The skincare arena is a stage I avoid stepping onto like a plague, mainly because I don’t understand all the mumbo-jumbo jargon out there on the market. Many products promise to “clear skin,” “eradicate acne,” “balance the skin,” “promote healthy cell turnover,” “eliminate wrinkles,” and on and on and on with powerful ingredients with names that I only encountered in college chemistry classes. With the launch of new skincare brands everyday from big cosmetic companies and celebrities who have found the “fountain of youth in a jar,” a girl can get lost in the skincare jungle. Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you I don’t really care much about skincare past my morning routine. For years, I have taken the easy way out with skincare products I’ve seen on television, never really paying attention to how they made my face feel.
The first skincare brand I adopted that really gave my skin something to brag about was the Clinique three step system. I used it religiously for more than a year, usually skipping evenings when I was too tired to take off my makeup. Now I know not washing my face at night is committing one of the seven deadly skincare sins but in my defense, it’s tough to break a five-year college habit of not washing my face at night, especially after a long night out. I received a note in my inbox two months ago asking me if I would be willing to try out a new skincare brand called Signature23, a skincare line by beach volleyball star Suzanne Stonebarger. My first thought was, “ok, another celebrity endorsed skincare line that boasts AMAZING results. Give me a break.” Not being one to judge a book by its cover, I decided to try out Signature23 and see if it really stands up to all that it promises.
I received sample sizes of the Signature23 Botanical Cleansing Gel, Crystal Microderm Exfoliating Treatment, Clear Skin Elixir and a full size sample of the Vita-C Elixir to try. I kept using my Clinique moisturizer, eye cream, SPF cream and my MAKE UP FOR EVER makeup products. I’ve been using Signature23 for a month and feel the time is right to do a thorough write-up.
Signature23 is a lifestyle skincare line specially formulated to enhance cellular metabolism and maintain an optimal lipid-water balance. Utilizing a proprietary blend of 23 botanicals, amino acids and antioxidants known as Complex23™, Signature23 skincare products can be used on all skin types, but are particularly useful in combating the moisture loss and environmental impact resulting from an active lifestyle. Signature23’s exclusive products are designed to help skin of any age or condition to become beautiful, balanced and healthy. Enhanced with vitamins, mineral and nutrients, our proprietary ingredient fuels skin with the energy it needs to look its best throughout a busy day. [Signature23]
First of all Signature23 is not intimidating at all. Appearance is everything to me and I usually forgo products that have super fancy and elaborate packaging and design because they usually promise way too much and deliver very little. Suzanne’s product was fuss-free and very low maintenance, which I liked. It had been a very long week for me so I needed a major exfoliating treatment for my face. I tried the Botanical Cleansing Gel to rinse impurities. I know soap is supposed to feel soft but this didn’t feel like a cleanser. It felt like a second skin; smooth, gentle but with muscle to remove the makeup and products from the night before. My skin felt squeaky clean after just one rinse so I went to the second step with the Crystal Microderm Exfoliating Treatment. PAUSE!
WOW! The Crystal Microderm Exfoliating Treatment alone is worth more than a thousand a mini facial. The Magnesium oxide crystals woke up my skin with a pore opening treatment that you have to experience to believe. The product is supposed to refine and polish skin’s texture, smoothing away dead skin cells to reveal a fresh, new, radiant glow. Well, I am a believer. The exfoliator works with little effort on my part. I didn’t feel the need to rub and scrub my skin like I usually do with other exfoliating treatments. You feel the product working immediately following application with the magnesium oxide which felt like refreshing peppermint on my skin. Just make sure you avoid your eye area because your eyes will sting if the product gets in your eyes. No brainer right? I learned that you shouldn’t exfoliate eye area anyway because it’s very sensitive skin.
I followed up to the exfoliator with the Clean Skin Elixir after cleansing then applied my moisturizer and proceeded to using the rest of my regular products. After makeup application, I used the Vita-C Elixir to keep my skin hydrated. I knew the product worked when my makeup still looked flawless at 5pm. I usually have to reapply my makeup because I am prone to oiliness on my forehead, nose and cheeks.
Signature23 is worth a try by anyone with an active lifestyle, looking for a no-fuss skincare routine that won’t break the bank. I’ve been using the product religiously for a month now and I really have seen a big improvement in my skin. I haven’t broken out, my skin feels so soft and smooth even when I skip my Clinique moisturizer. You can’t go wrong with ingredients like Co-Q10 enzyme to combat free radicals and energize cells; Bamboo Extract, an avanced anti-oxidant that Helps to moisturize, strengthen and fortify; Tangerine Extract to reduce mental stress; Acai Extract to help combat premature aging, nourishes the skin and improve skin tone; Goji Extract full of antioxidants neutralize free radicals and protect the skin; willow bark extract with anti-inflammatory & astringent properties to help stimulate circulation and cell growth. The five piece collection of skincare products from Signature23 tailored for each skin type costs just $159, which is a total steal if you consider the reduction in expensive facial treatments once you start using the product.
Signature23 is a must have in my skincare routine. My exfoliating treatment is almost out and I am cringing on the possibility of seeing an empty jar. It’s going to be my go to product this spring and summer as the weather warms up and I get more active in the sweltering humidity. The product is also great for men because it’s clean, easy to use and devoid of the girly smells usually associated with skincare products. Signature23 is officially part of the Glamazon Glam Kit.
The Five Piece Clear Skin Kit includes:
Clear Skin Elixir:
This is a botanical treatment that promotes clear and balanced skin. Willowbark extract helps remove all impurities that cause acne and environmental damage. BioEcolia® helps strengthen at a cellular level.
Botanical Cleansing Gel:
This gentle soap free, herbal cleansing gel will help free your skin of impurities without stripping its natural defenses. Our exclusive “Complex23”, enriched with anti-aging antioxidants will help support moisture renewed and vibrant. Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) helps promote exfoliation for a clear balance and leave your skin feeling youthful complexion.
Crystal Microderm Exfoliating Treatment:
Magnesium oxide crystals refine and polish skin’s texture. Smoothing away dead skin cells, to reveal a fresh new radiant glow. Suitable for all skin types.
C23 Lifetsyle Day Cream:
This lightweight emulsion contains high tech humectants with a boost of our proprietary anti-aging “Complex23” to moisturize for a more youthful appearance.
Peptide Tissue Recovery Night Cream:
A velvety rich night cream that replenishes critical moisture on all levels and fortifies thinning skin. Glucosamine HCI and Matrixyl 3000® promotes cell regeneration and helps restore dermal matrix.
You can find more information on Signature23 at www.signature23.com
