Kio Kio Frangipani Body Cream Review

In case you didn't know, I used to live in New Zealand.  I lived there for about 9 years of my life.  When I hear about good things happening in NZ, I feel a sense of pride.  After all, it was my country for many years!  The latest to make me beam with joy is the brand Kio Kio, which was developed by Fiona Terry.

So, why the buzz?  Firstly, as previously mentioned, I feel a sense of patriotic pride.  Secondly, it's organic, sustainably sourced and SLS, paraben, mineral oil... let's just "nasty ingredient" free.    Thirdly, the products smell divine and lastly, look at that gorgeous packaging which also happens to be eco-friendly! Kio Kio is an "eco-chic bodycare range" which was first launched in America in 2010.  This is one of the reasons why I wish I was an American... first access to an awesome brand!

Frangipani & Puriri body cream - $49 NZD

I was sent two products for consideration, one of which I'll be reviewing today. Today's review is on the Frangipani & Puriri Body Cream.  This cream, which comes in a 200g pot, has the most amazing scent.  It smells just like frangipani!  No, seriously... it's like I've just opened up a door to a room full of fresh frangipani flowers.  It's incredible!  No artificial scents here, it appears to be the real deal.  And what's so lovely about it is that it's not overpowering at all.  It's light and fresh, but lingers on your skin for a long time.  You can only smell it if you're in very close proximity to my skin, though.  Which is a good thing, because it won't clash with anything else I wear.  And also for this reason, I like to save this body cream for special occasions, such as dates (wink wink!)

The cream itself is light, easy to rub in, quick to be absorbed yet very hydrating.  It's really weird.  Usually, if a body cream is hydrating, that also means it's thick and heavy, hard to rub in and leaves a greasy film on my skin. But not this one!  It leaves not a trace of anything on my skin except for that divine scent.  Someone can rub my skin after application and not even be aware of the fact that I have a body cream on.

The only issue I *think* I may have with this cream is that it contains essential oils, which I found out awhile ago that I *may* have sensitivities to after having a patch test performed.  I was advised to avoid it if I could. However, I've been using the body cream every day for an entire week and the only negative effect it was having on my skin was give me the tell tale itch of a could-be eczema outbreak in my neck and chest area.  As soon as I felt that tingle, I stopped using it daily.  I cut down to every second or third day, and my skin has been fine.  So for people with no sensitivity issues, this cream would be a dream to wear on a daily basis!  For those in my shoes, saving the cream for special occasions or just when you want to feel pampered is probably the most ideal way to incorporate it into your life.

Texture of the body cream.  Random milky patches are due to me not using the cream in several days.

Would I purchase this body cream with my own money?  You bet!  Once this runs out, I'm placing an order!  I'm going to try the other scents, and even the other products in the range.  It has impressed me that much!  

For more information on Kio Kio, visit their website: www.kiokio.com