Good For You Girls, Good For The Beauty Chick

My Experience: How do I begin to tell you how happy I was with the Good For You Girls products? Between reviewing products as The Beauty Chick and researching lines for Butterfly Effect, I am always trying what seems like a zillion different products. Few brands actually deliver with a product that not only has great ingredients, but has me wanting to keep using it after just the first use, and for weeks after…especially when it comes to skin care.

Being older than the Good For You Girls (hereafter known as GFYG) “demographic” (10-18 years old), my 27 year old complexion has struggled with oiliness and hormonal breakouts since high school. I’ve long since switched to natural skincare and mineral makeup and I recently cut out a lot of dairy, all of this has made a significant difference in my skin. However, I always had the sneaking suspicion that my face somehow wasn’t getting clean or exfoliated enough (I use a beautiful organic enzyme and clay based mask 2-3 times a week).

The last cleanser I really, really loved, sadly, had so many chemical ingredients, that I just had to give it up. Since then I’ve used a handful of other cleansers, mostly natural and all very nice, but my skin was still missing something. I used to be a scrubaholic but quit when I realized how much worse it was making my skin. GFYG Blemish Wash was definitely the star of this line for me! You only need a little bit, the scent is fresh and gently citrusy, and it totally satisfies my love of scrubbing (there’s something psychological about the massaging sensation and the idea that I’m buffing my skin smooth). My skin feels really clean, but not tight after I use it and my toner pad ends up with a lot less leftover dirt and makeup on it. My acne scars and dark marks where my blemishes were healing have been steadily fading and my skin feels much smoother, no doubt a result of the natural jojoba beads, willow bark extract (a powerful source of natural salicylic acid) and naturally exfoliating fruit enzymes. It’s also been far less greasy and more balanced. For younger girls, those who are just starting to use skincare or girls who are less concerned with major breakouts, there is also a lovely gentle gel cleanser which is foamy, gently scented and deeply cleansing (again, the evidence of this was apparent in the lack of leftover dirt/oil/makeup on my toner pad).

The toner (step 2) made me incredibly happy as well- I love the aloe/witchhazel/meadowsweet/arnica combo for hydration, antiseptic, oil control and inflammation along with all the other soothing herbs. It is also formulated to ensure that the skin’s pH is also balanced- the skin’s acid mantle naturally has a slightly acidic pH which helps prevent bacteria, microbes, fungus, etc. Many products strip this acid mantle away, leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria and other ickies.

Then there’s the moisturizer. I use (and really love) my 100% natural and organic SPF30 (from Sanre) along with the night cream.  Sometimes though, I need something even lighter, especially at night, but at 27 years young I still want a little more in the repairing/anti-aging department. The GFYG Oil Free Moisturizer was exactly what I needed.  On days I know I won’t be getting much outdoor time I can use it by itself and at night I can use it to “dilute” the richness of my Sanre night cream. When I was 14 though, GFYG oil-free moisturizer would have been perfect for me.

My Conclusion: Kim and Grace, the founders of Good For You Girls, have created a beautiful line that not only has a superb and thoughtful ingredient list but it truly effective. Additionally, they thought about Moms as well by making the whole line incredibly affordable. The hesitant can try a starter kit with 2 oz bottle each of the Gel Cleanser, Toner and Oil-Free Moisturizer for only twenty bucks. The 2 oz products last between 4-8 weeks, depending on usage.  I went through the toner the fastest and the moisturizer the slowest. The full (4 oz) sized products range from $14-$19 and should last about 2 months each.

Kim, Grace and the girls

About Kim and Grace: Good For You Girls was founded by good friends Kim and Grace who, between the two of them, have six daughters. When they went to their local health food store to pick out skincare for Grace’s oldest daughter, they read label after label and found nothing that they felt was “pure, effective or formulated specifically enough” for young skin. Between Grace’s certification as an Ayurvedic practitioner- Ayurveda promotes “an integrated approach to good health through lifestyle changes and natural therapies- her training in herbology, yoga and diet and Kim’s 15+ years of experience in the natural beauty products industry as a graphic designer, creative consultant and marketing advisor, these two moms and entrepreneurs knew that if they wanted the perfect products not just for their girls, but for all girls, they would have to create them themselves, and so they did…beautifully.

Good For You Girls has filled a significant void in my skincare routine. My only wish: that they’ll create a lip balm and a body wash too! (and a shampoo, and a conditioner…)

Shayna

After nearly three years managing a bath and beauty boutique, Shayna decided to go out on her own and open Butterfly Effect, a holistic, eco-conscious beauty boutique located in Sarasota, Florida. Our very own “Beauty Chick”, read Shayna’s other intriguing articles and product reviews here.