Review: Kahina Giving Beauty Eye Cream – 100% Organic Argan Oil Skincare

When Kahina Giving Beauty founder Katharine L’Heureux told me about her new product and offered to send me a sample she said, “I feel confident you’ll love it!”

At first I was a little hesitant to start trying it, as my facial skin was acting up.  I had breakouts of red, dry patches all over.  I still don’t know what the cause was—whether it was sensitivities or allergies (I have very, very sensitive skin) or just plain passage of time and fluctuating hormone levels.  I even saw a dermatologist who told me it was normal (for someone my age—whatever that means!) and recommended that I use prescription steroids as that was the only thing she thought would give me relief.  Instead, I cut back on moisturizing skincare products (to try to isolate the cause), but tried the Kahina Giving Beauty Eye Cream as I was really curious about it.

I must admit I have loved the Kahina organic argan oil skincare brand since it was launched last year. Our site was among the very first to carry it, sing its praises and alert others to its quality and effectiveness.  But we also do not carry any product until we’ve first tried it ourselves and it has proven its purity (no questionable ingredients), quality, effectiveness and value.

Well, the verdict is in.  I have used the Kahina eye cream exclusively for about two weeks and can say that it is truly an amazing product.  It is for those who want a luxuriously rich, hydrating cream. It glides on smoothly and has a very light, fresh ocean-like scent.  It works best over the Kahina eye serum or the facial serum.  I use it at night and it locks in moisture, leaving my eye area brighter and plumper.  The skin around my eyes is noticeably smoother and firmer.  And it got rid of the dry, scaly patches around my eyebrows!

The Kahina eye cream is formulated with 79% organic content, along with its 100% organic argan oil base.  It contains a unique blend of gentle botanicals combined with collagen-boosting peptides, and calming sea fennel extract.

Plus it’s packed with a powerhouse of naturally based active ingredients:

Organic White and Green Tea Extracts: Studies have shown these anti-oxidant substances restore and build skin’s immune response at the cellular level, protecting skin from sun damage, wrinkling and discoloration.

Sea Fennel Extract: Sourced from the North Atlantic rocky coastal cliffs, this hydrating and vitamin rich ingredient calms and protects skin with powerful antiseptic properties.

Organic Acerola Extract: This potent, natural source of vitamin C inhibits melanin production, effectively brightening skin.

Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract: This legendary Siberian herb has been linked with longevity and shown to reduce fat deposits, stimulate and boost cell metabolism.

Maritime Pine Extract: This Mediterranean tree’s bark provides a natural defense system, protecting skin from oxidative damage, fighting the degenerative process of aging.

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract: This yeast strain increases cellular oxygen consumption and energizes skin. Combined with Rhodiola Root Extract, it reduces the appearance of puffiness, strengthens and firms the skin and improves microcirculation.

Argan Oil: Argan oil is extremely rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, shown to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, minimize the appearance of wrinkles and protect the skin from environmental factors.

About Kahina: Kahina sources its argan oil directly from the women’s cooperatives of Morocco to obtain the highest quality 100% pure organic argan oil and ensure the fair and proper treatment of the women who work to extract the oil.  Kahina Giving Beauty uses no artificial fragrances or animal byproducts, is paraben free and never tests on animals. Package art is created from actual signatures and marks of the Berber women of the cooperative. In addition, Kahina Giving Beauty donates 25% of profits to the Berber women of Morocco who hand extract the oil using centuries old techniques passed down through generations. Money raised will be dedicated literacy education and women’s rights programs.

Kahina Giving Beauty Eye Cream: $65 (15 ml/.50 fl oz)  (Availability: after May 25, 2010.)

5 Tips to Get that Movie Star Glow

With awards show season in full-swing, we’re seeing stars on the red carpet with dewy, luminously perfect complexions.  Want to get that movie star glow?  It’s easier than you think.  First, think about getting a professional treatment or facial if your time and budget allow.  But if you are like many of us who are on a budget, the good news is there are also things you can do for yourself, that are relatively inexpensive and easy.

Here are some tips to keep skin in tip-top shape and help give yourself that screen star glow:

Exfoliate: Using a mild, non-irritating scrub can work wonders for dull, lifeless skin.  Exfoliating the top layer of dry skin helps your skin drink in moisture, as well as any revitalizing creams and treatments that you use to nourish your skin.  But make sure you don’t overdo it, especially during the winter time. Dr. John Wolf, chairman of the Dermatology Department at Baylor College of Medicine, said in an interview with the Houston Chronicle that too much exfoliating can make matters worse.  “Dry skin is a huge problem right now,” he said. “It can go from mild dry skin to inflamed dry skin, which we call the winter itch, or eczema. So you should exfoliate with caution during the winter and avoid it altogether if your skin is irritated.”  (Try Sophtyo Dual Action Exfoliating Treament paired with either Sophyto Tone & Balance Super Bioactive or Sophyto Purify & Energise Bioactive.)

Use a Mask: Apply a mask after exfoliating.  Masks are quick and easy to do at home.  The best ones are those with soothing herbals, vitamins and moisturizing oils will help tighten pores, revitalize skin by giving it a smoother appearance, and help heal blemishes.  (I recommend the Dr. Alkaitis line:  Dr. Alkaitis Organic Cellular Repair Mask, Dr. Alkaitis Organic Universal Mask, or Sophyto Purifying Active Mask.)

Moisturize: Make sure your skin has the proper amount of moisture.  Lack of moisture robs your skin of vitality and suppleness.  Also it is important to make sure your cleanser does not strip or over-dry your skin as this can cause your skin to produce excess sebum, which can contribute to breakouts.  The key to healthy winter skin, according to Dr. Wolf in the Houston Chronicle, “is to put water back into the skin” by moisturizing.  (Try Kahina-Giving Beauty Organic Argan Oil.  Just a drop or two is all it takes!  For those of you who like a creamier, more traditional moisturizer, try Sophyto Normalising Day Face Moisturizer, or Sophyto Mega Omegas Day Face Moisturizer.)

Eat Right: Your skin reflects your general state of health and well-being.  Nourish your body and eat wholesome food and drink (preferably organic) with plenty of anti-oxidants and good fats like fish oil.  The benefits aren’t limited just to healthy looking skin.  A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate about one serving of fish six times a month (or every five days) had a 28 percent decrease in actinic keratoses, or precancerous growths due to sun damage.  Also avoid excess sugar, salt, caffeine or processed foods, which may contribute to skin problems as well as puffiness.

Get Plenty of Sleep: Sleep is one thing you shouldn’t skimp on.  Lack of sleep can contribute to dull, lifeless-looking skin, not to mention breakouts that may result from stress and lack of rest.  Try to get enough shut-eye each night with the natural way with pure essential oils like lavender and sandalwood.  I highly recommend Essence of Vali Sleep Concentrate , Essence of Vali Sleep Soothing Mist or Nectar Essences Organic Sleep Spray.