While I do comment pretty regularly on posts and enjoy engaging with and sharing product reviews and experiences, starting a discussion is a first for me. However, I am so impressed with the concept and production for the Picky Team's First Picks Box.

This box was a bit earth shattering and concept unraveling for me. Honestly, I guess, what I am trying to explain is that I was really looking forward to being able to access exciting products for just the cost of shipping. That was a really good deal.... but, at the same time I had a kind of negative dialog in the back of my mind. You know, we all have seen enough ads on TV or know people who have been scammed by the "You only pay for shipping!!!" sales tactics that mean we sort of distrust the concept of the "for the price of shipping" products. You expect to be at least a bit disappointed because we have all learned that if something seems to good to be true, you are probably right....it is too good to be true. 

Only, there is zero disappointment. This is not a scam! I am not being asked, paid, or required to provide any commentary, but am doing so because I really want to encourage you, whoever you are, to try a Picky First Picks Box if there is ever an opportunity for you. The whole box experience was smile creating and hug inducing. I was a happier person from the moment that I received this box and the excitement and energy just grew. 

As you can see from the pictures, it is personalized, super cute extras to an already amazing selection of actually gifted products, carefully packaged.....it felt like a whole lot of kindness and like someone had taken some time to think about how to make the box recipients feel special. It was and is incredibly effective. I am a fan for life!!

Thank you! Merci! Chi Miigwech!

First Time Post for my Picky First Picks Box

Is it a miracle maker? No, but I also do not expect or particularly like miracles. I want products that combine traditional knowledge and experience with science and chemistry that enhance and support my skin&#39;s natural processes. I don&#39;t want magic because that usually involves a ton of weird chemicals that I prefer to keep away from me and certain do not want absorbing into my face. The Kale-Lalu-yAHA finds an inclusion of kale into my life that does not involve me chewing or juicing, so that is a win on every front.

Krave Beauty&#39;s Kale-Lalu-yAHA cleanser is smooth and light in texture, but rapidly absorbing. It creates a sharp or burning sensation, which is not painful or unpleasant, but like that first tingling sensation of the crisp Arctic air touching your face as you step outside during the dead of winter without the fear of frostbite; like facial yoga for improved circulation without a thirty minute workout. 

Its post-application effects may not be Holy Grail reaching, but the immediate impression was that my skin&#39;s absorption of the toner and essence treatments was enhanced. Technically this is also my impression on most exfoliation nights, but it felt like I had the benefits of exfoliation without experiencing any dehydration or tightness&#47;roughness. This is generally considered a good thing and I appreciate the feeling of clear skin without the roughness of dehydrated epidermis. 

Will this be part of the evening routine or weekly rotation? Yes, for the next month at least. Convenience is worth its weight in Kale-Lalu-yAHA. The ease of application and short time commitment for obtaining a gentle exfoliation offsets the high cost of the product, which is quite reasonable when compared to many of Shopper&#39;s skincare products.

To like and appreciate are early steps towards love so maybe this relationship will blossom after a few months.

I find that absorption takes longer than my personal patience wants, but I hardly think that it is appropriate to deem absorption rates a negative given that my desire for instantaneous speaks to my impatience rather than the product.

Texture is to die for and I love the container design, which provides just the right amount of product with a single pump. Age is the constant of life and lived experience, but 5 types of peptide and niacinamide leave me confident and happy with the marks of time because my skin is soft, radiant, and healthy without a false impression of timelessness. I am proud that my face shows that I have am alive, but I am glad for a product that keeps my confidence as strong as my experience and life.

I am so new in the world of truly science based skincare that I am still anxious about not being able to read labels to walk myself through product use. However, oddly enough, that does mean that I am learning to focus on the effects that I am experiencing rather than the directions.

I am tactile. From texture to scent to color, I care about the entire experience of my face care routine, not just the effects that motivate me. I have tried a variety of different cleansing oils, but I always return to this Round Lab cleanser.

As a newbie to skincare that involves more than just scrubbing off makeup and moisturizing with whatever is cheap at the pharmacy&#47;supermarket, this is a perfect baby step into caring for my skin rather than managing it. Gentle, but forgiving, this cleanser does not burn or aggrievate my sensitive skin, but leaves it feeling clean and supple, which is a new (and lovely) experience.

I consider this a Holy Grail and, given how long I have been searching for the right serum, my only negative thoughts are that it was really hard to find this product and I really prefer to buy from small local businesses rather than having to purchase from major retailers.

From the creative brand name to the labeling to the texture and effects, this is a holy grail product for me. I am normally quite scent sensitive, but while this serum does have a little flavor to its texture, I find it natural rather than synthetic, which is a make or break difference for me. 

What do I like? The benefits of Vitamin C without an skin crises or outbreak&#47;reddening. I find that my skin responds well to the product recipe and that a little goes a long way when it comes to managing years of California sunlight and sea salt. It provides noticeable brightness and diminishes discoloration. I find that the combination of the Mad Hippie serum and then Klairs Vitamin E Mask or another Vitamin E mask is a perfect fit for me after a long day of working in the garden or biking. It is an excellent moisturizing combination.

What do I see? Brightening of skin and reduced discoloration, with a side of vibrancy. Not to mention that the texture is simply fantastic. All silky smooth and silvery, but absorbs beautifully without leaving any cast or pilling with subsequent products. Pilling is high on my list of reasons for tossing products, no matter how amazing. I shudder at the thought&#47;sensation! I find that Vitamin C is a product that I choose to use because of its scientific basis. You are very unlikely to see immediate results from using this product, but that does not mean that it is not working. Rather, most products require consistency and repeated use before effects are noticeable. However, with Vitamin C, like introducing a retinol or new active to your skin care routine, repeated use can produce some irritation or break outs. I credit the form of Vitamin C that Mad Hippie uses a very crucial reason for why this serum can be added to a skin care routine without waking up to breakouts!

Things that make me a repeat purchaser? So, with previous experiences of Vitamin C serum that became discolored due sunlight exposure, I really appreciate a bottle that provides some protection for my Vitamin C serum. As well, Mad Hippie&#39;s product uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (a much more stable form of Vitamin C than the L-Ascorbic Acid that many products contain and that a higher risk for oxidation and also for irritation).

It would be really helpful if the product came with a dispensing tool rather than simply expecting the purchaser to have one handy. As well, there is a scent, which, while mild, could be a real turn off. However, for the quantity, quality of formula, and feel of the product, I will excuse quite a few minor preferences. If you want to get your gorgeous glow on, this is an awesome tool for those of us living our best middle-age lives!

If you are at the point in your life where Retinol is a consideration, this is an awesome Retinol to have in your repertoire. Now, admittedly, 1% is a high starting point, but if you can follow the process recommended by both dermatologists and skin care enthusiasts and really commit to adding it slowly to your evenings, the results will speak for themselves. I should note that I introduced Retinol and this one in particular, far more rapidly than I needed or my skin was prepared for, but a little peeling and Retinol purging helped encourage me to slow down my process. I think it speaks well for this cream that a few days of extra moisturizing and calming serums treated the Retinol Uglies.

While much of the ingredient list is unpronounceable, Vitamins E and D3 are welcome additions to this formula. The Green Tea is an excellent ingredient in this smooth treatment cream. 

The cream has a faint citrus (orange) aroma and it applies and absorbs quickly and beautifully. It would really be nice if the product came with a dispensing tool, but needing to pause and clean my hands before applying is a good opportunity to think about and focus on dosage. 

Retinol is not an immediate response product, but I find that this cream is good cost for quantity and that it does have a high quality feel. There is absolutely a reason that this is the #1 Retinol product for iHerb and I conclude and affirm that the low cost, high quality, effective and quality ingredient ratios live up to the reviews. You can absolutely enter the Retinol stage of your skincare life cycle with this product and be successful in accessing the benefits without suffering horrible Retinol rash or extensive peeling. Of all (6 products) my Retinol collection, this is the only one that I actually pack and travel with or keep on my recurrent purchase list with iHerb.

BizzyBee