"Picky for a Purpose" Belli Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator: Reviewed

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


I recently had my second child a few weeks back 2 months ago (where has the time gone? 2 kids is MUCH different--busy-crazy but wonderful--than ONE). When I was pregnant, I was very aware of what I was about to put into my body. There are many things to avoid when pregnant. Substances that can cause birth defects are called "teratogens." The amount and length of time of exposure to these substances, as well as the trimester of the pregnancy at time of exposure, are all determining factors.

We are told not to eat sushi and not to eat deli meat unless it is heated (ew, who does that? Not me, but I guess some people are able to enjoy a hot deli sandwich? I rather just give it up all together). We are told to stay away from canned goods, soft cheeses, excessive caffeine, not to dye our hair or paint our nails, stand far away from the microwave, and avoid certain types of fish.

Then there are the more serious types of things to avoid, such as lithium, lead, alcohol, smoking, secondhand smoke, toxins from cat litter boxes, dangerous fumes, radiation, mercury, and drugs. Double and triple check, no problem for me on all these things. I am totally not a cat person, and do not smoke, drink, and don't even take Tylenol most the time.

It is important to note that what we put into our body, has a potential for harm to a developing baby. I was ultra careful during my pregnancies, however I must admit, I did enjoy a few Ale 8 one soft drinks as they are the only soft drink I will drink and they are wonderful--they do have caffeine in them sadly. (Kentucky soft drink made right here, it is kind of like a fruity ginger ale).

I had the opportunity to review a facial lotion from a company who is "Picky for a Purpose." Cute huh? Belli Skincare is a company designed for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and is a line of skincare that is tested safe for them to use without worry.

"Each ingredient is researched to see if an ingredient has ever been linked to a birth defect, miscarriage, or other harmful effect during pregnancy before being added to a particular product." (taken from the Belli Website) The company keeps updated in research to make sure no new side effects or harm has come from using a particular ingredient. They refer to this process as Teratology screening.

I like how the company does not test on animals, and the products are USA made. There are no artificial dyes or fragrances, no parabens, and everything is allergy tested and screened for supreme safety. The website is attractive and easy to navigate, they have arranged it for those who are planning to get pregnant or who are already have a bun in the oven, those who are breastfeeding, and then afterwards in a woman's life.

The facial lotion I received to test is the Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator, and is 1.5 oz. This arrived well packaged and in a box. The bottle is a sleek cylindrical container with a pump. I was at first confused about this feature, as I thought perhaps mine was defective without a tube inside to pump the product out. This is referred to as an airless pump, and these do not have straws or tubes. From what I understand, this protects the product from getting too much air exposure, which could make the product not last as long or function as well. Press the pump a few times, and this will create a vacuum and the product will be drawn upwards. There is a tiny hole under the canister that can be pocked with a paperclip or pin if the pump needs unclogging. After priming my pump a few times, it worked perfectly.

This citrus scented, light moisturizing cream has Vitamin C and grape seed oil for radiant, healthy looking skin. I oil cleanse my face each evening (I am sulfate free and do not use traditional soaps). After washing my face with my usual diy facial oil mix: jojoba oil, caster oil, grape seed oil, argan oil (and sometimes emu oil or rosehip seed oil) and glycerin mixture, I then use hot water on my facial cloth and steam twice, and then closing the pores with cool water, I allow my face to dry.

Want more detail? (Please sit tight and bear with me, If you have heard this all before in my previous posts.)

I gently clean my face with 2-3 drops of Lavendar castile soap and warm water. This removes all my makeup and any stubborn eyeliner or mascara. I rinse with warm water and pat dry. Then I cleanse with the oil cleansing method. I use my oil mixture (whatever oils you find that work best for you---you can try different types) and I massage the mixture all over my face gently. I let it soak in for about 2 minutes as I continue the massage. I then turn on the faucet to the hot water only, and when it gets steamy, I run the water over my wash cloth. I wring out the hot wash cloth and place it over my face to steam out my pores. When the cloth cools, I do the cloth steaming once more only this time when it cools, I wipe the excess oil away. I rinse my face with cold water to close my pores and then I pat dry.

I then apply Vitamin C serum, and allow it to soak into my face. I then apply my Hyaluronic acid and after that dries, I apply this Belli Glow with 2-3 pumps to my entire face. I make sure to concentrate on my under eye circles and delicate eye area as well. Make sure to use your ring finger to apply this and any product to your eyelid or under eyes, to prevent tugging. The ring finger has less weigh than other fingers, such as your pointer. This is non greasy, non sticky, and leaves my face supple and refreshed. I really love the fragrance, as it is not overpowering. My skin feels clean after application, and this does not clog my pores.

Here are the ingredients:

Deionized Water, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sodium PCA, Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin, Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleutherol) Root Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ascorbyl Palmitate

I like how it has grape seed oil in it. As readers of my blog already know (and may be tired of hearing). I am an oil fanatic. I oil cleanse my face every night and have better skin because of it. My skin does not break out, and I have fewer blackheads and my oil production has stabilized so that I only produce what my skin needs. Grape seed oil is a good source of essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Grape seed oil can assist with skin repair and is popular for use in massage oils and cosmetics.


Here is what the company has to say:

"Belli ® delivers trusted skin care solutions that pamper and protect without known harmful chemicals so you can expect beautiful skin and enjoy peace of mind during any stage of your life: pregnancy, motherhood and beyond. The ingredients in Belli products are selected based upon an extensive review of published medical studies. Belli even follows a unique safety screening process to avoid ingredients with known links to birth defects or harmful effects while breastfeeding. OB/GYN & Dermatologist Recommended."

The Facial Glow Hydrator worked well for me and I like it a lot. I am currently breastfeeding our son, so this gives added reassurance that this product will be safe for both of us. It has not lightened my under eye dark circles, but it did not claim to do that, and really I did not expect it to do that since I am causing dark circles myself nightly with my terrible sleeping pattern. I feed him every 2 hours still so I am lucky if I get a combined 4-6 hours a night.

This would be perfect for a pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, or even those who just want beautiful skin from a fantastic product. (Which all ladies can benefit from). This is a bit on the pricy side at around $30, however I did not need to use much. I think most users can benefit from 2 pumps each day.


For more information about Belli Skincare or to order their products, check their website and Amazon.

Amazon

Facial Glow Hydrator

Belli Skincare

I am not connected to this company in any way, and any purchases or decisions to purchase you make, do not benefit me in any way. I am not compensated for this review. I did get this product as a sample in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. I am not paid for my opinions. This cream was sent to me in exchange for my opinion.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.