PRODUCT REVIEW: Skincare, Health, and Wellness Goodies from 'It Works!'

In the past month, I've been eating a lot cleaner (more fresh fruits and vegetables as well as less processed foods) and working out more (an increase in cardio and at-home kinesthetics). That said, I was happy to sample some products from It Works!, which is said to be one of the "fastest-growing consumer lifestyle, health and skincare direct sales companies." Often, I say "no thanks" to pitches from reps of direct sales companies. This is because I feel like just a number, or a commission opportunity to a him/her who actually may not really care if the products promoted are great. I don't like getting hounded and pressured into investing in the "next big thing."

But I responded with an immediate "Yes!" to Stevie Telken, an independent consultant for It Works! We had already built a fun, social friendship via Instagram, so when she approached me and asked if I'd like to sample some of her health and wellness products, I was actually pretty grateful. Not only did I enjoy her approach, but it was perfect timing regarding my lifestyle changes! Stevie left the options of what I wanted to sample up to me (very cool!). So I visited her website, and was immediately was drawn to the "Ultimate Body Applicator." Being the kind and generous business woman that she has proven to be, she ended up sending me two of them as well as some other products to try.

Due to my busy schedule and somewhat scattered brain at times, I took a few weeks to try everything out and really see if It Works!....actually does. Because I am aware that nearly every type of beauty and skincare product typically takes more than one application before showing visible results, I entered this experience with a realistic mind-frame. Here are my detailed (and honest!) reviews of the two main products Stevie sent me:

Ultimate Body Applicator ($59/box of 4):

I sampled two applicators, spaced out about a week apart of one another. These before and after photos are from the second round of sampling, simply because I forgot to take proper "after" photos (duh).

The process: Per instructions, I made sure the tested skin was clean first. Then I took out the applicator from the package and was hit with an amazing "botanical-based formula" scent. OMG -- smelled delicious. Following my deep inhales, I made sure that the side with the most lotion was the side directly applied to my skin. I will say that because the applicator, which is like a thin, soft sheet of material, had moistness on both sides...it was a little difficult for me to determine which side had more! But I eventually figured it out. Then I stood in front of my bathroom mirror and delicately applied it on my tummy and sides. The wrap doesn't sit perfectly tight on the skin, so I definitely had to smooth it out first the best I could. Instructions said that you can use either saran wrap to hold the product in place or throw on a tight top. Considering I'm the same person who didn't take "after" photos the first time, guess which one I chose? Yes, the tight top. This is because I didn't read the instructions completely in full beforehand and buy saran wrap like I probably should have. I believe that if I had secured the product with saran wrap, my results may have been a little bit more dramatic.

(First-time use before I applied my tight top over the applicator!)

So, I left it on for the full 45 minutes both times I tried it (which is recommended for first-time use), and let me tell you...the tingly sensation combined with the yummy scent was so interesting, which I really felt after about 20 minutes. It definitely made me feel like something is working! Because I wanted to make sure the wrap stayed in place, I decided not to sit down while it was on. So, I basically placed my laptop on the counter and continued writing and emailing with it on. (I'm all about staying productive!) The time flew, and then when I took off the wrap, I rubbed the leftover lotion on my skin, per instructions. Although my above before-and-after photo does not show a major difference, I immediately noticed and felt a tightness. In order to maintain results, instructions said to eat clean the rest of the day and make sure you avoid salty foods, alcohol, etc., because technically, the body is in detox mode after usage. The first time, it was a slight challenge 'cause I wasn't completely conformed to better eating and habits. But the week after, it was much easier. The next morning, following both applications, I noticed that the sides of my stomach were tighter and more cinched in. It could have been results from my ab exercises or the applicator, or both. Either way, it made this girl happy!

Would I recommend the Ultimate Body Applicator? Yes, if you combine clean eating, exercise, and multiple uses over the month. Also, the applicator can eventually be worn up to eight hours. I'm sure that will make a ton of difference!

Facial Applicator ($59/box of 4):

I really enjoyed this product, simply due to the fact that it allowed me to relax and rejuvenate! However, the Facial Applicator enhanced more of my spirit and wellness versus my skin.

The Process: Just like the Body Applicator, I needed to cleanse my skin first and make sure that the side with the most lotion was applied directly to my skin. Figured that out and applied directly, smoothing it out so it really held to skin. Then it was time to lay down on the my couch, with head back for at least 45 minutes. That was my biggest challenge...the sitting-down-doing-nothing concept! The botanical-formulated scent, which was nearly identical to the Ultimate Body Applicator, calmed me quickly and I did my best in closing my eyes and enjoy some still time and light music. I haven't been to a spa in ages, so this was a nice at-home, spa-like experience for me. After the 45 minutes, I took off the Facial Applicator, discarded it, and rubbed in the lotion. You'll notice that my "before" (left) and my "after" (right) is not too noticeable. But it felt really good on my skin, and you can actually see that in my after pic, my skin is a little darker. Possibly, it helped stimulate my blood circulation, because I don't appear as pale as the before pic. What can't be pictured, really, is how smooth my skin felt afterward. That pimple is still there (blah), but overall, the experience was refreshing!

Would I recommend the Facial Applicator? Yes, if you can find the time to relax and use at least once a week.

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The other It Works! products I sampled include: the Lip and Eye (nice, subtle moisturizer for both areas), Greens Chew (a yummy treat with fiber and antioxidants), and Greens On the Go, Berry (liquid supplement that was lightly flavored and helped curb my appetite a few hours!).

In Conclusion: Products such as these are designed to enhance the health and wellness results of an already-healthy person. Remember that. Each of these products, in their own way, definitely motivated me to continue working out, eating well, and taking care of my skin. There is no magic potion for perfection and It Works! is no exception. But these products are pretty cool if you can be consistent with usage!

If you have questions regarding these products and would like to directly communicate with Stevie Telken, be sure to visit her website and follow her on Instagram!