Recently in Soap Category

Anjolie NYC is a recently launched soap brand that manufactures all of their products following Ayurvedic traditions -- Ayurveda is the oldest continuously practiced medical science in the world dating back over 5,000 years. The soaps in the line are handmade in India where the natural oils and glycerine are maintained (one of the founders spent 15 years living in Thailand, Laos and India so she wanted all of the products to be produced in a woman-owned and operated facility). The soaps have an aromatherapy, soothing quality to them and are not only moisturizing, but also nourishing to the skin given all of the essential oils and herbs they contain. Seven rejuvenating scents are available and the soaps retail for $8.95 each. They come beautifully packaged and would make for a nice housewarming gift (a re-usable gift box is also available). You could use them as handsoaps, but given that they're moisturizing and smell refreshingly strong, I'd suggest using them all over your body:-)

Can't make it to the Amazon Rainforest?  Why not create one in your own shower?  Wembé, the first line of organic soaps from Paraguay has just launched their new line of eco-lux brand of soaps made with natural exotic ingredients from the Amazon rainforest.  All soaps are 100% naturally organic, paraben-free, handmade without artificial coloring and never tested on animals (this always concerns me, so who is testing this for safety, people?). They are blended tropical ingredients only found in the Amazon rainforest, essential vegetable oils, along with moisturizing butters.  We are intriqued by anything that smells good and has exotic ingredients.  Can't wait to give this a try.  At Wembe.com here.

I did a double-take when I was at L'Occitane's holiday preview a few months ago -- a set of three soaps for $8? From L'Occitane? Whaaaat!? Moments of Africa Soap Set is indeed only $8, comes in a ready-to-gift box, and 100% of the proceeds go to charities fighting blindness. The soaps in the set depict moments of African life and they were produced entirely in Burkina Fasco by co-operatives of entrepreneurial women to promote cooperate efforts. They smell light and fresh -- they're perfumed with essentials oils of orange, eucalyptus and lemongrass and they've been colored with pigments of natural origin. Stocking stuffer, anyone?

After reading my review last month, the nice folks at COR sent me 4 mini sample size soaps that would last a few months.  I diligently used it nightly (no matter how late hubby and I got home from date nights) and have determined the following:

1. This is the best cleansing soap in the market and removes all traces of make up without drying the skin.
2. After 30+ days of use, my skin is not blue and does not show any signs of turning blue.
3. I no longer have any small 'white' heads on my forehead
4. Each tiny sample size lasted approximately 3 weeks which means the full size will last, like, a year!

I was also sent a sample of the COR eye cream which was very lightweight and ideal for day under make up.  It wasn't as rich as I like my eye creams, however, so I won't be buying anymore of this.  I do LOVE the soap and am going to purchase a full size soap when my little samples run out.  (Note: Beauty Snob Heidi bought the entire line after our friend Chloe raved about it and she loves the soap, too.  She did not like the creams.) 
 

I wrote about COR silver soap last year and dismissed it as another gimmicky product after a few tries. Its use of nano silver was highly touted in the media but I'd yet to meet anyone who'd actually used it and saw miraculous results until this week. I had lunch with my friend Chloe who brought sample size COR soaps ($14) for everyone at the table-- she excitedly described how it changed her skin. Apparently she had problematic skin that no dermatologist or $500 jar of cream could cure. She tried COR soap on a lark and saw results almost immediately. Her skin cleared and it has continually improved with use.  

I tried it myself this past week and am now hooked!  First, it removes make up COMPLETELY-- I generally have to foam up with my various cleansers several times but still will have left over traces of make up that requires wiping off with a toner soaked cotton pad. I think it's been very harsh on the skin around my eye area as most of these cleansers have fragrance/acid/chemicals of one form or another. COR soap is a hassle free one step solution that really results in soft, youthful and clear skin!  Silver is fast emerging as an anti-bacterial agent. Silver also blocks the bacteria's ability to transfer oxygen through its cell walls to prevent collagen damage and loss. The line also has an eye cream that I plan on trying out next week-- will keep you posted but meanwhile, get yourself a bar of this miracle soap asap! I promise you it will be the best cleanser you have ever tried!  If you can't shell out $125 for the soap, try the sample size at $14. I heard they are also coming out with a recession friendly $45 soap version. Will let you know when that launches!  Get COR soap here.