by Meredith Bouchelle

Created on: November 18, 2008   Last Updated: November 26, 2008

St. Ives Swiss Formula Apricot Scrub was first introduced to me by a magazine I read in my early teens. At this age, you could have told me that applying cyanide to your face would make you look pretty and I would've bought it. But during a routine trip to my local pharmacy, I saw the scrub sitting on a shelf amongst a hundred other "similar" items and decided to give it a shot. It looked very promising, it said that it wouldn't dry out my skin. The scrub was also reasonably priced- which was great for me- since at the time I was getting paid $95 a week under-the-table at a seedy pizza place.

St. Ives Swiss Formula Apricot Scrub looks a lot like Dijon mustard when you first squeeze it into your hand. It's grainy, thick, and yellowish-brown in color. You might be a little apprehensive about applying such a substance to your face, but once the smell hits your nostrils you'll realize it's not actually Grey Poupon- but a rather pleasant concoction.

Before using- I recommend dousing your face in warm water to open up your pores. Then, apply the desired (I suggest a nickel to quarter- sized) amount to your entire face and neck. AVOID THE EYES. I made that mistake once and walked around for the next hour looking like I'd swam in the YMCA pool with my eyes open.

If you're used to moisturizing face washes or mild soaps, the feel of St Ives Swiss Formula Apricot Scrub may come as a bit of a shock to your skin. It's fairly abrasive due to the bits of shell powder mixed into the scrub. Yes, I said shell. It sounds odd but makes for a great exfoliant. Dead skin is delicately buffed off of your face, leaving the skin underneath feeling clean and smooth to the touch.

In addition to the "original recipe," St. Ives also makes the Apricot Scrub for Oily/Acne prone skin, Aging skin, and Sensitive skin. I generally use the Oily/Acne prone skin to keep my blemishes under control. The active ingredient (salicylic acid) dries out the skin a bit, but it's nothing that a small amount of moisturizer can't handle. If you're looking for a great product to accompany your new favorite face wash- I'd recommend the St. Ives Collagen Elastin moisturizer.

In conclusion, St. Ives Swiss Formula Apricot Scrub has generated a positive review from this critic. I'd closely compare it to great love-making, it's rough and maybe a bit uncomfortable at first- but it'll leave you smiling and feeling beautiful when you're done.

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