GIFTED | One of our most memorable family holidays was our trip to Lanzarote. As a gardener, I was especially fascinated by the range of flora, and the Aloe Vera succulents in particular. Because I know countries such as China, India, and the Roman Empire have enjoyed Aloe Vera skin benefits for centuries. As did Cleopatra, apparently. While I’ve always been curious, I’ve never tried any Aloe Vera skincare, so I was intrigued to test some of the new range of Forever Living* products.
How does Aloe Vera benefit your skin?
The succulent leaves of the Aloe Vera plant contain a plethora of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fibre including: vitamins A, B, B12, C, D and E, plus magnesium, potassium, and zinc. So the gel from the leaves makes a natural remedy to help the healing of scrapes, cuts and burns. The next time you buy aftersun product, have a quick look at the ingredients. They’ll probably include some form of Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera’s cooling, soothing and hydrating benefits are perfect inclusions in skincare. Especially when you consider that skin is the largest organ we possess, making up over 80% of our bodies. Fun fact: I use Aloe Vera gel for Jester sometimes, when he has a spate of pulling his fur out due to his irritated skin condition. And yes, it does seem to help.
Forever Living Aloe Vera gel products
Forever Living Products in Arizona is the largest grower, manufacturer and distributor of Aloe Vera products in the world. Alongside skincare, they also offer household products, drinks, gels, nutritional supplements, and personal care. Forever Living Aloe Vera gel skincare uses a blend of peptides, natural minerals, botanicals, desert plants and the latest skin science to increase the Aloe’s efficacy and benefits. I have combination skin with a very oily T-zone, and I’ve been trialling their Sonya Daily Skincare System for the last six weeks. The range is artificial fragrance-free, with all aromas deriving from natural botanicals and fruit extracts.
Refreshing gel cleanser
“Use twice daily in the morning and evening on the face and neck. Apply a generous amount to wet fingers and massage into skin. Rinse thoroughly to remove dead cells, dirt and make up and for a refreshed complexion.”
The pale green gel has an instantly recognisable botanical yet soapy scent. It doesn’t lather up massively so if you’re expecting lots of foaming bubbles, you’ll be disappointed. But the inclusion of cold-pressed baobab oil makes it feel extremely gentle and very luxurious. And the antioxidant apple amino acids plus acacia concinna fruit extract do an excellent job in removing oil, dirt and make up, without any need for additional cleansing on my part.
Illuminating gel
“Use twice daily in the morning and evening on the face and neck after cleansing. Gently massage a small amount over entire face for a soft, even complexion that glows.”
This slightly iridescent opaque gel combines five Asian botanicals, including liquorice root, to even and brighten the appearance of overall skin tone. I’m happy to report it does brighten and even out my dark circles without any allergic reaction. And it feels lovely on, smells gorgeously fruity, and gives a healthy glow as well.
Soothing gel moisturiser
“Use twice daily in the morning and evening on the face and neck after applying illuminating gel or after applying refining gel mask. Gently massage a moderate amount into skin to soothe, condition and improve the look of combination skin.”
A white cream gel with ten natural plant extracts and oils, beta-glucan from mushrooms, hydrolysed collagen and apple fruit extract for soothing and moisturising. Sadly, this is my least favourite product. Perhaps it’s something to do with the mushrooms, but I don’t like the fragrance at all. And I’m not a huge fan of the moist dewiness it leaves behind either, I have to blot heavily before applying my make up. Perhaps this might be better suited to drier skin than mine but it’s not one that I’d reach for in a hurry again.
Refining gel mask
“Use 2-3 times a week after applying illuminating gel and before bedtime. Apply a generous amount over entire face in the evening. Leave on overnight to control oil and brighten the appearance of skin. Rinse thoroughly in the morning.”
A clear gel with a cocktail of botanicals, fruit extracts and moisturisers, this is a lovely nourishing treat. Either my definition of generosity is too Scottish, or my skin is very dehydrated, because there’s never anything left to wash off in the mornings. But my skin looks lovely and refreshed, which is something that I’m extremely happy about.
Are Aloe Vera gel benefits for skin worth it?
As I said, this is my first time trying any Aloe Vera skincare so I had no particular expectations. I still have masses of all the products left after six weeks. My stand out favourite is the gel cleanser, which has done a great job of cleansing my skin without stripping it of its natural oils. And I’ve also fallen in love with the illuminating gel, which packs a huge punch for such a small tube. I’d happily buy both of these again, and they’re definitely coming on holiday with me to help my sun-stressed skin. A big thank you to Forever Living for introducing me to the powerful science of centuries-old Aloe Vera skin benefits!
Have you tried any Aloe Vera skincare products before?
What did you think if so? And if not, are you tempted to try some now?
* This post features gifted items, but all opinions are my own.
I love Aloe Vera always a go to especially for sunbathing I’ve heard of Forever Living but never used it personally maybe time to try it when I go away in June
I think it would be absolutely perfect for holiday skincare, that’s when I’m planning to take whatever I’ve got left with me too. Hope you have a wonderful holiday – not long now! x
This sounds like a really lovely range of products, Aloe Vera is so amazing for our skin and has such great healing properties that we should be using it more often. The cleansing gel sounds amazing! So does the illuminating product, that sounds like it would be great For Under makeup x
They are lovely and yes, I was aware Aloe Vera has great healing properties but I didn’t realise you could use it in skincare too. The cleanser and illuminating gel are both gorgeous and a perfect base for make up! X
I’ve never used aloe vera products before (unless they have been in and I haven’t realised!) I bet it leaves your skin feeling great. I have heard a lot of good things about aloe vera for the skin, as well as for your insides in a drink form. I will be having a look at these or attempt to add some to my own!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
I’ve had Aloe Vera in drinks too but never in skincare, well, apart from aftersun! Yay, hope you do make your own, keep me posted! 🙂
Aloe Vera is amazing. It works fantastically for everything. I have healed many burns quickly with aloe Vera. I haven’t actually seen these products around, but I am going to give them a try for sure. Thank you for sharing another brilliant post Lisa.
Hannah
Aw, thank you, Hannah. Yes, I was so impressed with these products, especially the first two. I’m sure you’d like them too! X
I’ve heard so much about the benefits of Aloe Vera but never tried anything to do with it!
This range looks BRILLIANT!
Liv
Aloe Vera really is a wonder plant, and this range really is fab!
I can’t say I’ve ever used Aloe Vera products either if I’m honest! These sound great though. I loved Lanzarote when I went too x
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
They are wonderful, perfect for future holiday skincare! X
I love Aloe Vera, especially when it comes to sun protection. I’ve never heard of Forever Living but will definitely check them out. I love the sound of gel mask.
The gel mask is gorgeous, so hydrating but not sticky. I loved it! X
I always keep basic aloe gel in the house for burns (usually kitchen related rather than sun 😂) but it’s such a handy tool. I’ve never used it as a main ingredient in my daily skincare but I know I have a few products with it in smaller quantities. I love the sound of the illuminating gel, that sounds perfect for me! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Aw, poor you, but good to know it really works though 🤣 and yes, I think you’d love the iluminating gel and the cleanser too, it’s super gentle! X
As someone with super sensitive skin I love products with aloe vera in them (and always take some on my holidays!) these look like nice products!
I didn’t use Aloe Vera before but I will from now on, especially for holidays. And yes, these are fab products 🙂
I have an aloe that must be over 10 years old now, and it has ballooned into a mammoth plant! If ever I burn myself, I snap a bit off the end of a leaf and squeeze some of the sap onto my skin. It definitely has a nice cooling sensation, and I like to think there’s some goodness contained in the juice!
Oooh, that’s interesting. We have an aloe plant too, in the kitchen, so the next time I burn myself I’m going to try your tip – fingers crossed and thank you!
I love to use Aloe Vera sometimes. I have a tub from Nature Republic. It is so calming and soothing and cooling. 🙂 This brand is new to me but everything sounds great. 🙂 My mum has so many pots of Aloe Vera planted hehe.
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
I’ve never used Aloe Vera on myself before, just my cat! But now I’ve found this brand, I think I’ll definitely be repurchasing for our next holiday abroad. They would be perfect for sun-scorched skin, so soothing and hydrating 🙂 x
Ooh, this sounds like a great range, especially as aloe vera is soo soothing and refreshing! I once had an aloe vera massage in Thailand after I got sun burned and it was the most blissful thing everrrr! The gel cleanser sounds so nice, I can imagine it makes your skin feel so clean and fresh afterwards. The illuminating gel sounds wonderful too, especially with the lovely fruity scent. These sound perfect for naturally protecting and looking after the skin, bring on the holidays and sunny weather! 🙂 Fab post Lisa and gorgeous photos too, thanks for sharing <3 xxx
Oh wow, an aloe vera massage sounds like heaven, lucky you! Yes, the cleanser is absolutely lovely, it leaves my face feeling really clean but not dried out. And the illuminating gel works so well too, the combination of the two is just perfect. As you say, bring on the holidays and sunny weather, haha! xxx
These sound great. Aloe Vera is always so good for the skin. I love the sound of a refining gel mask. I love masks anyway, so this one sounds like it would hydrate my skin. I love hearing about other skincare products as I don’t change up the products I use as much as I should. You have taken some beautiful photographs. Thank you for sharing Lisa xx
The mask is a definite skin hydrator, mine felt so soft and plumped up in the mornings, it was a lovely change! Aw, thank you so much, Lauren, that’s very kind of you 🙂 xxx
Ooh I’ve not heard of this brand before now! I really like some Aloe Vera products but aren’t the biggest fan of the scent. It’s great that you loved the cleansing gel but I just can’t get on with ones that don’t foam for some reason! The Illuminating gel sounds absolutely amazing, I’d definitely pick that up if I came across it!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
I usually prefer foaming ones too, I think it’s psychological, foam = clean. But I was very pleasantly surprised by this cleanser, it works so well and my skin feels lovely too. And I’d definitely recommend the illuminating gel, it’s fab! x
I actually have aloe vera plants in my garden. I’m so mean to them – I never water them; they look brown but it’s been months of dry weather and they are all alive. Aloes are hardy little plants! But I never really knew they were this good for skin!
Well, they are desert plants so I don’t think you need to worry about watering them too much 🙂 But lucky you to have some in your garden, it’s too cold over here for me to grow them!
I love aloe vera – it’s honestly so soothing when you apply it on. Anyways, I’ve actually never heard of this brand before but I enjoyed reading about it! Glad you enjoyed these products!
It really is, isn’t it? A brilliant product and so beneficial too 🙂
i love aloe vera and i always keep a tube of aloe vera gel in my kitchen when i suddenly burn my hands with the oven!
Oh, that’s such a good idea, I’m going to have to pinch that! 🙂
Hi everyone. I’ve been in touch with Lisa and she’s happy for me to mention here that should any of you fancy trying this Aloe skincare range, I’d be happy to help! I’ve been an independent distributor with Forever Living for nearly 10 years so admit I’m rather biased, but it is lovely. Feel free to get in touch with me directly on nicky@nickypackman.com or via my online shop http://www.shop.nickypackman.com Hope you’ll love it as much as I do! Thanks for letting me post this Lisa.
No problem, Nicky – I might be a customer in the future too!
Well if I can help Lisa, you know where I am!
Indeed, thank you 🙂