refresh face mask. I really wanted to love these. But the whole mixing-with-water thing just didn't work for me. No matter how much I stirred, I always ended up with a lumpy, inconsistent paste that was hard to apply. And after all that effort, I honestly didn't see any noticeable difference in my skin. I prefer masks that are ready-to-use and deliver visible results. Maybe someone with more patience for DIY masks would enjoy these, but for a quick pamper session, they just weren't cutting it. On a much brighter note, the peppermint lavender body oil is a total gem! The scent is absolutely divine – calming yet invigorating. I’ve made it a ritual to mix a few drops with my regular lotion right after a shower, and my skin feels incredibly soft, hydrated, and has a lovely natural sheen. It absorbs beautifully and doesn't leave a greasy residue like some other body oils I've tried. Plus, that scent lingers just enough to be pleasant without being overwhelming. Definitely a repurchase for me! And who knew a cosmetic bag could get a perfect score? But seriously, this little bag is surprisingly spacious and durable. I initially used it for nail polishes, but it's now my go-to for travel essentials, fitting everything from my skincare minis to makeup brushes. It’s simple, practical, and holds up really well. Sometimes, the simplest things are the best! Finally, the natural hand sanitizer. I was skeptical at first about the smell – it's a unique blend, not your typical fruity or alcohol-heavy scent. But surprisingly, it really grew on me. The best part, though, is how it feels like a lotion. My hands never feel dry or stripped after using it, which is a huge plus, especially during colder months. My only wish is that it came in a slightly larger size because I go through it so quickly! It’s definitely a step up from those harsh, drying sanitizers out there. All in all, Olive Spa has some real winners, and a few that just weren't for me, but that's the fun of trying new products!