I’m sneaking in yet another product review for March. (I told you I’d been stockpiling these). This one is a little different since it’s skincare specially formulated for “tweens”. I don’t normally review kid stuff since I don’t have any of my own, but I do have a ton of children to shop for and I thought this might be a great item to get for that 11/12 year old girl that is too old for Barbies but too young for makeup. The gracious folks at Ottilie & Lulu sent me an assortment of their natural skincare line to review.
So first a little about this company:
“Tween skin is delicate, unique and in a state of constant change. Having a daily skin care regime is essential to keeping skin clear and healthy. Using harsh ingredients found in teen and adult products can damage tween skin, and 80% of the damage done to skin happens before the age of 17. O&L products are specially formulated just for tween skin. Our gentle and effective formulas are filled with anti-oxidants, botanicals, and vitamins – exactly what tween skin needs. Dermatologist and allergy tested — but not on animals. Start using Ottilie & Lulu today and show off your natural beauty.”
Ottilie & Lulu, Clean Skin Face Wipes, 30 Wipes
(Retail: $7.90)
Description: “Ottilie & Lulu Gentle Cleansing Wipes with soothing rosewater scent are great for on-the-go cleansing. Use these pre-moistened 100% cotton wipes to refresh and cleanse throughout the day. Feeling clean and fresh has never been so easy. Gentle cleansing eliminates oil and dirt leaving skin feeling soft, clean and smooth.”
Verdict: Hit!
And how cute are the little girls on the label? I’m assuming they are Otillie and Lulu and they have lots of adventures. (The children’s book writer in me is emerging). These face wipes had a nice fresh scent unlike so many other brands that reek of alcohol. I think face wipes are a great idea for kids, particularly when traveling to the eleventybillion activities kids have (like soccer games, girl scout trips and dance competitions.) Some kids also don’t like getting bogged down in a long bed time routine and these are a quick and convenient way for them to clean their face.
Ottilie & Lulu, Morning & Night Gel Cleanser, Soothing Mandarin Sandalwood Scent, 4 fl oz (118 ml)
(Retail: $7.90)
Description: “Specially formulated for all skin types, our all-natural Morning & Night Gel Cleanser leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and clean. A unique infusion of soothing Organic Aloe Vera Juice, purifying Witch Hazel Extract, and refreshing Mandarin Essential Oil helps keep skin purified and glowing..”
Verdict: Like
A lot of kids products have super synthetic scents but this one felt very spa like. I also think kids will enjoy the gel consistency.
Ottilie & Lulu, Morning Pure Facial Moisturizer, Southing Mandarin Sandalwood Scent, 3 fl oz (88 ml)
(Retail:$12.90)
Description: ” Specially formulated for all skin types, our all-natural Morning Pure Facial Moisturizer provides gentle, effective care for dry, chapped skin. A unique infusion of hydrating Organic Shea Butter, calming Calendula Extract, and refreshing mandarin essential oil leaves skin feeling silky soft and smooth, not sticky.”
Verdict: Like, if used with sunblock
I’m not sure it’s really all that logical to have a morning moisturizer for kids and then an additional sunscreen. I feel like for this age group, less steps are better so I’d love to see the moisturizer have SPF included. This does have a nice scent and is a lighter moisturizer which is appropriate for the age bracket we are looking at.
Ottilie & Lulu, Everyday Facial Moisturizer & Sunscreen, SPF 20, Fresh Scent, 2.5 fl oz (75 ml)
(Retail:$16.90)
Description: ” Provides full spectrum protection against UVA (cause of skin cancer and aging) and UVB (sunburn) rays. Recommended for all skin types. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties (green tea, algae, and vitamin E) guard against free radical damage.”
Verdict: On the Fence
I guess my wish was granted since this is both a moisturizer and sunscreen. I love the fact that this is a moisturizing sunscreen with a lovely scent with natural ingredients. The part that leaves me wanting is the SPF level. I think SPF 20 is too low for kids, hell SPF 20 is too low for adults. I think you’d have to use this in conjunction with a higher level sunscreen. It’s a great idea to get kids in a habit of using a sunblock and even better when they include natural products, so hopefully Otillie & Lulu will start offering some in SPF 35 or SPF 50.
Ottilie & Lulu, Spot Blemish Treatment, Soothing Mandarin Sandalwood Scent, 2 fl oz (60 ml)
(Retail:$12.90)
Description: ” This oil-free formula helps diminish the appearance of blemishes. A powerhouse extract blend of White Willow Bark, Peppermint Leaf, and Tea Tree Leaf naturally calms skin and provides relief from breakouts. Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Oil help reduce redness..”
Verdict: Like
This is the biggest tube of blemish treatment I have ever seen. Seriously, Ottilie & Lulu are totally giving you your money’s worth here. Tweens are right on the cusp of becoming hormonal teenagers and I imagine those that get blemishes can feel really self-conscious. You wouldn’t want to give them a harsh acne fighting product so this is a really nice alternative to help them with skin issues.
OVERALL
Verdict: Like!
These products all have nice scents and natural ingredients, and I feel like parents could feel secure that they are giving their kids products that are safe for their skin. These could also be a great gift for those impossible-to-shop-for tween girls in your life. The only reason I didn’t give this review a “hit” was just because of the low SPF, otherwise I think this is a unique, fun line and the price is quite affordable for the amount of product you receive.
Do you have any “tweens” in your life that would enjoy this type of skincare?
Coupon Code: If you want to give these products a shot you can use my code at iherb.com: CVF809 for a discount on your first order. They are a fabulous place to buy everything from groceries to essential oils and they frequently offer freebies at checkout.
Lisa Preziosi 