Saturday, April 10, 2010

My first product review: J.R. Watkins Apothecary Lemon Cream

This is my very first official product review and I'm not convinced there will be many more.  Unless I start posting food reviews?  Ooooh.  Lactose-free food reviews.  I could think about that and list my favorite cheeses or dairy-free chocolate milk!  How this girl would love to get freebies on those...  I'm also participating in all the contests I can to try to do something with my hair.  My curls have become frizzies lately and I'd love for my hair to be shiny instead of dry and dull.  So perhaps I could also do hair stuff reviews.  I tried my very first shea oil treatment last night and my, the curls do shine more this morning.  How long will this last?  Did I ever tell you my hairdresser is one of my most adamant readers?  She'll surely laugh to know that I'm trying to do something with my hair.

Ok, back to the subject of my new love: J.R. Watkins Apothecary Lemon Cream.  First and foremost, the scent is hea-ven-ly and nothing short of it.  You gotta like lemon, of course.  I applied a few times on the whole body, but most applications were on the arms, legs and... curvaceous bootay.

From the Website:
"J.R. Watkins Body Creams provide your skin with the ultimate moisturizing experience. Natural shea and cocoa butters are whipped together with more than 10 natural oils and extracts to protect, soothe and condition your delicate skin. This is a healthy treat your skin will never forget! 96-97% natural
Ideal for rough areas including heels, knees and elbows

Brand Commitments:
• 95% Natural and above
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate Free
• Paraben Free
• Phthalate Free
• Mineral Oil, Petrolatum free
• Dye Free"

Texture / efficiency 
What struck me at first is that the application is a task on its own.  There is not much of a "slip and slide" effect.  Does not slip, does not slide on the skin; it really needs a bit of working on. The texture of the cream is thick. I did see the lotion also sold in the US, but did not purchase.  Now I wish I had, just to experience the difference in terms of texture and application.   Although it doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy, sticky or uncomfortable, it does seem like it leaves a protective barrier, which feels nice on my legs during winter months.  The cream was working miracles when I was in Florida, but even if I apply it on a daily basis now, my dry skin still flakes :o(  It is soft to the touch, but still quite dry.

Formula / packaging
Formulated with 25 ingredients, product claim is "96-97% natural". 9 ingredients are natural extracts; I don't see how they got the "whipped together with more than 10 natural oils and extracts", but I won't mind it for now. Where I am utterly confused is that the  formula (on the label) lists methylparaben and propylparaben.  Personally, I don't have an issue with parabens.  But why claim (see link to site above) that the brand commitment includes "paraben free"?  This lack of consistency is a minor turn off for me right there.  The packaging is plain but cute: transparent plastic jar with flat-top black cap.  I like the label on it; it gives it a very apothecary-like look that suits the brand to a tee and it remains simple and effective without being boring or bland.

Major pros
The smell again, is what won my heart.  If I had my eyes closed and someone made me smell the jar, I'd be tempted to take a lick, thinking it just might be a lemon-meringue pie sitting in front of me.  I applied at 10 pm and my skin still had a nice sweet lemony smell at 6 am.  I'm loving this long-lasting smell effect on my skin.

I wish... it was easier to spread and absorb.  I will give the lotion a chance if I get my hands on a bottle at a fair price.

Overall, I give it 3.5 stars for the love at first sniff.

1 comment:

  1. The smell sounds heavenly but I know what you mean by not spreading easily. I have a body butter like that which is so annoying!

    ReplyDelete