There are so many reasons to love Annmarie Gianni Skin Care.
I’ve always been lucky enough to have good skin. I didn’t suffer with acne or any other problems as a child. However, living with a hypothyroidism diagnosis for the last two decades has meant my skin errs on the side of dryness, and is often pale and lacklustre.
I care deeply about the products I use and have spent a long time in search of the holy grail of glowing, dewy, healthy looking skin. I have lost count of the number of companies I've turned to throughout the years, only to back away once I wised up on the ingredients in their expensive little pots. Whilst it's wonderful to know there is an ever increasing market of "clean" skin care brands, it seems that natural doesn't necessarily mean holistic; lead is a natural ingredient after all!
All that changed when I was introduced to Annmarie Skin Care. With endorsements from the likes of Dr Mark Hyman, Chris Kresser, Kris Carr, Donna Gates, Sara Gottfried, JJ Virgin, Dr Tom O'Bryan and the late Louise Hay, I had a feeling this might be the company I'd been searching for all this time. Boy, was I right!
Why should we care about our skin products?
Autoimmune disease is a betrayal of the immune system, which is running on overdrive. So why would we confuse it still further by putting chemicals on our face? I make a point never to put those things into my mouth so you can be sure I won't be spreading them onto my largest organ, where they may be absorbed directly into my bloodstream.
Skin care products are not well regulated and the average woman is exposed to over 160 chemicals every single morning. Some of these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the production, transport, breakdown, binding and elimination of hormones. Our liver performs over 500 functions, including detoxification. However, when our bodies are already dealing with a system in overdrive, detoxification is severely impaired. This means that these chemicals are reabsorbed. Constant exposure ultimately causes imbalance within the body which may then lead to a wide variety of health problems.
Why I love Annmarie Gianni Skin Care
1. The ingredients
Annmarie Skin Care is completely free of synthetic chemicals, toxins and endocrine disruptors. Each product has been lovingly made in the USA with natural, organic and wild-crafted ingredients that is bringing vitality back to my skin. Ingredients such as lauric acid-rich coconut oil and pure Colorado mountain wildflower honey. Aloe vera and soothing calendula. Neroli oil to calm, balance and de-stress the mind. One of my favourite scents - sweet orange-blossom. And many, many more. Here you will find no fillers, only real ingredients that are instantly recognisable - no googling necessary.
2. The promise
- no synthetic fragrances - scented only with essential oils and herbs
- organically grown and wildcrafted from mountains
- all products are gluten free
- entirely GMO-free
- cruelty free and all but three products (which contain beeswax) are vegan
- real, pure and unadulterated - if you can't eat it you shouldn't put it on your skin
- full transparency with disclosure of ingredients
- supporting community development by giving back to causes they feel strongly aligned to
3. The confidence
Because Annmarie Skin Care are so sure you're going to love their products as much as I do, they offer a sample kit for $10 (free worldwide shipping). Inside your package you'll find a $10 coupon redeemable on your next purchase which means if you buy, you'll have got your kit for free. The kit is enough for around a week's use, by which time I'm willing to bet you've fallen in love. I fell in love immediately btw! They will also send you a digital copy of their Toxic Free Home Guide, in which you'll find heaps of information on replacing toxins in the home with clean products and DIY recipes.
4. The experience
Using Annmarie Skin Care has made me slow down and become more aware of my wind-down routine before bed, therefore de-stressing after a long day. Now I really take the time to inhale the delicious natural fragrance and savour the luxurious feel of my lotions and potions. It's easy to visualise them hydrate, nourish and smooth my face whilst I sleep. With the aroma of orange-blossom, lavender, rosemary, vanilla, jasmine, rose and countless other flowers and healing herbs, I slip into my bed and drift into a perfect night's slumber. When I wake next morning, my face feels increasingly soft and looks clear and refreshed. In fact within a day or so of trying my sampler kit, my skin was noticeably softer, smoother, and had a lovely dewy glow. Within a very short time, my skin was seeing, feeling and reeping the benefit of this incredible line of skin care. Simply put, AnnMarie Skin Care is my holy grail!
My favourite products
The Aloe Herb Cleanser contains lemon and lavender essential oils, amongst other wildcrafted herbs. Though light and gentle, it removes my make-up effortlessly. What's more it transports me to an unforgettable holiday in Sorrento we had shortly before leaving for Vancouver. Neroli Toning Mist smells decadent as it soothes my mind and hydrates my skin ready for what I think is probably my favourite product, the antioxidant-rich Anti-Aging Facial Oil. I can't get enough of its heavenly aroma, not to mention the luxurious feel as it glides over my skin leaving it supple and dewy. Another favourite is the Coconut Honey Mask. I have rarely treated myself to a relaxing quarter hour of mask time but this product has changed all that. Now I prop myself up on my bed and take the time to breathe mindfully, knowing this incredible enzyme-rich product is nourishing and plumping my skin. Actually I believe it would nourish my stomach too - with its pure, organic ingredients I'm almost tempted to dip in and steal a quick nibble!
Q&A with Abby Jean of Annmarie Skin Care
Abby is a licensed Esthetician, as well as Wholesale Account Manager for Annmarie Skin Care and lady to thank for satisfying my burning curiosity.
What sets AnnMarie Skin Care apart from other "clean" skin care brands?
First and foremost, we are thrilled to see other existing and emerging brands in the skin care and wellness industry that have the same standards and transparency as we do. Collaboration is a part of our business model and we love joining forces with other companies to empower consumers to make conscious decisions when selecting their personal care products. That being said, what makes us unique is that we are much more than just a skin care brand; we are a lifestyle brand. Our active blog emanates this, where you’ll find topics beyond skin including herbal therapeutics, essential oils, ingredient knowledge, synthetic chemicals in the industry (and how to avoid them), food, supplements, yoga, fitness and a variety of holistic health topics. We were also the first MADE SAFE certified skin care line!
As a company, we have a desire to educate our customers on the importance of using clean skin care. We have future plans to host in-house events, soirees and workshops at our headquarters in Berkeley, CA to offer this extended education and bring our Annmarie community together to celebrate beauty and health!
How did AnnMarie come up with the specific blend of ingredients for each product?
While Annmarie is not the actual formulator of the skin care line, she had a vision to bring clean and truly natural products to the skin care market. Our formulator Bunnie, an herbalist and cosmetic chemist, has been making skin care products for over 30 years. She produces handmade micro-batches at our lab located in the Colorado Mountains. Our method is an infusion method, where organic and wildcrafted herbs are infused into aloe vera juice or cold-pressed carrier oils for up to 30 days, never heated above 95 degrees, to carefully extract all of the plant properties without compromising the nutrient value. Each formula is alive with active nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes, ensuring effective skin care with beautiful results.
Which of the so-called "natural" ingredients do you advise people never to use on their skin?
It’s difficult to scrutinize every ingredient in a formula to determine whether or not it is safe for your health and skin. However, there are many conventional brands out there that claim their formulas are “natural”. Greenwashing in the beauty industry is occurring more and more to pull consumers in the wrong direction, when they very well feel like it’s the right one. This is the complete opposite of transparency, but rather deception and without regulation. Fortunately, there are amazing resources that exist to help guide a consumer on how to read labels and to help them make better choices when purchasing self care products. The EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database is comprised of over 70,000 products where you can look up by brand or ingredient and are given safety ratings on each (more or less an ingredient hazard score). There is a lot of useful information in this database and while I can’t 100% guarantee that every product on there has an accurate score (there is so much data, I believe they are working on their precision), it’s still very helpful to the consumer! Another resource is the Think Dirty App which allows you to scan a product barcode and receive easy-to-digest information about the product safety within seconds.
What are your top skin care tips for transitioning from summer to winter?
Depending on where you live, sometimes entering winter means more exposure to dryness and/or harsher weather conditions. If you are already consistent with your skin care regimen, there is no need to drastically change any part of your routine. The only thing I would recommend in addition to cleansing, exfoliating (2-3x a week), toning, applying serum (hydrating), moisturizing and sun protection would be to add in a nourishing face mask 1-2x a week. This will not only replenish lost moisture in the skin, but will keep it deeply hydrated, moisturized and protected from the winter elements.
Why do you think health advocates such as Dr Mark Hyman, Kris Carr, Sara Gottfried and Dr Tom O'Bryan are rushing to endorse your products?
In addition to loving the feel and nature of our products, along with the results they provide, they share and embody our mission to be honest, wild and beautiful. It is uncommon in the skin care industry to find truly natural skin care products that health advocates or even doctors feel comfortable recommending to their clients and companions. Beyond distributing to spas and natural boutiques, we have been partnering with functional medicine clinics and wellness centers to represent our line so that they can offer safe and effective beauty products in addition to supplements, herbs and nutrition products.
The Giveaway
Annmarie Skin Care have kindly offered the same skin care set that they sent to me, as a prize for one of my readers. Like me, you can choose between the Restore Travel Kit for dry/mature skin, and the Balance Travel Kit for normal/combination skin. Please note the top two photos are not the products in the giveaway, they are the full size products I bought myself after falling in love with my gift.
All you need do is enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below. Please note that this giveaway is valid for residents of the US and Canada only. You can have several chances by completing the Rafflecopter tasks and it ends on Wednesday, September 27th, at midnight PST. A winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter and notified by email. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours it will be offered to a new winner. Meanwhile, if you'd like to get your own sample kit for $10 (free worldwide shipping) click here. Good luck! GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!
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Please know that Annmarie Skin Care sent me a skin care trial set with no obligation. I have not been paid to write this post and it was my choice to do so. Because I love their products so much, I asked them if I could run this giveaway as I know are going to love them too. All words in this post are my own.
love their products
always wanted to try Ann Marie products, they look amazing
I've read about her skincare for a long time and would love to try it.
Thank you so much for sharing your review Kate! I'm always on the hunt for new skin care that is safe to use as well as effective. I love to hear and read the story behind any company as it makes a personal connection between myself and the creator. It feels great to support a company that is passionate what they do! I've heard so many good things about Annmarie skin care and I would love to try it out!
This looks great! I've got my fingers crossed to win. 🙂
Sounds amazing and i want to win because it is something new i have not tried or heard of until today<3
After having met you, I know your skin is amazing- and that sells me on this! I've been searching for a good, effective clean brand and AnneMarie has come up in my search- definitely need to check it out to get my own dry Hashi skin nourished!
This sounds wonderful! I have heard so many good things about their products and my skin is a mess right now. I NEED THIS!!!!
These are great products
Would love to try these products. My skin is super dry and flaky - perhaps these will help.
What great endorsements! I'm always on the lookout for green beauty products:) Thanks!
I would love to try these products. For the last 4 years or so I have been making my own face cream which is amazing but there are other products that I am missing.
I and trying to go completely non-toxic with my skin care routine and this sounds like heaven!
Sjogrens has really taken it’s toll on my skin. Love that these are natural.
Love that you called them your lotions and potions! But the products sound great and need to try them.
I would like to win the mature skin package because I have sensitive maturish skin and this sounds lovely. Really want to see if this works for me 🙂
I would so love to try these products...they sound amazing!!! Free of the bad stuff...full of good stuff...what's not to love?
I would love to try these products! I've been searching for natural products that are truly natural but also work!
I've been very into non-toxic skincare recently: doing lots of research on ingredients and even making some products of my own, so the timing of this is impeccable. Glad to see you partnering up with neat brands like these. x
I would love to win the AnneMarie Gianni skincare. Especially since I have been experiencing major skin problems due to an autoimmune condition. I would love to be able to use anti-aging skincare that doesn't trigger my condition.
I love all natural skincare. I usually make my own, but it is also nice to find a product(s) that are great for your skin that you don't have to make.
I would love to try these!
I keep reading about these products! Excited to see good, clean products on the market!
I would love to try this product.
Just the thought of lavender scent in these products makes me want to try them. Thank you!
I'd love to win this for my girlfriend. I know she's researched it before and would love to try it.
First off, I love your photography for this article! It's so beautiful.
The coconut oil and honey mask has me really intrigued. I just read an article on Dr Axe's website that mentioned using coconut oil, honey, and tea tree mask for acne.
I would love to try these products! They sound like exactly what I've been looking for!
I've been wanting to try a new natural skin care line. I'd like to try this because it's not just natural, it's holistic skin care!
After all these years, I am trying to go to skincare that is non-toxic and good for my skin. I've read about her skincare and would love to try it.
I love finding new green products for my skin care! Non toxic, all natural skin care has been doing my skin good for years. I would love to try this brand!
I would love to try these products because I really love green beauty products and are so effective for my sensitive skin. ..
I would love to win this giveaway because i am trying to find better and healthier products then the ones i was using before and i would love to try these products
I love Annmarie skincare! Fingers crossed
Love this brand! The anti-aging line has been the only products to keep my face moisturized and free of flanking.
I have heard great things about the brand!
I love clean cosmetics and skin care products. It's great that there are active nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes here.
I've heard great things about the balance kit
I love that it's a natural brand I have been looking for a new product like this, and the fact that it's almost my name is great.
I'd love to win bc just this last couple weeks I started switching out all my body care products to chemical free and I'm sort of lost!
I've heard great things about her line and would love to give it a try
Kate, Do you think that it is an issue that there is Sunflower oil used? Knowing that seed oils can be easily oxidized I wonder if there is any risk when in skin-care products.
Hi Ashley, there is no problem at all with there being seeds or seed oils in skincare preparations. The elimination rules that apply to what we eat on the AIP don't follow when it comes to what we put onto our skin. If you are celiac or gluten intolerant, you wouldn't want to use anything that contains gluten, but aside from that you are absolutely fine. And these skin care products are extremely "clean", if you'll pardon the pun, as well as highly effective! 🙂
I was thinking/hoping that would be the case with the seed oils. I recently received a sample of AnneMarie essential oils and I really like the grounded blend. I must try her skin care line as well. Thanks again!
I would love to try this because winter is coming and my skin hates the dry winter!
I would love to win this for my girlfriend. She has super sensitive, fair skin and has trouble with many skin care products. This sounds like something that would help her.
I have tried these products based on your recommendation and love them. From your photo I think your coloration is the same as mine, and I'd love to know what makeup you use, and if it is similarly healthy. I'd like to not put on my usual makeup that has not so good ingredients after using such pure AnnMarie skin care.
I have very pale skin with red/cool undertones.
Hi Christine. I'm so glad you're enjoying the Annmarie products, I love them too! I don't wear a lot of make up but yes, I do only wear clean brands. I like and use products by RMS, Tata Harper (lip/cheek tint) and have just discovered Kjaer Weis which is a luxury but the stunning packaging is refillable and the colours are amazing. I've never used foundation before because I hate the feel of it on my skin but the KW formula is sheer (and buildable) and incredible. I have some of that on order 🙂
I hope that helps!
Thank you so much for your kind reply. I am looking forward to exploring your suggestions. Your website is pure pleasure!
Best,
Christine
Thank you so much Christine!